REMEMBERING DR. JOE S. GREEN

REMEMBERING DR. JOE S. GREEN

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 44 (Tuesday, March 10, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 44 (Tuesday, March 10, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S956] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] REMEMBERING DR. JOE S. GREEN Mr. CASSIDY. Mr. President, I would like to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Joe S. Green--the ``Bayou Bishop''--a devoted minister and veteran who helped teach, train, and care for his community in Rapides Parish, the State of Louisiana, and around the world. Born on May 20, 1940 in Pineville, LA, Dr. Green grew up as a farm boy on Bayou Rapides. From his youth, Dr. Green demonstrated his immense commitment to service by participating in many activities and ministries in First Evening Star Baptist church and his local community. On October 1, 1958, high school sweethearts reunited. Dr. Green and Josephine Reed Green said, ``I do.'' Together, they had three beautiful children and built a family rooted in love and faith for over 62 years. Dr. Green was drafted into the military while attending Southern University. His participation in the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps paved the way for him to join the Special Forces in the 82nd Airborne Division. Here, Dr. Green taught, trained, and cared for people, allowing him to work in his God-given purpose. After 26 years of service, Dr. Green retired from the military and worked as a recruiter and trainer for the U.S. Department of Labor before answering the call to the ministry. Dr. Green held bachelor of theology, master of religion, master of theology, and doctor of divinity degrees. He began his ministry at Second Evening Star Baptist Church in Rapides Station, LA. Later, the Lord called Dr. Green to shepherd St. Matthew Baptist Church. It was here where he utilized his unique, down-to-earth style of preaching and helped grow membership from 50 members to more than 1,200 members, including the addition of over 40 ministries. In addition to serving as a pastor, Dr. Green founded Rapides Station Community Ministries, a faith-based nonprofit organization, providing affordable housing to Louisiana families. Dr. Green led outreach initiatives across the United States and into Africa. Dr. Green's thoughts are memorialized in part in the book ``Bayou Bishop: Life and Lessons from Dr. Joe S. Green.'' As we acknowledge his distinguished legacy and service, his essence is summarized in this: ``Making disciples, winning the unchurched and empowering them to become fully functioning followers of Jesus Christ.'' ____________________