SOMEONE YOU SHOULD KNOW

Celebrating the Woman Next Door

In partnership with AdventHealth for Women, we are recognizing a woman in our community each month who is selflessly giving to others while raising families, supporting their loved ones and/or building their careers. Whether they know it or not, their stories inspire other women near and far.

Dr. Audrey Drummonds

Dr. Audrey Drummonds is the founder and director of Interior Coverings Ministry and Outreach Missions in Groveland, Fla. since 2002. Audrey received her Ph.D. in Religious Philosophy and M. Div. from Tabernacle Bible College & Seminary, along with bachelor’s degrees in Pastoral Counseling, Nutrition, and Dental Hygiene. She is an Archbishop of the Ancient Apostolic Church in the USA, and a presiding member of the World Communion of Christian Celtic Convergence Churches in the UK. She has been a businesswoman and CEO of 5 companies and LLCs in Florida with her husband Ron receiving several awards.

The Ministry has allowed Audrey to teach and travel to many countries doing medical missions and prayer pilgrimages around the world including Israel, Kenya and Germany to name a few. She has authored several books, and lectures, teaches, and guest speaks with an Apostolic/ prophetic revelation knowledge.

What is the one word that perfectly explains who you are?

Perseverance

Would you change anything about how you have handled challenges or successes thus far in your life?

YES! I would first try to pause to have a quick dialogue with God to show me how loving-kindness can be expressed towards myself in situations, so that my cup of love and kindness is filled and ready to be poured out to others. I usually find that forgiveness is a key part in this – myself and others even though they may not ask or deserve it. Then sending blessings of love.

What are you most proud of?

My three children. I can often look back and see where I could have been a better mom, yet despite my shortcomings I am blessed with two sons and a daughter that are simply amazing adults.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced and what did you learn from it?

Battling cancer. When I was diagnosed in 2012 with two different breast cancers, I had a double mastectomy chemo and reconstruction. It’s a journey that changed everything about who I was before the cancer. The fear of “what if” was hard to battle after I was in remission. Each year got a little easier to move on with life until 6 years later it came back for the second time. I asked people to pray specifically to “keep fear off me”, and to keep the thoughts of “what if” away. I was also going through a marriage crisis at this time which made the stress issues challenging for healing. After another year of a cancer battle journey, I did well to move forward until two years later, when the cancer had spread for the third time. This past year I’ve gone through four surgeries, radiation, and now two chemo pills for life.

I have learned going through each battle that the joy of the Lord is my strength and Life. During each trial and tribulation, I have found another realm of His love and presence with me. I hear His voice tell me, “Audrey, I know the plans I have for you, and they are good plans with abundant life. I will heal you Audrey of all your wounds and afflictions. I am always with you. I will never leave you. You are mine, beautiful and perfect in My heart.” (Jeremiah 29:11, 30:17, Psalm 139, Matthew 28:20)