Do you personally know Felicia Alphonse? If not, you're missing out! She's a gift to everyone she meets. We are so very blessed to have her as a member of Celebration Church. Here's an opportunity to find out more about the awesomeness that is, Felicia.
Felicia, where are you
originally from?
I was born in Bronx,
New York and I lived there until I was about 8 years old, but I grew up for the
most part in Virginia.
When did you say YES to
Jesus?
In the spring of
2009 I said YES to Jesus. I was at a dark place in my life or so I thought.
Even then I knew Jesus was the only true way. You see on October 30, 2006 God
saved my life and the lives of my girls (that is an amazing story that I will
share with you one day) so, Jesus was real to me even before 2009. After all, my Mother was a woman of faith and
she made sure I knew about Jesus. For me between October 30, 2006 and 2009 I
was going through trials and tribulations, I had to come to a point where Jesus
was really my one and only true Lord and Savior. During that time God never
gave up on me. He continued to pull on my heart until I welcomed His Son Jesus
in. Today I am a Joint Heir with Jesus and an Heir to God my Father the Great I
AM.
Can you share with us how you ended
up at Celebration Church? What brought you to the church and what drew you back
a second time?
I often have my car detailed
on Saturdays at the place on the corner by the Church. While the car is being
detailed my daughter and I always walk through the neighborhood. I noticed a
vehicle parked at the church and I always wondered about the Church so, I went
to the door. Pastor Deanna answered the door and I asked what kind of church it
was. I’m sure she thought I was crazy. I went on to say I was getting my car
detailed next door and I often walked past the yet I knew nothing about the
church. We were then invited in and Pastor Deanna began to tell me and my
daughter Gia all about the church. She gave us a tour and invited us to Sunday
service. Gia and I felt good about what I thought was a chance encounter.
There was something in Pastor
Deanna’s spirit that drew me during my tour and while speaking with her. I was
able to be open concerning my struggles and also share the matters of my heart
from the very start. I never intended to do those things when I went to the
door. I just wanted to know the denomination of the Church.
After that first chance
Saturday encounter with Pastor Deanna, I had to attend a Sunday service. One week later Gia and I made our first visit,
which happened to be about two weeks before Thanksgiving. I absolutely adored
everything about it! The experience was a breath of fresh air. I was so excited
and amazed. The praise and worship, The Word, the fellowship and not mention
the Children’s Church for Gia were all just what we needed. It felt like family
and we have been attending ever since.
How many children do you have? Can
you share a bit about each one?
I have two beautiful girls.
Toy is 26 years old and Gia is11 years old. Currently Toy lives in Virginia.
She is a poet and an inspiring artist and quite good at both. Toy’s passion
lies in her art work and she longs to work fulltime as an artist. We just
discovered that Gia is an amazing artist as well and she is proving to be great
in gymnastics. She recently started gymnastics and has moved up to advanced
classes. Please keep us in prayer that I my work schedule will soon allow me to
be able to accommodate her gymnastics schedule. Gia loves the Lord, has a big
heart and is very loving and caring little girl.
You are a lady of many talents and roles.
Can you share with us your career and interests?
Presently I am an Academic Advisor (College Students)
and a Counselor. I take great joy in speaking positive into the lives of the
people I come into contact with and motivating them to be their best. It is my
belief that as long as you are alive it is never too late to turn things around
for the better. Change is never easy, but it is attainable with God. I have a
love for helping others reach their full potential. As a Counselor my clients
usually vary from ages 24 – 97.
I am currently pursuing certification as a Sexual
Addictions Treatment Provider and awaiting my credentials as a Board Certified
Christian Counselor. One of my greatest
rewards is helping those in need of relationship and intimacy counseling.
As a Counselor I want to find the best way to use the
gifts God has given me to aid people who are hurt or struggling. I have been
blessed with the opportunity to facilitate a Single Mother’s Group, and in the
near future I would also like to facilitate a group for spouses of sexual
addicts. A long term goal I have is to open a transitional home for single
working mothers, women who are slightly over the income guidelines for
assistance in other areas. Additionally, I aspire to bring my mission to an
international base and provide counseling wherever it is needed in the world.
What is your greatest passion?
Wow, my greatest passion is
kind of twofold. Well, honestly I believe it belongs to God now that I am able
to see it. I’m just the vessel He decided to place the passion in to do His
will and bring Him Glory. I believe, “I
have been established, anointed and sealed by God” (2 Corinthians1:21, 22) with
enormous passion for women and relationships (especially women’s issues and
single working mothers).
Felicia, we are so blessed that God brought you and Gia to us at Celebration and that He is using you mightily for His glory!