For Rhonda Hodges, those slew of electronic messages, accompanied by some rather harm-warming words of encouragement came in at an increasingly rapid trend.
KINGDOM TREND SETTER — Evangelist Rhonda Hodges’ Denim And Pearls And Empowered Girls Conference that took place on March 9 at Touching Lives Ministries in Blytheville, Arkansas drew a standing-room-only crowd and was a success, she told Making Headline News this week. (Photo Credits: BLAIR)
“I have received numerous calls, text, inboxes, and emails from women who attended the conference as well as those who watched from live video, stating that they have a whole new mindset in how they see themselves,” Hodges, during an interview with Making Headline News this week, said while recalling the events of an event she hosted and figures to host for years to come.
The event to which Hodges is alluding of her inaugural Denim And Pearls And Empowered Girls Conference that took place on March 9 at Touching Lives Ministries in Blytheville, Arkansas.
A one-night conference that was powered by Rhonda Hodges Ministries, Hodges was also featured psalmist during an event that amassed a standing-room-only crowd and left a majority of the attendees in awe by the time the benediction had been given.
“I was there, and it was beyond amazing,” said Osceola (Arkansas) High School instructor and accomplished author Tyneisha Renai Collins. “Beautiful atmosphere from beginning to end!”
A one-night conference that was powered by Rhonda Hodges Ministries, Hodges was also featured psalmist during an event that amassed a standing-room-only crowd and left a majority of the attendees in awe by the time the benediction had been given.
Generally, such an assessment was echoed time and again hours, even days after Hodges’ inaugural event.
A Joiner, Arkansas native who accepted her calling into the ministry in April 2000, Hodges was officially ordained as a licensed minister under the leadership of Pastor Theodis Rucker.
To her credit, coupled with the fact that God has strategically set her aside for His use, her kingdom-based contributions have been nothing short of amazing since she sold out completely as a spokesperson for the Body of Christ.
Need more proof?
Look no further than what unfolded last week in Year No. 1 of her conference.
CAMPAIGNING FOR JESUS CHRIST — A Joiner, Arkansas native who accepted her calling into the ministry in April 2007, Hodges was officially ordained as a licensed minister under the leadership of Pastor Theodis Rucker.
“There was standing room only with over 125 women registered and (we sold) 230 I Am An Empowered Woman T-shirts,” Hodges a longtime Arkansas registered nurse, said. “This may sound small, but for an area where poverty is evident, it seldom happens. Not to mention, I don’t have my own church and neither am I a Pastor. Bur for outreach ministry, I was very satisfied with the turnout.”
As were the overflow crowd that showed up with a lofty expectation that Christ would be lifted up mightily for a time such at that one-day conference.
An event that was dedicated to women and girls of all ages, Hodges’ conference was centered largely on empowering them to understand their value as women as well as inspire them to focus on the importance of not throwing “your pearls to the swine,” as Hodges appropriately summed up.
“In other words, when they understand who they are and whose they are, then they are not so quick to settle for anything or anyone less than what God has instructed,” Hodges explained. “We are created with purpose, and I want women girls to know they must love themselves first.”
More than anything, Hodges emphasized, there’s this thing called respect, and she wasn’t merely referring to the classic song by iconic pop singer Aretha Franklin.
An event that was dedicated to women and girls of all ages, Hodges conference was centered largely on empowering them to understand their value as women as well as inspire them to focus on the importance of not throwing “your pearls to the swine,” as Hodges appropriately summed up.
“Respecting themselves and the call of God upon their lives are of extreme importance to me,” Hodges said. “It is my heart’s desire to empower them to walk in obedience for such a time as this and creating a movement that is contagious all across the land which, in turn, overpowers mind, body and soul.”
Because of the overwhelming response to her inaugural conference, Hodges has announced that plans are effectively underway for Year No. 2 of her Christian-based, kingdom-advancing event.
Given the outpour of support and positive feedback following last week’s conference, hosting it in 2019 practically was a foregone conclusion.
Let the church say Amen.
STAY TUNED — Because of the overwhelming response to her inaugural conference, Hodges has announced that plans are effectively underway for Year No. 2 of her Christian-based, kingdom-advancing event which.
“I plan to host this event again next year as I felt it was one of the best conferences I have ever sponsored,” Hodges said. “I will definitely look for a venue with more space. I hope to have a luncheon if finances allow. I would love to add more vendors to allow women to see the services that are offered in our county and, possibly some type of follow-up training or an open forum 30-to-60 days afterward as a follow-up to help these women and young girls to reach their potential.
“Many women stated how beautiful I made them feel, and that my passion for the young girls and women made them want to live, because they felt ugly and just wanted to die,” Hodges added. “Another lady sent an inbox stating, ‘Rhonda, you are a powerhouse, and I am so proud to know you.’”
For what it’s worth, those who turned out for the empowerment conference practically encouraged the mastermind behind the event.
“(The lady who sent the email) encouraged me to stay focused and went on to say how I was an inspiration to many,” Hodges said. “Another woman stated, ‘I love your realness and how you’re not ashamed to share your story and that you give your heart to those who you encounter.’”
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Andre Johnson is Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to [email protected] or to [email protected]. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.
Andre Johnson 
EDITOR’S NOTE: If you are an entrepreneur, business owner, producer, author, athlete, musician, barber, life coach, motivational speaker, cosmetologist, tax preparer, model, or pastor/minister who is seeking exposure and would like to share your story with an in-depth news feature, call Reporter Andre Johnson at 901-690-6587 or Facebook message him under “Andre T. Johnson” for details.
