Brown Girls Magic March 2021 Issue

MARCH 2021

Confessions of a

Brown Girl....

I have the power and authority to change temperatures and temperaments. ~ Luke 10:19

I decree and declare that I operate from two dimensions that bring favor and flavor. ~ Matthew 5:14-16

I decree and declare that I operate in Authority & Influence according to. ~ Revelation 1:6

I decree and declare Mega Influence is upon my Life and the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdoms of our God. ~ Revelations 11:15

I decree and declare that I am ruling and reigning on my mountain of Influence: Arts & Entertainment, Business, Media, Education, Family, Government and the Church. ~ Revelations 11:15

My very presence causes favor to show up and turn every no into a yes. ~ 2 Corinthians 1:20

I am an Influencer and I walk in Intelligence, New, Favor, a Universal Anointing, Excellence, Nobility, Character, Effectiveness and Righteousness. ~ Psalms 5:12

CONTENTS 6

Visionary Apostle Dr. Travis Jennings

9

Celebrating Her Authentic Self Dr. Stephanie Jennings

14

Absolutely Amazing Lady Laurona Phelps

20

Every Failure Is An Education Bishop Eusebio Phelps, Sr.

Surpassing Expectations Pastor Angelic Simmons

24

Intercessor, Pastor, Entrepreneur, Civic Leader Apostle Regina Martin Archat

30

Managing the Year of Endurance Pastor Vanessa R. Hall

36

The Brown Girls Magic Collaborative

43

3

WHAT 4

IS 5

Travis

APOSTLE DR.

JENNINGS

6

VISIONARY

Apostle Dr. Travis Jennings

is the father of five beautiful children, Travis, Briona, Daja, Destiny and David Christopher. He and his loving wife, Dr. Stephanie Jennings are pastors of ‘The Harvest Tabernacle Church’ in Lithonia, Georgia. The two-building church sits on 7.5 acres of land and has a 500-seat sanctuary. Apostle Jennings has authored many books such as the best seller, The Gathering of Champions: It’s Time to Get in the Ring!, that aims to teach and provide leadership guidance: https://www. theharvesttabernacle.org/shop .

Apostle Jennings is the visionary of Brown Girls Magic who facilitated the making of this emagazine to encourage all Brown Girls to celebrate their giftedness.

Apostle Jennings has been married to a Brown Girl, Dr. Stephanie Jennings, for 22 years and they have three phenomenal brown daughters. The eldest of the Jennings’ daughters graduated at the top of her class and now works at The Cartoon Network. The middle s is a youth pastor who completed her 4-year degree in three years. She now works for UPS Corporation.

The youngest is a high school senior and is a theater major. Every college, to which she applied, accepted her. Howard University is the college she selected to attend in the fall. Apostle Jennings says, “I saw the Brown Girls in my home. I watched them discover their passion and develop their passion.”

Apostle Jennings characterizes Brown Girls Magic, as “Just like a diamond in the rough. A diamond in the rough looks like an ordinary rock until it goes through development in order to achieve that sparkle.” God interrupted Apostle Jennings’ life so he could provide a platform for his wife and other leading ladies. All of the Brown Girls in this emagazine are substantial in their own right. And all of them are powerful in their own right. The reader will really learn the attributes of Brown Girls Magic. Apostle Jennings’ strategic planning resulted in this presentation of Brown Girls Magic to the world.

“Young Brown girls don’t start on stage; they start in the stable – which is the incubator.”

The stable is the incubator. Some people look at people on the stage and do not know what it took to get prepared for the stage. The reader will see the progression of Brown Girls magic presented here that started with growth in the mother’s womb. Girls just need someone to help them develop their ability that gives purpose in their life. These stories will help to demonstrate the possibilities for all Brown Girls. Most recently, Apostle Jennings had a shift in his agenda. Suddenly, Apostle Jennings began having intrusive thoughts about the Brown Girls in his life. He described these intrusive thoughts as “true pain.” The thoughts caused him to pause and shift from what he was doing.

Describe how your thoughts about Brown Girls Magic were intrusive?

7

“The thought of Brown Girls Magic was intrusive because it interrupted my agenda. When God gives me a notion that interrupts my daily agenda, it requires me to take pause and give in to the thought. So, I called my wife. I told her how the notion of Brown Girls Magic had intruded in my mind. Immediately, my wife started screaming. She said ‘Thank you…you will not believe this. Everything, I mean everything you're saying, I just talked about with Laurona and Angelic before you called me. We didn't say it exactly like you’re saying it, or how God gave it to you, but we said it, too”.

Tell me about your wife. “Well, Stephanie L. Jennings is a phenomenal woman. She has a giving heart. She does not put up with nonsense. She is a straight shooter. She's a life coach.

She's gifted with discovering unique strategies that will produce unique success. She can take someone's dream and literally start chiseling away to define the dream and bring it to fruition. My wife can give you step-by-step instructions to accomplish what you need to accomplish. She's really gifted. Of course, she’s

my wife, my partner for over 22 years. And then she's a great mother. She's a gift to all of us. She and I both know her love language. She likes to rearrange your room. She will make sure my shirt is straight. She's an amazing cook. My wife’s cooking is part of her love language that we as a family appreciate. Our family is not like a typical church family. I always say, “we’re not church people, we’re kingdom people.” And so, we're not just religious in spirit”.

Describe your kingdom marketplace calling. “I have been called and commissioned to coach individuals to discover and demonstrate their metron”.

What can entrepreneurs learn from you? “When life hurts and dreams fade, you can hope again. You can dream after a bad nightmare”.

What are three words that define you?

“Purpose—Passion—Progression”

Biography DR. TRAVIS JENNINGS Dr. Travis Jennings is a trailblazer and a 21st-century reformer. He’s an author, entrepreneur, executive producer, philanthropist, lifecoach, husband, and father. Apostle Jennings has personally sold thousands of books globally and through wisdom and coaching, he’s guided the careers and launching of other new authors and new entrepreneurs. He’s also recently launched an innovative mentorship program created to help people walk in their God-ordained destinies called the Metron Mentorship Program.

Apostle Jennings is also a highly sought-after orator whom many will corroborate, that the status of their lives changed significantly after encountering his inspirational, revelatory, thought-provoking, and life-changing messages. He’s produced several musical projects and has launched the careers of music artists, actors, and actresses or he’s helped change the trajectory of their careers in some way.

Honored by the state of Georgia, the city of Atlanta and the city of Lithonia for his philanthropic efforts, Dr. Jennings is armed with apostolic insight and he recently compiled a revolutionary summit designed to prepare emerging change-agents for the coming future as it relates to government, business, media, arts and entertainment, church, education, and family; called the Influencers' Gathering.

With over 26 years in ministry, while cultivating a successful 20-year marriage, and raising five beautiful children, Dr. Travis Jennings, the ultimate INFLUENCER has overcome insurmountable odds. He has notable touch points and documented successes in relatively every segment society represented.

His loving relationship with his wife and partner for life, Pastor Stephanie Jennings serves as a model for marriages around the world.

They have five beautiful children Travis, Briona, Daja, Destiny and David Christopher.

8

Stephanie

DR.

JENNINGS

9

10

Celebrating

HER AUTHENTIC SELF

Dr. Stephanie Jennings is a fun, free-spirited,

However, owning her story was a must because within her

woman of faith and fortitude. She believes when life gives you

story was her message and her message was connected to

lemons don’t just make lemonade, but rather make a lemon

her money! This story is about discovering ‘Brown Girls Magic’

pound cake. Becoming a mother of two by the age of 19

that gives a voice to the notion that regardless of our color,

showed her that your experiences are not the end of you, but

the melanin in our skin affords us the privilege to be “pride-

the beginning of your story! It did not take her long to realize

fully” black.

every LIFE EXPERIENCE has a GOD PURPOSE attached to it.

Many years later with pure joy and a grateful heart she is still

Dr. Stephanie points out that there is inspirational pride in

amazed of God’s love for her and her family!

knowing the history of our melanin. “When I think about ‘Brown Girls Magic,’ it really means that in my DNA is survivors,

Dr. Stephanie Jennings is a mother of five beautiful human

strategists, and successful women with the ability to overcome.”

beings, Travis, Briona, Daja, Destiny, and David Christopher;

She realized that her roots were connected to melanin bosses

with one fur baby name “Zoe”. She is the wife of Apostle

that refused to be victims, but victors. “Brown Girls Magic is

Travis Jennings, the man that captured her heart and

not a group of arrogant women, but a group of women that

connected her to destiny.

Together they built ‘The

support one another. We are women who have a sense of

Harvest Tabernacle Church’ located in Lithonia,

pride in who God has created us to be. The pride influenced

Georgia. The two-building church sits on 7.5 acres

by our heritage offers knowledge that Brown Girls Magic is a

of land and encompasses a 500-seat sanctuary. Dr.

catalyst t0 help teach us to understand who we are as African

Stephanie believes she didn’t just marry a man, but

American women”.

she married a vision.

Black Girls Magic is not defined by people but should be Dr. Stephanie is one of the Lead Pastors of The Harvest

lived out by God’s promises. Dr. Stephanie begins to take a

Tabernacle Church and loves developing creatives and

walk down memory lane. “I could remember over 20 years

visionaries. She believes we must embrace the essence of

ago when I first gave my life to Christ it was a complete culture

our existence and walk in the full version of who God created

shock. Please understand I went from being a stripper in a

us to be. After years of battling with mental complexities,

nightclub to a sanctified church. I spent years trying to cover up

knowing that she was very creative, but failed to execute left

my tattoos and piercings instead of just being who God called

her in shame. Finally, she embraced the fact that she was

me to be. One morning the Lord began to speak to me and

dyslexic and her mind was beautiful, but created differently.

said, “Stephanie you have been so busy trying to keep up with

She said, “Even though my start was confusing, my story

man's rules that you’ve forgotten to practice my principles. He

was clear!” She went on to explain that getting stuck in the

went on to say Stephanie ‘I never called you to be in a box.’

experience and failing to excel in the lesson was not an option.

At that very moment I realized that I had been trying to fight 11

Goliath in Saul’s armor. I understand that it never mattered

given the opportunity after the pandemic”.

that my hair was colored or cut. I was so busy trying to do what people told me to do that I forgot who God had called

What is your position in the marketplace and what is your

me to be. It was time for me to definitely become my authentic

inspiration to follow that calling? “I believe there’s seven

self. I needed to focus on building my relationship with God

mountains of influence that rule this world: Media, Arts &

and not religious practices. I discovered the audacity to be my

Entertainment, Education, Government, Business, Family and

authentic self.” Dr. Stephanie’s life now encompasses the call

the Church. I believe we are called to rule and reign on at

to become who she is meant to be.

least one. After all the Bible calls us kings and priest unto God. This simply means we are supposed to walk in a level of authority and influence in the earth realm. According to

What is your ministry calling? In what capacity do you serve

Matthew 5:16, ‘We should let our light so shine, before men

your church? “I am a Prophetic Intercessor with an evangelistic

that they may see our good works and glorify our Father

call to gather God’s people. I’m also a missionary and we do

which is in heaven’. I am a published author with three books—

missions work in Cape Town, South Africa. I love it there. My

“Small Steps to Sanity”, “Commanders” and my latest e-book

South African sisters and brothers have so much pride in their

“Audacity”! The common theme in my books is discovering

melanin skin tones. Our church has been serving over there for

your purpose, walking in peace, power and prosperity. It is

over 10 years. I've been serving for the last four years. The

my belief that God wants us to have outward prosperity and

Lord gave me a genuine love for the South African community.

inward wealth. I love teaching people strategies for WEALTH

My most recent trip to South Africa took place [at] the end of

& WINS! They call me the manifestation coach. I love helping

January 2020. I took my daughter for her birthday. I wanted

women manifest their God given dreams and visions!

her to see why I love it so much. We really got an opportunity to survey the land. One of our goals is to help educational centers for preschoolers from ages one to five years of age

My job is to teach women and God's people that it’s important

because most of them are not afforded the fundamental

to know who you are. I often tell people to stop trying to seek

foundational learning skills needed to keep up in a public-

success but start becoming a student and building value- this

school setting. Even though the global pandemic slowed us

will make you a force to be reckoned with. When you become

down, it did not stop our mission”!

a person of value the world can no longer tell you who you are; but you present to the world who you are based on the value on the inside of you. Once you find your gift, the

Do you ever see yourself bringing any of the children back

genius inside of you will become valuable—and people pay

here to the United States? “We watched the South African

for valuable things. My husband calls it “Metron” just find your

children play in the cold without jackets and shoes. They have

lane and take over”!

learned how to make the best of what they have and enjoy the simple things in life. Yes, I do see myself taking on a couple of

What three words define you?

girls. One girl in particular, her dad passed, and her grandma

“Corky –Creative—Christ Centered”

takes care of her, and I remember her. The grandma asked me, ‘Can you help me with her?’ I really took a liking to the girl and would like to help, and I really want to bring her back over here if possible. I would like to allow her to experience something different. I would like to personally sponsor her if

12

Biography DR. STEPHANIE JENNINGS Dr. Stephanie Jennings is an International Conference Speaker, Author, and Life Coach. Her messages inspire, challenge and provoke dreamers to walk in their full potential. Dr. Stephanie loves cultivating creative people. One of her greatest passions is to equip the nation by teaching strategies for WEALTH & WINS. Dr. Stephanie believes that if you don’t like the life you’re living then, “Stop Complaining and Start Commanding”! Dr. Stephanie Jennings is the wife of Apostle Travis Jennings. Devoted to the vision, she assists her husband with a variety of duties to assure that his God-given mandate is carried out. She has the same emphasis in ministering as her husband and Pastor, which are the tenants of faith and family. She is one of the lead Pastors at The Harvest Tabernacle Church in Lithonia, GA, founder of Flight School, Sistarhood Gang and the Commanders Gathering Prayer Movement.

She also serves on the board of directors for the THT Missions Ministry.

Dr. Stephanie is a prolific author who has written several books, including Small Steps To Sanity, Commanders, Audacity and Own It. Her love for fashion led her to launch two inspirational clothing lines: Light Apparel and her Pretty Chics Collection. Dr. Stephanie received her honorary doctorate from Refreshing Faith Bible College, in Woodbine, GA and she is currently pursuing her Bachelors of Arts in Religion at Luther Rice University.

Dr. Stephanie greatest inventions are her five children Travis, Briona, Daja, Destiny and David Christopher.

URBAN SENTINEL MAGAZINE | JANUARY

13

Laurona

LADY

PHELPS

14

A B S O L U T E LY

AMAZING With Godly confidence, a winning smile and exuberant energy, she exclaimed, "I am absolutely amazing. And I'm not lying!”

That was the opening statement in the interview with Lady Laurona Phelps (https://www.lauronaphelps.com/about). The creator of the "Girl, Fix Yourself!" and “Provoking Moments with Lady Phelps” movements. Lady Phelps embodies a spirituality that encompasses an elevated understanding of the heart of people, especially women. Her energetic personality offers hope to the masses and goes beyond church walls. "There are so many sides to me, starting with being a teenage mother.” Her focus from teenage motherhood was to not become a “statistic.” Celebrated on several occasions as the "mother of the year" at her son's elementary school, Lady Phelps has overcome tragedy and trauma to triumph for such a time as this! Her testimonies and willingness to be transparent and vulnerable are what make her an approachable, relatable leader in church, the marketplace and beyond. She is a voice for single mothers, mothers of children lost to gun violence, mothers of blended families, spiritual mothers of congregations, and to those who have experienced abandonment, rejection, and lost hope because of life experiences. To sum it up, “I may not be for everybody, but I’m for somebody”! Lady Phelps coined this prophetic billboard during her ‘Provoking Moments’ segments and it’s been a contagious proclamation and testimony of freedom and purpose for herself as well as her followers.

About ten years ago, Lady Phelps’ and her mother learned of a new church opening in the area and decided to attend in support of an old friend she courted in her teens. The Pastor of that new church was Eusebio Phelps. Fate, faith, and anointing reconnected the two and three months later, the Pastor of the new church and Lady Phelps wed. Today, she is the adorning wife of Bishop Eusebio Phelps Sr., Pastor of New Faith Christian Church with campuses in Atlanta and Stockbridge, Georgia.

She is the loving mother to Samuel, Amanuel, Daisha, Eusebio Jr., Christian, and Mia; and grandmother to Iclyn. Referred to by her family as "a blanket of love," Lady Phelps is deeply in love with her husband. "He is my Priest, Provider, Protector and he lives what he preaches. He makes me feel safe. I am grateful to have him in my life”.

All seemed to be falling into place for her life and she indeed had overcome the statistics of teen motherhood, but life threw them a curveball. In the fall of 2013, Lady Phelps laid to rest her first-born son who was a tragically murdered victim of gun violence. After a period of grieving, her tenacious spirit burst forth with the strength and clarity she needed to respond to God's purpose and calling for her life. Thus, in spring of 2015, Lady Phelps debuted her first book titled From Pain to Purpose and shared her testimonies and truths about her journey which prepared her for her next phase of life. A phase defined by this statement, "...to literally be myself again. I can honestly say I want to be able to give people the authentic side of me. I feel like so many people put flowers on their story. I want to put flowers in my life”.

What is your favorite color? “Believe it or not, people will probably think about me and think that my favorite color would be pink and all that. But actually, my favorite color is Black. Now that's something that people would probably never think.” When asked why she favors this color, she replied, “Black is just a clean look that is chic and stylish. You could never go wrong with black. If you can put 1,000 women dressed in black in a room, you are not going to be able to identify labels. You're not able to identify

15

where she brought her outfit. Everyone will look classic, unified but still show their unique personality and style”.

"It was important for people to be able to see me in a nontraditional way."

What is your ministry calling? In what capacity do you serve your church?

“My ministry calling is, as I learned to define it, very nontraditional and progressive. It reaches beyond church and religious norms. God has called me to provoke people to come out of the caves of insecurity, self-doubt, hopeless, and disappointment. The cave is a dark place, a lonely place but it is not God ordained. It is not a place for people with purpose and vision. I am that leader that comes and literally pulls you out of that cave, turns the light on those dark places and reminds you to get up. There is nothing you cannot overcome.

There is nothing you cannot get through. And believe me, my life experiences have allowed me to see the value of coming out of dark places”.

How do you find the women in the cave? “You know, you're able to find people with 'like spirits.’ Like minds are attracted to each other. They can see each person who is just like them. For example, it's just like a drug addict—they are able to identify somebody that's struggling with addiction. A person who's overcome drugs will be able to identify an addict quicker than I because that hasn't been my struggle. The former addict will be able to say, 'Hey, that's what they struggle with too.' When you've been pulled out of a situation, you're able to help others out of that same situation. No matter how much that woman is smiling, no matter how much she says, 'I am okay,' I don't care; I can tell when something is wrong because I've been there.

There have been days when I looked like I had it all together, hair flawless, dressed to slay from head to toe, but was still struggling to get out the cave. So, I'm able to identify when a woman is struggling because I believe I've been there too. I sometimes jokingly say, my Holy Ghost ain’t broke, my gift of discernment has never steered me wrong”.

Do you see that ministry is both inside and outside of the church? “My ministry is both outside and inside the church; it’s multifaceted and unique. The streets are my passion but so

16

are the boardrooms of corporate America as well as college students, young ladies, and teenage mothers. When I say I can hit every area in life regarding my passion, there are so many facets to me that give me spiritual fortitude to serve many different types of people. You know, a lot of people try to trap you into being just a ‘First Lady’ with stereotypical roles of sitting on the front row of church with a big fancy hat. I’m different. I’m scripturally sound but relatable and practical in my ministerial calling. I was ministering before I officially embarked on my present role as Executive Pastor. So no, I could never conform to go just sit in the church. I could never go sit in the front row of the church and abandon my assignment outside of the four walls of the church. No, never”!

What is your position in the marketplace and what is your inspiration to follow that calling? “Okay, where should I start?

For 24 years, alongside my mother, I worked in our family business as a hairstylist before I ever graced the pulpit. I stood behind the chair at my salon and spoke to the insecurities and sometimes hopelessness of women. If a client said, "Oh, my hair is too thin," I taught them how to embrace their thin hair. I stood behind a chair and listened to people's personal problems and would help them navigate through life challenges. In addition to being a hairstylist, I was a platform artist for many years as well as an educator in the beauty industry. Entrepreneurship runs deeply in my family. I learned at an early age the value of marketing and providing quality services. In addition to making a name for myself in the beauty industry, I have a clothing boutique that is ready to reopen May 2021. I’m in a partnership with a financial service company that allows me to help you fix your credit while ministering to fix your life path and impact your self-awareness. I am also an author and a creative mind that produces products and services in excellence. My mind works fast, and I dream and have visions that allow me to do amazing things! ‘I've always looked at myself as a person who is able to overcome anything. I've always had that type of mindset. And so, when I say I have so many parts of me, I mean that, in addition to what I have already stated, I can go from being a life coach (not a bleeding life coach because before I coach, I must heal first) to successfully running several businesses. Presently, Bishop and I own and operate the New Faith Early Learning Center and the New Faith Academy located in Stockbridge, Georgia”.

In addition to the many facets of Lady Phelps, she is also a great friend. "I 'water' the relationships I have. Being a friend is intentional for me. I don't X out a friend as an old season because I am in a new season." Self-identified as "the mother to many," Lady Phelps' compassion for family, friends and her church family rings true to her spirit. “When compared to the average person, I believe I see life with a different set of lenses. I embrace the family of the men who murdered my son because I saw their pain. With time, prayer, and the pastoring of my husband, I was able to forgive them. My personal connections are important to me. I love my sisters.” It is important for her to be intentional with sisterly relationships. Since the pandemic, fellowships have been limited. Lady Phelps, along with one of her close friends, plan to host a "best friends' day" in which friends, old and new, are invited to the spa to relax, sit around, and talk after the pandemic is over. More importantly she is intentional about maintaining her relationship with all her friends, her family, and those connected to her in ministry.

Though it took several years to rise after the paralyzing pain of her son's death, Lady Phelps said, "I made a choice to live again." The book From Pain to Purpose has encouraged others to seek a ray of light and make the choice to live again.

Lady Phelps engages people with provoking moments every Tuesday and Thursday night on Facebook Live. She encourages her listeners to live again. Try again. Look again. Trust again.

Lady Phelps' decision to make the choice to get up and live again after her son’s death has been a blessing for all of us who have had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know her. Her ‘prophetic billboard’ message empowers and inspires you to confidently say, “I’m not for everybody, but I’m for somebody.” She has wholeheartedly accepted her assignment as leader, marketplace influencer, provoker, game changer, and is living her testimony, From Pain to Purpose!

What three words define you?

“Influencer – Provoker – Encourager”

17

18

Biography LADY LAURONA PHELPS A mover and shaker in the kingdom market place and beyond! Lady Phelps responds to the clarion call of ministry in a completely non- traditional platform. “I want to move beyond the walls and constraints of traditionalism.” Lady Phelps is a powerful woman of God who lives the aforementioned vision by meeting people where they are without judgement but with love, relatability and authenticity.

Working relentlessly, yet humbly in a progressive ministry, she is the creator of Boss Christian Chic, Inc., M.A.G.G (Mothers against guns and gangs), and The Lady Boutique, all of which she has used as her platform to empower, educate, and encourage women to embrace their full potential. Lady Phelps hosts an annual women's conference, My Pain is Pushing me into my Purpose which was birthed out of the tragedy of losing her first born son, Samuel. The conference speaks to addressing ones transparent truths about hardships and disappointments and seeks to uplift people from a place of despair to a place of hope.

Currently, she offers seeds of wisdom and practicality for authentic living every Tuesday and Thursday through her “Provoking Moments” segment via Facebook Live. Lady Phelps has also coined the phrases, “I’m not for everybody, but I’m for somebody!” and “Girl, Fix yourself!”, both of which empower people to look again at self and embrace their uniqueness and seek to address hidden challenges. In addition, she is a high ranking leader in a major credit repair company to help all generations to be fiscally responsible. Bishop and Lady Phelps are the proud owners of the New Faith Early Learning Center and the New Faith Academy located in Stockbridge, Georgia.

On the horizon, Lady Phelps is preparing to launch a second book, create a stage play for her first book and expand her ministry outreach to international regions.

Lady Laurona Phelps is a loving mother to Samuel, Amanuel, Daisha, Eusebio Jr., Christian, Mia and grandmother to Iclyn. She serves in ministry alongside her loving husband, Bishop Eusebio Phelps Sr., Pastor of New Faith Christian Church.

19

PHILANTHROPIST

Eusebio

BISHOP

20

PHELPS, SR.

Failure EDUCATION

EVERY

Bishop Eusebio Phelps Sr., husband of Lady

IS AN

company”.

Laurona Phelps, is the Pastor of New Faith Christian Church of Atlanta and New Faith Christian Church @ Eagles Landing

What do you say to people who don’t understand that God

(https://wearenewfaith.org/ ) New Faith Christian Church is

desires for us to be successful in the marketplace as believers?

known as a place where people can meet Jesus and engage

“Well, they will never hear the Lord tell them, ‘Well, done thy

in uplifting the community. Bishop Phelps’ belief in supporting

good and faithful servant!’ At the end of the day, and in order

his community was also expressed on a fateful day at the local

for God to be glorified in our life, we have to take risks. We

Waffle House where his $40 tip and a brief conversation with

can't be like the one man that buried his talent. You know, the

a pregnant waitress led to a moment of inspiration: to raise

Master is expecting a return on the gifts and the talents he’s

more than $12,000 for this employee who was expecting

given to us. A lot of people say they are “a child of God,” yet

her second child. Bishop Phelps is also a very supportive

they don't have enough faith to go into the marketplace and

brother and friend to many. He says, “I would do anything

become successful. You have to be willing to take a chance,

for my brother, Apostle Travis Jennings, in support of his vision

you have to be willing to fail”.

for Brown Girls Magic. I'm just happy to be a part of it in this season.” The compendium of Brown Girls Magic stories

Describe your marriage. “Lady Phelps and I are both 100%

demonstrates how hard work can raise us to the next level in

confident in each other's ability. We don’t ever try to put any

the Kingdom and marketplace.

type of restraints on each other. My wife is not insecure. I'm not insecure, so I have no problem letting Lady Phelps be

Describe your kingdom marketplace calling. “I believe that

herself. My wife—she's beautiful, she’s anointed, she's smart,

God has called us to the marketplace and as such we should

she's talented, and she's gifted. We work hard, we push each

be successful in everything that we attempt to do in the

other, we support each other, and I believe it just works. We

marketplace that would bring glory to God. My wife and I

have a different type of marriage. I don’t necessarily have to

own and operate the New Faith Early Learning Center and

post about my wife on social media all day. That's just not who

the New Faith Academy located in Stockbridge, Georgia.

I am. I don't do that. I take care of home. So, I don't have to

I am a licensed life insurance agent. I also own Innovative

prove to my wife on social media who she is to me. I show my

Construction and Designs which is a renovation/remodeling

wife how I feel at home”.

21

characterized as a learning experience. Every failure is an What can other entrepreneurs learn from you?

“As an

education. Through the losses, I sit back and analyze what

entrepreneur, I’ve worked for myself just about my entire life.

went wrong. I make sure I grow from that failure. “There’s

I’ve owned a detail shop, I've had a carpet-cleaning service,

always a cost associated with education.”

a landscaping business, a janitorial service. I've even done concert promotions. As a result I’ve also had some losses.

What three words define you?

I've made some bad investments. I've made some mistakes in

“Loyal – Determined— Risk-taker"

business and ministry. However, those losses never deterred me from trying to do it again. “I've always been willing to fail.”

Phone: 678.782.5907 What did you learn from your failures? “My failures can be

Email: info@newfaithatl.org /Website: www.wearenewfaith.org

Biography

BISHOP EUSEBIO PHELPS, SR. Bishop E. Devon Phelps was born and raised in Marietta GA where he attended Pilgrim Baptist Church as a child under the leadership Reverend Doctor. Lenton Mitchell. During his early young adult years Bishop Phelps has humbly served as an armor bearer for Pastor Rogers Murray (Victory Family Life Church) and Bishop Keith Young Sr. (Vision for Souls Family Worship Center).

God gave Bishop Phelps in the spring of 2011 a mandate to birth a ministry. In the fall of 2011, the former Jehovah Jireh World Ministries now New Faith Christian Church was established. The ministry accomplished a lot within its first year…over 200 members joined…hundreds more were saved…a television ministry (RHEMA WORD) was launched. Within the second year another location (ROME, GA) was birthed along with the International Fellowship of Christian Churches where he serves as the Presiding Bishop.

Within his fourth year in ministry, Bishop Phelps successfully launched New Faith Christian Church in Stockbridge, GA. Bishop Phelps is a duly consecrated Bishop having a dual line of Apostolic Succession. He is a proud member of the Joint College of Bishops lead

by Archbishop J. Delano Ellis.

Being called into ministry as a child, Bishop Phelps has a tremendous testimony as God has graced him to experience the true “Hard Knocks of Life” and bring him back into the Kingdom of God for such a time as this. Bishop Phelps possesses the personality, ability, and apostolic anointing to reach the masses and connect easily with those who have experienced challenges and obstacles in their life. Bishop Phelps is a young man with a great call and even greater determination to “Answer The Call” God has placed on his life. The Lords has raised Bishop E. Devon Phelps to be a global leader in todays church Bishop Eusebio Phelps is blessed to be favored in ministry and matrimony with one of the world’s best-kept secrets, Lady Laurona Phelps. They are leading examples to Christian living for their six children: Samuel, Amanuel, Daisha, Eusebio II, Christian and Mia. A pastor, a husband, a father, but most of all he is humbled just to call himself a SERVANT of the Most High God. 22

Confessions of a

Brown Girl....

I am an INNOVATOR who walks in a reformers anointing infiltrating the seven mountains of influences by introducing new ideas, new methods and new products.

I decree and declare that the glory that is upon my life attracts help for my METRON and kingdom assignment. ~ Isaiah 60:1-3

I decree and declare the exceedingly and the abundantly is upon my life. ~ Ephesians 3:20

I decree and declare that favor is hitting me from the north, south, east and west. ~ Psalms 5:12

I operate in overflow. ~ Psalms 23

I decree and declare that miracles will flow through my hands. ~ Acts 19:11

Angelic

PASTOR

SIMMONS

24

Surpassing EXPECTATIONS Pastor Angelic Simmons

spent her youth mostly in Washington, D.C., the place she still calls home. Though her upbringing had many ups and downs, Pastor Simmons was raised by a wonderful single mother who worked three jobs to make sure her young daughter had everything she needed.

Pastor Simmons credits her mother for providing an example of how hustle is needed to get things done. “I remembered how my mom made it happen for me no matter what. Even though domestic violence was present in our home, and we had to flee that situation with whatever we had on our back, we made it through.” When Pastor Simmons’ mother married a second time that is when Pastor Simmons gained a father. Watching her mother’s loving relationship with a second husband of 36 years, Pastor Simmons finds joy that her mother finally had the chance to “catch her breath and have real support.”

and seven at the time.”

At the time of her husband’s death, the 36-year-old Pastor Simmons accepted the “clarion call” of God to engage the preaching ministry, https://angelicministries.org/. After serving as the interim at Pastor Nathan L. Simmons’ church, Citadel of Hope Evangelistic COGIC for two years, Pastor Simmons made the challenging decision to move on to serve as the founder and lead pastor of Total Victory Worship Center Atl. http://www.totalvictorywc.org/. She is currently the proud mother of two lovely young adult daughters, Victoria and Alexis, who both are in pursuit of educator credentials in their respective fields. Pastor Simmons continues to move faithfully into the legacy of excellence.

“I accomplished what people didn’t think I would accomplish.”

Pastor Simmons left her beloved Washington D.C., and her job in corporate America to move to Atlanta with her new husband, Superintendent Nathan L. Simmons, pastor of Citadel of Hope Evangelistic COGIC. Once in Atlanta, Pastor Simmons’ husband traveled all over the world, leaving her to cope in a new city alone. As a newlywed, she had to get used to being a “First Lady,” and subsequent pregnancies. Pastor Simmons relinquished everything associated with her previous life to embrace her new role.

Unfortunately, Superintendent Nathan L. Simmons experienced an untimely death at age 46. Pastor Simmons had to take on yet another role—breadwinner of the family. “I didn't really get involved with my husband’s ministry until he got sick. I was part of women's ministry, youth ministry, and helped by preaching from time to time. Now I'm working, walking into church leadership witnessing the aftermath of life after my husband passed away just prior to our eighth anniversary. Wow! So, I'm dealing with a whole lot of things. My children are young—five

What is your ministry calling? In what capacity do you serve your church?

“I am the Founder and Lead Pastor of ‘Total Victory Worship’ Center in Forest Park, Georgia. Our church sits on four acres of land with two buildings that we own, and this is only the beginning. I have the pleasure of serving the greatest group of people on this earth. We are reaching the community with love, teaching others how to live a victorious life, and building a lasting lifelong foundation. I also have ‘Angelic Ministries’ where my focus is to make prayer a part of our everyday life. Our goal is to teach a generation that with faith and prayer, possibilities are limitless! I bring prayer to the nation Monday through Friday via Facebook and YouTube, where thousands join me at 5 am. I’m also finishing a series of mini books on prayer. Why mini books? I want it to be able to fit in your pocket or your purse... sometimes we are in situations where we don’t always know what to pray or how to pray.

Everyone will be able to refer to his or her book, pull it out 25

26

and get a refresher every now and then. The first book will release this spring 2021. We are not stopping there. I’m currently developing a mentorship program for women like myself—women with purpose who have been called to pastor and preach the Word of God. I want to make sure the next generation has the support and the resources they need to continue spreading the gospel. I am fortunate enough to have had some of the greatest women of God touch and pour into my life, and I feel it’s my responsibility to do the same for those coming behind me”.

What insight do you have to help other women who are married to a legacy? “The role of carrying on the legacy of a prominent man such as my husband—this life can result in an obvious Hum that pulsates good vibes at times, contemplative moments at other times and even serve as a never-ending gnawing of wonderment at the brim of my brow seeking a break from life’s stresses. In other words, the ‘good vibe’ of a legacy is how it opened doors for me to preach, because my husband’s name carried a weight on the preaching circuit.

The legacy can be ‘contemplative moments’ at times, since in death my husband’s accolades may appear larger than life.

The ‘gnawing of wonderment’ may result when people think I have it easy because of who I was married to, not realizing the depth of the struggle I had to endure alone. Ultimately over the years my name alone carries enough weight to get me in the room. I no longer live in the shadow of his legacy but now I have my own. My girls have not only their father but their mother who is leaving an imprint in the world for the kingdom of God and their children to come. Walk in the shoes God ordained you to walk in, not the shoes of the legacy”.

What do you want the reader to take away from this interview?

“You have to believe in yourself when no one else believes in you! You have the power to rise above everything life throws at you. Stop limiting people by what you think you know about them. We love to box people in. Don’t just look at me as a Pastor or a woman in ministry but more-so as a woman who has purpose. With purpose, it doesn’t mean it comes easy. I have the same struggles as any other woman. I just happen to preach the word and pastor people as well. But with faith in God, I know that it’s possible. Whatever your “it” is, it’s possible.

I am not perfect, but I strive for perfection every day. I believe most women do, especially black women. We just move and think different. Black women have always had to rise beyond

struggle. We don’t have to compete with each other, but we complement one another. We all have something to bring to the table. That’s what makes the spread so beautiful—so much variety so many different gifts. We are truly brilliant”.

What motivated you to write your book "From Ashes to Destiny? ” I felt like it was time to tell my side of the story. I mean, my late husband found me, his wife, in another state.

So it’s no secret that the red carpet wasn’t exactly rolled out for me upon my arrival. I just wanted the people to know there was more to me than being Nathan Simmons’ wife. My book was written to show the readers that each of us could overcome anything. Just because your beginning wasn’t exactly smooth sailing doesn’t mean your ending has to look like your beginning. God will give you a crown of beautiful ashes. Oil is available because it comes out of the press. I wanted the readers to be encouraged. I want them to know their pain has purpose, and eventually their pain will help them arrive at the place God ordained them to arrive at. So, I told my story. I told it in a way that my daughters would still have respect for both their father and me and be inspired by my perseverance. I wanted to be totally transparent and get rid of the assumptions”.

What is your position in the marketplace and what is your inspiration to follow that calling? “I’m always looking for new opportunities that don’t take away from my responsibility as a Senior Pastor. I’m looking to be a balanced woman. My spiritual call is just one part of me. I want to be the whole woman, and my presence in the marketplace is a part of who I am. I currently invest in real estate and the stock market. My motivation is my daughters. As a single mother, I want them to see their mother owning things and being present in the marketplace. I want my daughters to know that we are the lenders, not the borrowers”.

Who are you, what three words define you?

“Loyal – Resilient – Survivor”

Angelicministriesbookings@gmail.com

27

28

Biography

PASTOR ANGELIC SIMMONS Angelic Dewitt Simmons preacher, teacher, servant- leader, counselor, author, and mother. Underneath the veil of her humble beauty and gentle smile, is a caterpillar like story of transformation and transition. She has withstood tumultuous times and dedicated her life to cultivating others as they evolve through their trials and advance through their troubles. In each step of her walk with the Lord, she is encouraging others to reach their God-given potential in their personal, professional, and spiritual lives.

Raised in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, Angelic was nurtured in a single parent Christian home with biblical values and principles. A graduate of Calvary Baptist institute and Regent University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Religious and Biblical studies. Pastor Simmons is armed with a word of destiny.

At the age of 28 she married renowned evangelist, Pastor Nathan L. Simmons. After being married for 8 years and serving her husband as ministerial aid and supporter, wife and mother, Angelic Simmons learned the bittersweet side of ministry when her husband died. The loss of her husband impacted not only her, but her daughters, Victoria and Alexis, as well as the members of their church. Uncertain about the future, she was propelled from servant to leader.

Determined to reach her God given aptitude, Senior Pastor Simmons launched Total Victory Worship Center.

Transformed from widow to weapon of power, her anointing deeply penetrates the mind, heart, and soul. Her teaching, preaching, and sharing of the good news of Jesus Christ has liberated many. She is the author of a motivating and captivating book; From Ashes to Destiny. As a woman of style, grace, and integrity, Angelic Dewitt Simmons is an inspiration to countless individuals as she seeks to empower them to become efficient and effective kingdom builder.

29

APOSTLE

Regina DR.

MARTIN ARCHAT 30

INTERCESSOR

PASTOR

Entrepreneur

CIVIC LEADER

An extraordinarily gifted intercessor, Dr. Regina Martin Archat, a native of South Florida, is an “Affirmed Apostle of Prayer.”

This South Florida native is also a Pastor, an entrepreneur, and a newlywed to her husband, Damion Archat. The couple’s home comprises an ecosystem of energies, surrounded by Brown Girls Magic resting in the splendor of their five beautiful daughters: Jazzmin, Olivia, Savanah, Sydney, and Selena. Dr. Archat is the Senior Pastor at Embassy Church of South Florida, having celebrated her 10th Pastoral anniversary as the Senior Pastor in February of 2021. She is also the Founder and Operator of Embassy College and The Embassy Academy, a K-12 private school, which received a nomination for ‘School of the Year’ by the I Am Hope Foundation. She has authored many books and publications, most notably “Forerunner,” which sold out in the first month of its publication. Dr. Archat is well known within the South Florida community as a woman of prayer, deliverance, revelation, and service.

During a time when strong leadership is essential for society to recover from the perils of 2020, Dr. Archat is an impetus for change and a beacon of hope for the citizens of South Florida. South Florida has experienced an abundance of migration from the northern United States, the Caribbean, and Latin America. If being the “first” is a reflective light of potential achievement for life’s desire that others may strive to replicate, Dr. Archat is certainly a bright light in this regard. She is the North Lauderdale community’s “first” African American Caribbean woman elected to office. Dr. Archat is the newly elected City Commissioner of North Lauderdale. She made history by shattering the glass ceiling to grace the chambers

of the City Commissioner as an American Caribbean Woman who won a seat once occupied by an incumbent Caucasian male, who held the seat for 28 years. As the City Commissioner, she was elected by the people to speak truth to power as a voice that represents the community. Dr. Archat is also the Founder of the fashion enterprise ‘House of Babydoll’, where she helps women discover their unique style.

Dr. Archat is a supportive Pastor who aims to foster growth by allowing members to walk through their own unique process, where God deals personally with them. If a member wants to know how to let God deal with them, Dr. Archat’s response is, “Try fasting while focusing on God’s word. We are a wordbased church, and we operate in the fivefold ministry as well.”

As a child, she saw herself traveling the world, inspired by two favorite shows on Lifetime TV. She would watch the history, world, and discovery shows with her mother for hours. The shows provided Dr. Archat entry into the notion that different places existed, as vividly shown on the TV screen. Witnessing the “beautiful falls” inspired her to go to Niagara Falls. Places like the Philippines on the TV show created a desire “just to travel the world.”

What is your ministry calling? And in what capacity do you serve your church? “I would say serving through prayer. I don’t really want to classify members as millennials, rather, I describe my church as an international church. We have a melting pot. The church is a melting pot with an island feel that consists of a little bit of everything for everybody. Some speak Spanish, some are Haitian Americans, and some are 31

Jamaican. The age range of the members is 25 to 40 years of age. The Embassy church motto is, ‘Come as you are. But you definitely won’t stay there”.

What is your position in the marketplace, and what is your inspiration to follow that calling? “I have books. I own a school.

My school is a Christian private school, which is kindergarten through 12th grade. I have a nonprofit organization called the Forerunner Mentorship program. This program is designed to push women to the next level and provoke greatness out of each participant: https://www.forerunnersfl.com/. I have books, including “The Spiritual Warfare Manual,” “I Owe Him Everything,” and “Forerunner,” and my books are birthed through the mentorship program. I’m a first-generation preacher.

With my book titled “Forerunner,” I teach women the principles of overcoming obstacles. The book also teaches how different challenges we face serve as inspiration for being the “first” to accomplish things, or as we strive to accomplish things in life.

The book is a set of principles and a set of do’s and don'ts.

And the book is also my story. It really helps people merge to that next level. I have two more books that should be launching during the summer of 2021. I also have a manual to use for prayer. The school used the manual because it is a Christian private school, but we no longer use it because we are updating the book”.

What does Brown Girls Magic mean to you? “I think about Brown Girls Magic as a sisterhood. We are overcomers, and yet, as individuals, we are not content to be complacent. The brown girl is content where she is, she’s not comparing. She’s always collaborative. She's celebrating her office. She’s just a wonderful human being. She loves life. She loves God. She’s up to the challenges of life, and she’s always ready to overcome obstacles and achieve whatever the enemy says she cannot achieve. She’s the one who’s going to challenge negative energy. And when you think about your Brown Girls Magic, if you had to take a handful of that beautiful Brown Girls Magic, you could simply sprinkle it out there on the world in the hope that good stuff will happen when the sprinkles rest on a space.

Brown Girls Magic will teach you how to smile through suffering.

Brown Girls Magic is going to teach you that you can overcome anything. I mean anything. You can do anything that you set your heart and your mind to accomplish. Brown Girls 32

Magic is going to want to see other people grow. She’ll be the one with a baton in her hand, and she will never forget her sisters. So, when you talk about spreading that Brown Girls Magic, it represents magic for everybody. There’s just something interesting about her. You can’t put your hands on exactly what it is. But you know what? She is special. She’s a special woman”.

What are your biggest lessons learned that brown girls could take away? “You can do anything. Just because you’re a girl doesn’t mean that you can’t do it. There is no one who is better than them. If they see it, they believe it, and they have it”.

What will the reader learn from your experience? “It literally starts with God. I’m not trying to be super deep at all, because I want to be able to touch everybody. I’m telling people to put God first, and you can accomplish anything. You can accomplish anything! And sometimes our vision for ourselves is so small, but with a prayer life, you can reach into the deep. Put God first! You can have anything! I hope we just continue to break barriers. We just witnessed our Vice President. Kamala Harris. do something amazing, including carrying the title of “first” Vice President of color. Vice President Harris is setting the pace of the trail for everybody to follow. You know, all of the brown girls now know that no matter where you come from, you can do anything. The Vice President’s story alone is amazing. She has a parent from the island, and now she’s second in command.

Now, you can, as a brown girl, make magic. You can continue to break barriers and shatter glass ceilings”.

What’s the biggest fear you have as a brown girl? “I think not fulfilling my assignment. I don’t want to miss what God has put me on this earth to do. I think that is it”.

What three words define you?

“Inventor—Forerunner— Compassionate” Email: Reginamartinintl@gmail.com

33

34

Biography

APOSTLE DR. REGINA MARTIN ARCHAT Dr. Apostle Regina Martin Archat is a native of South Florida, she is newly married and a mother of five beautiful daughters. An Apostle, an Entrepreneur, a Global speaker, a Patron, the Senior Pastor of the Embassy Church of South Florida, founder of The Embassy Academy K-12 private school (which was nominated as school of the year) and she is now the newly elected City Commissioner of North Lauderdale. Dr. Martin Archat made history as the first African American Caribbean Woman to win this seat which was occupied by her incumbent a Caucasian male for the past 28 years. She is also the Founder of the fashion enterprise House of Babydoll where she helps women discover their unique style.

Dr. Martin Archat was affirmed as an Apostle by her spiritual father Apostle Jimmie Butler. She is known as a woman of prayer, deliverance, revelation and service. Dr. Martin Archat will be celebrating her 10th Pastoral anniversary as the Senior Pastor of the Embassy Church of South Florida on February 11th.

In 2016, she earned her Doctorate in Theology from Galilee Bible Theology School- institute. On May 3, 2019, Dr. Martin was honored on Capitol Hill, where she received the Honorary Degree of Doctorate in Christian Business Leadership from the United Graduate College and Seminary International. Dr. Martin also was presented with two Proclamation from the Mayor of Broward County on May 26, 2019 and the Vice Mayor of the city of Tamarac on March 19, 2020. Both dates were proclaimed as “Dr. Apostle Regina Martin Day”. However, her success does not stop there: Dr. Martin has been the guest speaker of different local radio and international T.V stations; such as, The Word Network, Impact Network, Atlanta Live and Island TV. She’s been featured in several articles; such as, the Huffington Post, the cover of Kish Magazine and the Kish Corner as Woman of the Year. She is also the author of “The Spiritual Warfare Manual,” “I Owe Him Everything “and the recently sold out “Forerunner”. Dr. Martin Archat has also launched The Forerunners Global Network and her very own magazine the Forerunners Magazine which spotlights forerunners around the globe and share their story of success, challenges, creatives and game changers.

You reading this, Dr. Martin wants to remind you if God can take a woman from welfare, pain and destruction to a Forerunner who preaches the Good News; then He can do the same for you. He is no respecter of person and wants to use you as to. You are His workmanship, remember promotion ONLY comes from God (Psalm 75:6-7).

35

Vanessa

PASTOR

36

R. HALL

managing

Endurance THE YEAR OF

With a lifelong story of resilience, Pastor Vanessa Hall is once again forging a new path. After the untimely death of her husband of 26 years, Bishop Stephen B. Hall, Pastor Hall finds herself reconstructing a life she never imagined. As she continues to seek God’s guidance through the grieving process, she now moves forward in her new assignment as the Senior Pastor of The RhemaNation Church, using God-given wisdom with each step she takes. Her resolve did not come easily, and in fact, remains to be fully seen.

According to Pastor Hall, the process is steady. “I take it one day at a time,” she proclaims. Despite what others may think or feel, she moves ahead at her own pace, refusing to allow boundaries to be placed on her healing. She also makes her intention clear to press forward. Of course, defining her new role as a Senior Pastor of the church comes with challenges. “Pastoring in a pandemic is no joke!” she exclaims. She was thrust into the position in March of 2020. Her church – a thriving, charismatic body, had just purchased and moved into a new building, and almost immediately, not only were they burdened with the loss of their Pastor, Bishop Hall, but also with the shutting of the physical doors of the church, due to COVID-19. “This is my introduction to Pastoring, Lord?” Pastor Hall questioned. In addition to leading uncharted efforts to transition to a virtual church, she had to overcome the natural challenges of a church in transition. She was known as “Co-Pastor” and “First Lady” for as long as she was married; so, there are a few, sometimes confidence-shaking perceptions that she overcomes daily. “The devil will try you!” she states. “Can I do this? Will the people remain? Am I worthy? But I know that God’s answer is an emphatic ‘Yes!’, because I am here, she says, recounting a conversation where her daughter Ember, encouraged her to “just show up, and God will take it from there”.

Pastor Hall’s foundation is strong. She was raised in a two-parent home, with six other rambunctious girls. The fond memories of hardworking parents are coupled with the knowledge that unavoidable daily responsibilities did not stop simply because she had gone to bed. On occasion, she would be awakened from a deep sleep to complete chores. This training from her parents created a work ethic “to never stop until the job was done.” She has carried this mentality throughout her life. Growing up in the loving fondness of a grounded home-life was also supported by the training gained from her storefront Pentecostal family church.

Through this Pastor Hall was given a focused indoctrination of God’s word that she would never turn her back on.

Reminiscing on her upbringing, she retorts “I believe Proverbs 22:6 wholeheartedly, that if you train a child the right way, those lessons will forever be ingrained – even in times of questionable decision making.” This was made evident in her life after she left home as a young girl, because despite the lessons and examples she had growing up, she would soon make decisions that had lasting effects. Young Vanessa had a liking for “bad boys”, and more specifically ones who engaged in the underground economy, with the means to provide her with finer things in life. “By the age of 25, I had traveled the world, owned exotic sports cars, and lived in luxury homes not even my upper crust middle class parents could afford at the time.” That lifestyle had dire consequences, however, as two significant others of her past were both killed in connection to their illicit activities. The last one – the biological father of her son Anthony – died when she was only three months pregnant. “I knew I needed a change in my surroundings – if not for me, then definitely for my baby.” So, she pressed forward, building her life the next few years as a career driven, single mother. She ultimately used these real-life experiences of her youth to minister to young women desiring a way out of her former lifestyle.

37

it all, just as he had cared for me our entire lives together.”

Pastor Hall’s life would dramatically change one day in 1993 while walking in downtown Atlanta where she happened to look into the window of an IHOP. She saw a tall, 6’2” brown-skinned man dressed as if he was prepared to handle a corporate bank deal. She feels it was God’s voice that told her to go inside IHOP. “I just knew he was something special when I saw his shoes. They were sharp!” she remembers. “Someone once said to me, ‘when a man puts money in his shoes; he’ll put money on you,’ she whimsically states. She had asked a mutual friend, who also happened to be there, to introduce her to the sharp-dressed man. They exchanged information and chatted endlessly. The dapper man later came to Pastor her workplace and started the conversation with an unexpected admission: “You know what?” he asked. “What you saw me wearing that day in IHOP came from a better time in my life. I don't have anything now. But one day I will have more, and it will be with you. It will be you and I against the world.” Pastor Hall joyfully reflected on that day “The Lord tricked me!” She laughed. “He had me look at his shoes to grab my attention, because if I had known he didn't have a thing, I’m not sure I would have done something so out of my character to approach and introduce myself to my future husband.”

Eleven months after the couple met, they became husband and wife. Married 26 years, Bishop Stephen and Vanessa Hall were inseparable. A quick search on YouTube or Google will reveal that Bishop Hall was a giant of a personality, and well-sought evangelist who traveled the country preaching the gospel with his unique and charismatic delivery. Pastor Hall traveled most of the time with him, in fact she estimates that about 95 percent of their time (or greater) were spent together. “We just liked being around each other.” Recounting a time when Bishop Hall sadly declined a preaching engagement from a church that specifically requested that he come without her, “We were a package deal, and he never allowed anyone to discount my presence in his life” she states. That sincere love and fondness became the foundation of their ministry together. Their union resulted in a blended family: Pastor Vanessa had her son Anthony, Bishop Stephen Hall had his son Stephen Jr., and they later adopted Ember. Together, they founded The RhemaNation Church, where she served 15 years as Co-Pastor. They wrote a book, Space and Grace to Build a Bigger and Better Marriage, a guide to lead couples on the path of faithful, loving and happy marriages through practical and experiential teachings. They also jointly led the international division of Marriage and Family, a major pillar in The Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship. Bishop Hall was diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer in November of 2019. Three months later he succumbed to the disease. “It all happened so quickly,” she laments. “But it was my honor to care for him through 38

Although she would never imagine then, she now realizes that all those years were God-ordained on-the-job training.

She may be new as a lead pastor, however, her work in the ministry, pastoring, community engagement, and interactions with God’s people were cultivated through all those years walking beside the man of God. More insight from Pastor Hall’s story of triumph comes by way of a beautiful and transparent conversation: What insight do you have to help other women who are married to a legacy?

“Be who God called YOU to be. Though emotionally taxing at times, it's not difficult for me to carry forward the legacy of Bishop Stephen B. Hall, because I am not trying to be Bishop Stephen B. Hall 2.0. He cannot be imitated. At first, I thought I had to be all that he was. It didn’t take long for me to realize I cannot walk in his shoes. They don’t fit me. So, I move forward, keeping his memory alive, making sure the world knows who he was, but also being clear about who I am.

In hindsight, just hearing his voice in my head, I remember when he told me in so many words that this day would come.

He would say things like, “your time is coming”, and I guess I didn’t understand the prophecy in those words. Ultimately, being true to God’s word in a way that people relate to, and loving God’s people the way we always did as a unit, will help in carrying on Bishop’s legacy”.

How do you move in your new normal with the weight of onlookers watching your every move? “I pray fervently, ‘God, I need wisdom in every area of my life.’ I know he will never lead me astray. And despite what others may think or feel, I have also given myself permission to grieve. I have lost loved ones before – significant others, my mother and father, grandparents, etc. I would keep moving, because, in my mind, I had to. I didn't have time to process what was happening in my life, because I still had to be a mother, a co-pastor, a friend, an employee and more to everyone else in my life. But coming into the loss of my beloved husband, my best friend and love of my life, it hit differently. It has literally stopped me in my tracks. I have had to seek professional counseling. Sadly, in the Christian and African American communities, some people think if you go to a counselor, you’re crazy. Not true. I needed someone to help me process my grief as well as help me to move forward to embrace my passion and purpose. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that.

So, I simply let onlookers look. And what they will find is a woman – a mother who loves her children and grandmother, a pastor who loves her church, a woman who is about her business – but one who still is in mourning. No one can define when I should be ‘okay’. I will continue to show up, be the best me I can be, and I believe God will show himself strong in my efforts”.

What is your position in the marketplace and what is your inspiration to follow that calling? “In addition to pastoring my beloved, RhemaNation Church, I have a business that I am just as passionate about. What many people don’t know is that I love making things pretty. So, interior design is a gift and talent that I am exploring more and more each day. I love the challenge of working on a dime. Meaning, give me any budget—and I will make it work for you. I know a lot of people who don't have a lot of money though they desire to have an interior designer enhance their home. Long before the show Design on a Dime came out, doing so was a dream of mine. I am available to make home interior spaces look beautiful and clients will not have to spend a lot of money”.

Who are you, what three words define you?

“Strong – Nurturer – Resilient” 2020 was indeed a year of endurance for Pastor Vanessa Hall. Living a new normal has required her to rediscover who she is outside of the legacy of her husband. With a renewed brightness of life after loss, Pastor Vanessa Hall learned to do things differently. In addition to pastoring and ministering the Gospel, she now explores more things that she has a passion for. Through the continual prayer for wisdom, she has given herself the permission to grieve, regardless of the process that extends beyond the expectations of people who don’t know the path of grief. When asked what advice she would give to women going through any degree of tragedy, she states: “Accept what God allows, but don’t let it stop you. You absolutely must keep going!” Remembering the lessons instilled in her throughout her life, she pushes, “don’t stop until the job is done. While others may read yours as a story of tragedy, it’s your job to keep going until it’s one of triumph”.

The RhemaNation, “a church after positive results and not paralyzing religion.”

Instagram - @pastorvhall - Facebook - Vanessa Hall www.therhemanation.org pastor@therhemanation.org

39

40

Biography

PASTOR VANESSA R. HALL Vanessa Hall, a native of Atlanta Georgia, is Senior Pastor of The RhemaNation Church in Lithonia, Georgia. She serves in several capacities as an exemplary leader and woman of integrity, style and grace.

Pastor Hall is one of God's select gifts to the Body of Christ. She is an anointed, prophetic teacher of the Word, who specializes in teaching, encouraging, and guiding people to a more intimate relationship with Christ, and to advance the Kingdom of God through service within and beyond their inner circles.

After hearing the clarion call of God, and accepting the untimely death of her husband of 26 years, Bishop Stephen B. Hall, Pastor Hall was elevated from Co-Pastor to Senior Pastor of the RhemaNation Church. She celebrates this assignment from God and continues to work within the realm of His assigned places, as she continues her transition from mourning, back to ministry.

As host of an annual Women’s Conference and Retreat, she ministers to women from around the country with a restored mantle of love, great expectations and healing.

She is also Founder and Publisher of Elect Lady Magazine, a national faith-based women’s magazine founded on Christian principles and Godly standards of excellence, and on the belief that it is God's desire for every woman to be all that He created her to be. ELM was designed to provide an upscale media outlet that empowers, encourages, and exhilarates women of all ages and ethnic influences to be leaders in every area of their lives.

While obligations to ministerial commitments are a priority, Pastor Hall ensures that her other covenant relationships are well maintained. She is the proud mother to her three children, Ember, Stephen Jr., and Anthony, eight grandchildren, and is an inspiration to many as she seeks to empower those connected to her to be effective and efficient kingdom builders.

41

Confessions of a

Brown Girl....

I decree and declare the spirit of hope is upon me and I spread the love of Jesus Christ. ~ Romans 15:13

· I decree and declare that I operate in the greater than anointing and God will be glorified in my Life. ~ John 14:12

· I decree and declare my hands will produce good things. ~ Psalms 90:17

· I operate in wisdom and revelation knowledge. Proverbs 24:3-4

· I operate under an open heaven. Malachi 3:10

· I decree and declare that wealth is my inner strength and prosperity is my portion.

3

John 1:2

· I decree and declare that the heavens and earth are partnering with the plans and purposes of God on my life. Matthew 18:18 42

43

44

THE

COLLABORATIVE The dynamic women who echo Apostle Travis Jennings’ vision of “Brown Girls Magic” came together for an open, honest conversation to help readers fully understand their perspectives as a collaborative group of committed women. “Brown Girls Magic” reflected in this e-magazine includes Dr. Stephanie Jennings, Lady Laurona Phelps, Apostle Dr. Regina Archat, Pastor Vanessa Hall, and Pastor Angelic Simmons. In this magazine, they offered a precursor to their upcoming “Brown Table Talk” discussions.

The following highlighted sections provide a refreshing glimpse into the thoughts and opinions of Brown Girls who clearly hold the magic. These women’s five perspectives represent only a small part of the Brown Girls Magic discussion; the entire dialog will take place at the Brown Table Talk sessions, covering many different topics.

The Brown Girls Magic collaborative reminded us of how “invisible bars trap many of us.” Such bars cause us to feel drained when trying to accomplish goals outside of the bars. For example, some Brown Girls are trapped if they don’t understand the true meaning of friendship. Some friends are really comrades, only there when it’s time to battle. Then we have constituents, which are business connections, people we to do business with. Other people are considered casual friends through common interests. But then there is the confidante, someone who is there day or night, through thick or thin. The understanding of friendship is important when making decisions of who is allowed in your inner circle. The Brown Girl succeeds when she understands who is—or is not—a true friend.

As a collective, the Brown Girls are all eagles who, during a storm, rise above the turbulence to soar through the vicissitudes of life. This group of women has collectively sent dozens of Black children to college. Their philanthropic nature, coupled with their battle scars, affords them the unction not to apologize for their success. They are progressive with their work. The Brown Girl has the same 24 hours in one day as anyone else, yet they 45

move past their mistakes to reach life’s purpose. They internalize Romans 8:28 and believe that all things work together for our good. These Brown Girls are the same yet uniquely different, operating fully in the gifts God has bestowed on them.

Through different spectrums of brilliant hues, the Brown Girls’ lived experiences, determination, perseverance, and encouragement ground them in the foundation of God’s love and light. For some, Brown Girls Magic might appear to be elusive or unattainable; it might appear to be only for “special” people. The amazing women of Brown Girls Magic challenge the notion that magic is a mystery. The melanin in Brown Girls’ skin is steeped with ancestral gifts and talents that have allowed them to show up and show out, in spite of the various hills and valleys they were forced to climb in order to claim a seat at the table. In fact, many of the Brown Girls in this interview have built their own tables, and they invite all Brown Girls to gear up and emanate joy, light, and calm amid adversity. The walk of the Brown Girl has been brutal at times, sometimes crippling. However, with every step forward, there is one Brown Girl pushing from behind, reaching toward the outstretched hands of the ones who went ahead, the ones who paved the way with their blood, sweat, and tears. Brown Girls Magic is more than a notion—it is a community of fierce, God-fearing women who are blazing new trails and taking the typical stereotype about women in ministry and turning it on its head.

See below some of the pearls of wisdom gleaned from the Brown Girls Magic collaboration.

Beauty… comes in all forms. It’s not only outward but inward as well. When a person can demonstrate a beautiful attitude both inside and out, they provide a holistic balance, as having a negative attitude on the inside can take away from your outward beauty. Beauty is confidence and knowing who you are. It is not arrogance, but assurance. Beauty is also Christ-like and content.

Steadfast Support… keeps us uplifted. Oftentimes the enemy tries to isolate us, but in the midst of chaos, as Brown Girls, we have each other. Our care and love are genuine. A call or text to see how each other is doing helps a lot, especially in our positions. It is a blessing during trying seasons when you can have a Brown Girl to reach out and touch, to speak a prophetic word over your life and administer encouragement. It is such a gift to have other women who look like you, sound like you, and speak like you who, in your lowest moments, can pull you out of your despair.

Ability to Stand… even when your legs are weary. We have bounce-back and tenacity. Nothing gets us down. When we come back, we bring others with us. The ability to stand with

46

Brown Girls resilience helps us to succeed against the odds.

It was in us from our fore-parents to be strong. We can come through anything, but we need purpose as our driving force.

Having purpose will motivate us to get up, especially when we’re feeling as if we can’t go on.

Knowing when to sit… as your place can’t be at every table.

If you are feeling defensive or destructive or no longer being effective, maturity knows when to sit down. Rest is important, and knowing the signs of when to take a break and recoup is important, such as feeling depleted and short on patience. Be cognizant of when you can be seen and not heard, allowing silence to be your sword. Take time to realign yourself with God. Every mountain is not worth dying on, so consider what mountain you are supposed to climb. When you can see and hear that you are operating outside of who you are called to be, it’s time to sit down.

How to begin… taking steps toward your purpose. Just get up!

Put one foot in front of the other. Beginning is a mindset, so add movement to go along with your mindset. Having a sense of urgency will help you to begin to move. Good ideas plus God ideas will help you begin. A lot of times people commit suicide because they lack purpose in their life, so be sure to have the right support around you for those dark days to push you to that next level. Purpose will drive you to get up and recognize that it’s a blessing to be a Brown Girl.

Advice for the Brown Girls…. Remember that this Brown Girls Magic is woven into your DNA. Every woman possesses this Brown Girls Magic. That's just the truth! Understand that this magic is a posture that you are born with. If you look outside of yourself, you will find your future. We all can take ownership of this innate Brown Girls Magic, but not in isolation. In order for this magic to really stretch and leap, you need to connect with somebody who's doing what you desire to do so there is shared wisdom. It doesn't make you less; it makes you wise, because you asked for the help when you needed it.

Go on and get a little residue of the businesswomen’s oil.

Every Brown Girl is uniquely different. You don't have to try to be anybody else.

Just be the best you can be.

Walk in the shoes that God has given you, because the only shoes you can walk in are your own.

47

48

49

CREDITS Project Visionary Apostle Dr. Travis Jennings The Harvest Tabernacle Church Lithonia, Georgia Photography Credit Drea Nicole Drea Nicole Photography www.dreanicole.com

Pastor Angelic Simmons MUA: Sharita Austin Adore Beaute’ Hair Stylist: Serena Williams Hair by Serena Williams White Suit Designer: Cleah Murray www.cleahdesigner.com Instagram @cleahcouture Apostle Regina Martin Archat MUA: Ashley Green Instagram @ashleygreenmua

Formal Gown Designer Sir Algernon Johnson Instagram @siralgernon

Pastor Vanessa R. Hall MUA: Eboni Hall Instagram @evonisierrahall @ladydefrance Stylist: CK Nelson Instagram @ckbytheway Hair Stylist: April Hall @tlhairbyapril Designer: Gloria Byrd

Glam Squad: Dr. Stephanie Jennings MUA @Cherie Beauty_ Hair: Brandi Frye-Odom Instagram @ bflyexperinece Lady Laurona Phelps MUA: Valencia Joiner IG: polishedfaces_ Hair: DHair Lab Beauty Studio & Spa Instagram @hairbydeedie Designer for White Attire: Nicci Hou Instagram @niccihoucollection_

Project Director: Corretta L. Doctor Consulting corretta@correttadoctor.com

50

Project Lead: C. NaTasha Richburg thecnrproductions@gmail.com

Design Layout: Brandon Jolly Brandon Graphic Designs www.brangraphicd.com

Contributing Writer: JC Gardner

JENNINGS

VISIONARY

Travis

APOSTLE DR.

51

Model: Guthrie Bonnett (#ATOC) Photographer: Gaby Abboud (Chicago, IL)

WWW.BROWNGIRLSMAGIC.NET