House Resolution 83

A RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF REVEREND GERALD F. SAWYER AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY, FRIENDS AND CONGREGATION UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, it is written in Ecclesiastes 3:1 that "To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the Heaven," and as such, on Tuesday, March 16, 2021, the immaculate author and finisher of our soul's destiny summoned the mortal presence of dearly beloved, Reverend Gerald F. Sawyer, of Ovett, Mississippi, to eternal rest, rendering great sorrow and loss to his family, friends and congregation; and

WHEREAS, born on Tuesday, November 4, 1941, to Mr. George and Mrs. Mary Sawyer, in Amory, Mississippi, Reverend Sawyer, being led by the spirit of God, labored in the vineyards of service at Antioch United Pentecostal Church, in Laurel, Mississippi, for

42 years, and during his illustrious tenure there, the church was truly propelled forward as he provided an unparalleled level of religious leadership and guidance to his congregation in a variety of capacities, which serve as an example to the entire citizenry of the State of Mississippi of what is best in the human spirit when rooted and grounded in insurmountable belief and faith in God; and

WHEREAS, since beginning his service in the ministry, Reverend Sawyer certainly fulfilled his vision to spread the Word of God, care for those who are hurting and positively impact the community of Laurel, Mississippi, and beyond, through his extensive mission work around the world; and

WHEREAS, throughout his life, Reverend Sawyer had an incredible passion for reaching out to those most in need through missions, as he touched a tremendous amount of lives all around the world by building at least 380 churches in over 24 countries on four continents; and

WHEREAS, from a young age, Reverend Sawyer's mother

instilled within him and his siblings a great love for missions,

and she was known for her faithful devotion to God and sacrificial giving, as she was not a wealthy woman and gave beyond her means; and

WHEREAS, when Reverend Sawyer received the spirit of God, his mother's compassion and love for missions lit a fire within him, and his focus shifted immediately to mission work; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Sawyer's dedication to missions multiplied exponentially throughout the later years of his life, and for his extraordinary service, he was honored with the Lifetime Service Award by Mr. David Tipton, the Superintendent for the Mississippi District of United Pentecostal International; and

WHEREAS, with a true heart for giving, the members of Antioch United Pentecostal Church, which includes about 90 individuals, gave astonishing amounts under Reverend Sawyer's leadership, giving more per capita than any other United Pentecostal church in North America; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Sawyer once stated that he did not directly ask his congregation for donations to missions, rather, he would say, "We are building a church, and if you would like to give, come see me"; and

WHEREAS, making sure that the donated funds were used to meet the needs of the people, Reverend Sawyer remained in constant contact with missionaries at each location to figure out where most of the need was in each area, and since the churches that were built became the center of each community, both members and nonmembers of each church are able to have their needs met at their community church; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Sawyer's last request in life was to build one more church, and he did just that, as a check was mailed for that one last church on one of his last days on this earthly plane before meeting his creator in the sweet by-and-by; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Sawyer's amazing life truly fulfilled the Word of God in Matthew 24:14, that states, "And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it..."; and

WHEREAS, men of faith of Reverend Sawyer's caliber are truly remarkable and uphold everything righteous about a country that has its very founding premised upon a spiritual foundation in God as the sovereign Deity; and

WHEREAS, a genuine and distinguished man of outstanding character, exceptional courage and strength beyond comparison, Reverend Sawyer's devotion to his faith, his family, and to his community will always be remembered, and precious memories of time spent with him will hopefully continue to provide warmth, peace and comfort to his loved ones until they are reunited with him in glory; and

WHEREAS, though he has traversed the river of life to reunite with those who answered God's summons to life eternal and now beckon his arrival to the celestial shores of Heaven's grandeur, such as his wife, Mrs. Norine L. Sawyer; first wife, Mrs. Linda Sawyer; parents, Mr. George and Mrs. Mary Sawyer; son, Brad Boone; and brother, Thomas Sawyer, the legacy of Reverend Sawyer's indelible imprint upon our lives will continue to refresh the hearts and fond memories of his loved ones, including his children, Brent Sawyer, Mitch Boone, Jim Boone, Kathy Johnson and Corie Denning; daughter-in-law, Anna Boone; 14 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; sister, Ann MacKenzie; brothers, Jerry Sawyer, Butch Sawyer, Garry Sawyer, John Sawyer and Steve Sawyer; the Antioch United Pentecostal Church congregation; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Sawyer will forever be loved, cherished and missed by all who knew him, and since it is written in 2 Corinthians 5:8, that to be "absent from the body is to be present with the Lord," his family and friends can find peace and comfort during this difficult time, and undoubtedly know that he is shouting with joy on the streets of gold with many jewels in his

crown; and

WHEREAS, as the true measure of the eternal impact that he made in this world may never be known, Reverend Sawyer dedicated his life to bringing many souls to know Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior, and as he was not only a beloved pastor to his congregation, but also a wonderful friend, he loved his church and family more than life itself, and his faithful service and passionate love for missions will continue to be an inspiration that will surely provide a road map for others to imitate for years to come; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend the lives of extraordinary Mississippians, especially those such as Reverend Sawyer, who truly inspired everyone he met and whose life's light illuminated the path of hope for all he encountered along his earthly sojourn:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby mourn the loss and honor the life and legacy of Reverend Gerald F. Sawyer, and express sincere and deepest sympathy to his family, friends and congregation upon his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Reverend Gerald F. Sawyer and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.