The Awakening Women's Encounter is an annual gathering of women from all walks of life focused on encouraging, empowering, and spiritually equipping all who attend. Women are given an opportunity to intimately bond in small group gatherings, in addition to enjoying times of corporate worship in large general sessions. Originating in 2009, each year this event gains momentum in attendance, power, and positive spiritual impact. Each year much prayer, fasting, and meditation is put into organizing this event in a manner that will set the atmosphere for God's dwelling. For this reason, we have identified it as an "encounter" versus a "conference". A conference has a beginning and an end, however, an encounter has a life-changing effect that impacts a lifetime.

I graduated from high school in 1984, and proceeded to Washington, DC, where I began my college education at Howard University. Totally unaware and unconcerned with God's plans for my life, I started enjoying the freedom of being independent and away from home. Like many other young people, who leave home for the very first time, I was more focused on "spreading my wings" than gaining an education. It was during this time that God birthed the vision of The Awakening, totally unbeknownst to me. Let me tell you how...

One of my favorite hangouts in D.C. was Haines Point. Anyone who knows anything about Haines Point, is familiar with the huge sculpture of the giant that was located there (it has recently been moved to the National Harbor in Baltimore). It is called "The Awakening", and gives the illusion of a giant rising up out of the ground with his face and portions of his hands, arms, and legs protruded from the ground. I could be dishonest and say that I was a great art enthusiast, and I enjoyed the detail the artist used in its creation, but it wouldn't be the truth. The reality is that it was a great place to hang out and party with my friends. I spent many hours there sitting in "His" hands, and climbing on the different sections of the sculpture. I also would retreat to this spot on numerous occasions when I felt depressed and all alone. Little did I know, that at that point I was having an encounter with a part of my destiny.

Let's fast forward to 2009 (25 years later), as I lay prostrate on the floor of our guestroom. I began to cry out to God in desperation for more of Him. I felt as if I was wasting away, with not much personal direction or fulfillment. I felt empty inside, and knew that I had to have direction in order to obtain the life that I knew God had ordained for me. It is in this moment of pursuit that God flashed the image of the giant in my mind. As I dismissed the image as a distraction from the enemy, I pressed in harder to hear from God. Still again, the image of the giant scrolled across my mind. I had not thought about that "the giant" in years, and in this moment God would not let me shake the picture of him rising out of the ground in an effort to free himself from the bondage of the earth. Then I heard "Awakening", and the Lord began to show me how my purpose was tied to this huge metal construction that I had once used as a place of rebellion, depression, and expression of my independence.

He began to reveal to me my purpose in ministering to women who seemed to be stuck and buried in a place that would keep them from fulfilling purpose and destiny. He shared with me that I would be integral in women "rising" out of deep, dark places into the light of God's love that would empower and equip them to fulfill purpose. After receiving that revelation, I had to first rise up myself and begin a journey that was unfamiliar, and honestly, quite scary.

What I realized in that "Moment of Awakening" was I was asking Him to use me, but I was not taking any steps to position myself for it to happen. My excuses ranged from my dysfunctional upbringing, to my life of destructive relationships, and a myriad of awful decisions I had made throughout the years. God let me know that He was fully aware of my past; however He was more concerned with where He wanted to take me than where I had come from.

So, I had to now implement in my own life, what I had constantly encouraged other women around me to do. "Do it scared!" I must admit, I was intimidated by the whole process of organizing and spearheading a women's conference. However, the Lord had already equipped me to be able to handle the task at hand. The truth of the matter is……The Lord has pulled me up and out in order for me to be used by HIM to pull others up and out.

Affectionately known as "PK", Pastor Kimberly Jones is Co-Pastor of Day of Change Family Worship Center located in Stone Mountain, Georgia where she co-labors alongside her husband and love of her life, Apostle Louis D. Jones, Jr. They have two children, Justin & Kayla, and one grandchild, Kingston. Together, they have been commissioned by God to touch many lives through a ministry of love and compassion.

Pastor Kim is founder of S.W.A.P. (Sisters With A Purpose), a ministry that encourages women of God to discover their Kingdom purpose and equips them to overcome obstacles that attempt to prevent them from advancing toward their destiny. Pastor Kimberly is also the host and visionary of "The Awakening" Women's Encounter. The vision of this women's event is to motivate and encourage women to rise up and be the champions God has called them to be.

Pastor Kimberly received her B.S. in Counseling, and Masters in Human Services Counseling with a specialization in Marriage & Family. Pastor Kim believes in counseling in accordance to God's word and is a member of both the American Association of Christian Counselor, and the Georgia Association of Christian Counselors. Pastor Kimberly is certified as a Professional Master Coach and owner of Living On Purpose Life & Relationship Coaching, LLC.

Pastor Kimberly loves preaching and teaching the Word of God and has a desire to see God move in such a way that will result in tangible evidence through healing, deliverance, and restoration. Her ministry gifts have been utilized at many women's conferences, retreats, and seminars. However, she does not miss spontaneous ministry opportunities that may occur in a restaurant, at the grocery store, or in passing conversation with a stranger. She is truly a servant of the Lord who understands the power of prayer and operates under a prophetic anointing. Pastor Kimberly believes that we should always give our Heavenly Father our very best, because He always gives us His very best.

Pastor Carla Clark co-labors in ministry with her husband, Pastor D. Clark. She is a woman of passion who is motivated to see men, women and children walk in their God ordained destiny. She approaches the pulpit with a prophetic anointing and faith in God's mercy towards "men." Her genuine love of God will compel you, her boldness will encourage you, and her faith will motivate you to victory. She is the founder of Intercessors, Inc., a ministry designed to train, teach, and equip the body of Christ on the foundations of prayer, the prophetic voice of God, and spiritual gifts.

She is a native of Atlanta, Georgia. Her academic pursuits include a B.A. Degree from Georgia State University, a M.A. Degree in education from Mercer University, and a ED.S degree in educational leadership from University of West Georgia. She and her husband, Dawn, live in Loganville, GA with their three children.

Co-Pastor Toemeika A. Goard is the wife of Vincent E. Goard and mother of Seth and Zoie. She delivered her initial sermon after successfully completing 3 years of ministry training at what she calls the FDT Ministers in Training Boot Camp (Overflowing Vessels Institute). The founder of Mending Ribs Women's Ministry which ministers to what the bible describes as the aged woman, in an effort to bridge the generational communication gap so that we as women can carry out the mission given to us in Titus 2.

Often described as a young Woman with old wisdom, she's a praise warrior for the Lord who's not afraid to take the fight to the enemy's gate. She is also an accomplished author of inspirational poems that speak to mend the hearts of the body of Christ. When asked what motivates her in ministry, Pastor Goard says, "She just wants to be real for and with the Lord."

Pastor Nedra Buckmire co-labors in ministry with her husband Curt Buckmire, Senior Pastor of Spirit and Truth Worship Center in Loganville, Georgia. She is a native of Brooklyn, New York and has resided in Georgia since December 1987. Pastor Nedra has been married to Pastor Curt for 24 years and has two beautiful boys, Christian Emmanuel and Andrew Christopher. Her heart's desire is that every believer knows what they believe, know why they believe what they believe, and are able to articulate what they believe.

Prior to being ordained a pastor, Pastor Nedra served faithfully as part of the core leadership at Stronghold Christian Church (SCC) for the past 11 1/2 years under the guidance of Pastors Benjamin and Dr. Sherry Gaither. She also served as Senior Minister to the entire ministerial team and as an Executive Assistant to Pastors Benjamin and Dr. Sherry Gaither. Throughout her tenure at Stronghold Christian Church, Pastor Nedra served as a licensed minister, worship leader, intercessor, senior minister and facilitated several training classes in SCC's teacher and ministerial certification programs. During her committed years of ministry unto the Lord, God was shaping a daughter to pursue and fulfill destiny. In October 2005, Pastor Benjamin and Dr. Sherry Gaither ordained Nedra to the office of Pastor to pursue the call of God upon her life.

God has anointed Pastor Nedra to preach and teach the uncompromising Word of God and to bring deliverance and healing to the Body of Christ and the world. Her message of hope and empowerment will ignite every hearer to pursue their destiny. Pastor Nedra's passion is to see every believer walking in the authority that God has given them, which is part of their covenant through Jesus Christ.

Pastor Nedra received a Bachelors Degree in Leadership and Administration from Beulah Heights Bible University in May 2007. Realizing the call of God to continue her education, Pastor Nedra will continue to pursue her education as God graces her.

Elder Shonda Holmes, conference speaker, seminar presenter, and counselor, is a multi-gifted and powerful leader. She serves in leadership at Elizabeth Baptist Church in Conyers, GA. She has committed over 25 years of sacrificial and dedicated service to the Lord giving wise counsel and empowering others to walk in the principles of God. She has learned and teaches the importance of walking in wholeness and holiness.

As an anointed preacher and teacher, who draws on her own life experiences to effectively exegete God's word, Elder Holmes ministers the gift of love, healing, hope and power under a prophetic anointing. Her unique ability to equip men, women and youth for leadership has opened ministry doors nationally and internationally bringing radical change and spiritual breakthroughs.

Elder Holmes is founder and CEO of "Successful Financial Habits." Her mandate is to help churches become financially healthy and thrive in ministry with a positive impact on the community while sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Her academic achievements include a B.A. Degree in Accounting and a M.A. Degree in Biblical Counseling.

Elder Holmes and her husband Elder Greg Holmes reside in Conyers Georgia with their four daughters, Jaala, Zuri, Madison and Camille