PHOTO COURTESY OF COGUN.COM

PERRINE, Fla. – The process of becoming a woman can be joyous, but also full of anxiety for many girls and young women. In an effort to help pave the way on the road to womanhood for young ladies and to provide a space for women of all ages to address issues they may be facing, Souls of My Sisters women’s ministry at Sweet Home presents its annual women’s conference from April 8 – 10.

A panel discussion on challenges unique to Christian women will be featured; as well as discussions about marriage, living as a single woman and the importance of sisterhood. In addition, the controversial topic of mental illness in the church will be addressed. A board certified physician will also be on hand to answer health questions.

The conference kicks off on Friday, April 8 at 7:30 pm with a night of praise and worship concert featuring gospel singer Gia Wyre, who has toured the country singing with Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond, Vicki Winans and many others. The event will also include several churches within the community ministering in song, with praise dancing or spoken word. This night of praise and worship is free and open to the public and the entire community is invited.

The conference continues Saturday, April 9 with breakfast at 7:30 am and continuing with guest speakers and breakout sessions addressing the road to womanhood. Empowerment sessions have been planned for girls and women in every stage of life. Shenikwa Bailey Cager and her sister Cok- iesha Bailey Robinson will present a message to both teens and women. Co-authors of the book The Inheritance, the women’s backgrounds include ministry to women. In a break-out session for teenage girls, local youth mentor Barbara Boliere will talk to them about abstinence and how to deal with tough issues. Boliere is the Development Coordinator for the Abstinence Between Strong Teens International, Inc.

There will also be a marketplace on site featuring local vendors. The conference wraps up on Sunday, April 10th with celebration during both worship services at 7:30 and 11:00 a.m.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Sweet Home’s Souls of my Sisters Women’s Conference: From Girls to Women

WHEN: Friday, April 8 at 7:30 pm Saturday, April 9, 2016, 7:30 am Sunday April 10, 2016, 7:30 and 11am

WHERE: Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church, 10701 SW 184th St., Perrine, 33157. COST: All events are free except Saturday’s session, which is $15 for teens and $30 for women and includes continental breakfast, lunch, all sessions, conference tote bag and t-shirt.

CONTACT: For more information or to register, visit sweethome.org or call 305-251-5753.