In early 1981 a recently born-again Leah Linzey met Anthony Blackman and through a long-distance relationship she was instrumental in leading Anthony to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. The two joined in Holy Matrimony on October 1,1983 and are the proud parents of three sons, Anthony Jr., Benjamin and Joseph. While under the tutelage of Pastor Don C. Sylvestri of Christ Union Faith Fellowship of Mountain View, CA, Pastor Blackman received a definitive call by God to fivefold ministry. The rest is history and the journey began.
With a rare unexpected desire to return to his hometown of Pittsburg, CA, Pastor Anthony and Leah began making a weekly sixty-mile commute from Milpitas, CA to the home of his parents, Benjamin and Bessie Blackman to teach bible studies. There were a couple of years of figuring out God’s plan, however by January of 1989 the once home bible study was now thriving in a 1,500 sq.ft. store front facility at 3821 Shopping Heights Lane. The official articles of incorporation were filed and established Faith Worship Center and Anthony E. and Leah L. Blackman as founders.
It wasn’t long before we outgrew all 58 steel fold-up chairs and the tiny 300sq.ft. space we used in the back for children’s church put demands on Pastors Anthony and Leah. While determined to find a larger, more adequate facility and also desiring to be a full-time minister, Pastor Blackman was laid off from his secular employment. This was May of 1991. It was then we were blessed to obtain a lease for a 3,600 sq.ft. renovated building formerly known as the Department of Motor Vehicles. Although there were often constant faith challenges and tests, the Blackman’s now with many supporting parishioners kept pressing and declaring the will of God. One declaration was we would only be in the old DMV building at 4011 Railroad Avenue for 3 years. In 1994 we obtained a lease for a 6,400 sq.ft. warehouse at 501 Harbor Court in Pittsburg.
The members renovated the warehouse to having classrooms, offices, multi-purpose quarters and a beautiful sanctuary housing 200 brand new church chairs, on plush carpet and a staged pulpit accommodating singers and musicians on the side. By this time “Revelation Knowledge” our weekly television broadcast was on seven stations throughout Central and Northern California. Lives were changing and much impact was being made.
Through highs and lows and adverse challenges from city authorities, contractors, architects, banks, etc., unexpectedly it was six years in the Boys and Girls Club. After over 160 members deserted us, the miracles began. We raised and spent $1.5M prior to ever breaking ground on our property. After finally obtaining our building permit, in one year the construction of our brand new 17,500sq.ft., $3.6M edifice was complete. On May 19, 2008 we entered our own place of worship.
After more than 30 years of service to the Lord and God's people, Pastor Blackman was called home to glory in November, 2019. Today,
Pastor Leah continues the work she and Pastor Blackman started.
Pastor Leah Blackman holds our standard of excellence. She has served as the operations manager and a beautiful, passionate servant of God and His people. Not your typical First Lady, Pastor Leah was often found behind the scene and working with the children of the kingdom. Her influence on young people goes beyond the walls of the church. Although she erected our dynamic children's ministry, she has also volunteered extensively with local schools working in and outside of the classroom, demonstrating love and respect while providing discipline and a moral compass with a firm hand.
On the occasion of FWC's 35th Anniversary, Pastor Leah declared the theme: Continuing the Work. Today she serves as the Senior Pastor and manages the daily operations of the ministry while appointing former youth pastor Alphonso Guerrero as the Lead Pastor for Sunday Services.
2024 AD