Senate Resolution No. 1613

BY: Senator PARKER

HONORING Reverend Joseph N. Felix upon the
occasion of being recognized at the Dr. Martin
Luther King Jr. Visionary Awards Gala to be held on
March 22, 2026

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those distinguished individuals whose lives of faith, service,
and humanitarian commitment embody the enduring ideals of Dr. Martin
Luther King, Jr., and whose leadership uplifts communities both locally
and globally; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Reverend Joseph N. Felix upon the occasion of his recognition at the Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Visionary Awards Gala, to be held on March 22,
2026; and

WHEREAS, Born on May 9, 1965, in Aux Cayes, Haiti, Reverend Joseph
N. Felix's life is a testament to divine purpose and perseverance,
having survived a complicated twin birth in which his sibling tragically
passed, a moment that would foreshadow a life marked by faith, calling,
and spiritual dedication; and

WHEREAS, From an early age, Reverend Felix demonstrated a fervent
devotion to ministry, preaching and leading prayer services as a youth;
by the remarkable age of fourteen, he was already conducting worship
services beneath coconut-leaf tents, and by seventeen, he had overseen
the construction of a 400-seat church in Tonbek, later founding an
additional 800-capacity church in the same region and establishing an
adjoining school in 2008 to serve the educational needs of the
community; and

WHEREAS, A gifted scholar, Reverend Felix graduated from Cevique
College and began formal ministerial training at Mission L'Eglise de
Dieu (Church of God Mission); his expanding vision for ministry led him
first to France and ultimately to the United States in 1989, where his
spiritual leadership would flourish; and

WHEREAS, Settling in Brooklyn, New York, Reverend Felix quickly
became known as a dynamic and anointed young preacher and youth leader;
in 1993, he married his beloved wife, Mrs. Geraldine Felix, and together
they built a family rooted in faith, raising three children: Kestia,
Daniella, and Benjamin; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Felix's pastoral work in the United States began
with a church plant in New Hampshire in 1995; in 1998, he founded Church
of God Faith in Christ in Brooklyn, New York, which grew from a modest
congregation of forty worshippers meeting in a school building on Snyder
Avenue to a thriving ministry of approximately one hundred members at
its Flatbush Avenue location - widely recognized for its powerful
Thursday morning fasting and healing services; and

WHEREAS, His missionary and pastoral reach has extended
internationally, including church plants in Naples, Florida, and Aux
Cayes, Haiti, as well as ministry work throughout France, Canada, and
the Dominican Republic, reflecting a lifelong commitment to spreading
faith across borders; and

WHEREAS, Alongside his pastoral leadership, Reverend Felix pursued
extensive theological scholarship, earning a certificate from Mt. Olive
Bible Institute and bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in
theology from Lighthouse Christian Seminary, further strengthening his
capacity for spiritual instruction and community guidance; and

WHEREAS, Known for his dynamic preaching, tireless work ethic,
charitable spirit, and compassionate leadership, Reverend Felix has
organized and supported numerous humanitarian and relief missions to
Haiti, courageously continuing his ministry there even amid periods of
national crisis and instability; and

WHEREAS, Today, Reverend Joseph N. Felix faithfully serves as Senior
Pastor of Church of God Faith in Christ in Brooklyn, New York,
continuing a life's work dedicated to spiritual empowerment, global
outreach, education, and the upliftment of underserved communities; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Felix's ministry reflects the very essence of
visionary leadership - faith in action, service without borders, and an
unwavering commitment to human dignity - making him a most fitting
honoree at this celebration of Dr. King's enduring legacy; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Reverend Joseph N. Felix upon the occasion of his recognition at
the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Visionary Awards Gala, and to commend
him for his outstanding ministry, humanitarian service, and global
spiritual leadership; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Reverend Joseph N. Felix as an expression of the highest
respect and admiration of this Legislative Body.