Pastor's Tribute to Former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner

A Life of Service and Faith

• 💡 The Honorable Sylvester Turner is remembered as a man who exemplified acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God.
• 🎯 His life was shaped by early mentorship from Dr. W.H. Dudley, who took him on preaching assignments and hospital visits, fostering his love for people and the church.

Deep Roots in Acres Home

• 🏡 Sylvester Turner, an attorney, proudly hailed from Acres Home, Texas, and remained deeply connected to his beloved neighborhood throughout his life.
• 🚀 He often reminded young people that their origins do not dictate their future, embodying the spirit of being "Acres Home born, Acres Home grown, and Acres Home owned."

Advocate for Pastors and Churches

• 🤝 Turner shared a special bond with many pastors, acting as a great advocate for them and their churches in Houston.
• ⚖️ Many ministries were able to build and expand because he stood up for them in courtrooms and boardrooms against injustices.
• 💖 He demonstrated profound love for pastors by naming three honorary street toppers in the city after them, including the speaker's father.

A Politician Connected to the Church

• 🙏 Sylvester Turner was a born-again Christian who loved his church and his pastor, Dr. Ralph Douglas West of The Church Without Walls.
• 🚫 He was not a politician who only appeared at church during election seasons.

Legacy and Final Chapter

• 🚗 A story is shared about Ruby Mosley advising Turner not to retire if he still had "gas in the tank," implying God still had work for him.
• 🌟 He served as a state representative, a two-term mayor of Houston, and a congressman, fulfilling his purpose until his passing.
• 🕊️ His journey is described as a race well-run, with a final call to rest from troubles and weariness.