Walter Hoyes Returns to Clinic
March 3, 2009
On Tuesday, February 24th , Walter Hoye, President of the Issues4Life Foundation, returned to the clinic where he was formerly arrested for holding a sign on a public sidewalk stating, “GOD LOVES YOU AND YOUR BABY, LET US HELP YOU.”
Family Planning Specialist Medical Group, is an abortion clinic (aka an Infanticide Clinic) which, according to their website, became the first abortion provider in California to be accredited with the CMA/AAAHC. [They] received a three-year accreditation, the highest level possible [and] have consistently received three-year accreditations ever since.
Hoye states, “Fetal homicide is the number one killer as it relates to the Black Community. Abortion alone ensures the Black community will not be able to replace ourselves - we are, nationally, below the birth replacement rate.” [Read more]
Surrendering Towards Success
January 19, 2009
North Gate Transitional Seeks Quality Not Quantity
With nearly 50 years of combined active addictions, Executive Director Gregory Green and wife, Vernita, of North Gate Transitional Homes are hoping to pave a new course when it comes to how people operate and finance Transitional Homes in the Bay Area. “My desire is to create a Transitional Program that is different from anyone else’s program. While most transitional programs seek to only ‘house’ people with addictions - our desire at North Gate Transitional is much greater,” stated Green.
Green started North Gate Transitional (533 Sycamore Street, Oakland, CA) almost 4 years ago after receiving a settlement from the Oakland Housing Authority.
Green reflects, “When I received my settlement I was in treatment for substance abuse.” He had been injured on the job 2 years prior, leading to his relapse at that time. “I used the finances from the settlement to help myself and others.” [Read more]
Rev. Dewayne Byrdsong leads in the direction of succes
January 19, 2009
First Union BC Rally’s Towards a Brighter Day
“Oh He’s done wonderful! My Lord has done marvelous - Great Things!” These are fitting words for First Union BC, located at 1001 Webster Street in San Francisco, CA as they move forward with their new Senior Pastor - Rev. Dewayne Byrdsong.
Rev. Byrdsong, originally from Rancho Dominguez, CA has traveled the long road towards his current destination in the City of San Francisco. “I came to Pastor at First Union after first having spent time in Harbor City, Gardena, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Iowa, and Oregon,” stated Rev. Byrdsong - who at one point in ministry considered no longer preaching. He stated, “I cried out to the LORD because I was angry with HIM. I told HIM that my situation was not what HE promised me. I told the LORD I was not going to preach anymore.” [Read more]
Pastors and community leaders attend emancipation day service
January 11, 2009
Congresswoman Barbara Lee and Rev. Dr. Lawrence VanHook, president of the Baptist Minister’s Union at this year’s The Emancipation Service
By Dion Evans,
The Baptist Post
“We’ve only got a minute, sixty seconds in it. Forced upon us, didn’t seek it, didn’t choose it, and can’t refuse it. We must suffer if we loose it. Give an account if we abuse it. Just a tiny little minute, but eternity is in it,” stated Congresswoman Barbara Lee as she finalized her speech on the Witnessing to a New Day Emancipation Service.The Emancipation Service is the only service of its kind in the United States of America. Although it lay dormant for almost 7 years - Rev. Dr. Lawrence VanHook, president of the Baptist Minister’s Union of Oakland and Vicinity, had a vision to continue the rich history of such an important service.
“Our past presidents envisioned that we would always maintain this tradition. Since the elders among us have given me permission to lead, I thought it important - in the time of President Elect Barack Obama - to capture the community’s attention and focus us on our new charge,” stated President VanHook. [Read more]
“I am Oscar Grant! I am Oscar Grant!”
January 9, 2009
A memorial for Oscar Grant set up outside the Fruitvale BART Station. Photo by Tim Wells
By Dion Evans
The murder of Bart rider Oscar Grant has sparked a Rosa Parks-like moment in the city of Oakland, California.
However, unlike other “Rosa Park-like” moments that fizzled out due to egotistical leadership - this new leadership being birthed in Oakland has the energy, sustainability, emotion, and logic necessary to forge a new day.
On Tuesday, January 6th a meeting was called at Olivet Institutional Church by Minister Keith Muhammad and Rev. Dr. Lawrence VanHook to discuss the seeming collusion and cover up surrounding the murder of Oscar Grant. This new Black leadership demands to know why the District Attorney has not made any statements or an arrest. [Read more]
Foreclosure Rescue Artist Seeks Bank Partnerships
January 2, 2009
By Dion Evans
BaptistPost
Part 2
Purchasing a home is one of the greatest accomplishments anyone can make. So, it is no wonder why losing it to foreclosure is such a painful process. California is currently the largest producer of foreclosed homes in America. According to currentforeclosures.com, California’s foreclosures are higher than 36 other states combined, including New York.
California nearly doubles the foreclosure rates of Flordia – who is second on the list with over 7,700 homes lost. You are at greater risk of losing your home in California if you do not understand the ins and outs of the banking and lending industries. [Read more]
2009 Goals for Richmond Clergy
December 30, 2008
By Dion Evans
BaptistPost
While people are making New Year’s resolutions and starting new diets that will last about two weeks - I thought it would be great to know what our local clergy are seeking to accomplish during the 2009 year. Many local clergy were in attendance at Scott’s Restaurant during a Clergy Membership Drive for the Baptist Minister’s Union of Oakland and Vicinity. Here are some of the local pastor’s responses to a question regarding their 2009 church goals. [Read more]
Berkeley Clergy Share 2009 Goals
December 29, 2008
By Dion Evans
BaptistPost
While people are making New Year’s resolutions and starting new diets that will last about two weeks - I thought it would be great to know what our local clergy are seeking to accomplish during the 2009 year. Many local clergy were in attendance at Scott’s Restaurant during a Clergy Membership Drive for the Baptist Minister’s Union of Oakland and Vicinity. Here are some of the local pastor’s responses to a question regarding their 2009 church goals.
Rev. Dr. Marvis V. Peoples - LIBERTY HILL BAPTIST CHURCH, Berkeley
“Our goal is to make disciples for Christ. For 2009, we will be taking a good look at our children and youth ministry to ensure effectiveness. Also, we will seek to spread Christ’s mission in our neighborhood in order to enhance all generations within our church.” [Read more]
Oakland Clergy Share 2009 Goals
December 29, 2008
By Dion Evans
BaptistPost
While people are making New Year’s resolutions and starting new diets that will last about two weeks – I thought it would be great to know what our local clergy are seeking to accomplish during the 2009 year. Many local clergy were in attendance at Scott’s Restaurant during a Clergy Membership Drive for the Baptist Minister’s Union of Oakland and Vicinity. Here are some of the local pastor’s responses to a question regarding their 2009 church goals.
Pastor HL Garnett – NEW HOPE BAPTIST CHURCH, Oakland
“Our goals are found within our 2009 Emphasis Theme – ‘Taking the Next Step Up in Sharing Jesus.’ Our goal is to involve every one of our youth, young adult, adult, and seniors to live their lives, everyday, reflecting the light of Jesus to all they encounter.”
Bishop James E. Watkins – JACK LONDON SQUARE CHAPEL, Oakland
“Our goal for 2009 is to accomplish something completely foreign to most churches – perfect a communications training program for at-risk youth. Our church will seek to use the power of communication (Television, Radio, Film, etc.) to give the youth in the community a second chance to live a first class life.”
Pastor Timothy Hawkins – BIBLE FELLOWSHIP MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH, Oakland
“Our theme for 2009 is A NEW LIFE and A NEW PURPOSE. Our goal is to target whole families for the LORD. We have been raising young preachers to assist in our strong teaching focus and family focus.”
Rev. Dr. Lawrence VanHook – COMMUNITY CHURCH FOR CHRIST, Oakland
“One of our natural goals will be to acquire some permanence for our location. Our spiritual goals for 2009 will be to continue in our trainings – FORGIVENESS AS A WAY OF LIFE. Learning biblical forgiveness has challenged our membership and community to forge excellent relationships for the sake of Christ. We will also lay the groundwork for initiating a prison ministry and establishing residential housing.”
Pastor Billie Dempsey – HIGHER GROUND BIBLE FELLOWSHIP, Oakland
“Our goal for 2009 is to run an effective and efficient administration along with getting our membership to take ownership of their commission and call to evangelism and discipleship.”
Pastor Vince Collins – NEW CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP, Oakland
“Our goal for 2009 is simple – we want to put families back together. We want to create a bridge for families to be reconstructed for corporate worship and empowering the community. We can do this via the unity we find in Christ.”
Pastor G.R. Pace – FIRST TRUTH MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH, Oakland
“Our goal is to equip our saints to be more evangelistic and to enable them to go and share God’s Word with sinners in order to direct the community back to Christ.” .
Rev. Dr. K.D. Barnes – ABYSSINIAN BAPTIST CHURCH, Oakland“Our goal is to reach everyone we can for the LORD Jesus Christ. Our vision is to help these young men who are in Juvenile Hall. We want to be more involved in the penal system to help these young brothers out. As a church, we want to better prepare our children in ministry so they can make better choices.”
Rev. Dr. Lester Cannon – CORNERSTONE BAPTIST CHURCH, Oakland
Pastor Sylvester Rutledge Jr. – NORTH OAKLAND BAPTIST CHURCH, Oakland“Our goal is to be more involved with Christian Education and Family Relationships. We will, again, concentrate on our involvement with our community and seek reaching some of the people we have broken relationships with. Also, to help families come back together.”
Benediction of a Legend: A Successor is Chosen
December 29, 2008
By Dion Evans
BaptistPost
(Editors note: Last week The Post published the 1st part of this story, detailing the retirement of Allen Temple Pastor J. Alfred Smith)
Allen Temple, one of the world’s greatest and most recognizable churches, has made a major decision.
They have selected a new Senior Pastor to lead their church into the dawning of a new era and had to go no further than the living room of their retiring Senior Leader - Dr. J. Alfred Smith Sr.
On Sunday, December 14th - after concluding 10 separate Q&A meetings over a one week period with Dr. J. Alfred Smith Jr., Allen Temple was ready to cast their votes for a new Senior Pastor.
Over 1000 members participated in the voting process and Dr. J Alfred Smith Jr. was overwhelmingly declared the new pastor by an approval of 83%. “I am deeply honored. 83% demonstrated some confidence in my ability to lead. I will work not only to become worthy of that confidence but I will work doubly hard to try to win the confidence of the 17% who don’t feel that way at this point. We want to bring the whole church together,” stated Senior Pastor Elect, Dr. J Alfred Smith Jr. [Read more]
