EPISODE 046 - LISTEN HERE

Tamika Sanders is the founder and executive director of Coming Out, Inc. She is a public speaker, spiritual mentor and a prophetic voice for this generation. She surrendered her life to Christ in 2007 in Detroit, MI, during her sophomore year in college at Eastern Michigan University. After years of serving in various ministry capacities, she answered her call to full time ministry in January 2016, after relocating to Dallas, Tx to join The Potter’s House Church, where Bishop T.D. Jakes is her senior pastor.   

After experiencing the delivering hand of God from generational strongholds in her own identity, and forgiveness of childhood abandonment which yielded the restoration of an estranged relationship with her father, Tamika grew a passion to see all people completely whole, set free and delivered. In 2009, she began mentoring women one-on-one who approached her with an expressed desire to find freedom in Christ from lesbianism and gender confusion that was triggered by childhood abuse, neglect and other traumas. After hearing their stories and stories of others who’ve tried to overcome in this area, she found herself relating to the root causes of their brokenness more than she’d ever imagine, while quickly learning their number one hurdle in staying the course to wholeness was finding adequate support within their local churches--leaving them feeling isolated, judged and alone in their struggles.   

Though she does not have a past in homosexuality, Tamika has a huge heart for hurting people and could not ignore the call from God to provide a safe haven for those coming out of homosexuality; a place to be healed, restored and renewed. Tamika is also committed to becoming an added resource to the church by equipping leaders with the proper tools to offer compassionate support, without compromise, while effectively ministering Biblical truth in love to those impacted by same-sex desires.  

With much prayer and a vision from God of thousands coming out of the LGBTQ community to seek lasting freedom and complete wholeness through Jesus Christ, Coming Out, Inc. was established on National Coming Out Day, October 11, 2016, which is also the same date as her birthday. Believing this was a divine confirmation from God, each year she dedicates her birthday to Coming Out, Inc. with fasting and intercession for LGBTQ communities around the globe and celebration at our annual Coming Out Gala!
 

W. Nikki Pearson, or "Reverend Nikki," as she is so affectionately known, is a native Washingtonian. She is an ordained Associate Pastor at FBCG, where she has been a member since 1997. Reverend Nikki also serves with the Pastoral Support Staff and periodically serves as a presider at various church-related services: eulogist, wedding officiant, preacher, conference and retreat workshop presenter and moderator. She is a Certified Bible Institute Instructor, a Women's Focus Studies Group Facilitator and Teacher. In the past, she served in the roles of Vice President, Secretary, and Chaplain for the FBCG Ministerial staff. She also serves as the Community Support Services Coordinator for SHABACH! Ministries, Inc., the 501c3 non-profit arm of the church.  

Reverend Nikki embodies determination and faith in all she does—she has learned that we all can live a meaningful life free of long-term problems caused by the issues, hurts, and disappointments of our past. Her mantra comes from Romans 8:28, and she says it like this: "Absolutely nothing that happens in our life goes to waste with God. He uses it all, the good, bad, and the ugly, every bit of it, to somehow work out for our good and His glory." Thus, she not only teaches and preaches the WORD of God in practical, applicable ways that incite hope, ignites faith, and empower and propels others to live a breakthrough life, but her life is a testament to it. 

Reverend Nikki is also a Psalmist, a published poet, and author of the book, Your Breakthrough Is Up to You, a must-read book that traces the woman's story with the issue of blood and her long-awaited healing and deliverance from all the problems that one issue caused. Laced within the pages of her story is the testimony of Reverend Nikki and her journey to her long-awaited healing and deliverance from the issues and problems of her past.  

Visit her website - https://www.reverendnikki.com/
 

Angel Colon survived one of the most deadly shootings in US history: The Pulse Nightclub shooting. The attacker killed 49 people and  wounded 53.  By the grace of God, Angel survived but was shot multiple times and suffered a shattered femur. Despite his wounds, Colon was determined not to let this shooting discourage him.

Growing up in a strong Christian home he knew the Lord was the source of his strength. What started as his "mess” has now became his message. Angel is using his voice to spread a message of hope, freedom, and faith to all who will listen. He wants the world to know that there is Freedom in Jesus Christ.

Visit his website at https://fearlessidentity.co/
 

Jeff Simunds is the Director of Tower of Light Ministries, a ministry whose focus is on helping those who struggle with same-sex attractions. He has been leading recovery groups for the past 19 years, speaking at churches and conferences, and doing lay counseling.  He has a heart for those struggling with LGBT desires, for family members, and for educating the church on how to appropriately love those dealing with this issue.   

 Jeff is single and has enjoyed a life full of friendships, ministry, and adventure. After pursuing degrees in Chemistry, Computer Science, and an MBA in Finance and International Business, he worked for a large company before taking a break from life and traveling the world for 5 years.  He has been to 104 countries and continues to travel whenever time, finances and opportunities allow.  He was also the President of the American Friendship Foundation (an international humanitarian organization) and at various times was the Director of Missions at a church, led a young adult singles ministry and oversaw the planting of 2 churches.  

To learn more about Jeff Simunds and Tower of Light Ministries visit: https://toweroflightministries.org/
 

Clarise is very involved in her Church. She is a Parish Nurse, Worship Leader, and until recently, she lead and mentored over 20 women in various capacities with a main focused on empowering them in their social, mental, physical, academic, personal and professional needs. She is a highly sought after speaker and singer. Clarise has been designated an Outstanding 

Woman in the Community - "Adored" Airborne Church