Statements from Pastors Samuel Rodriguez, David Jeremiah, Jentezen Franklin, Ronnie Floyd, Dr. James Dobson, and My Faith Votes CEO Jason Yates

Rev. Samuel Rodriguez

“President George H.W. Bush leaves behind a seemingly irreplaceable void in the fabric of America’s political landscape. He was a decorated war hero, venerated statesman, devoted father and loving husband. While all of this is true, it falls well short of paying proper tribute to the total sum of a man whose legacy is quite literally unparalleled in modern American history.

“In a time where Washington can seem more fractured and divisive than ever, President Bush’s life serves as a powerful reminder that we can indeed come together, regardless of our differences, for the common good of all Americans. He was that rare politician who possessed such integrity, honor and good humor, that he was embraced and respected by Americans of all political parties and persuasions. In so many ways he represented the very best of us, and we are all blessed by his extraordinary life of public service. May we honor President H.W. Bush’s memory by modeling his grace, dignity and kindness toward our fellow Americans. 

Rev. Samuel Rodriguez is president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, executive producer of “The Impossible” with 20th Century Fox, and bestselling author of “Shake Free.” He has been named by CNN and Fox News as “the leader of the Hispanic Evangelical movement” and TIME Magazine nominated him among the 100 most influential leaders in America.

The National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference is recognized and identified by Time Magazine, New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Christianity Today, Charisma Magazine, NBC, Telemundo, Univision, Fox News and CNN as America’s largest and most influential Hispanic/Latino Christian organization with 40,118 certified member churches in the United States and chapters in Latin America.

 

 

Dr. James Dobson

“It is with sadness that Shirley I have learned of the passing of former President George H.W. Bush. I knew him as one of the most kind and generous men I have known. I met him when he was Vice President under President Ronald Reagan. Bush invited me to his office in the Eisenhower Building, May 1988. One month later, my mother died suddenly. Despite our casual acquaintance, the Vice President took the time to write me a personal letter of consolation at our loss. That grew into a casual friendship, when I became only one of millions of others around the world who considered President Bush to be their friend. When he was nominated by his party in 1992, he called for America to be a “softer, gentler nation.”  There can be no better words with which to characterize this good man. He genuinely cared about people and led our nation through perilous times. We will miss him, and send our love and prayers to President George W. Bush and his entire family.” 

Dr. James Dobson is a celebrated Christian leader, author, and psychologist, earning his Ph.D. from the University of Southern California in the field of child development with a minor in research design. He is the founder and president of Family Talk and the James Dobson Family Institute, a nonprofit organization that produces his daily radio program, “Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk.” In 2008, Dr. Dobson was inducted into The National Radio Hall of Fame. Follow him @DrJamesCDobson

The James Dobson Family Institute is dedicated to preserving the biblical institutions of marriage and family by encouraging, inspiring, supporting, and leading parents and children to build their lives on God’s Word. JDFI’s mission is driven by Dr. James Dobson’s legacy of serving families with broadcasts, videos, articles, leadership training, and policy advocacy to ensure the next generation of families are equipped to stand firm with answers to life’s most difficult questions.

 

 

Pastor Jentezen Franklin

“President George H.W. Bush reached our nation’s highest office, yet his success is defined by so much more than that. He was a courageous hero of World War II, he dedicated nearly his entire life to public service, and most importantly, he was fiercely committed to the love of his life and his children and grandchildren. He leaves a legacy matched by few.

America will remember him most of all as a gracious, kind and humble man. He is revered by folks of every political persuasion because of his unfailing decency and character. He once reminded us, “Politics does not have to be mean and ugly.” I pray we can all take that advice to heart and work hard to preserve the kinder and gentler America he envisioned.”

Pastor Jentezen Franklin is the Senior Pastor of Free Chapel, a multi campus church. Each week his television program Kingdom Connection is broadcast on major networks all over the world. A New York Times best-selling author, Jentezen has written nine books including his most recent, Love Like You’ve Never Been Hurt, the groundbreaking Fasting and Right People-Right Place-Right Plan. Jentezen and his wife Cherise have been married 31 years, have five children and four grandchildren, and make their home in Gainesville, Georgia.

 

 

Dr. David Jeremiah

“The incredible family left behind by former President George H.W. Bush is a testament enough to how remarkable and honorable his life truly was. He was a brave war hero, a gifted diplomat and a president our nation can be proud of. His faith was strong and his dedication to his country will be remembered for generations. The humility that anchored him could be seen in every step he took, and his unfailing kindness should be admired. I’m praying for his loving family in the days ahead and I’m also praying that his selfless life of service will be imitated across this nation and around the world.”

Dr. David Jeremiah is among the best known Christian leaders in the world. He serves as senior pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church in El Cajon, California and is the founder and host of Turning Point. Turning Point‘s 30-minute radio program is heard on more than 2,200 radio stations daily.  A New York Times bestselling author and Gold Medallion winner, he has written more than fifty books.

 

 

Dr. Ronnie Floyd

“Today all of America mourns the passing of former President George H.W. Bush. Our country has lost one of the greatest heroes of the 20th century. President Bush was a man of integrity and honor, whose devotion to country was only paralleled by his love for his family. Indeed, he raised an entire family that is the very exemplar of American values and virtue. My family and I are praying for President George W. Bush, Gov. Jeb Bush, and their brothers Neil and Marvin and sister Dorothy. May God grant them peace at this moment of hardship, and may He give them that unexplainable joy that comes from knowing their incredible father is now in His presence.”

Dr. Ronnie Floyd is the senior pastor of Cross Church and president of the National Day of Prayer Task Force, which each year mobilizes millions of Americans to unified public prayer for the United States of America. He’s the author of “Living Fit: Make Your Life Count by Pursuing a Healthy You.” Follow him on Twitter @ronniefloyd.

 

 

Jason Yates, CEO of My Faith Votes

“President George H.W. Bush will be remembered as a shining exemplar of America’s greatest generation. He exuded selfless duty to country and wielded the power and influence of his numerous roles during his career with humility and integrity. No matter the tumult or tension, he faced every situation with an unwavering belief in the greatness of America and her values and a disarming sense of humor. President Bush modeled the importance of family as he cherished his wife of 73 years and instilled patriotism and service into the lives of their children. Enduring faith in God undergirded his character.

“Bush 41 practiced old-fashioned decency and good manners. His legacy reminds us that it is not only possible for those of different backgrounds and political beliefs to work together for the mutual good of each other and of the country, but that it is vital.

“America has lost a great statesman and patriot, but more than that, a great man. I pray that our generation will not only appreciate George H.W. Bush’s example but be inspired to follow him in a life a selfless service.”  

My Faith Votes is a nonpartisan movement focused on motivating Christians in America to participate in local and domestic elections. By partnering with local churches, pastors and national faith leaders, My Faith Votes mobilizes and resources Christians to lead the conversation on the place of faith in culture and politics. Gov. Mike Huckabee serves as the organization’s honorary national chairman.