Traci Bunn Powers was the first BWIMNC Scholarship recipient at Campbell University Divinity School in 1998-1999. Your support helped fund her education and prepare her for a vibrant life serving God’s people. 1) Tell us about what you’ve been up to since your time in Divinity School? 2000 Graduated from Campbell University Divinity School with M. Div with Languages 1998-2002 Youth Minister and then Associate Pastor, Lafayette Baptist Church Fayetteville, NC 2002-2005 Pastor, Calypso Baptist Church, Calypso, NC 2002 Birth of Ann Elizabeth Powers 2005 Birth of Abigail Elise Powers 2005-present Pastor, Westhaven Baptist Church, Portsmouth, VA 2009 Birth of Brett Joseph Powers 2010 became an Entrepreneur (focusing on Entrepreneur Stewardship) Opened Once Upon A Child, Newport News, VA 2012 Opened Clothes Mentor, Newport News, VA 2014 Opening Plato’s Closet, Mechanicsville, VA These stores are Retail/Resale–focus on reusing and selling great quality clothing and accessories at a fraction of mall prices. Heavy emphasis on recycling and reusing!! 2) What is God teaching or revealing to you these days? God is continually teaching to me our calling to use our gifts, resources, and skills to bring about justice in our community and world. 3) What did/does being a BWIMNC scholar mean to you? The BWIMNC scholarship allowed me to let my studies to be my primary focus. While in Divinity School I served part time in a church. The gift of time to immerse myself in my studies and ministry setting was such a blessing that I have always cherished. 4) What do you see as a current need and a current celebration for Baptist women? My current need is times of rest. Serving a church, owning businesses, and being wife and mother does not often leave much time for that. I celebrate that I am able to do all three of these as a Pastor. Baptist Women have come a long way (still a ways to go) and I am thankful for those who have gone before me opening doors and calling out the call! 5) Words of wisdom for sisters in ministry? You will change more hearts and minds through your servant leadership than through essays and thesis. I have had church members come to me and say things along the lines of “I didn’t vote for you when the church called you, but I would vote for you now!” 6) What can we be holding in prayer for you? Our oldest daughter has Autism and meeting the needs of that while also HAVING to be at church can be a challenge. Church is very difficult for her due to the highly social nature of it and the loud sounds of instruments and voices. She is 11 years old and still cannot sit in worship. I have no doubt she worships–but it may never be the way we do.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
July 2021
Categories |