Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended; but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14
Your Testimony/Story can help to minister to, encourage and inspire others!
These are various people's stories. They are not meant for legal advice or medical advice. The purpose is to share the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and what God has done in their life with others.
Sonia Brown
JohnKarl Council
Growing up, Sunday mornings were always reserved for attending church with family. Serving together on the step team, usher board, and music ministry gave us the unique opportunity to grow in relationship alongside our church family at Rodman Street Missionary Baptist Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. We attended Sunday School, youth church and weekly Bible study. The five-fold mission of our church is outreach, service & fellowship, teaching & youth, mission: home and foreign, and worship. Under the leadership of my pastor and visionary, Dr. Darryl T. Canady I gained great clarity in the call upon my life. With this foundation in place, I began to see the importance of worship and cultivating a lifestyle and identity centered in Christ.
I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior personally, and first received baptism at the age of 8. Before coming to Christ, I would often seek validation from the world that would send me on detours and take me further away from the will of God. As I began to search for wisdom and clarity, submitting my life to God, cleared the path and helped me to see Jesus more clearly. We must continue to grow in stature (anointing, maturity, and competence) until we reach our higher calling in Jesus Christ and execute what we were designed to accomplish. The word says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6). Once I took a step of faith and submitted my life to the will of God, He cleared the way, made the path straight, and He walked with me.
Coming from a musical background, I got involved as a musician for our church choirs at the age of 13. Although I was committed and actively involved at my church, I had not yet fully embraced my identity in Christ. I was blessed to have many musical and spiritual mentors that provided further perspective on the power of worship and intercession. Their commitment to discipleship helped position me to receive direction and insight from several leadership opportunities that came from first being led to serve in church. Often, on Sunday mornings, we would sing the hymn, “Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus”. Hymns invites us to come together and reflect on the promises of God. Worshipping through hymns will always have a prominent role in the church for their ability to remind us of the grace of God and the identity of Christ.
After high school, I served at Another Level Ministries and later became a member of the Young and Gifted Gospel Choir (YGGC). In his book Praying on Another Level Pastor J. Anthony Gilbert explains, “prayer empowers you to be able to understand the laws of the Kingdom of God and to work the Kingdom of God so that you might experience God’s power and blessing in your life” (56). Prayer is an opportunity to change your perspective and bring your will into line with his. Prayer allows us to demonstrate trust in God. His strength alone can sure up our senses.
In 2019, my college gospel choir (YGGC) welcomed the “See Revival” College Tour to California University of Pennsylvania for our annual JoyFest Concert. Building the culture of worship for college students, the tour started a movement focused on empowering students through worship, prayer, and Kingdom encounters. As the tour traveled from city to city, the presence and power of Jesus was revealed on college campuses nationwide. “When revival happens, whole groups of people – families, colleges, communities, cities, and even countries – experience a foretaste of Christ’s coming kingdom” (Golden 2021). Reflecting on this experience helped me to see revival on my college campus and in my life. Gospel recording artist, Lamar Campbell, once shared the importance of college-aged students committing their lives to Christ, “Making God the center of their lives at college and high school ages is the true path to success”.
Often, the impact of worship goes beyond what we can see in the natural. In the book of Acts, chapter 2 explains what happened when people from every nation under heaven experienced the presence of God. As the Israelites came together, the glory of God came rushing in and they all had a supernatural encounter with God. Through this encounter, they had a better understanding of God and his promise for their lives through Jesus Christ.
God has given us a great promise. He uses the seasons of our lives to give us a better understanding of His promise, for his presence to take root in our hearts, and to maximize our gifts in Him. Through this revelation, I rededicated my life to Christ and was baptized again at the age of 25. I have made the commitment to serve and to know Jesus more. Serving with the young adult ministry at my church has provided a way to help other young people experience God’s love. Our ministry is committed to leading the way to Christ. Our mission is to help young adults grow in a Christ-centered community, build relationships, receive discipleship and become leaders as they mature in their walk with Christ. Through the finished work of Jesus, we have been given a great promise of eternal life an assignment, “The mandate of greater for this priesthood is not that we just arise, but it is that we make impact in the Earth, for the Kingdom, and share this same mandate with others” (Psalmist Raine, 100).
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light”. - 1 Peter 2:9 NIV
Kathy Svilar
Ever Since I was a little girl I loved Jesus. Growing up in a Catholic home, I learned the Bible stories, so miracles were very real to me. They taught us about the appearances of The Virgin Mary to the children in Lourdes France. I was convinced that Mary herself was going to show up at the foot of my bed. I tell you this because I never doubted the amazing power God. As a wife and mother, I cared desperately to pass on my faith to my kids.
Now does the Lord care about careers, and jobs, new cars or which house to buy? When you hear the small still voice inside your heart, you will follow. I have experienced big miracles and small everyday moments from Jesus himself. My first break into television came as the Shop N Save lady. I was at the audition, looked around and saw 50 beautiful model type gals…. Oh no I thought, I’m just Kathy, an enthusiastic mom! So I went in and God put an idea in my head. We were saying a line “but this 5-pound bag of potatoes- get this one free”. I decided to pick up the bags, I gave a little grunt as I lifted the first bag in one hand, then the second, oh Lordy, it broke, and potatoes were flying everywhere. I quickly looked down as one rolled toward the big shot producers, pointed and said, “well you get that one too.” When I left, the ad executives said- “yep that's the girl.” A God ordained mistake created a fabulous opportunity for me.
30 Years later I’m hosting Sister 2 Sister on CTVN, I facilitate teletown halls for UPMC, and I have another miracle job at Pella windows and doors. I got an email from the Pella CEO in 2018 saying” I just ran across your profile on Linked in (a business site) and had a thought, you would be great as our spokesperson. “Wow just wow!!!” PELLA is a top-notch company. I replied, and have been writing, recording and doing personal appearances for Pella for 5 years. I found out later, Rick Hangliter, the man who contacted me, is a Christian believer, and a man of great integrity. I know the Holy Spirit put my name in front of Rick that day. Put the “thought” in his heart. Thank you, Lord! God has shown me great favor and granted So many personal and professional miracles. I remain on my knees in gratitude- and live my life to please the audience of one….
Thank you for reading of the blessings I have encountered, and please know, the same is available for you.
Open your Bible and believe.
Kathy Svilar
Latisha K. Robinson
I remember attending church at a very early age. During church service, my mom would allow me to go to nursery.
I remember hearing the teacher there talk about Jesus and reading books also about Him. That’s when the Holy Spirit really began to touch my heart. I wanted to learn more about Jesus.
Soon, my mom and I moved to a different neighborhood. Because of our move, we began to attend a different church. I loved going to Sunday School and attending the different events for the youth.
One day during Vacation Bible School, I told my teacher I wanted to get baptized. I believed Jesus had died on the cross for my sins. The next Sunday, I joined church.
I loved reading my Bible and didn’t want to do anything wrong that disappointed the Lord.
In my early teens, I started to stray and began hanging with the wrong crowd. I had one foot in the church and another in the world. And I often wondered how did I get off track. Praise God, He got me back on track and at the age of 18, I rededicated my life to the Lord.
Shortly after that I became engaged to a childhood friend. We grew up in the same neighborhood and attended the same church. We were married and we have five kids.
Early in my pregnancy with my 5th child, I was diagnosed with Stage 3A breast cancer. During that time, I had to make a choice to keep my baby and get rid of my breast, or to keep my breast and get rid of my baby.
Praise God because of His faithfulness I trusted Him and kept my baby. This meant I had to get a radical mastectomy and have chemotherapy during my pregnancy.
I went through many storms during this time, and wrote a book called Trusting God in the Midst of Crisis which tells how God brought me through this storm with flying colors even though the devil launched many life-threatening attacks.
I pray my testimony will encourage people to trust God no matter what they are going through, because He is faithful to carry you through.
Sabrina Williams
I have been to several churches in my life. But it wasn’t until I went to G.R.C.C. God’s Re-Creation Christian Center that I first felt the love of Christ.
I joined the church in 2009. I came to know Jesus by hearing the truth about Salvation and Sin. I knew my heart started changing when I started feeling convicted about the sinful life I was living. And the things I used to do no longer gave me pleasure. I made a choice. I wanted a real relationship with Jesus. And in 2012 I completely surrendered my life to Christ. The Lord not only delivered me, but he took the desires away from all the things I use to do.
Today I live my life for Christ. I’m an upcoming Minister soon to be a licensed Minister. I’m saved but I still make mistakes and when I do I repent and keep pressing forward and try my best not to make the same mistakes. Life still shows up, but Jesus Christ shows up also. He said he would never leave me, and he has kept his promise. I stepped out on Faith and surrendered my life to Christ. It was the best decision I’ve ever made.
God Bless.
Gary and Amanda Brougher
Thank you for taking time to read our story. My husband and I grew up in the small town of Somerset, PA. We both grew up attending church, however our personal relationship with Jesus took root during our teen years. We both attended a public school and then furthered our education. Gary has earned a bachelorette degree in journalism and a master’s degree in practical theology. We also took several courses through Victory Bible Institute. I received an associate degree in business accounting. We married young twenty-seven years ago and have had four children.
As we reflect on each of our lives individually, we each had those breakthrough moments of truth in our lives. For instance, at age 19 Gary had dealt with fear, depression, and anxiety. After sharing his situation and receiving prayer, the Lord touched him in a profound way that filled him with peace. God’s peace, there is nothing that compares. For myself I had dealt with a sexual addiction for years that really became overwhelming after we had married. I will never forget the moment of crying out to God and Him speaking to my heart to read 1 John through 3 John. The Lord moved mightily as I let go of that sin and really surrendered all to God. I remain free from that sin now for more than 25 years. God is our true deliverer, savior, and healer. There is nothing He can’t do and there is nothing He won’t help you overcome, if you are willing to surrender to Him.
Over the past 30 plus years we have grown in God’s love and He has shown us how to love others. We have been pioneering the Pittsburgh Dream Center since 2010 and launched out into the city streets of Pittsburgh and McKeesport in the year 2011. As we have trusted God and followed His leading, we now have 10 outreach programs that serve to reach out and build up the people God brings into our path.
The PDC vision is to meet the basic human needs, to see those we serve know the love of Jesus Christ and become a follower after Him, and to see those we reach live out their God-given purpose in life. The mission takes them beyond the walls of their recent gifted facility in McKeesport, into the local neighborhood and surrounding areas, and the city of Pittsburgh. It is through our 10 outreach and discipleship programs we’re able to fulfill our mission.
The outreach and discipleship programs are committed to being generous, building relationships, having an outreach focus, and being grounded in the Word of God. We serve and minister to more than 500 people per-month and partner with over 20 churches on an on-going basis.
The outreaches of the Pittsburgh Dream Center are as follows:
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- Adopt-A-Block: We go door-to-door meeting the most basic needs residents may have. The goal is more than acts of service, but also to build relationships with residents, connect them to their community, to show them the love of Christ, to enter homes and pray with people, and to invite them to connect with us.
- Bags of Hope: We learned that many local students go hungry on the weekends when they do not have access to food at school. Accordingly, we worked with the school district and reached agreement to help close that gap and fill that need. We now help combat children's hunger through our “Bags of Hope” feeding program. Every week during the school year, we fill 60 bags full of simple food to ensure children have enough to eat over the weekend. We drop off the bags before the weekend at a local school, where the issue of hunger is great.
- Community Outreaches: Several times a year we host a one-day community or holiday outreach in various Pittsburgh neighborhoods partnering with local churches and organizations. We offer free services and goods during this outreach. Our goal is to help foster personal and spiritual growth long-term between the residents and local partners.
- Discipleship: We believe discipleship occurs thru the models Jesus showed us according to Scripture. There are opportunities for individual, small groups, and corporate gatherings. Our desire is to fulfill the “Great Commission” and make disciples, so through our discipleship programs we offer individual discipleship for both men and women. A weekly small group meeting and a monthly corporate gathering. Our focus is not to have spectators of the faith, but rather participants, so all formats of discipleship are vital.
- Mobile Food Bank: It's our desire to continue to make a greater and consistent impact on those who are not able to receive sufficient assistance or have barriers in getting aid, because of physical and transportation issues. We have a Mobile Food Bank program where we take food to eleven different sites on a monthly basis. Not only is food distributed, but we have individuals who are available to pray with those who participate in this outreach.
- LIFT: Loving Interactions for Families Transitioning, we have been able to connect with a local foster care specialist to help meet basic needs for the children moving into foster care and the foster families. This ensures a safe environment for the child.
- Monday Meal & Chapel: Each Monday we serve a hot- nutritious meal to those in the local McKeesport neighborhood. Tied to the dinner is a Chapel service, which includes aspects of worship, a devotional, and prayer. We use this opportunity to build relationships with local residents through fellowship during the dinner.
- Street Outreach: Each Sunday evening we go downtown Pittsburgh in the evening and minister to the homeless, drug addicts, and prostitutes by taking food, blankets, and other items.
- Summer Fun: In the summer we bring a Vacation Bible School program into the McKeesport community. The program includes food, games and teaching that points the children to Jesus as their Savior and Lord. Children along with their parents are invited to attend the outreach program as we share the Good News of Jesus Christ and give opportunity for salvation and an invitation to be part of our discipleship community.
- Women’s Residential Discipleship Program: We offer a one-year residential discipleship program for women between the ages of 18-59. The program focuses on spiritual, emotional, and relational wholeness. Disciples will participate in biblical classroom teachings, house chores, outreach events, church service. This program is voluntarily and based on biblical principles.
The only reason we exist is to know God and make Him known to others. If you are willing, He will use your life to help others see Him.
As parents we learned to lean into Jesus as our oldest son found himself bound by addiction to drugs. We had to give all of our worries to Jesus and pray for God to help him be free. Over the course of 4 years, we watched our son almost lose his life to an overdose and miraculously live to tell the story. After God saved his life, he began to trust that Jesus did love him and the Lord set him free. Now he shares his story to help others overcome addiction to drugs and works for Recovery Centers for America.
Sydni Goldman
I remember the first time I encountered God and knew He was real.
I was about 7 years old, hiding underneath my sheets, because I was continually having really bad nightmares.
Voices in the middle of the night kept harassing and tormenting me, screaming at me, making me feel very afraid.
But I’ll never forget one night, a purple cloud appeared over me, and a still small voice said, “You’re going to be okay and wake up in the morning.”
After that moment, I knew it was God and those voices never screamed at me again.
What opened the door for those voices to torment and taunt me — I had been molested by my babysitter’s son.
The experience remains still vividly in my mind, the way he took advantage of me and violated me in the laundry room.
His act of abuse wouldn’t be the first — two other people within my family — my grandmother’s boyfriend and a female cousin — also sexually assaulted me at a young age.
If it wasn’t for the peace of God, the night He visited me in my bedroom, I don’t know where I would be.
At that moment, I experienced God as my refuge, my defender, and my source of help.
Jesus has always been real to me. I didn’t come to know Him through church or someone sharing the Gospel with me. He visited me. He rescued me. He came and spoke to me during the darkest and most devastating times of my childhood.
That moment sparked my spiritual journey and I have never looked back.
I know God heals the brokenhearted. I know God delivers. And I know through the power of the Holy Spirit, He works all things together for our good and gives us beauty for ashes.
As an adult, He has helped me continue on the road of healing through experiencing His tangible, manifested presence with His glory, the word of God within the scriptures, and through the love and support of community.
I am truly and eternally grateful for His vast and wide love for me.
Sydni Goldman is a Producer, media personality, and speaker who loves to inspire others and bring hope. As an emerging prophetic voice, she’s passionate about sharing the love and joy of Jesus with people from all walks of life.
Steve Mills
I was born in 1955 into a Christian home. As a family we attended church every Sunday and I had a perfect record for Sunday school attendance. When I was 13 my mother
died of cancer, and I became angry at God. At the age of 17 I volunteered for the Army and spent most of my evening in the NCO club drinking and partying. By the time I ended my military life in January 1976 at the age of 20 I was close to becoming an
alcoholic.
One night in September 1976 my wife and I were in our living room smoking
dope and drinking when we had a divine visitation from God. We immediately repented
of our sin and started going to church that coming Sunday. In November 1977 we
moved to San Antonio, Texas to attend International Bible College. During our four
years at IBC God confirmed His call on our life to be missionaries. We moved to Haiti in
1985 for a time of training and then moved to Kenya in 1986 as full-time
missionaries. While in Kenya we were involved in leadership training and church
planting.
We lived in Kenya until 2002 when we moved back to the States to work with the Global 12 Project, a global church planting movement. In 2015 my wife and I moved to Kuwait to pastor a new church plant there. In 2020 during the Covid 19 pandemic we
moved back to the US to work once again with the Global 12 Project now called
Surge. Presently I oversee all of Africa and the Middle East for Surge.
Steve Mills
Partner Relations Director/Africa
Surge is a global church planting movement working exclusively outside the United States.
https://surge.org
Rev. Marge Coker
Associate Minister of The Mount Ararat Baptist Church of Pittsburgh and CEO and Co-Founder of the non-profit Compassion from the Heart Ministry
I was raised in a family of eight siblings by parents Pastor Herbert W. Massie and Evangelist Helen Massie. Our childhood was in the 1950’s and 1960’s during the civil rights era. Our parents were hard working individuals that believed and taught us that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. (Phil. 4:13). We had the best of times and struggling times, but the legacy of our parent’s faith kept us strong. Our dad worked three jobs, a pastor, carpenter, and worked in Westinghouse Electric Corp. We emulated their Christian values as well as their commitment to believe that we can achieve and be successful.
With the help of our parents and our church family I was encouraged to pray about everything. I began, after being saved at an early age, to intercede in prayer for our struggles at home and for all struggles that I was made aware of. In my Sunday School I became a teacher, and assumed the superintendent position. After high School in the class of 1969, I began my career working for Blue Cross and Blue Shield. I started out as a file clerk. After three days I was promoted to balance accounts. I then aspired to a customer service representative for eleven years on the telephone. It was very tedious work, but I was determined to work with endurance so that one day I would be offered a position that permitted me to work directly with people. I continued to pray and one day was led to write to the President of Blue Cross. He said he was blessed by my work ethic. I was eventually promoted to an assistant supervisor in a satellite site. I traveled and opened up sites in and around Allegheny County and surrounding areas.
I was faithful in my job and in my church work. One day I heard the voice of the Lord in 1999 and I was led to accept my call to preach the gospel. I realized I needed preparation for that call. My pastor friend helped me to enroll in Geneva College and I earned a BS in Community Ministry and a Master of Theological Studies in the RPTS seminary. I strived to achieve as I had accepted a position as an office manager for Geneva’s Pittsburgh office, studied in college, and parented three children. During this time both my parents and my eldest son passed away due to severe illnesses. With the prayers of many and the power of our Lord and Savior Jesus, I graduated from the seminary in 2014. I was ordained by my Pastor Rev. Dr. William Curtis. I retired from my position as an office manager to serve full time in community ministry.
With God all things are possible. My Husband Rev. Charles W. Coker supported me in every endeavor. I realized the difficulty in obtaining funds for education and that senior citizens needed aid. With this in mind my husband and I co-founded the non-profit Compassion from the Heart Ministry. It is a threefold ministry. We evangelize, support student scholarships, and serve senior citizens. Due to my experiences and with our support for scholarship programs, we advocate students to move forward to college matriculation as soon as possible after high school.
By the grace of God, we rely on Paul’s words, “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” (Phil 1:6).
Lisa Massie-Evans
I accepted Christ, was baptized, and gave my life to the Lord at the age of 14. Before then, as little girl, I could not understand why my mom and dad took me to church all the time. I wanted to stay home and play outside with my friends. You see, my dad was a preacher and pastor of the church. We didn't just go to church on Sunday. We went to Sunday school bright and early, then morning service, and most of the time afternoon service. We also went to church on Wednesday for prayer meetings and on Saturdays for choir rehearsal.
I was the baby of in the family, and my 7 brothers and sisters had grown up and moved out the family house, so it was only me. I had to go wherever mom and dad went. Now that I am grown, I understand why they took me to church, and I am so thankful. Throughout my life, I have recalled the preaching and teaching of God's Word. The Word of God surfaces from my heart when I need it most.
I remember what my mom and dad instilled in me. I remember to keep God first, pray, read the bible, and to thank God for everything in good times or bad times. I can still hear my mom's voice saying, "Lisa, you have to have God's word planted deep inside your heart, so you can lean on it when you need it." This saved my life and kept me on the right path. God's Word is true." Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6 KJV.
After I accepted Christ, my dad baptized me and I happily went to church all the time.
I strayed away from the Lord for a while in my late teens and early adulthood, but I turned back to God. Studying and reading the Word of God and praying has been the essence of my existence. God helped me get through high school and college, and He is still helping and guiding me now. Whenever I feel like I can't do something, I say the scripture, "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me." Phil. 4:13. Then, I press on. When things happen that I don't understand, I trust God and "lean not unto my own understanding." And when I am on my sick bed and can't speak, I recall the scriptures that are deep inside
me for comfort. Or I sing a song we sang back in the old church services, like Leaning on the everlasting Lord. If I don't have the strength to sing, I hum (the words).
Today, at the age of 60, I am thankful I was raised in church. People used to (and still do) tease me and say I am a PK (preacher's kid). I used to feel bad for being singled out. But Now, I am happy I was and will always be a PK. I can honestly say what old folks used to say, "If it weren't for my faith in God, I don't know where I'd be. God has brought me a mighty long way." My parents have since gone home to be with the Lord, but I still remember what they instilled in me about God. My mom and dad planted the seed and watered it while I grew up. So, when the world seems like it's falling apart, I know God has the whole world in His hand. And I can honestly say, "It is well with my soul." Thank you to my mom and dad for taking me to church when I was a child. Most of all, thank you to God for sacrificing his son Jesus, so I/we could have everlasting life.
In Christ our Lord, Lisa Massie-Evans
Founder/Manager H.O.P.E. Helping Others To Pursue Endurance Ministries LLC
I grew up in a Christian home. My parents took me to Sunday school and morning services at church when I was very young. I sang in the choir and participated in several activities in church. My dad became a Deacon in our home church and later was called by God and became an ordained minister. My mom served as a choir director and then an Evangelist. I listened to them, and other pastors preach throughout the years and this was a blessing. As a young child I remember being deeply touched by the spoken word of God that is in the Holy bible. I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior at a young age. Once I became an adult, I eventually got off tract for a period in my life and discontinued serving the Lord the way that I should have, not praying and studying the bible enough, and applying God’s word in my life the way that I should have. Most of my focus for a while was on going to college, working, and at times being caught up in some of the inappropriate lures of the world. At this time important decisions that I made were mostly based on what I thought they should be instead of what God’s plan and assignments for my life were. Therefore, during this time, I was not fulfilling God’s purpose for my life. It wasn’t until some years later that I again put God first and followed his direction for my life as instructed in Matthew 6:33. God helped me make it through various mistakes that I made, trials, challenges, and times of suffering. Accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior is primary and a necessary foundation in our lives. God placed me in a career where I was able to help others, flourish in, and later retire, and now serve as a volunteer within the Non-profit Industry. I was diagnosed with Cancer in 2008. During this time, it was necessary that I receive several medical procedures and 2 major surgeries. Several people informed me that they were praying for me. During my treatment a nurse informed me that there were several people that were afraid of receiving treatment for Cancer. She interviewed me and asked me how I was able to make it through during my treatments. While being recorded I informed her that it was because of my belief in and relationship that I have with God. I also informed her that I accepted God as my Lord and Savior. My path to recovery was long and very difficult but God healed me and brought me through. After my medical treatments I utilized exercises, such as walking and eventually running on a track and field to obtain renewed physical strength. While running on the track and field I would listen to some of my late mother’s recorded sermons. I developed a closer relationship with God and my faith continued to grow. I am joyful to know that I have everlasting life through Jesus Christ and that I’m able to continue serving him through witnessing and helping others. Faith helps us to make it through the storms of life. Sometime After recovery I was able to establish H.O.P.E. LLC, to author a novel, selected as finalist for a TAZ award, selected to be inducted as a Women of Excellence, nominated by my employer for an award of Excellence, achieve a Globel Career certification, become a member of the National Career Association and be interviewed by television networks to share my testimony. I was able to learn and participate in the sports of golf, bike cycling, and pickle ball. Having a relationship with Jesus is the foundation of my life. I have learned to put God first in my life, do my best to be obedient to God’s word and keep on the whole Armor of God as listed in Ephesians 6:10-18.
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding; in all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
Roberta Bell
My mother would make us go to Sunday school and that’s how I came to know Jesus when I was fifteen years old. Growing up in a Southern Baptist church it was a very good experience confessing Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I just decided that I wanted to know and learn more about this man named Jesus so, I started reading my bible and the more I read the better it got to me. I would go through things in life and would pray and I noticed that the problem would soon end. It troubled me when I would see someone unhappy or sad and I would try to say something or do something to make them feel better. Like all people we fall by the wayside and start doing what we want to do and then things get worse. But the little voice I would hear saying come back to me and I would be at peace. I Read God’s word and I got down on my knees, prayed to God and asked for forgiveness for leaving him. I asked Him to come back into my life and God did. Today I am so complete in Jesus I learn to follow what he puts in my heart because I know that he is directing me for something better and I know that I have a great work to do for the kingdom of God. I tell everyone whatever you need Gods got it. God will deliver you from whatever you need to be delivered from. Just be true and honest to God because he already knows what you need even before you ask, God is waiting for you to just ask.
Roberta Bell makes an incredible sacrifice to help a pregnant inmate.
Hello, my name is Roberta Bell. I am from Vicksburg, Mississippi. I worked in a women’s prison in Tallulah Louisiana for three and a half years until my termination. I was fired from my job for taking in an inmate’s baby in the mother’s time of need. I was an honest worker during my time there as a correctional officer. I do not mistreat anyone, and I am a believer in Jesus Christ. When I worked at the facility, I gave it my best. I worked as if I was working for God. One day as I stood on the walk monitoring the walk during pill call and an inmate spoke to me. She said to another inmate I know who would help Katie, Ms. Bell. She turned around and said Ms. Bell Katie needs someone to keep her baby, so he won’t be put in Child Protection Services. I told the inmate Katie must talk to me herself. A few days later she came up to me and said I really do need someone to go get and take care of my baby until I get out of prison. She said I have about two to three months until I’m released from prison. I just need somebody to see after my son until I get out of prison. So, I told her to let me get with my supervisor and talk to him to get his approval. So, after the last chow I went in to talk to him and I told him about the situation, and I mentioned to him that I don’t want to see the baby go to Child Protection Services. I informed him that there is no telling where the baby would be.
My supervisor said, “I think it’s a conflict of interest but let me speak to the owner and I will get back with you.” My supervisor got back with me two days before the inmate’s delivery. On Saturday night they came down and searched her room down and found my information that she had to give to the hospital for me to have the baby. On Monday morning I went to work, and no one said anything to me. On Tuesday morning I was told not to go on the compound because the supervisor wanted to speak with me. So, I went to his office along with two other captains.. His captain said that he got hold of some of my personal information and did I know anything about giving my personal information out. I said yes, I gave it to Katie to give it to the hospital so I could pick up the baby. He said that is a conflict of interest. I said I have violated the policy and that I am women enough to take whatever my punishment is. He said let me ask you this; are you still going through with it? I said to my supervisor, if the hospital calls for me to come get that baby, I AM GOING Get THAT Baby. He said, “I am going to have to terminate you.” I said to my supervisor that I was not upset, I know that you have a job to do. So, he terminated me, and I left the premises and came home. But let me say, God had people come by my house and presented me with gifts every day. GOD SHOWED OUT HE GETS ALL THE GLORY, so I must keep doing GODS work. God is love and we must spread God’s love so he can heal our land.
Now, Bell is creating the Serenity House in rural Mississippi that she is remodeling and plans to make a transitional home for women leaving prison. Bell said that it’s just another way to continue the work she was doing at the prison, where she loved being able to talk to inmates and encourage them to change their lives. Bell has a GoFundMe organized by Amesha West if you would like to donate to this ministry that God has placed in Bell’s heart.
Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded.
2 Chronicles 15:7