Bill Text: VA HJR305 | 2018 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commending the Reverend Michael Hirsch.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2018-03-01 - Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ305ER) [HJR305 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2018-HJR305-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, for over 30 years, the Reverend Michael Hirsch has provided spiritual leadership and generous outreach to the residents of the Fredericksburg area; and
WHEREAS, a Massachusetts native, Reverend Hirsch endured a troubled upbringing in the suburbs of Boston and became a Christian after reading a Gideon Bible while incarcerated; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Hirsch began his preaching career as an itinerant evangelist and founder of Guiding Light Ministry; he also served as intake director for New Life for Youth, a Christ-centered residential rehabilitation center in Richmond; and
WHEREAS, since 1986, Reverend Hirsch has served as senior pastor of Calvary Christian Church in Fredericksburg; during that time, he and his wife Susan have led the congregation in four different locations; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Hirsch has overseen several outreach efforts during his tenure with Calvary Christian Church, including the establishment of a state-licensed school for children with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, a dedicated preacher and evangelist, Reverend Hirsch has made overseas mission trips to nations around the globe, including India, Russia, Colombia, and Ukraine; and
WHEREAS, in addition to his service with Calvary Christian Church, Reverend Hirsch is the co-founder and past presiding director of the Fredericksburg Rappahannock Evangelical Alliance and has served on the boards of Calvary Pentecostal Fellowship International, Gospel for Nations, Inc., and Mt. Zion Fellowship, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Hirsch is a former Virginia Colonial District coordinator for the National Day of Prayer and served as chairman of the Virginia Watchmen Council as part of the Family Research Council's Watchmen on the Wall; and
WHEREAS, in addition, Reverend Hirsch is a former chairman of the Fredericksburg Republican Committee and served on the interim executive committee of the Fredericksburg branch of the NAACP; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Hirsch maintains a close connection to the Gideons and has served as a witness at Virginia Gideons camps and as a testimonial speaker at the Virginia Gideons' state convention; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Reverend Michael Hirsch on his dedication to spiritual leadership and global outreach as pastor of Calvary Christian Church; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Reverend Michael Hirsch as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for his service to his congregation and the community.
