A house RESOLUTION

TO HONOR BISHOP GEORGE DAVIS AND PASTOR APRIL DAVIS OF JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA, FOR THEIR MANY YEARS OF GOSPEL MINISTRY AND TO EXTEND TO THEM A WARM WELCOME TO SOUTH CAROLINA AS THEY SPEAK AT THE SIXTEENTH ANNIVERSARY OF COLUMBIA'S RESTART CHURCH ON SUNDAY, MAY 7, 2023.

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is pleased to learn that Bishop George Davis and Pastor April Davis of Impact Church in Jacksonville, Florida, will speak at the sixteenth anniversary of Columbia's Restart Church on Sunday, May 7, 2023; and

Whereas, in 1996, George and April Davis moved from Detroit, Michigan, to Jacksonville to plant a life-giving church. In the process, God placed in their hearts a desire to impact cities in Florida with the Word of God. Shortly thereafter, that vision expanded, and they now oversee numerous locations on the East Coast, as well as in two other countries, Peru and India, where a hospital in India has been named in the bishop's honor. Over the course of their ministry, George and April have been helping people find their significance in Christ and fulfill their God-given destiny. Their greatest joy is seeing people shed the shackles of religion to embrace the life of a true relationship with Christ; and

Whereas, a passionate leader, life coach, recording artist, and Bible teacher, George finds one of his greatest rewards in life is contributing to the spiritual growth of others and in watching them journey toward victory. He is a mentor and pastor to other leaders and has a passion to see them fully develop in their unique design. Known for encouraging others to understand that we are all "born to win," he lives his life to see those around him experience that reality; and

Whereas, George and April have three children, Keragan, Kaden, and Kasden. Together, they enjoy movies, sports, traveling, and simple family time, and they are die-hard fans of Michigan State University; and

Whereas, founded on August 18, 1996, by Bishop Keith A. Butler of Word of Faith International Christian Center, Impact Church (formerly Faith Christian Center) began with twelve adults who voluntarily moved from Detroit to Jacksonville to assist George and April with spreading the Good News of Jesus across cities in Florida; and

Whereas, having outgrown the initial facility, the church soon added multiple services, but church growth eventually led to the decision to hold services at Landmark Middle School. The congregation later purchased and renovated a former grocery store while constructing a 70,000-square-foot facility. In July 2016, Impact Church purchased the former Belk building in Regency Mall, which is its current location; and

Whereas, Impact Church is a member of the Association of Related Churches (ARC) and is a nondenominational church with great emphasis on solid biblical teaching and practical everyday application. Its purpose is to help men, women, and children come to know God, find freedom, discover purpose, and make a difference. The church offers small groups for many interests, as well as special activities and outings for the young and young at heart; and

Whereas, the House of Representatives is grateful for the outstanding ministry of Bishop George Davis and Pastor April Davis, and the members appreciate their significant contributions to the spiritual welfare of this great nation's citizenry. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, honor Bishop George Davis and Pastor April Davis of Jacksonville, Florida, for their many years of gospel ministry and extend to them a warm welcome to South Carolina as they speak at the sixteenth anniversary of Columbia's Restart Church on Sunday, May 7, 2023.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Bishop George Davis and Pastor April Davis.

----XX----