[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 63 (Monday, April 17, 2023)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E315] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-17
Chamber: EXTENSIONS
Mr. BISHOP : I rise today to honor a dedicated man of God, a selfless humanitarian, and a humble servant, Minister Alfie A. Jelks. Minister Jelks was honored at his annual event, The Soul of My Footprint Brunch Gala on April 15, 2023, in Columbus, Georgia. The journey of Minister Alfie Jelks began with his birth on April 14, 1968, in Tuskegee, Alabama. Minister Jelks is a proud product of the Muscogee County School System, graduating from Kendrick High School in 1986. An avid learner, Minister Jelks also earned an Associate of Science Degree in 1995 from the Chattahoochee Community College. He also received a B.S. Degree in Theology from Troy University in 2005 and a Master of Divinity Degree in 2015 from Great Plains Baptist Divinity School. Building on his love of God and his country, Minister Jelks received his commission as a United States Army Reserve Chaplain in 2009. In 2000, Minister Jelks began his humanitarian journey to Jinga, Uganda with and only one credit card and no personal ties to anyone there. From this initiative, The Soul of My Footprint was born. The Primary purpose of this initiative is the dissemination of provisional supplies of medicine, clothing, and basic care items for the people of Jinga, Uganda. Another mission of this wonderful organization is to provide scholarships to high school seniors who are philanthropic and plan to major in the fields of science, social services, education, theology, or non-profit work. Minister Jelks was moved by his faith to begin this ministry. His commitment to humankind has been based on Matthew 25 when Jesus said that He wanted to feed the hungry, clothe the naked and visit those that were in prison as the center of His ministry. Minister Jelks made subsequent trips to Uganda in 2001, 2007, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2022. Through his continuous effort and labor of love, the Soul of My Footprint Hospital in conjunction with Cook Dental Care will open in the fall of 2023. Because of his gift of collaboration with many different organizations in Columbus, Georgia, over one thousand pairs of shoes have been donated to the people of Jinga. As a man who is proud of his heritage, Minister Jelks opened Alfie's African Treasures, selling rare and unique African Artifacts and Greek Fraternal Paraphernalia. Always seeking ways to educate youth about their heritage, Minister Jelks established ``Alfie's African Treasures Annual Cultural Show.'' Minister Jelks has created many partnerships in the furtherance of his mission of cultural enhancement to include The Muscogee County School System, The Boys and Girls Clubs, Big Brother-Big Sisters of Columbus, The Wellness Center, Columbus State University African Student Organization, The Black History Museum, and The Anne Elizabeth Shepherd Home. It has been said that, ``The true person of success is not the person that climbs the ladder of this life with two hands but climbs the ladder of this life with one hand and reaches back with the other.'' Minister Alfie Jelks has dedicated his life to the uplift of others by climbing the ladder of this life with ``one hand and reaching back with the other.'' Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join my wife, Vivian and me, along with the 765,000 people of the 2nd Congressional District, in honoring Minister Alfie Jelks for his lifetime of service to God, his community and humankind. May God continue to rain down his richest blessings on this remarkable ministry. To God Be the Glory.