HR0458 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0458 LRB096 13008 KXB 27160 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate Reverend Derold and Judy Doughty of First Apostolic Church in Mattoon on their 30th anniversary of ministry; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Derold and Judy Doughty came to Mattoon in October of 1979 to pastor the First Apostolic Church, and for the past 30 years have shepherded the congregation, guided them, and inspired them to reach out and minister to others all over the world; and

WHEREAS, Seeing the need to involve young people in ministry, they founded the Mattoon Youth Choir, which began touring in 1982, and has traveled extensively throughout the United States and overseas every year since then, ministering to churches small and large, and taking the Gospel to those who have not heard; and

WHEREAS, They established an annual Marriage Retreat for the married couples of the church to strengthen families of the church, who, in turn, become strong families in the community; and

WHEREAS, They have inspired the church to support foreign missions, to give financially to missions works overseas; and

WHEREAS, They had the vision to begin an annual Christmas Dinner Theater, which each year brings in over 1,200 people to the historic Time Theater in Mattoon, which the church purchased and renovated in 2006; and

WHEREAS, They have, for the past 10 years, produced the Easter Drama "I Am He" which brings over 2,500 people from Mattoon and the surrounding communities to Apostolic Center to experience a moving portrayal of the Easter story; and

WHEREAS, The Doughty's led the church in building the current facility at 205 County Club Road in Mattoon in 2002-2003; and they continue to guide the ministries that reach, touch, and build people in the community of Mattoon and its surrounding areas in an active pursuit of Jesus Christ; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Reverend Derold and Judy Doughty on their ministry anniversary and wish them continued blessings for years to come; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Reverend Derold and Judy Doughty as a symbol of our respect.