Women Rise Up conference honors Pastor Cassandra Scott, Mayor Connie Kacir

Last Saturday at the J.B. Wells Community Center, Pastor Neva Ford Nation and Women Rise Up and Be Encouraged Ministries presented the 2021 Women’s Conference, which included scripture, praise music, messages of hope and prayers led by women from Gonzales and neighboring communities. Awards were presented to Mayor Connie Kacir and Pastor Cassandra Scott for supporting the spiritual lives of women in the region.   

“Powerful woman of God, you have cultivated so many women,” Jones said to Scott as she received a plaque in honor of her faith and service.   

Ford also presented an award to Kacir, stating that it was “for outstanding and dedicated service to our community and our ministry. We are blessed by your exemplary career in service of the people of Gonzales, Texas. Thank you”   

“We are proud and honored to have Neva Ford Nation as a part of our community and celebrated recording artists of gospel music. It’s my privilege to be able to participate and donate to this ministry and see women all over our community and outside the community encouraged to go forth with God in their hearts,” said Kacir, who was also one of the conference speakers.   

“This is a restoration conference we’re having for Women of Royalty. Women Rise Up and Be Encouraged Ministries is for the body. It’s for every man, woman and child. It’s restoration time. We’re still going through the pandemic right now at this time but this is to restore us, our spirit,” said Nation, whose ministry was founded in Gonzales.    

A poem, ‘Arise, Women of God,’ was read by the author, Gloria Torres and a dance performance was given by River &Word CEO Pam Mayes Jones. Quincy Johnson introduced the speakers and performers, while ushers helped guests with seating and other needs. Roslyn Steward led the reading of the second chapter of Titus and Matthew 28:19-20 from the Bible. Pastor Cassandra Scott and musical artist Shanrae Cheree Price were also on the program.   

Local businesses were invited to share beauty products and clothing. Teresa Staley displayed original artwork and Houston International recording artist Sheila Moore-Piper gave a gospel music performance. Christian/ gospel artist Jadan King, an artist from Charleston, South Carolina also performed.   

Award-winning singer and author Janice Peterson Townsend attended in support of Jones and River & Word, but she said the conference could, “help to bridge gaps and allows people to network and get to know each other. It’s just a wonderful thing for the spirituality. People get enlightened and increase their faith walk. They receive the anointing of God.”  

Townsend felt that was especially important with the pandemic when people may be feeling hopeless and challenged in their faith.   

“Conferences like this encourage us to rise up in times like this. It does wonders for the soul,” said Townsend.     

A women’s event provided by this ministry also took place at Gonzales Junior High School on Friday featuring LaShawn Darthard.