Written by Lady Brenda Blackmon Jones, Alabama/SW Florida District

On October 2, 2015, Trinity Powerhouse Church of God By Faith launched its women’s ministry entitled Victorious Women By Faith (VWBF.) A Meet-and-Greet event was held in the church’s fellowship hall to introduce this ministry. Invitations to attend were extended to women throughout the community. The vision of this ministry was given to First Lady Brenda Blackmon Jones as a result of prayer and time spent with God. Lady Jones is the wife of Pastor Michael L. Jones and the daughter of the late Elder Tom Blackmon and the late Mother Evelyn Blackmon. Lady Jones accredits the Godly characteristics of her mother for the inspiration to start this ministry.

The response from women concerning this ministry has been phenomenal. The Meet-and-Greet event began with a devotion and the scripture reading of Hebrews 11 on “Faith.” An opportunity to mix and mingle was allowed as an ice-breaker for the women as they enjoyed food catered by Mrs. Demetria Futch (who consequently became a member of Church of God By Faith the same weekend.) The atmosphere was charged with the presence of the Holy Spirit as Lady Jones unveiled the vision and goal of Victorious Women By Faith.  Although it is the women’s ministry of Trinity Powerhouse COGBF, the vision extends beyond and is open to women of all denominations and church affiliations.  The goal of this ministry is to encourage, empower, equip and exhort women to discover and fulfill their God-given purpose.  Lady Jones has a burning desire to lead women to: live a devoted Christian life guided by the principles and teachings of the Bible; seek God; develop a strong, personal relationship with God; and to build Character of Godly women.

Highlights of the evening included women sharing personal stories, distribution of gifts to all in attendance, a trivia game of Women of the Bible (which revealed our need for more in-depth Bible study!) and much laughter and the discovery of new friendships. As a show of support, women from Church of God By Faith in Vernon, Florida and Ozark, Alabama were in attendance.

The ministry’s theme for this season is: We endeavor to go on daily “Treasure Hunts.” Our reference scripture is Matthew 6:21 "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." The Victorious Women By Faith are encouraged to focus hearts, minds, and souls on eternal treasures. There is encouragement to start by investing in a study of God’s word and exploring the "Treasures of Wisdom" in God's Word.

At the close of the Meet-and-Greet session, applications for membership to VWBF were distributed to every woman in attendance and nearly all signed up for membership.

The following are included under the umbrella of Victorious Women By Faith:

• Hospitality, Angel’s Attic (clothing/food for those in need)
• Intercessory Prayer Warriors
• Secret Sister (Exchange of Christmas gifts)
• Visitation (nursing homes, homebound, etc)
• Thanksgiving Blessing Project (food boxes to needy families/elderly
• Youth Mentors

Events planned for 2015-2016 include:

• Monthly First Friday Fellowships at 6:30 p.m.
• Managing Your Finances Seminar
• Bible Studies
• Women On Fire For Christ Service
• Spring “T” (Theme: “T Is For Treasure” Matthew 6:21) 
• Women A.R.I.S.E. Conference
• Health Awareness Seminar
• Breast Cancer Awareness Month Activities
• Thanksgiving Baskets giveaway to the community
• Annual Banquet
• Topics of interest will be discussed at each fellowship with designated speaker.