The celebration for women continues across borders. Last Tuesday Liberty Fellowship Bible Church was on fire for the Rising from the Ashes Women Conference as part of the celebration for Women’s History Month.

This event was hosted by Liberty Church in collaboration with Women Across Borders. Pastor Joseph Persaud is such a visionary that when the idea of the collaboration was discussed last year he was on board.

The evening began with opening remarks from Ruth Caetano, head of Liberty Church Women’s department and powerful worship led by Sister Shanon. Most of the songs made reference to ashes which was profound because that was the official launch in NY for the new anthology Women Across Borders- Rising from the Ashes.The first speaker was CEO Guyanese Girls Rock who just returned to New York from the INSPIRE YOU conference in Guyana.

“Hope rises like a phoenix from the ashes of shattered dreams.” This sentiment sums up the message and the energy that was felt in the room during the recent Women’s Conference at the Liberty Church, and I am truly honoured to have had the opportunity to be a conduit of inspiration through my own personal story. This collaborative effort championed by my brave and empowered sister, Sonia Noel, the testimonies from the very courageous Jaymie Bowles and Hon. Consul General Atherly, under the spiritual guidance of Pastor and Mrs Joseph Persaud, left the audience uplifted, strengthened and filled with hope. It was an evening well-spent,” were the words of Cloyette Harris-Stoute
Mrs. Rachel Persaud took the podium to share about the importance of purpose.

This woman is a true servant leader and I will never forget the first time I met her. I visited the church for the first time and after the service, I told him I needed to meet his wife and he called her. It was the usher that seated me. She may be the first lady of the church but she is a true servant of God in every sense and very humble which makes me love her more.I introduced Jaymie Bowles to speak next but invited worship leader Emrand Henry and the band gave us some more worship and I know Jaymie appreciated that. She is battling stage 4 lung cancer which she shared in the anthology. She said this after sharing her very emotional story. “This the event was powerful and very well attended with great energy from everyone in the crowd. I am glad to have been a part of it.”

I shared on my living with intention journey then introduced our featured speaker, Hon Barbara Atherly, Guyana’s Consul General to New York. Although I have known her for years and we had many discussions but I was happy to be in the audience that day. She shared her journey and part of it was her time in Afghanistan. I am even more proud of her for resilience and bold to bring about the change in the education sector in that country where women don’t have the freedom we do.

“It was very inspiring and motivational. Listening to the stories of each speaker demonstrated the resilience and fortitude that women display to find their purpose. I believe everyone was encouraged to believe that in their darkest moments they can draw from their inner strength, to refocus and “Rise from the Ashes”. I commend Sonia for her insight, energy and affording us women, during International Women’s Month, to share and inspire our fellow women.” CG Barbara Atherly.

I personally can’t wait to read her book and have no doubt it will be a best seller.
So many people have powerful stories inside and I know recently more people are convicted and realising that their story is to inspire someone else. I am so passionate about this which prompted to take course training on how to teach people to write and publish their books.Stay tuned to this column for the upcoming free work on this subject.
I believe in collaboration and really appreciate this one because the feedback meant it was impactful.

“The recent women’s conference- Rising from the Ashes with Dr Sonia Noel in collaboration with Liberty Church in NYC was a smashing success!
Over 140 women came and were inspired with the powerful words spoken by each speaker along with inspirational music and singing with the Liberty band.

From the powerful leadership of Dr Sonia Noel whose influence brought the speakers together to the atmosphere of joy and praise and confidence that exuded the atmosphere.
Each of the five speakers was powerful and effective and from diverse experiences and backgrounds.

As Pastor of Liberty Church and CEO of Hope is Rising Global, I count it a privilege to have collaborated on this inspirational project and wish to invite one and all to come visit us at our church services when you are in New York City, as we are only 10 minutes away from JFK airport.” Pastor Persaud.

Send us an email to beyondtherunway1@gmail.com sharing with us something you did for Women’s History Month.
I am encouraging us to make a difference with people who make a difference as we celebrate this journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.