FRONT COVER REPORT
Jeremiah Williams, “Servant Leader”
Brother Jeremiah interrupts his recent Newsvine interview to baptize a hungry soul in the name of Jesus Christ. Known nationwide for his carpentry skills, and even more so for his faith in the true gospel, Brother Jeremiah Williams is an invaluable asset to our pastor. So many department heads have asked him for favors through the years, including this editor. His influence and impact on the political leaders of Modesto are widespread and well-deserving. The first time this editor ever saw Brother Williams was about 30 years ago when he was preaching on the street corner of Dale and Briggsmore in front of the mall. I was impressed by his boldness. He may not do this anymore, but he is still a fanatic for Jesus.
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hen Jeremiah came to the Lord as a young man in his late teens, he had a job, a car, and an apartment. He thought he had everything he needed until the day he was invited to Revival Center. There he had an encounter with Almighty God that changed his life. He strongly believes everyone needs God. “You don’t have to be a criminal to need God,” he says. “You can be a law-abiding citizen and be established with a job and house and still need God in your life.” Brother Jeremiah is a strong believer in reaching out to the community by being involved. “How can we say we care about people, if we don’t care about what people care about?” He feels strongly that Christians need to get involved and to do something to improve their community, to reach beyond the walls of the church, to minister as Jesus did. He stressed that no matter one’s ethnicity, there are doors open in our community for Christians to serve. “If you are not singing in the choir,” he said, “you should be active in our city doing something to improve it.” The following words were spoken at an event in January in which Jeremiah was honored with the NAACP Citizen of the Year Community Service Award. The list of his accomplishments and community activities is almost limitless, and it is obvious why Jeremiah is so appreciated and respected in our community: “Jeremiah Williams was born in San Francisco, California. He
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was raised in 13 different foster homes between the ages of 11 and 15 in Oakland, California. Since moving to Modesto in 1980, Jeremiah has become a successful family man, business owner and community servant. He has been the owner of a custom cabinet shop called, “Oak Crafts by Jeremiah” since 1986. Jeremiah is a minister with a diploma in Theology from The Texas Bible College and a degree in Theology from Purpose Institute. While serving as a Stanislaus County Equal Rights Commissioner since 2005, Jeremiah has promoted diversity and equity in the workforce. He has served on numerous boards such as Doctor’s Medical Center Foundation, the Modesto Chamber of Commerce (12 yrs), and the Modesto Downtown Association. He was one of the founding members of Stanislaus County Boys & Girls Club, as well as being the first African American Stanislaus County Fair Board member since its establishment in1911(appointed by Governor Jerry Brown). He has served on the King Kennedy Board of Directors, Latino Community Round Table, Project Sentinel Housing and more. Jeremiah is a former President of the Kiwanis Club, and serves on the Gospel Mission Board, King Kennedy Board of Directors, was Vice President of the NAACP in 2005 and the first African-American Lieutenant Governor for Kiwanis Division 46 overseeing 16 Clubs (2009-2010). He is a founding trustee of the Gallo Performing Arts Center, past logistical chair for the International Festival and Chair of our annual 4th of July Parade for the last 9 years. He most recently became an Honorary Lifelong Rotarian by the Downtown Rotary Club. These activities add culture and contribute to providing a positive community climate to Modesto. His membership and leadership on other boards, organizations and committees are too numerous to mention, but the common theme that runs through them all is that Jeremiah's is a “servant leader” of multiple causes!” Jeremiah’s favorite Bible hero is Joseph, the best example of a civic leader who saved Egypt and the lineage of Jesus Christ. Jeremiah Williams is a shining example of what the world needs more of in these troubled times. May God continue to bless this faithful steward and his family!
The office of Jeremiah Williams adorned with his many awards and commendations.
