Journey to Joy  Sisterhood Community Engagement Awards

-World Missionary Lillian Rivera Brown-
Lillian is an anointed servant of God who has devoted her life to fulfilling the Great Commission. For more than 20 years, she has served as Caribbean, South Central America Field Superintendent for the Women’s Missionary Board, leading outreach efforts both internationally and domestically. Her ministry reaches prisoners, the lost, the bound, and the poor, embodying the spirit of Isaiah’s call: “Here am I; send me.” Through passionate leadership and heartfelt testimony, she inspires others to serve. Alongside her husband, Brother Richard Brown, she has impacted lives across Haiti, Ghana, Honduras, and beyond.

-Chelaynn Hobbs-
Chelaynn is the driving force behind impactful outreach initiatives including annual Thanksgiving and Christmas food box giveaways, back-to-school backpack distributions, senior care packages, and school partnerships. Through grant writing and hands-on service, she has secured vital resources to expand food access for seniors and single mothers. Chelaynn embodies love in action, building hope, dignity, and stronger communities through faith and service. Chelaynn is a member of First Church COCHUSA in West Memphis, AR.

-Daphne Palmer-
Daphne is a devoted woman of faith and faithful member of First Church Worship Center in Birmingham, Alabama. She serves with humility, consistency, and a heart fully committed to God. At home, she models Christ-centered values, nurturing her family with prayer, wisdom, and love. Within her church, she is known for her reliability and servant’s heart, faithfully supporting ministry efforts with excellence and unity. In her community, she lives out Galatians 6:9 by uplifting and encouraging others with compassion and grace. Sis. Palmer’s life reflects quiet strength, steadfast faith, and a genuine commitment to serving others.

-Vondrenna Smithers
Vondrenna is a native of Brunswick County, Virginia, is a dedicated advocate for youth and emerging adults with more than 15 years of experience in higher education. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Virginia and a Master’s in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. A lifelong member of First Church of Christ (Holiness) USA in Freeman, Virginia, she serves faithfully alongside her husband, Pastor Quentin Smithers. She is committed to the praise team ministry, UCWM, Sunday School, HYM, and as Vice President of the Freeman Community Empowerment nonprofit. Vondrenna lives by Matthew 5:16, striving to let her light shine through service, faith, and family devotion.

-LaShawn Peteet-Allen-
LaShawn is a mission-driven leader with 15+ years of experience advancing nonprofit impact and community transformation. In partnership with The Salvation Army, she has faithfully led efforts to serve a hot meal every 3rd Sunday, preparing more than 1,500 meals since 2022. LaShawn is a member of Future Church COCHUSA in Richmond, VA. In 2024, she and her husband founded the HandUp Community Foundation to provide pathways to stability. She serves as the Director of Philanthropy for YWCA Richmond, championing a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and support domestic violence survivors.

-Carol Bailey-
Carol is a devoted member of First Church of Christ Holiness, USA in New York, where Elder Johnnie Green, Sr. serves as Pastor. With more than 30 years of professional experience spanning business operations, education, accounting, and healthcare support, she brings excellence and diligence to every role. Beyond her career, Carol faithfully cares for elderly relatives, mentors youth, and serves her community through food pantry outreach. At First Church, she ministers through the Praise Team, Sunday School, Corresponding Secretary duties, and the Finance Committee. Anchored in Isaiah 41:10 and Exodus 14:14, Carol serves with faith, resilience, and trust in the Lord.

-Serenity White-
Serenity is a young, gifted, and kind-hearted servant whose passion for evangelism has been nurtured through her parents and ministry upbringing. She actively participates in nonprofit church initiatives and finds joy in sharing scriptures that uplift and encourage others. She is a member of First Church COCHUSA in New York, NY. Though young, Serenity carries a heart for service that reflects wisdom beyond her years. Her commitment to faith and helping others is a beautiful and unique gift to her community.

-Missionary Brenda Strozier-
Brenda Strozier is a devoted servant of God whose life reflects faithfulness, humility, and excellence in ministry. She serves as an usher at Higher Calling Ministries in Decatur, Georgia, and on the Church of Christ (Holiness) U.S.A. National Usher Team. A licensed Missionary and Senior Facilitator for the Southeastern Diocese, she equips and encourages others in leadership and spiritual growth. She is also the founder of Seeds of Georgia, a nonprofit dedicated to community empowerment. As a Certified Life Skills Coach and CNA, she compassionately supports the holistic well-being of those she serves.

-Missionary Lydia Young-
Lydia is a devoted missionary whose journey of faith carried her from displacement during Hurricane Katrina to a renewed mission in Richmond, Virginia. For decades, she has faithfully served individuals experiencing homelessness, offering compassion, stability, and hope. As a member of Future Church of Christ Holiness, her missionary leadership has been a tremendous blessing to both the church and the broader community. Lydia’s life reflects resilience, unwavering faith, and a lifelong commitment to serving others.