A Pillar of Faith and Community Service in Hawthorne

John L. Jefferson is a prominent figure in the Hawthorne community, recognized for his dedication to spiritual leadership and his unwavering commitment to social good. His journey began over 20 years ago, serving as a pastor and fostering a welcoming spiritual space for the Hawthorne residents.

Beyond the Pulpit: A Champion for Social Change

Pastor Jefferson’s influence extends far beyond the church walls. His active involvement in partnering with various organizations along with his collaborative spirit, has resulted in impactful initiatives that address critical needs within the community. He has spearheaded essential programs like food giveaways, offering a lifeline to families struggling with food insecurity. His dedication extends to at-risk youth, where he provides crucial counseling services, guiding them towards a brighter future.

Leading by Example: Service on City Boards and Beyond

John L. Jefferson’s commitment to Hawthorne transcends his pastoral role. His participation on the Hawthorne City Civil Service Commission demonstrates his dedication to ensuring fairness and ethical practices within the city’s workforce. Furthermore, his involvement on the Board of Directors for the Strength Based Community Change (SBCC) underscores his belief in empowering communities to identify and leverage their inherent strengths to achieve positive change.

A Heart for Hawthorne: Appreciation and Challenges

John L. Jefferson’s deep appreciation for the close-knit spirit of Hawthorne while he cherishes the opportunity to connect with people from diverse backgrounds, fostering a sense of unity and belonging. He also expresses gratitude for the city’s support in his endeavors to uplift the community.

However, John L. Jefferson is not blind to the challenges Hawthorne faces. He acknowledges issues like poverty and food insecurity, which continue to impact residents. This awareness fuels his unwavering commitment to continue his work, striving to improve the quality of life for all within the Hawthorne community.

John L. Jefferson’s story exemplifies the power of dedicated leadership. He serves as an inspiration, demonstrating how faith and social responsibility can be woven together to create a more just and compassionate community.

The Reverend Doctor Linwood T. Blizzard, II serves as the Executive Pastor of the Del Aire Baptist Church and the Director of Operations for the Del Aire Community Development Corporation, Inc., under the leadership of the Rev. John Jefferson. Dr. Blizzard served for 10 years as the 16th Senior Pastor of the historic Macedonia Baptist Church in Heathsville, Virginia. He served the Baptist General Convention of Virginia, Inc. as the Chair of the Commission on Social Justice, the Co-Director of a Lilly Endowment Grant, and as the Second Vice-Moderator of the Northern Neck Baptist Association, Inc. and Its Commissions. He has served as an Adjunct Professor of Practical Theology on the faculty of the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University in Richmond, Virginia.

He recently served as the Chair of the Board of Directors for the Macedonia Community Development Corporation, Inc. (MACorp, Inc.) and Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors for the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy, Inc. He is a past President of the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Club of the Northern Neck, Inc. and past recipient of the Virginia/DC Area Council and Southeast Region board member of the year awards for the Boys & Girls Club of America. He also served on the Board of Directors of the River Counties Affiliate for the Community Foundation of Richmond, Virginia. He is a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

He was licensed to preach in 2009 at the Saint Paul’s Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. Lance Watson, where he served as the Small Groups Team Leader for the Dreamchasers Young Adult Lifestage. He was ordained in 2015 at the Morning Star Baptist Church in Boston, Massachusetts under the leadership of Bishop John M. Borders, III, where he served as the Minister to Young Adults and Co-Leader of the Refuge Young Adult Ministry.

Dr. Blizzard leads Ofelamen, an organizational management and development organization for non-profits, religious, and faith-based organizations. He is a native of Williamsburg, Virginia, holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Virginia Tech, a Master of Divinity from Howard University, and a Master of Sacred Theology and a Doctor of Ministry both from Boston University. He and his wife Joycelyn have three children and they reside in Los Angeles County, California.