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Welcome From the President Greetings, I would like to personally welcome each of you to W.I.T.N.E.S.S. Book Club’s 20th Anniversary, Living Victoriously Women’s Conference. Wow, it’s totally hard to believe that in 1995 eight women joined me as I shared the concept for this God-Idea. Since then we have witnessed the miraculous hand of God as we transitioned from just a book club, to a ministry impacting the lives of thousands world-wide. Please know that you’re not here by accident. YOU were hand-selected to witness not only what the Lord has done, but to get a glimpse of what’s next on the horizon. Our 2015 theme is “Women of Character, Walking in the Love of Christ” and today you will have an opportunity to experience that love as you interact with the dynamic women who have served alongside of me, as we have endeavored to do the work of the Lord. Today promises to be transformational and life-changing so I hope you’re expecting the unexpected. Carpe Diem, Mighty Women and Men of God and remember that whatever you face, the Lord has equipped you to Live Victoriously. I’m grateful for the opportunity to “do” life with you during this season of our lives. I love you and I am truly grateful to the Lord for allowing our paths to intersect for such a time as this. Your sister in Christ, Jacques McNeil Founder | President W.I.T.N.E.S.S. Book Club www.witnessbookclub.com
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Program Agenda
General Session Praise & Worship Rhonda Shain Mistress of Ceremonies Edmarine Edwards Opening Prayer Evang. Arleta Houston Welcome President Jacques McNeil WBC Profile Wenonah Valentine Favorite WBC Experience Anise Fuller Morning Speaker Evang. Carla Torrence Break Out Session One 10:00am -11:00am Break Out Session Two 11:15am -12:15am
Luncheon Agenda Video Montage Favorite WBC Experience Dana Frelix Presentation of Awards President Jacques McNeil Introduction of Speaker Edmarine Edwards Keynote Speaker Pastor Theresa Ordell WBC Poem Wanda Hart Introduction of President Pastor David McNeil President’s Remarks Closing Prayer 4
W.I.T.N.E.S.S. Book Club Who We Are.. ABOUT W.I.T.N.E.S.S. Book Club Women Inspired Through Networking Elements Sister to Sister (W.I.T.N.E.S.S.) Book Club is a unique literary ministry that was launched in 1995, that reaches beyond the boundaries of an ordinary book club. The book club was established to equip women to live victoriously in every area of their lives through the study of Christian literature in a small group setting. The foundational scripture for this ministry is Hosea 4:6 which states, “My people perish for lack of knowledge.” On a monthly basis woman of all ages, backgrounds and regions come together to discuss a literary selection, to fellowship and network. We are challenged to grow in our relationship with the Lord as well as our sisters. Our meetings exude a warm atmosphere that enables women to feel comfortable discussing a myriad of issues without fear of being ridiculed or judged. There is a deep sense of sisterhood that fosters accountability and transparency among our members. W.I.T.N.E.S.S. Book Club Vision Statement To minister to the whole woman (mind, body, spirit); to encourage, equip, inspire, motivate and activate each woman through the application of the truth of God’s word and study of Christian literature for spiritual wholeness and victorious living. W.I.T.N.E.S.S. Book Club Mission Statement W.I.T.N.E.S.S. Book Club is much more than a book club! We are Women Inspired Through Networking Elements Sister to Sister. We reach and teach through fellowship that fosters healthy relationships by Our Literary Selections, Our Community Outreach, Our Health & Wellness Programs, Our Monthly Intercessory Prayer & Corporate Prayer, and Identification, Activation, and Cultivation of each woman’s gifts, challenging each woman to step outside of her comfort zone. W.I.T.N.E.S.S. Book Club Values ~ I Am My Sister’s Keeper • Accountable ~ Capable of being explained; not hiding or covering up • Dependable ~ Reliable; Trustworthy • Loyal ~ Faithful to your word; Faithful to your commitment • Transparent ~ So sheer as to permit light to pass through • Humble ~ Not proud or arrogant; An ability to be submissive • Forgiving ~ Ability to grant pardon; Tolerant • Loving ~ Warmly affectionate • Honest ~ Honorable in principles and intentions
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W.I.T.N.E.S.S. Book Club 20th Anniversary ... “If you want to keep something from black people, hide it in a book” was the quote that sparked the birthing of the W.I.T.N.E.S.S. (Women Inspired Through Networking Elements Sister to Sister) Book Club Movement in September 1995. Our foundational scripture is Hosea 4:6, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” Below are highlights from the past twenty years.
Contributing Newsletter Authors over the past 20 years • • • • • • • • •
Kelly Hill Anne Marie Smith Donna Derden Dana Frelix Dottie Love Dale Hill Stephanie Shelling Francine Gray Taunya Taylor
• • • • • • • •
Kimberley Thompson Lisa Farmer Lane Cheryl Thomas Clark Wenonah Valentine Daniella Masterson Keisha Chinn Sheba Williams Jacques McNeil
1995 – 2000 • • • • • • • • • • •
First Meeting, September 1995 with 8 women WBC monthly book club meetings held at a different members home Began ministering at Anne Douglas Center ~ For five years more than 100 women were ministered to Anniversary Weekend Retreat in Palm Springs ~ Journey to Success WBC Glen Ivy Retreat Entrepreneurs Network Launch ~ More than 100 women impacted Intercessory Prayer, held at West Angeles began First WBC baby born in 1998 Alaska Chapter formed WBC newsletter began in 1996 and members received newsletter via postal service ~ More than 5,000 women reached since inception WBC Restaurant Critics launched
2001-2005 • • • •
Virginia Chapter formed Intercessory Prayer included praying for a different country each month 1st WBC website created (2004) Newsletter included a recipe corner
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• • • •
WBC Cook Book created WBC 10th Anniversary Women’s Conference held, held at LAX Hilton McNeil family miracle baby born, 2001 ~ Micaela McNeil WBC Annual Christmas Party launched
2006-2010 • WBC First of the year, 21 day Consecration introduced • Fastercise was introduced • eNewsletter launched in 2008 • WBC Intercessory Prayer Without Walls Conference Call launched in 2009 • Meetings moved to Thompson Wealth Management Corp. • New website launched • Annual WBC Mother’s Day Skid Row Outreach Event Launched in 2008 and more than 2,500 women impacted • WBC Woman of the Month Introduced on website • WBC Legends Dinner, honoring women who had impacted our lives • Prayer Partner Connection and Secret Sisters introduced • WBC 15th Anniversary Women’s Health Conference Held at Manhattan Beach Marriott
2011-2015 • WBC Intercessory Prayer Teams introduced • WBC participated began participating in National Day of Prayer in May • Kansas Chapter launched • Monthly book club meetings transitioned to the Reid’s home • 60 Day Character Challenge Introduced and more than 1,500 people touched • WBC featured in Precious Times Magazine • WBC Praying Parents Prayer Group launched in 2012 • Break the Silence introduced in 2015 and more than 1,000 touched • Newsletter Revamped • 40 Day Prayer Challenge introduced – Mark Batterson, Draw the Circle • First WBC Self Defense workshop held • WBC Social Committee launched in 2012 • WBC Sharpen Your Sword, Scripture Memorization launched for entire year, new scripture per week in 2014
Former WBC Honorees • • •
Dottie Love Denise Roberts Althea Sims
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Kelly Hill Angela Bassett
In Loving Memory ~ WBC Sisters gone too soon: • •
Patricia Howard Nora Collins
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Alicia Mallory Kelly Hill
Authors who have spoken • • • • • • • • • • • •
Clara Tucker Keisha Chinn Kelly Hill Deborah Pegues Linnie Frank Michele Hoskins Stephanie Shelling Laval Belle Elizabeth George George Thompson Sharon Elliott Dana Frelix
• • • • • • • • • •
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Pastor Sarah Morgan Ronn Elmore Roberts Liardon Saundra Dalton Smith Theresa Ordell Terri McFadden-Solomon Wendy Gladney-Dean Wanda Davis Kimberly Blake Ludlow Bishop Charles Blake
Workshop Presenters
Jeanna Brown
Evangelist Keisha Chinn
Euvonka Farabee
Wendy Gladney Dean
Elder Melanie Grace
Evangelist Dale Hill
Marie Hudson, Dmin
Queenie Johnson
First lady Mavis Mcknight
Pastor David A. McNeil
Karen Tinsley-Williams, LCSW
Evangelist Carla Torrence
To read the Biographies of our Presenters visit us online at www.witnessbookclub.com
WBC 2015 Honorees
Victoria Potlongo
Evangelist Arleta Houston
Kelly Hill-Greenwade Woman of Courage Award
Spiritual Mentor
Deborah Smith Pegues
Mrs. Mary S. Varnadore
Best Selling Author Forgive, Let Go, and Live WBC Author of the Year
My Mother, and Woman of the Year
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edmarine edwards, msw, asw mistress of ceremonies Edmarine Edwards, a native of Kingston, Jamaica, moved to Los Angeles at the age of 14 along with her family. She is a graduate of UC Riverside, where she earned a B.A. in Human Development and a graduate of USC where she earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW). Presently she is an associate Clinical Social Worker, and for the past twenty years she has worked in the field of Public Child Welfare/Child Protective Services. She is a dynamic trainer, commentator, life coach and mentor. She has been a member of West Angeles COGIC for more than fifteen years, and she is a member of W.I.T.N.E.S.S. Book Club and a former WBC Intercessory Prayer Director. She is a world traveler, and when she is in the states, she mentors young adults. She is passionate about providing them with the skills to live successful lives.
pastor theresa ordell keynote speaker Pastor Theresa McFaddin Ordell is affectionately named after both of her parents. Theresa grew up against the odds... Black, female, sickly, but not defeated! When the world said she would never be considered naturally attractive, she decided to become Supernaturally Attractive! Theresa is an unparalleled Bible teacher that travels across the country offering keys of freedom to those bound in rejection and insecurity. She searches for “peculiar people” and gives them hope for living. Known for her testimony of conquering many physical challenges, beginning with being born with three fingers on each hand and orthopedic discrepancies with the length of her legs, she has truly fought for her identity in Christ! While a student at Howard University, Theresa served as an intern and worked for the National Right to Life Committee. It was during this time that she began to
develop her skills as a speaker, writer, and encourager for people who have been dumped on the trash piles of life. Years later, Theresa returned to California and earned her bachelors degree from Azusa Pacific University in Business Management with a minor in Biblical Studies. After being mentored by many powerful Christian leaders, serving in ministry for several years, and preaching the gospel with full authority, Theresa was licensed and ordained in November 1997. She then served as the Youth Pastor at the Straight Gate Church in Detroit, Michigan under Bishop Andrew Merritt who is her spiritual father and covering. Pastor T. has previously served as a former Board of Directors member for the Christian Entertainers Fellowship under the leadership of Pastor Frank Wilson in Los Angeles, California. She passionately served for a decade as the founding President of Sisters Inspiring Sisters (referred to as SiS), an organization designed to offer spiritual support and training for young adult women (between the ages of 20 and 35) and involve them in community service. Her very specific focus on mentoring young adult women required extensive research and development of uncommon ministry materials. As a result Theresa is the author of three books: Supernaturally Attractive for single men and women; SavedSexyCool for the young adult contemporary woman; and her latest book, No Room for Excuses, written for any person plagued by failed attempts to reach their purpose. In addition, she has written an in-depth one-year discipleship curriculum, which is the foundation of the distinctive weekly discipleship class called Me Management. Me Management became the first intensive discipleship program geared specifically towards the young, fast-paced, urban audience. Theresa is the daughter of author and author and Evangelist Terri McFaddin Solomon. After being single for many years, Theresa married her dear friend, Minister Darryl Ordell, at the age of forty proving that miracles happen at every stage of life. Although she battled doctor’s reports that she would probably never have children, Darryl and Theresa celebrated the birth of their daughter, Iris Grace, in May 2011 after she underwent two major surgeries that could have proved otherwise. Currently, Pastor T. continues to speak at churches and conferences while also serving as the COO of Claris Health a non-profit agency that empowers individuals to make informed pregnancy and sexual health choices by offering a variety of services through their medical clinics and support programs.
W.I.T.N.E.S.S. POEM Twenty years ago, by the grace of God a unique book club began. God touched the heart of His servant and laid out His master plan.
Ministering to the whole woman spirit, body and mind. Building strong women of God who are loving and kind.
It would be no ordinary book club but a ministry instead Touching the lives of women helping them get ahead.
We will always be our Sister’s Keeper and have each other’s back. We will no longer perish since knowledge we no longer lack.
Obedient to the Master Jacques sprung into action It was not long before W.I.T.N.E.S.S. began to gain traction.
Each book was a blessing, enrichment for our souls. Helping us to reach our destiny and our many goals.
Women of all ages
We learned to encourage each other through thick and thin, Loyalty, honesty and transparency from deep within.
Through the Word of God
Inspiring one another for greatness while praying for our sisters too. W.I.T.N.E.S.S. not just a book club but ministry in everything we do.
Elements emerged as
As we say our good-byes, and gaze at each face We will always have our memories and be a W.I.T.N.E.S.S. of God’s Grace!
Breaking the Silence to help set women free To live victorious lives and be all they could be!
May God bless you and keep you!
began to read a lot more. Inspired by her vision, no idea what was in store. and Christian literature too, Networking became easier and a fun thing to do. the ministry took shape. Sister to Sister, helping all women including survivors of rape.
Much love, Wanda Hart
W.I.T.N.E.S.S.
a unique book club but OH so much more! A ministry, Intercessory Prayer and Community Outreach galore.
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acknowledgements
Event Manager
Save the Date Central Sarah Harris
LaTonya Washington LW Special Events Management
Sound Engineer
WBC Planning Committee
Al Richardson
Maurissa Mitchem Communications Director Wenonah Valentine
Musician Casey Robinson
Assistant Communications Director
Exhibitors
Mika Williams Exhibitor Coordinator Myesha Luster Social Media Coordinator
Lesah Handford It’s a Wrap LaDonna Roberts
Purium Transformational Health Product
Volunteers WBC Members
Gwen Davis CAN Alina Estrada Heal Thyself Alternative HealthCare Kimbra Miller ViVi Jewelry Yessina Galvin Younique Ky Smith Trichologist Wanda Farmer Author, Sons of Love Iris Jones The Dream Whisperer
USC Radisson Hotel Jennifer Avancena
Photographer Valerie Goodloe
Videographer Pastor Carl McKnight
Media Coverage Events in the City TV
Florists Florals by Isabelle 14
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Jacques,
W.I.T.N.E.S.S. Book Club has been such a blessing in my life! I look forward to seeing the things God will do thru you as you close this chapter and embark upon another.
HAPPY 20TH ANNIVERSARY! God bless you! ~ Love, Dana
Katherine E. Mason Associate License Number 0H82310
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