We are delighted to share that Deacon Dave Larrabee, The Lamb Center's pastoral director, was honored with the Spirit of King Award for his extraordinary service in the community. The Spirit of King Award is presented to individuals in Northern Virginia who, like Dr. King, work toward fostering equality and unity for all our neighbors, being a leader of social change. The recognition came from the First Baptist Church of Vienna on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and was presented by Congressman Gerry Connolly.
Dave embodies the values championed by Dr. King. He strongly believes that all individuals are created equal. His commitment to treating every guest at The Lamb Center with respect and kindness reflects the foundation of our ministry.
Dave will be the first to tell you The Lamb Center is a place of inclusion, and we are better for it. Our mission is simple: to live out the compassionate heart of Christ by serving our neighbors experiencing homelessness. These values are rooted in our faith and will not change. We will always provide a safe and welcoming space without discrimination, honoring each individual’s dignity and experience.
As we celebrate Black History Month, let us rejoice in our diversity and recognize that our differences can be our strength. Let us view The Lamb Center through Dave’s eyes—as a place of hope and transformation. Let us always listen to one another as Dave listens to our Spanish-language Bible study. While he does not speak Spanish, Dave will tell you he knows the language of the Holy Spirit, feeling His presence no matter how it is expressed.
Dave, thank you for being the bedrock of our ministry, and congratulations on the Spirit of King Award. You truly are a humble servant who makes our community better and more equitable.
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office
[www.gpo.gov]
HONORING THE SPIRIT OF KING AWARDEES AT FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF
VIENNA'S DR. MLK JR. PROGRAM
______
HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY
of virginia
in the house of representatives
Thursday, January 9, 2025
Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the distinguished
Spirit of King awardees for this year's Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Program, held at First Baptist Church of Vienna.
Dr. King's legacy continues to inspire global movements for justice
and equality. His vision for a more just and inclusive society lives on
through ongoing efforts to address racism, inequality, and human rights
across the world. He is celebrated annually on Martin Luther King Jr.
Day in the United States, a reminder of his lasting influence on the
fight for civil rights and social change.
The Spirit of King Awards are presented to individuals in Northern
Virginia communities who embody the principles and spirit of Dr. Martin
Luther King Jr. These awards honor those who work toward improving
their communities, fostering equality, social justice, and unity--
values that Dr. King championed.
The awardees for this year are Nikki Brown, Deacon Dave Larrabee, and
Rev. Becca Messman. Nikki Brown, founder of The Culture Cup, is a
dedicated community advocate who spent a decade as a Fairfax County
community outreach worker in Northern Virginia. During her time there,
she uncovered the hidden African American history of Northern Virginia
and realized its underappreciated significance. This discovery inspired
Nikki to create a space where this heritage could be honored and
celebrated. The Culture Cup is the realization of her vision, blending
coffee and culture to preserve and showcase African American history in
Northern Virginia. Nikki's determination and leadership have turned her
dream into a vibrant reality, creating a hub where patrons can enjoy
exceptional coffee while immersing themselves in the rich tapestry of
African American culture. Her legacy is a testament to the power of one
individual's commitment to community enrichment and cultural
preservation.
Deacon Dave Larrabee has served with the Lamb Center since February
19, 1999, in various capacities. The Lamb Center is a daytime drop-in
shelter for individuals who are experiencing homelessness in Fairfax,
Virginia. Dave was hired as Pastoral Assistant to launch the Saturday
ministry in 2003. In 2004, he became Director of the daily operations
of this ministry. Before the Lamb Center, he worked for the U.S.
Department of Commerce from 1985 to 2000 and served 20 years in the
U.S. Army and the Army Reserves. In May 2016, Dave graduated from the
Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg in the MAMS Diaconal
Ministry program. He has been called by the Metropolitan Washington DC
Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America to serve as a
Deacon at the Lamb Center.
Rev. Becca Messman is the Senior Pastor at Burke Presbyterian Church.
Becca helped launch a worshipping community of recent immigrants called
Lunch for the Soul that has been used as a model for community
engagement around the denomination. A prolific writer, she has served
as Vice President of the Presbyterian Outlook magazine and co-authored
``Cultivated Ministry,'' a book about church vitality. She also was Co-
Chair of VOICE, Virginians Organized for Community Engagement. Rev.
Messman remains committed to social justice through her community
engagement and roles at Burke Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring Nikki
Brown, Deacon Dave Larrabee, and Rev. Becca Messman for their
tremendous efforts as leaders in our communities while embodying the
Spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.