HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 842 Offered February 1, 2007 Commending the New Frontier Church of God in Christ and its 40th anniversary Convocation.  ---------- Patrons-- Alexander; Senator: Miller ----------

WHEREAS, the New Frontier Church of God in Christ will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2007 under the able and visionary leadership of Bishop L. E. Willis with a theme of God's Man Building People to Build the Vision; and

WHEREAS, Bishop L. E. Willis is the founder and presiding bishop of the New Frontier Church of God in Christ Jurisdiction, which has grown during his 40-year tenure from five churches to over 80 churches and missions; and

WHEREAS, for four decades, Bishop Willis has led the New Frontier Church of God in Christ and its members in devout worship, meaningful Christian education, and enthusiastic ministries and community missions; and

WHEREAS, committed to spreading the gospel through diverse media to as many people as possible, Bishop Willis is also the proprietor of the Crusade for Christ Bookstore, the president and general manager of Willis Broadcasting, Inc., and owner of over 40 Gospel radio stations around the world, many of which operate 24 hours a day; and

WHEREAS, Bishop Willis is also chairman of the board of Atlantic National Bank in Norfolk, a board member of the Hunton Branch YMCA, and a life member of the NAACP; and

WHEREAS, Bishop Willis has received numerous awards over the years for his invaluable service, such as the Special Achievement Award as an organizer and civic leader by the City of Norfolk, the Hunton Branch YMCA Award for supporting services for young people, the National Brotherhood Award by the United Christian Front for Brotherhood, Inc., the Spiritual Service Award by the Tidewater Naval Spiritual Revival, the Honorary Chaplain designation by the Navy chief of chaplains, and the Community Service and Leadership Award by the Multi-Cultural Center of Old Dominion University, to name a few; and

WHEREAS, throughout its long history, New Frontier Church of God in Christ, under Bishop Willis' guidance, has provided its devoted congregation, its neighbors, and the community a place to worship, to help others, and to grow in faith and service; and

WHEREAS, highlights of New Frontier Church of God in Christ's 40th anniversary celebration are a special reception honoring Bishop Willis on March 13, 2007, and the inspirational Convocation, which will be held for the congregation and the community on August 13–19, 2007, in Norfolk; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend New Frontier Church of God in Christ and its Convocation on the occasion of the church's 40th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Bishop L. E. Willis of New Frontier Church of God in Christ as an expression of the General Assembly's best wishes for a joyful celebration and future success in its ministry.