wfn.org | Lorenzo Alexander, Christian Center Director, Dies

["SCHRAMM, Richard" <Richard.Schramm@abc-usa.org>]

American Baptist News Service (7/1/02)--Lorenzo A. Alexander, executive
director of Valley Christian Centers, Inc. (VCC) in Phoenix, Ariz., died
June 24 in Phoenix.

Alexander led VCC--related to National Ministries' Neighborhood Action
Program--since 1998, first as interim director.  Under his leadership the
Christian social outreach center purchased additional property, increased
after-school and summer day-camp programs and maintained financial
integrity. 

Previous to his work with VCC, Alexander worked in management, employee
relations, productivity, and quality assurance for the Air Force and the
private sector.  He was vice president of Sovran Financial Corporation (now
Nation's Bank) and owned Lorenzo Concepts, a management analyst business. 

Alexander's participation in the denominational life of American Baptist
Churches included service as president of the American Baptist Churches of
the Pacific Southwest and moderator of its Arizona Association.  He served
the National Baptist Convention's Home Mission Board as administrative
assistant to the executive secretary.  At First Institutional Baptist Church
of Phoenix Alexander taught church school and chaired the trustee board and
the personnel committee.

"Lorenzo Alexander brought a deep commitment to community ministry and a
warm Christian spirit and excellent management skills to our Neighborhood
Action Program mission.  His leadership at Valley Christian Centers
stabilized the organization and strengthened our American Baptist witness
for Jesus Christ," said Siegrid Belden, National Ministries' director of
Community-Based Ministry.
 
Associate Executive Director for Biblical Justice the Rev. Hector Cortez
described Alexander as "a visionary catalyst for change."  He added, "Such
leadership will be greatly missed in our American Baptist Churches family."

Alexander is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, four stepsons, two daughters,
five step grandchildren and three grandchildren.  Cards may be sent to the
family at 2509 East Hermosa Dr., Tempe, AZ 85282-6014.
 
A celebration of Alexander's life was held June 29 at First Institutional
Baptist Church of Phoenix.  

02ABN103

American Baptist News Service: Office of Communication, American Baptist
Churches USA, P.O. Box 851, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0851; (610)768-2077; fax:
(610)768-2320; www.abc-usa.org; richard.schramm@abc-usa.org