Pastor Byron Smith

Local Clergy Share Christmas Wishes for Black Community

Cora Jackson-Fossett, Religion EditorDecember 19, 2019

As the celebration of the birth of Christ nears, the Sentinel surveyed several local clergy for their replies to the question: What are one-to-two Christmas wishes that you would extend to the L.A.-area African American community and why? The following are the responses that we received. Pastor Mary S. Minor, Brookins-Kirkland Community AME Church: “During the season of Christmas, Christians recant the night when Jesus was born. There was no room in the inn. He was born homeless. Today, many persons (including children) know firsthand what it means to be homeless. “My wish is that the county and city of

Religion

Lifting the Veil Forum Highlights Mental Health Illness

Cora Jackson-Fossett, Religion EditorNovember 6, 2019

“What’s On Your Mind” aims to address mental health issues affecting individuals, families and the community. The free forum, sponsored by the nonprofit, Lifting The Veil, Inc., Carson Mayor Pro Tem Cedric Hicks and the city of Carson, takes place on Saturday, Nov. 9, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the Juanita Millender-McDonald Community Center, 801 E. Carson St., in Carson. Free continental breakfast will be served at 8:30 a.m. Co-sponsors include Drew Child Development Corporation, L.A. County Probation Department, Bulletin Displays LLC, Wayfinders (formerly the Junior Blind of America), Phillips 66, Antioch University and Choura Venue Services. “The

National News

NAACP Compton Branch Installs New Board

Cora Jackson-Fossett, Staff Writer February 21, 2019

Community members, elected officials and several young people came out on Feb. 16, to applaud the new board of directors for the NAACP Compton Branch.

Religion

Lifting the Veil Holds Spirit-Filled Baptism

Cora Jackson-Fossett (Religion Editor)June 2, 2016

Nine members experienced the ritual of full immersion at the first baptismal service of Lifting the Veil Ministries. The spirit-filled worship, led by Pastor Byron Smith, was held at Greater Faith Missionary Baptist Church on May 22. The service fulfilled his vision from God that new believers understand the importance of baptism in their conversion to Christianity. To further aid the members, Pastor Smith preached a powerful sermon, based on Acts 9:1-18, entitled, “When God Decides to Move, What Others Think and Say Will Not Matter!” The baptismal was actually a culmination of a three-week process to prepare the candidate

Religion

Lifting The Veil Ministries Hosts First Baptismal Service

Troy Tieuel (Contributing Writer)May 19, 2016

Pastor Byron Smith is led by faith. It is that faith that causes him to step boldly into the future, unsure if his step is steady. Like a mountain climber, who climbs his first peak, wondering if the rock will crumble in his grip, but sure in his decision to pick the correct handholds, Pastor Smith rests his moves in the hands of his Lord and savior. So far, his Lord has guided his steps to sure ground, even though the world crumbled behind him. Pastor Smith now prepares for his first Baptismal Celebration hosted by Greater Faith Missionary Baptist