Southern California Conference
T
he Greater Los Angeles Region of the Southern California Conference honored Antonette Simpson with its Heart of a Servant Award at the region’s first Black & White Gala, held recently at the Universal City Hilton. The honoree was a charter member of the Breath of Life church who served with untiring dedication as community services leader for more than 25 years. In presenting the honor, SCC Vice President James G. Lee Jr. read a litany of Simpson’s accomplishments over the years: the establishment of the BOL Food Bank, the BOL Thrift Shop, monthly praise/worship programs at area-assisted living centers, monthly homeless feedings, a monthly free medical clinic, annual community Thanksgiving and Christmas feedings, holiday giveaways to needy families, monthly community breakfasts following early prayer services on first Sabbaths, weekly community Zumba fitness classes and the annual Christmas programs and weekly arts/crafts classes in the Jordan Downs area of Watts. “And this is only a partial listing of projects Antonette has spearheaded over the years,” said Lee. “Antonette’s activities are carried out with only a handful of faithful volunteers,” he added.
CLARENCE BROWN
Region Honors Antonette Simpson for 25 Years of Community Service
James G. Lee Jr., SCC vice president, presents Antonette Simpson with an award for her quarter-century involvement with community services at the Breath of Life church.
“Often, the huge physical burden of unloading many crates of groceries from the food truck falls on the shoulders of Antonette and a few volunteers. They store the food inside the church and later haul it to the parking lot, package and distribute it to needy families twice a month.” CLARENCE BROWN Simpson also personally prepares the meals for the monthly praise and worship services at Pacific Rim Apartments and Good Shepherd Manor and for the church’s monthly early prayer service. Community Services’ local impact over the years cannot be accurately quantified, as it has had a multiplier effect on families and neighborhoods. Associate Pastor Eustace Laurie (center), who is now attending seminary, However, one indicaregularly assisted Antonette Simpson on food bank days, offering prayer tor is the BOL Food to kick off the food distribution and ending with an inspirational talk to those homeless people who stayed afterward for a hot meal. Bank’s 2012 statistics.
More than 86,000 pounds of food (valued at $76,000) were distributed, serving nearly 3,000 families and more than 8,000 individuals. “Community Services’ vital ministry in the Breath of Life church also is operated efficiently at little or no cost to the church (mostly via personal donations),” a church leader commented. Simpson’s service is not limited to the Los Angeles area; she has traveled on lay missions to Ghana at her own expense, to volunteer at the Adventist hospital in Tamale and minister to local people. Known as one who tends to avoid the public spotlight, Simpson was genuinely moved and overwhelmed by the accolades she received at the GLAR Gala, as well as the show of support by so many fellow members and friends. “I thank everyone, particularly my husband Richard, my daughter and son-in-law Terri and Jerry Tucker, who often assist me; the food bank volunteers, faithful donors, Pastor Michael Jenkins Jr., and my God, to whom I give all the glory,” she said.
Clarence Brown March 2014
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