Bill Text: SC H4146 | 2019-2020 | 123rd General Assembly | Introduced
Bill Title: Good Samaritans for All People, Inc.
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 79-44)
Status: (Passed) 2019-03-05 - Introduced, adopted, returned with concurrence [H4146 Detail]
Download: South_Carolina-2019-H4146-Introduced.html
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR GOOD SAMARITANS FOR ALL PEOPLE INC. ON THE OCCASION OF THE ORGANIZATION'S TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY, TO COMMEND ITS FINE STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS ON AN IMPRESSIVE MINISTRY IN THIS GREAT STATE, AND TO EXTEND BEST WISHES FOR GOD'S RICHEST BLESSINGS AS THEY CONTINUE TO SERVE THE LORD.
Whereas, it is entirely appropriate to honor those organizations and individuals who give tirelessly of themselves to nourish the souls of men and assist the needy. Good Samaritans for All People Inc. stands among their number as an outstanding Gospel and humanitarian aid ministry, one much admired by all who know its work and who have benefited from it throughout the organization's quarter century of service; and
Whereas, for twenty-five years, Good Samaritans for All People Inc. has brightened Thanksgiving and Christmas for tens of thousands of the state's citizens, distributing Thanksgiving turkeys, Christmas gifts, school supplies, furniture, clothing, food, and other donated items to any individual or family in need; and
Whereas, the Reverend Eddie C. Thomas, Jr., a retired United Methodist pastor with a Purple Heart from service in the Vietnam War and numerous other military awards, founded the ministry in 1994 with his wife, Corine, when he was serving three churches as pastor in Murrell's Inlet. The ministry moved where the Thomases moved: to Bennettsville in 1995 and Bishopville in 2000. Today, it comprises twenty-eight men and women who minister in nine counties, all volunteers, and brings together several denominations, all working together for the good of the community. The Thomases pray and look to the Lord to supply the ministry; and
Whereas, in addition to conducting its Thanksgiving and Christmas giveaways, Good Samaritans for All People visits nursing homes in January to distribute items to needy patients. The organization also assists handicapped individuals by cutting grass and cleaning around their homes in the summer months, and Reverend Thomas himself plants and harvests a large vegetable garden, the produce of which is given to the poor; and
Whereas, for its many years of service, Good Samaritans for All People received the Order of the Silver Crescent, the state's highest civilian award for significant contributions, leadership, volunteerism, and lifelong influence within a region or community; and+
Whereas, grateful for Good Samaritans for All People's spiritual and material blessing to the people of South Carolina, the General Assembly takes great pleasure in extending best wishes as the group's staff and volunteers continue to run the race the Lord has set before them. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, recognize and honor Good Samaritans for All People Inc. on the occasion of the organization's twenty-fifth anniversary, commend its fine staff and volunteers on an impressive ministry in this great State, and extend best wishes for God's richest blessings as they continue to serve the Lord.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the Reverend Eddie C. Thomas, Jr., on behalf of the staff and volunteers of Good Samaritans for All People Inc.
