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Pastor Candi

37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors and gain an overwhelming victory through Him who loved us [so much that He died for us]. 38 For I am convinced [and continue to be convinced-beyond any doubt] that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present and threatening, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the [unlimited] love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39 (AMP)

Affectionately known as Pastor Candi, Shonda's first ministry is her family. She's a wife, a mother and a caring leader in her church and community. She serves as the Executive Pastor alongside her husband Pastor Raymond as they lead and serve the church family of Friendship Family Worship Center and anyone who needs guidance and love. They firmly believe that the church starts beyond the walls of a building.

Pastor Candi served as an Associate Pastor of The Favor Center Church, Hickory NC under the leadership of Dr. Jerry Grillo, Jr. and Pastor MaryAnn Grillo. She served in a leadership capacity in her church for eleven years. She was the women's ministry leader where she founded W.I.N. (Women Impacting Nations), Divine Design Mentoring Program for young ladies ages 18-21, along with the dance ministry In His Image dance team as well as writing and directing musical play productions for the Ministry of Arts department.

She served as part of the marketing committee on the Catawba Valley Community College Office of Multicultural Affairs, which planned a five-part series of events annually highlighting the diverse groups within Catawba County. She received an Outstanding Community Leadership Award for her work and service for the Office of Multicultural Affairs of CVCC. She was employed for Catawba County Government where she served on the Diversity Committee for Catawba County, the event planner for the countywide First Responder's Day and The Green Team Tactical Committee.

Through her life's journey she's experienced many highs and lows; however she has never allowed that to keep her from her love of Christ. One of her favorite scriptures is Romans 8:38-39. Having the foundation of praying grandmother's and this scripture engrafted in her heart she's overcome addiction, low self-esteem, and low self-worth.

Pastor Candi has been known to quote her personal mission statement which is "I was created to impact, empower and inspire individuals, especially women, young ladies and girls to discover their innate abilities that God has purposed and planned for their lives". Because she has overcome, her mission is to help others overcome and be their best self. Her passion to serve and help others is undoubtedly the driving force for her ministry to women near and far. Pastor Candi has experienced the touch of God's love in an unconventional way and her desire is to share and exemplify that same love to all His creation.

Shonda has three sons, LeRon Anthony, Raymond David III and Isaiah Drew. She has been married to her soul mate for 25 years and was blessed with a love child Zinia through their union. Shonda enjoys singing, dance ministry, reading, writing songs and spending quality time with her family. In the midst of all of her gifts and abilities, her primary ministry is being mother to her children and a wife to her husband.