Beginners Guide for Christianity Summit
Guest Speakers
Dr. Sharon Arrindell
Maxwell Leadership Certified Speaker, Dr. Sharon Arrindell (AKA Dr. Sharon), a native of Jamaica West Indies, is the President/CEO of “Inspired Wholeness Enterprise”, the umbrella for Inspired Wholeness School; Wholeness Counseling and Coaching Service; and Inspired Wholeness Ministries. She is a member of Global Women Speakers and speaks virtual or in person. She has spoken in the US, the Caribbean, Paris, Spain, and Pakistan. She has authored eight books including her #1 bestseller Armored and Victorious, the sequel to her first biographical piece, Weapons for Victory. She has been featured in several magazines including New York Weekly. Her faith based relationship building counseling service offers pre-marriage, marriage, and divorce care services.
She also established a coaching program for single women: The Waiting Room: WAIT for the Dream, and a program for couples called PUSH Beyond Silent Suffering in Christian Marriage. Dr. Sharon created an online course for church leaders, utilizing one of her books “The Shepherd’s Call” and she is in the process of creating other courses to establish her online school. She holds a Bachelor’s in Organizational Management; a Master of Science in Counseling; and dual Doctorates in Biblical Counseling, and Education Leadership. She is married to her dream guy Keith and combined they have five children and ten grandchildren. Visit her at www.drsharonarrindell.com or www.inspiredwholenesscounseling.com.
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Emra Smith
Emra Smith, is a Hope Warrior, bringing Hope and healing to the brokenhearted, stressed, and weary. She opens doors for women, girls, and like-minded men, through coaching and teaching emotional, mental, and physical health and wellness. Facilitating transformation, teaching how to confidently create a strong future, one story at a time. She is the CEO and Founder of the Hope Doll Project, The International School of Story, the HiStory Gallery, and co-founder of Marigold Press Books. Emra is passionate about helping all find and use their VOICE, for good and for God. The result is gaining hope, clarity, passion, power, and action steps for the future. Including writing that book! Emra is an author of numerous books, ghostwriter, speaker, life coach, and corporate trainer. She loves life, her hubby, their furry kids, two daughters and two grandchildren, and her bonus kids! All are gathered in her warm embrace as Umama Wathemba (Mother of Hope).
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Civilla Morgan
Civilla Morgan has a wide-ranging background, including hospitality, healthcare, and financial services. She was a stockbroker for several years and loves to discuss the markets and market strategies. Civilla has a Master’s degree in Management, with a concentration in Marketing, and currently works as a licensed insurance agent. She was born on the island of St. Kitts in the Caribbean, and raised in New England–Massachusetts and Connecticut. She likes to say she has two hometowns! Civilla says that despite her experiences, she believes she has found her calling in her podcast, Childless not by Choice. For the last eight years, she has been encouraging childless not by choice women and men globally, to realize that they can live relevant and joyful lives. Civilla says she does not have much time to relax. But when she does the beach, any beach, is her happy place!
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Jana Smith
Jana Smith writes end-times Christian fiction with a hint of romance, for women of all ages. She hopes her books inspire her readers to grow their faith, to believe they are special with a divine purpose, and that there is hope for the future. Jana has had stories rumbling around in her head from her earliest memory. Stories that were first ignited by her grandmother’s bedtime tales and later nurtured by her active imagination. Her love of God’s word and interest in Biblical End times theology has led her to write a series of fictional stories dealing with this subject. Jana worked in medical research and has a BSc and a Master’s degree. Now, she focuses much of her time on writing, but when not writing she is an avid amateur photographer and loves to knit for her children and grandchildren. Jana lives with her husband in South-Western Ontario, in the home her father built. It is a place of peace and serenity, a place of reflection and contemplation. A place where stories are born and released to a life of their own.
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Kari Schwear
Kari Schwear is an Executive Lifestyle Gray Area Coach specializing in the many gray areas we have in our lives, particularly with gray area drinking.Her zone of genius is in habit creation, communication, leadership development and intentional living by design. As a former gray area drinker, Kari founded GrayTonic & the Question the Drink movement in 2018 after her own experience of “living in the gray” led her to the service of others. She offers individual and group coaching for business leaders seeking wellness, performance, and better relationships without alcohol. Kari has also co-authored two books, The Successful Mind, Tools for Living a Purposeful, Productive, and Happy Life, along with her second book, Limitless, a Wall Street Journal #1 Bestseller!
Mona Hathaway
My name is Mona Hathaway, and I know God has a plan for my life. God has blessed me with love and compassion for children, and I devote my time to serving as the Children's Ministry Leader at my church. As a writer, I am working on a family devotional that will aid parents in exploring the word of God with their children, and I express my spiritual journey through my blog.
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Dr. LaJoyce Chatwell Lawton
Reverend LaJoyce Chatwell Lawton, Ed.D. The Multitude Experience It’s not unusual to find this pastor/professor participating in liturgy during worship services, praying, visiting, teaching, preaching, administering sacraments or completing ministry projects in various locations. Rev. Lawton preached the baccalaureate worship service at Piney Woods School (MS), was the commencement speaker at Boley School (OK) and planned/facilitated a citywide Juneteenth worship service in San Antonio TX. While serving as Executive Administrative Assistant to Bishop (then Pastor) Sarah Davis she actively worked in the successful campaign toward Episcopal service. Education, especially faith based education, is her passion. Since earning a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Oklahoma in Adult and Higher Education Dr. Lawton has continued making contributions within various educational arenas.
This pastor/professor specializes in “sweet beginnings”: • Founding Faculty, Texas A&M University – San Antonio. • Founder/past president, Oklahoma Women in World Trade and instrumental in the founding of Bermuda Women in World Trade. • Instituted San Antonio campus of the Interdenominational Theological Center Certificate in Theology program; established The Multitude Experience Certificate in Ministry program. • Consultant to the founder of I Am Destined Specialty Academy and I Am I Am Church in Tema, Ghana. • Team member, development of Training and Development certificate program for University of Oklahoma College of Continuing Education. A part of the team that provided teacher education training in Southern Africa led by Bishop Vashti McKenzie, Dr. Lawton shared lesson-planning strategies with teachers at faith-based schools in Swaziland and Lesotho. She supervised an Oblate School of Theology intern and currently trains clergy and lay ministry leaders. LaPrensa Foundation, Inc. has named Rev. Lawton “Outstanding Woman in Action” (Religion Award - 2008). Dr. Lawton received a ministry grant from Inspire Women to create teaching materials for training clergy in Ghana. As a Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers (TAA) consultant she worked with Gulf Coast shrimpers to assist them in completing business plans which enabled them to improve their current endeavor or launch a new venture. Ordained in 2004, Rev. Lawton has served churches in Kerrville and San Antonio. This Methodist minister speaks at Christian conferences/retreats and is a lifelong learner who continuously completes seminary courses and theological workshops. LaJoyce is married to Billy Lawton, Program Leader (AGNR), Cooperative Extension Program, Prairie View A&M University. Their daughter, Kimberly, and grandson, Ke’Mar, live in Mansfield TX.
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Barbara Hollace
BARBARA HOLLACE is a Christian author/ editor/speaker/publisher and seasoned prayer warrior. Raised in the Pacific Northwest and first published in her teens, Barbara’s writing continues to encourage and inspire her readers. Barbara Hollace is the Founder and Owner of Hollace Writing Services and Hollace House Publishing. Her life mission is to identify the good and magnify it in both her business and ministry.
Jafaea Patterson
Jafaea Patterson's story is one of resilience, inspiration, and transformation. She has overcome adversities such as depression, loneliness, and feelings of unworthiness, and has emerged stronger than ever before. Her journey is a powerful testament to the healing power of faith, community, and self-love. As a certified hair stylist, makeup artist, and coach, Jafaea is committed to going beyond just the aesthetics of her craft. She is deeply invested in the healing and health aspects of personal care, and her ultimate goal is to create a community of women who are not just beautiful on the outside, but also vibrant and resilient on the inside. Through her work, personal story, and faith, Jafaea inspires others to start their own journeys toward healing, health, happiness, and feeling truly chosen and worthy.
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Cheryl Sanders
With over 24 years of experience in education, I have dedicated my life to serving children. As a mother of five, I understand the importance of nurturing young minds. My journey began when I transitioned from being a stay-at-home mother for nine years to answering the call to become a teacher in 2000. Although my initial teaching position ended after three years due to the closure of the school, I pursued my teaching certification and joined the Harris County Department of Education, where I spent a fulfilling decade. During my time there, I furthered my education by earning a Master's in Administration in 2013. Subsequently, I embarked on a new chapter in my career as a teacher and administrator with Aldine ISD. I am now in the process of starting my own Private Christian School. Outside of work, I find joy in reading and unwinding on any beach.
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Carmen Davenport
Carmen Davenport, a native of Queens, N.Y., is a renowned author, life coach, and empowerment speaker, recognized globally for her dedication to uplifting women through her platform, Invincible You. With a distinguished 25-year career in the U.S. Marine Corps, retiring as a Master Sergeant in 2015, Carmen's service includes three combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, earning her numerous decorations and honors for her exceptional leadership and contributions. An accomplished academic, Carmen holds a Master of Arts in Human Resources with a focus on Organizational Leadership from National University and is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Business Administration at Jacksonville University. She is a certified health and life coach by the International Coaching Federation. As an author, Carmen has published two books, "The Warrior Stance: 13 Principles to Building and Living Your Ideal Family and Work Life" in 2019, and "Your Warrior Stance: Releasing the Warrior in You" in 2023.
She is currently working on her third book, "Daddy’s Little Girl." Carmen's expertise extends to journalism, with contributions to esteemed publications such as The Florida Star/The Georgia Star and international recognition in South African Her Grit Magazine. She has been honored as a Woman of Influence by Business Men and Women of Color magazine and featured in Who’s Who of Professional Women 2022. Through her company, Combat Diva LLC, Carmen has created a line of inspirational clothing and accessories aimed at empowering women. As the voice behind Invincible You Coaching, Carmen helps her clients address hidden traumas and negative behaviors, drawing from her own journey as a survivor of childhood abuse and sexual violence. She emphasizes the importance of healing root traumas to live one's best life and advocates for mental health awareness and support. Carmen's philosophy centers on knowing one's purpose and using personal experiences to positively impact others. With plans to establish a nonprofit organization in the future, Carmen remains dedicated to spreading her message of empowerment and transformation worldwide.
Stacey B. Wynn
Stacey Wynn is a professional certified ICF coach and works as a corporate consultant, coach, and facilitator. In her private coaching practice, Stacey leverages her background in ministry leadership, her divorce, and her deconstruction experience to bring clarity and freedom to those on similar journeys. She is certified in the iEQ9, an enneagram-based tool that she uses for corporate leaders and with private clients. During the pandemic Stacey published a self-paced workbook called "Deconstruction: Your Journey in Faith," which can be found on Amazon. Stacey loves hanging out with her daughter, visiting with her girlfriends, being outdoors, and beekeeping with her partner, Dave. She lives in Gainesville, FL.
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Christa Deana Young
Christa Deana is a captivating and heartfelt singer/songwriter, worship leader, and educator hailing from the outskirts of Philadelphia. Committed to personal and professional growth, Christa is currently pursuing her Masters in Songwriting from the esteemed Berklee College of Music. In her current role as Worship Leader and Vocal Coach through her own business, she fervently invests in the growth of her community, providing training and building up aspiring talents. Through her remarkable journey and unwavering dedication, she continues to inspire and uplift others, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of those she encounters.
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Jodi Caggige
Originally from the serene landscapes of Vermont, Jodi found herself captivated by the vibrant charm of Savannah, Georgia, where she has flourished as a watercolor artist for the past few years. Drawing inspiration from the city's rich history and picturesque surroundings, she infuses her paintings with a unique blend of Southern warmth and New England tranquility. Through her work, she strives to evoke emotions and memories, connecting people to the places and moments that resonate deeply within their souls.
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Sharon C. Jenkins
Sharon C. Jenkins, known affectionately as "Super Author Granny," is a best-selling, award-winning author and a stalwart in business communications, entrepreneurship, book coaching, publishing, and marketing. By day, she's a thriving entrepreneur; by night, she transforms into the formidable "Super Author Granny," a literary force. With a fervent love for God and literature, Sharon's mission is twofold: empowering authors to embrace their roles as scribes and aiding grandparents in preserving their life stories as legacies. Currently pursuing a DSC in Strategic Communications, she stands as a trailblazer in both literary and Christian circles. Her radiant presence and profound wisdom inspire all who encounter her, solidifying her legacy as she continues to ascend to even greater literary heights. For more information about Sharon go to www.mcwritingservices.com.
DeAnna Brown
DeAnna Brown is a multi-disciplined artist and the Founder of Forward Progress Arts & Entertainment Center, Inc. since 2013. A 2021 Luminaria Artist Grantee. Most noted for the 2018 short film “Breaking Brokenness,” Brown won 3 Best Actress awards and 1 Best of Fest Acting Award. DeAnna was an actress and producer in award winning short film “Retirement Day”. She wrote and produced “Grandmas” a stage-play and followed up with “The Rays” a television. comedy. Through programs she created such as; The Digital Showdown-an online talent show, The FwdProgress Show-a television talk/variety program, and the Arrows in Motion-an incubator space for creative writers. Brown has enjoyed working with gifted people for over 30 years encouraging them to pursue their God-given gifts & talents, believe in their dreams, and prosper in their purpose.
She was an inaugural founder of the San Antonio Black International Film Festival, still serving on the Awards Show Committee. Mrs. Brown has produced/directed and/or written on many projects such as: The Odd Life of Shay Little Season 1&2, Art Director on the short films Guilt, What Is Love?, Loneliest Number and her completed her first documentary, “What Box Do I Check Now?” DeAnna is currently pursuing her fine arts interest in painting, hosting events, and working in the commUNITY as a Directing Instructor/Program Director at the Eastside Content Creators Program. As an ordained minister, Brown uses her gifts of encouragement and compassion to conveys her message of “keep moving forward” to those she encounters. IMDb Credits
Kari Olson
Kari Olson is a Christian Business Coach. She helps Christian women package the gifts, talents and skills God has given them into a one-of-a-kind and irresistible Signature Program that they love and are proud of, their clients adore and sells itself, so they can confidently build a profitable coaching business and impact others for God’s glory. Personally, Kari lives in Minnesota with her hubby, two dogs and three young adult children. She loves adventures like scuba diving, surfing and whitewater kayaking and traveling the world.
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Valarie Grimes
As a trailblazing church planter and passionate speaker, Valarie Grimes exudes inspiration. With diligent devotion, she does the Kingdom work of helping to birth new churches to shine light into darkness and empower missional communities to transform their world. Valarie leads the charge for change as a team lead in the Stadia Discovery church planting process, as a coach for Asbury Theological Seminary’s Center for Church Multiplication, and a coaching mentor cultivating female leaders. Valarie shares her passion for starting new churches as a speaker at Exponential and She Leads Church. Valarie is a bi-vocational minister. In her 30-years as a registered nurse with a specialty in Labor and Delivery, she has been instrumental in the lives of countless families as they welcome new life into the world and as a pastor welcoming God’s child in the Family of Christ. Her proudest roles are that of wife, mother, and Gigi, and nourish her as she continues leading a vibrant, Radiant life. She fully embraces her identity as a child of God. As a result, Valarie encourages people to clarify their identity and tap into their potential. Her magnetic warmth and wisdom catalyze others to shine their brightest and uplift their communities.
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Renita D Davis
Renita D Davis, a dedicated servant leader, author, and professional coach, brings a 20-year career in Social Work to the table. Her versatile skills include coaching, consulting, and mentoring, all driven by a profound passion for helping individuals tackle life's challenges. She is the founder and CEO of International Community Hope Project, a bestselling author, and entrepreneur With a Master's in Educational Leadership and Social Work and currently pursuing a Doctorate in Transformational Leadership, Renita's true calling lies in community engagement, particularly in empowering women who are at a crossroad in their life and desire change. Renita's signature talk, "Gratitude and G.R.A.C.E.™ Through Trauma," reflects her commitment to guiding individuals through difficult times with resilience and positivity. She extends her impact through her coaching app, Coach To Go™, available on Android and iPhone platforms, continuing to foster positive impacts in individuals and communities.
Andrea C Scott
Andrea C. Scott, President of Life Is Rich Global, has been a full time entrepreneur since Feb 1, 1996. Andrea coaches professional women of faith in ministry & business on how to succeed despite a major life transition. With an impressive record of 26 years of Global Leadership at Mary Kay, Inc., Andrea is the youngest Black woman in the history of the company to achieve National Sales Director. Andrea retired on January 13, 2020 earning a 15 year paid retirement for her lifetime of service to the Sales Force. Since retiring and through the experiences of her mother surviving breast cancer and the death of both her father and sister of cancer, Andrea has become a wellness advocate and leveraged her leadership skills to become a Senior Director with Melaleuca, Inc. Andrea is a vocalist and one of the lead singers with the Bay Kings Band as well as being the Worship Leader at Life Point Church of Jacksonville on the Southside. She is also an active and financial member of the Jacksonville Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She will celebrate 38 years of Sisterhood, Service, Scholarship and Social Action in Delta on November 14, 2024.
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Temia Gardner
Te'mia Gardner is a Licensed Hair Care Expert/Cosmetologist/Professional Stylist/Educator who specializes in hair & scalp treatment, hair loss, natural hair maintenance, and color. An alumna of Riverside Hairstyling Academy, she is a sought-after expert who shares an incredible passion for eradicating hair loss and helping others attain healthy hairs from the inside out. Te'mia is adept in cutting-edge hairstyling and hair care techniques and has worked with some of the leading experts in the industry. She is the woman behind Coaching and Creating Hair Beyond The Chair Mentorship Program and the author of My Hair Healed Me: My Transformation Path to Creating Healthy Hair by Embracing the Real Me. Over the years, Te’mia has acquired wide acclamation for her work and has featured in multiple renowned magazines, including Natural Hair Magazine, It's My Hair Magazine, Charleston Chronicles, Ebony Magazine, and Shout Out Miami Magazine. She has also worked with renowned TV celebrities and appeared in WeTV's Cutting It In The ATL taping session as a featured stylist. Driven by the aim to empower and inspire, Te'mia also worked with the Minority Women's Veterans Organization to treat seven veterans from head to toe with Glamovers. Te'mia Gardner is the Owner of Healthy Hair Therapy Salon and serves as an Independent Instructor at Premiere Show Group. As an educator, she has had the privilege to instruct at Taliah Waajid World Natural Hair Show in Atlanta, GA and the New York, NY Natural Hair Show. Besides this, Te'mia has also featured on News 4, CBS47 News, and First Coast News.
Nevetta King
Nevetta King, Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor, Ordained Minister serving alongside my husband at In His Word Ministries, Mental Health Coach, Author, Motivational Speaker, Brand Ambassador for Beautiful Me Designs, wife of 31 years, mother of 4, grandmother of 5, lover of Jesus and a conduit of HOPE (Healing, Optimism, Purpose, and Empowerment)
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Dr. Faith James
Dr. Faith James is CEO of The Personal Branding Consultancy, LLC, and is affectionately known as the Queen of Branding. She is an award-winning branding expert and has worked on brands like IBM and Liberty Mutual. She is a 2x Int'l Amazon Best Selling Author and is currently working on her next book: God is My Brand Strategist. She is the Founder and Creator of The Brand Activator Membership serving clients from Georgia to Germany.
Felicia Lassiter-Smith
Felicia Lassiter-Smith is a seasoned professional in the realm of property management, currently thriving in her role as Director of Property Management for a development company in Charleston, SC. Balancing a successful career and being a single-mom, she is soon adding Author to her credentials, as she currently finishes her book, currently titled, "I Didn't Love Myself, So I Stayed: A Journey from Self Sacrifice to Self-Love" where she poignantly tells the story of her path to loving herself through the dissolution of her marriage. As a Gen Xer that grew up in the era where television commercials had to remind parents to check on the location of their children at night, gleaning tips on proper self-care and boundaries were non-existent. Growing up in that era she learned and adapted to her surroundings for survival, people-pleasing and self-sacrificing her way through adulthood. Felicia will be sharing her story of God's continual journey of guidance and healing from gross unselfishness to self-love.
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Ina Walker
I am a wife, mother, grandmother, manager, friend … but most of all, I am a Daughter of Zion. I sometimes have to be reminded, but always thankful that He knows best and that He holds the keys to my future.
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Shantay Adams
Shantay Adams is a dynamic honey fire lighthouse certified international speaker, author, peer counselor, coach, & Founder & CEO of Fresh New Consulting LLC and Seeker Surrender Life Ministries. She serves by providing Consulting services, peer counseling, coaching, and is a licensed minister & prophetess by grace through faith. She has a decade of Human Resources leadership and teaching experience. Serving individuals in business, in the marketplace, and in leadership. She believes you accomplish more and go further with honey than vinegar. She provides sound wisdom, counsel, insight, strategies, and life experiences to help bring about the transformation that will empower them to not only eat the honey but also release the Honey within that will produce prosperous long-lasting success and healthier relationships.
Shantay has experienced great transformation in her own life and desires to walk alongside others to help bring greater transformation in their lives. She transforms and empowers the overly aggressive to become balanced, soft, healed, and whole. She is lifting up her voice to remind them they are loved and valuable. Shantay's unique style and delivery helps disarm even the most aggressive women by her prudent tactfulness of being both soft and savvy. Her published book, “Release the Honey Within You: Seven Keys to Beautify the Overly Aggressive to Become a Virtual Honeybee Lady” and “Release the Honey'' course and Masterclass program showcase her expertise in helping ladies & men reach their full potential.
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Jeniece Paige
Jeniece Paige is on a mission to help women treat their bodies like the temple it is. She is the Founder and CEO of Black Vegan Health & Wellness Enterprise and is a certified Nutrition, Personal Trainer, and Life Coach. Jeniece is currently working on her PhD in Holistic and Sports Nutrition.
Lonette Lake-Hopewell
Meet Lonette Lake-Hopewell, a visionary problem-solver born and raised in the vibrant heart of New York City. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts with a focus on Psychology and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership. With a deep passion for youth development and female empowerment, Lonette has dedicated her life to making a difference. Her journey through the realms of non-profit organizations and education has shaped her into a dynamic force in workforce development, project management, and human resources. Lonette's expertise is vast, covering personal discovery, mindset transformation, strategic planning, and organizational excellence.
An entrepreneur at heart, she proudly owns Elev8 Transcend, LLC, a coaching and consulting business, and IntegriTee (pronounced Integrity). She also co-hosts the Bitter2Beautiful podcast, where she shares her wisdom and experiences. As a transformational servant leader, Lonette is devoted to coaching youth and women, helping them unlock their full potential and create legacies of purpose, generational wealth, and kingdom advancement. Beyond her professional life, she is a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, deeply involved in her church and various ministries led by her mentors. Guided by the principles of Colossians 3:23 and Proverbs 3:5-6, Lonette commits herself wholeheartedly to her work, striving to make a lasting impact in ministry, the marketplace, and her community, all while placing her trust in the Lord.
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