8 minute read
Dianne LoftonDevina Boone
By Laci Ollison Photos by Katrena Wize Artography
In life, there things that happen that cause us to question what it is that we believe in. We find ourselves in situations that can shake our faith and push us past our limits. In those moments, we may also begin to wonder why certain things have to transpire. Who or what can you trust when your world is suddenly turned upside down? While some people might put their trust in horses and chariots, Dianne Lofton has chosen to put her trust in someone much higher than herself.
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Originally from Greensboro, North Carolina, Dianne is a wife, mother, associate pastor, prophet, and author. She has traveled various states as a motivational speaker, including New York, South Carolina, and Virginia. For ten years, she managed a radio broadcast called “Signs of the Times” which aired on WEAL, WQMG, and WGHP.
Along with her husband, she founded Sings of the Times Evangelistic and Missionary Association. This organization serves as a training and licensing hub for pastors, evangelists, teachers, and missionaries.
Dianne has also studied at both Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina and John Wesley University in High Point, North Carolina.
But while this woman of God holds many titles, she is most proud of how God has chosen to use her to speak life into dead situations; both literally and figuratively. It was her obedience to the “still small voice” she heard that led Dianne to become an instrument for God to perform a supernatural miracle in the life of her husband.
Dianne’s husband, Pastor Johnnie T. Lofton III, was hospitalized for 112 days. He spent 84 of those days in the intensive care unit. As Pastor Lofton’s health declined, doctors gave up hope twice and advised his family to say their final goodbyes. But it was Dianne who refused to believe what the doctors said about her husband both times.
“I laid in his bed next to him and spoke to his spirit, just as Elijah did,” said Dianne.
Doctors remained hopeless, unsure of what medical treatment or course of action would even work for this man of God. In their professional medical opinion, there were no other options for Pastor Lofton. But Dianne was sure of the word and the promise that God had spoken to her. Although her husband’s situation did not look good, Dianne knew that she had to remain steadfast and unmovable in her faith.
Before and after photos of Dianne and her husband, Pastor Johnnie Lofton, during his illness.
“If we speak life to a thing,” said Dianne, “and we believe what we say, it’s going to come to pass and it’s going to happen.”
For three days, Dianne prayed and fasted. She remained by her husband’s bedside pleading with God and reminding Him of every promise that He spoke concerning her husband.
After days of praying that her husband would regain consciousness and live, Pastor Lofton opened his eyes. Even after the doctors said that it wasn’t possible, this small physical activity was God’s way of saying yes.
“Hezekiah cried to the Lord and for 15 more years of life,” Dianne recounted, “and January of this year made 15 years.”
After having to re-learn how to speak, walk, read, and use basic motor skills, Pastor Lofton and Evangelist Lofton now travel together sharing their testimony of grace and healing to people around the world. The anointed couple have a deep passion for seeing people healed, delivered, and set free. Together they have cast out many evil spirits in the Name of Jesus. Their hope is to be examples of leaders who exemplify unconditional love.
Dianne also transformed the story of her husband’s testimony, among others, in a book entitled “Shine: Unlocking the Door to Your Miracle.”
In this book, Dianne shares a collection of true short stories of miracles that are written to inspire the reader to increase their faith in God. The book talks about how her obedience to the Holy Spirit has allowed her to be a first-hand witness to numerous miracles, signs, and wonders. She also writes of a woman who was called to rescue her child out of the morgue.
In addition to being a woman of faith, Dianne is a proud mother of four and grandmother of five. She says that her family is her greatest motivation.
Dianne and her husband, Pastor Lofton, currently co-pastor Bethlehem Baptist church in High Point, North Carolina where they have been serving in ministry for 34 years.
You can also find Dianne working tirelessly in the cities of High Point and Greensboro. She is an active mentor for the Weed and Seed Project and serves in the prison and nursing home ministries.
She also has affiliations with Total Christian TV and Morning Alive in Graham, North Carolina where she acted as a prayer partner and co-host.
When Dianne isn’t doing ministry work, she loves to sing and dance, no matter who is watching. She is inspired by music of all genres. Dianne also loves to admire nature and calls it “God’s work.” The best art to her is when God paints the sky with beautifully colored hues in a cloudy day or starry night.
“Lady Di,” as she is often called, believes that her mission is to “rescue the underdog.” She has a genuine drive to see others succeed. h
Tiffany Draper
By Terry L. Watson Photos by TIffany Draper
Tiffany Draper of Huntsville, AL is not allowing any grass to grown under her feet. This young and beautiful lady embodies the absolute meaning of what ambitious means.
In business, and especially for those who are self-employed, it can be hard to get people to support you. Not having money or supporters can be tough for a business owner, however it’s during those tough moments, character is developed, and survival is dependent upon determination. This is what Tiffany Draper is all about.
She is an entrepreneur who is passionate about generational wealth and encouraging other black women. “As a survivor of many things, I want to reach as many women in the world and encourage them to love themselves and never give up on their life or dreams. I love people and I believe that God has called me to serve His people,” she says.
One of the businesses she owns is a women’s empowerment business, Tea With Tiffany. Tea With Tiffany is a platform she started to give women hope and to empower one another. “In 2016, I remember waking by a mirror and not recognizing myself. As a result of this I decided to write about it publicly on Facebook. Women from all backgrounds started to follow and write me. It was a coming to terms with myself kind of moment. I believe that you must bring your whole self to the table if you want to succeed in life, your personality, your sense of humor, and most importantly, your heart. All these elements help to build your character. And so, in that same year of 2016, God gave me a vision to launch Tea With Tiffany. I started out writing posts on Facebook and trying to grow my audience through social media. Writing became second nature to me and from there the blog was birthed,” she says.
Another business owned by Tiffany is the event center, Studio 53. Opened in November 2019, it is available to meet the needs of anyone in the Huntsville area. Their spacious facility is capable of being the host location of parties, special events, and much more.
As if Tiffany hadn’t enough on her plate, she has found time to author and publish her first book, But She Didn’t Quit Though. “I wrote my very first book in September 2018. It’s basically an open letter to myself, apologizing to myself for how I mishandled myself. I was free from bondage after that,” Tiffany shares.
While there could several reasons as to why Tiffany pushes herself to do so much, it’s obvious she genuinely loves people and enjoys seeing them happy. Furthermore, she shares how the impact that her mother and kids have on her life, and the influence they have in her business. “My mom was a single parent and I remember promising myself that I would take care of her one day if I could. She sacrificed so much for my brother and I, and I knew I needed to be successful and show her that she had done a great job with us,” she says.
As a businesswoman, Tiffany draws strength from other people who have made it and reached back into their community. Like others, she hopes that will be her story as well. Tiffany offers some advice to others who may have similar experiences, “Stay humble, and don’t quit! Quitting is not an option. God will never give you an assignment if He believed that you couldn’t handle it. Stay the course and most of all, trust God,” she says. h
