By Alexandria Leatherberry
The Truth Reporter
The 2026 Silent Soldier Awards Banquet filled the banquet room of the Premier Banquet Hall, Sunday, March 29. Attendees gathered in support of 14 honorees who were selected for their work in the community.
The event opened with a welcome from Toledo City Councilwoman Cerssandra McPherson and a performance from the Mt. Nebo Baptist Church Praise Team led by First Lady Debra Brock.
Following words of affirmation from the guests of the honorees, the banquet commenced with the presentations of the awards led by Master of Ceremonies Larry Jones. The first being the Champion Award to Linnie Willis for her contributions through her work as executive director for Lucas Metropolitan Housing Authority and chair of Board of Directors for Mercy Hospitals.
Amongst the celebration and highlight of Women’s History Month in honor of the work of Linnie Willis, the other honorees – the Silent Soldiers – included: Tom Cole, George Cowell, Albert Easterly, Judge Ian English, Juanita Greene, Doris Greer, Ellena Lee, Rev. Rowena Lee, Luther McKinstry, Sabrina Prince, Leyen Ridi, Idellla Watson, Linnie Willis, Yuseff Woods
Cedric Brock has served as the pastor of Mount Nebo Baptist Church for over 30 years and established the Silent Soldiers initiative early in his term. The banquet is one of several programs run by Mount Nebo’s Outreach Ministry that aims to meet community needs with resources. The Silent Soldiers Awards recognizes those that contribute to the resources for their noble devotions.
Mt. Nebo’s Good Friday Service
The Truth Staff
Numerous area pastors joined Rev. Cedric Brock, pastor of Mt. Nebo Baptist Church, for a Good Friday noon service on April 3.
This year’s Good Friday Service began with Praise & Worship led by Pastor Alvin Dawson, citing Luke 23:34 (“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do”) followed by a presentation by the Music Ministry.
Pastor Darran Overton spoke next using Luke 23:43 (“You will be with Me in Paradise”) as the basis for his address. Pastor Marquisa Horton continued the Easter theme with John 19:26, 27 (“Woman, behold Your son”).
The Mt. Nebo Music Ministry performed a selection, after which Pastor Damon Horton addressed Matthew 27:46 (“My God, My God, why have Thou forsaken Me?”).
After the Offering, Pastor Woody Lewis, Jr. spoke on John 19:28 (“I thirst”), followed by another presentation by the Music Ministry; Bishop Michael Carter on John 19:30 (“It is finished) and Bishop Chaz Boes on Luke 23:46 and the final words of Jesus Christ on the cross, “Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit.”
Pastor Brock closed the Service with the invitation and benediction.
