The Speakers

The 30-Day Mustard Seed Faith Challenge

Please consider supporting our Speakers and their ministries!

Min Linda L. Smith

Challenge Host, Speaker, Teacher, Leader, Author, Movement Maker

Minister Linda L. Smith serves on the ministerial staff of Overcoming Believers Church in Knoxville, TN, where Pastor Daryl W. Arnold is the Senior Pastor. She currently serves as the Dean to Ministers in Training, responsible for training up and preparing future and current ministers for ministry.

She accepted Jesus Christ into her life as Lord and Savior over 40 years ago, when she was a freshman in college. She received the baptism of the Holy Spirit in 1984 at St. Joseph House of Prayer where she continued as a member for 21 years. While at St. Joseph House of Prayer, she headed the Missions Outreach Department and taught the New Christian Class for over 17 years. On April 1, 2010, Minister Smith started Breakthrough Faith Ministries International where you could hear her teaching ministry broadcast on WITA, AM 1490 and AM 1580 up until December 2015. Currently enrolled in the Master of Divinity program through Andersonville Theological Seminary, Minister Smith has also been ordained and licensed to be a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

In 2020, Minister Smith authored her first book, The Battle for Our Faith: Principles of Faith to Overcome and Always Win. She is married to Deacon Sanford P. Smith, Sr. They have two children, Sanford, Jr., and Shondriell.

Pastor Daryl W. Arnold

Senior Pastor
Overcoming Believers Church
Knoxville, TN

https://www.pastordarylarnoldministries.org/

Pastor Daryl W. Arnold is the Founder and Senior Pastor of Overcoming Believers Church (OBC) in Knoxville, TN. He and his wife, Lady Carmeisha Arnold, are divinely called to inspire believers to live abundantly and to empower them to walk in the fullness of their Kingdom authority.

Pastor Arnold is a graduate of Knoxville College. In 2003, God led him and his family to come back to Knoxville and plant OBC. The church is an icon in the Knoxville community and makes a huge impact in inner-city Knoxville. OBC is extremely focused on youth development, economic growth, urban renewal, the transformation of humanity, and ultimately, winning souls to the Kingdom of God.

Pastor Arnold's ministry has been featured on a plethora of media outlets. He has previously been featured on "It Takes A Church" Reality show on GSN; he has been the Guest Pastor on the Word Network; a frequent regional host for the Trinity Broadcast Network; and he can be heard daily on WJBE radio in Knoxville, TN.

His preaching ministry is sought out globally, but he has a special love and passion to serve in Kenya and Nigeria, Africa. Committed to Reaching Out Around the Rest (ROAR), Pastor Arnold travels to spread the love of God in Africa and other areas throughout the world every opportunity he gets.

Because of his love for the city, Pastor Arnold works with many community organizations. He serves as Knoxville City Mayor's Save Our Sons Task Force member under the umbrella of My Brother’s Keeper initiated by President Obama as well as a Task Force Member for the Knox County School Superintendent for Disparities in Educational Outcomes. He also serves on the Steering Committee for Community Connectors Knoxville under the umbrella of CEO for Cities Nationally, the Metro Drug Coalition, and All For Knox. He is a 2016 graduate of Leadership Knoxville and a recent graduate of Leadership Tennessee (2019). As the first Board Chair for Girl Talk, Inc., Pastor Arnold presently serves on several other boards throughout the city: Trinity Health Foundation, Johnson University, Leadership Knoxville, and the Board co-chair for the Change Center.

Pastor Arnold's greatest joy is his beautiful wife of 24 years, Carmeisha Arnold, his four children, and his granddaughter. His hands are on his ministry, but his heart is on his family.

Apostle Levaughn Flanders

Apostle, Teacher, Leader
Ooltewah, TN

Apostle Levaughn Flanders, Jr. was summoned to the ministry at the age of 20 under the guidance of the late Apostle Naomi J. Witherow (Holy Tabernacle Church Summit, TN). In 1985 after graduating from Ooltewah High School, Apostle Flanders continued his educational journey in Louisville, KY, where he pursued a degree in electronics. Apostle Flanders also obtained a Diploma of Associate in Biblical Studies in 2007. In 2009, he obtained a Diploma of Masters in Pastoral Ministry. He has received verified certificates in leadership and public speaking from the Rochester Institute of Technology; the University of California, Berkeley; Catalyst University, Kalamazoo, MI; Harvard University and Columbia University.

Apostle Flanders is also a successful businessman, founder and chief executive of Universal Concrete by Designs, LLC. A local company with a universal vision.

Apostle Flanders pastored Wells of Salvation Ministries, Eastridge, TN. In 1997, he was ordained an elder by Bishop Joe L. Smith, Holy Tabernacle Church, Boston, MA. Apostle Flanders also received ordination to eldership from Bishop Sean Teal, Sr. (Friendship Community Church, Chattanooga, TN), where he served faithfully as assistant pastor from 2005 - 2011. Apostle Flanders was ordained an Apostle on October 26, 2016, by Bishop Clara Brown-Draughn of the True Love Evangelistic Ministries Detroit, MI.

Apostle Flanders is married to Angela V. (Witherow) Flanders and to their union, they have eight beautiful children.

Melissa Holy

Self-Talk Strategist
Founder & CEO of GRIT Business & Success Training

Melissa Holy is a faith-driven and Spirit-filled entrepreneur, author, speaker, and worship leader from the Greater Los Angeles region of California. Her professional journey has entailed a variety of challenging roles ranging from an international singer/pianist and entertainer, to her most recent position, a former owner and CEO of a corporate staffing and recruiting firm.

Over the years, God has opened a multitude of doors for Melissa to utilize her business skills and her passion for music within her Christian leadership and ministry work. In addition to leading prayer groups, bible studies, and fellowship events, she has served as the Vice President of Ministry Development on a regional board in Aglow International. Furthermore, she established and led a Christian women’s mastermind group, CWBL (Christian Women Business Leaders).

With a heart and mission to empower women, personally and professionally, Melissa launched a new venture in 2020. GRIT Business & Success Training provides faith-based tools, strategies, and motivation, with a specialized focus on Spirit led self-talk. Melissa is excited for her upcoming book, “Signature Self-Talk,” that will reveal the high impact 5-Step strategy that took her from the pit to a life of grit, and transformed her life. The signature techniques are designed to equip and prepare us to powerfully influence and fuel ourselves to step boldly into what God calls us to do.

Apostle Daniel Lavan, Jr.

Overseer and Director of
Kingdom Dominion Fellowship
Orlando, FL

Apostle Daniel Lavan Jr. operates in the five-fold ministry gifting of Apostle, Teacher, and Evangelist. He is also gifted as an interpreter of dreams. With twenty-plus years of pastoral ministry experience, Apostle Lavan, is well equipped with the end-time vision and revelation to the body of Christ. Apostle Lavan teaches and proclaims the Word with simplicity and everyday examples, which produce laughter and also encourage deep soul searching by people from all walks of life.

Apostle Lavan is a member of several religious organizations, with the goal of helping churches and ministries to grow and reach their full spiritual potential in the body of Christ. He has been a guest speaker at many Christian conferences, speaking on the principles of faith and the indwelling Spirit.

He is currently serving as overseer and director for Kingdom Dominion Fellowship in Orlando, Florida. He can be heard weekly on WOKB 1680 radio station Orlando, Florida; every Thursday night live on Zoom Bible Study; and he streams live at Kingdomdisciples.net every Sunday night at 8:00 p.m. EST.

Apostle Lavan is the author of two books: A Purposed Heart and Faith to Move the Mountain.

Apostle Daniel completed his undergraduate studies at Knoxville College in Knoxville, Tennessee. He received theological seminary training from the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia, where he received special training in pastoral counseling. He is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Apostle Lavan is married to Carolyn Lavan, and they have four adult children: Brittany, Tamela, Emil, and Brian. They currently reside in the city of Winter Garden, FL.

Pastor and First Lady Cleveland

The Mighty River Church
Knoxville, TN

Senior Pastor David R. Cleveland, Jr.

Shaken by God’s Spirit, in late 2001 while seeking God for clarity and understanding, Pastor Cleveland felt the call of God to the ministry of Jesus Christ. After serving at his birth church, Boyds Creek Church of God for many years as a member of the brotherhood and the choir, this nudging from the Lord was a strange and unusual place that he could not escape. In the process of his yes to the Lord he began reading the scripture and leading prayer during Sunday services. These small steps solidified a forever yes to Jesus to be his mouthpiece and servant for the Kingdom of God.

Through much service and sacrifice Pastor Cleveland was licensed as minister by Pastor Zac Flack. In 2015 Pastor Cleveland was ordained as Elder. Through the goodness of God in 2016 Pastor Cleveland was elected to pastor of Boyds Creek Church of God making him the first family member raised to Pastor of the family church that was built by the very hands of the forefathers of the Chandler family.

Through the example of God’s love, during the difficult time of losing his mother, he was blessed to meet a wonderful woman of God. In 2017, God added to his life and ministry when he married Ashauna K Cleveland. After sensing God was leading the couple in a different direction, Pastor and Lady Cleveland took a leap of faith and birthed The Mighty River Church in 2019. Today Pastor Cleveland and Lady Cleveland serve as the pastors of the Mighty River Church in Knoxville, TN where the Power of God is Active, The Spirit of God is Moving, The Word of God is Living, and the Mighty River of God is Flowing.

Pastor Cleveland has been a dedicated employee in his career with Knox County Schools for many years.

Pastor David Cleveland is the husband of Pastor, Lady Ashauna Cleveland. Father of JaShaun D. Rowans (Georgia), KaLyn A and Raven T. Brabson (Knoxville), and Poppa to granddaughters, princesses RaLynn, RaAuna, and Amauri.

Pastor, Lady Ashauna Cleveland

In a single trip to the altar at age 16, a pregnant teenager had no idea where her heartfelt yes to Jesus would take her. That “Yes” was the starting place for God to enter in and begin a good work that would be used to preach and teach the gospel of Jesus Christ. After years of tests and trials, yet trusting and believing on the Lord, Lady Cleveland is a living testimony of how God will use “All” things for your good and for His glory. She has a passion for the broken, mothers, divorcees, the hurting, the helpless and hopeless, and most of all, seeing souls saved.

Lady Cleveland holds certificates of completion in ministry training from Overcoming Believers Church in Knoxville, TN under the leadership of Elder Linda Smith, Dean of Education and Sr. Pastor Daryl Arnold, where she served as a worship leader and intercessor for nearly a decade and remains a covenant daughter to the ministry. Lady Cleveland is a first-generation graduate from Johnson University (Knoxville, TN) earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Bible Theology and Business Administration. She is also a member of Sigma Beta Delta, International Honor Society for Business, Management, and Administration.

Lady Ashauna Cleveland is the Co-founder and Pastor of The Mighty River Church of Knoxville, TN (est. 2019) where the Power of God is Active, The Spirit of God is Moving, The Word of God is Living, and the Mighty River of God is Flowing. She serves alongside her husband and life partner, Founder Senior Pastor David R. Cleveland Jr. Prior to establishing The Mighty River Church, the Clevelands’ served together in ministry at Boyds Creek Church of God in Sevierville, TN.

In addition to weekly services at The Mighty River Church (Knoxville, TN) she has been privileged the opportunity to minister across the region to include, First AME Zion Church, Foster Chapel Baptist Church, Mt. Moriah FBH Church (Knoxville, TN), Overcoming Believers Church (7 Last Words 2019), Perfecting Word Deliverance Ministries (Lawrenceville, GA), Bush Chapel AME Zion Church (Winder, GA), and for the Deborah’s of Destiny (Athens, TN).

For twenty years she has worked in the field of construction and engineering. Currently employed with Y-12 Nuclear National Security Complex / Consolidated Nuclear Security in Oak Ridge, TN. She was featured in Knoxville’s first edition of Lifestyle Expo, Girls Go Hard Magazine, by Live, Learn, Grow, issued in November 2019. She also has a devotional featured in the book, “The Word of Our Testimony: Treasures from Broken Vessels”.

Lady Ashauna Cleveland is the wife of Sr. Pastor David R Cleveland Jr., mother to JaShaun D. Rowans (Georgia), KaLyn A. and Raven T. Brabson (Knoxville) and “Lovie” to granddaughters, princesses RaLynn, RaAuna and Amauri.

Pastor Sadjah Echols

Greater Works International Fellowship
Houston, TX

Sadjah Echols oversees the ministry of Greater Works International Fellowship with her husband, Pastor Shawn Echols, located in Houston, TX. As a budding prophetic voice unto this generation, she carries a strong burden to equip and activate the people of God in intercession;
understanding the necessity to partner with eternity that we would leave a legacy for the generations to come.

After not having been reared in a home with strong Christian values, Pastor Sadjah also seeks to uproot the deceptions and traditions of men that make the Word of God of no effect, plaguing many of this age through teaching present truth, as well as the ministry of deliverance. A raw worshiper at heart, Pastor Sadjah’s driving force is to birth and sustain atmospheres where strong encounters with the presence of God is
present to heal all who are sick.

Pastor Shawn and Sadjah relocated from Knoxville, TN under the leading of the Lord to plant Greater Works; otherwise known as “The Transformation Station: The Place of Change”. They are the parents of four beautiful children; Chyna, Elijah, Nehemiah, and Acacia Echols.

Rev. Dr. Cary Beckwith

Senior Pastor
Wanda and Wood River First United Methodist Churches
Wood River, IL

The Rev. Dr. Cary L. Beckwith answered the call into the Lord’s ministry in 2004, and from there has been laboring in the vineyard faithfully while serving in many capacities. His formative years in ministry were spent in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church where he received his ordination orders. In 2010, Dr. Beckwith received his first pastoral appointment to serve Brown Community A.M.E. Zion Church in East. St. Louis, Illinois. In 2012, he was assigned to the St. Luke African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Buffalo, New York where he served until July 2017, when he was assigned to the Hope Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church in Utica, New York where he served until July 2018. Since July 2018 he has served as Senior Pastor of both the Wood River First, and Wanda United Methodist Churches.

In 2012, he was conferred with the Masters of Divinity Degree from Eden Theological Seminary, and in 2018 he graduated with honors from Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School with the Doctor of Ministry Degree.

Dr. Beckwith has been blessed to serve God’s people in many capacities, has served on numerous boards, and is a proud member of the greatest fraternity known to man, Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity, Inc., yet his greatest accomplishment is being husband to Rev. Chan-Tell King-Beckwith, father to Ni-Keith (son), Ni-Vante’ (daughter), Car-Vante’ (son), and grandfather to Ni-Keith, Jr.

Desiree Bowers

CEO & Founder of Chance House of East Tennessee Recovery Living for Women
Knoxville, TN

Desiree Bowers, a faithful Church of Christ member, native Memphian, and CEO & Founder of Chance House of East Tennessee. Ms. Bowers has decades of experience in drug and alcohol recovery addictions, sexual assault, and domestic violence.

She started her faithful journey after a 20-year addiction to crack cocaine and the lifestyle that evolves with it. September 18, 1994, she surrendered to God. She is the author of two self-published nonfiction-based-on-a-true-story novels, published in 2004. In 2006, Ms. Bowers relocated to Knoxville, TN with her three minor sons.

During her journey, Ms. Bowers became a spokesperson and motivational speaker against domestic violence, sexual abuse, and substance abuse. She is a member of the Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence, Memphis/Shelby County Domestic Violence Council, and volunteering Salvation Army and YWCA west and east Tennessee. Ms. Bowers has received several awards and recognition for her services.

“It is not where we begin, it is where we end, that counts.”
~ Desiree Bowers

Dr. Chandra Story

Professor of Community and Public Health
Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, TN

Dr. Chandra R. Story gave her life to Christ at the age of eight, and it has never been the same. She has more than 20 years of experience serving God’s people in a variety of roles across five states. Roles included serving as an Elder, minister, teacher, choir member, praise dancer, and Singles Ministry leader. She currently serves as a minister at First Baptist Church of Murfreesboro, TN. An additional dimension of her ministry is serving as a college professor of Community and Public Health at Middle Tennessee State University. She is blessed to be supported by her loving husband, Xaviery Story. Her heart is for people to know who they are in Christ and allow themselves to be fully loved by Him.

Rev. Jermaine Armour, BA, MACE

Senior Pastor
New Saint Luke AME Zion Church
Wilmington, NC

Jermaine B. Armour has been in full-time pastoral ministry for over 20 years. Armour has served as the pastor of Pleasant Hill AME Zion Church in New Jersey, Georgia, and for 13 years at the Saint Mark AME Zion Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. Since 2013, Armour serves as the Senior Pastor of the New Saint Luke AME Zion Church in Wilmington, NC.

Armour is a native of Buffalo, NY. He graduated from Barber-Scotia College in Concord, NC, and the Interdenominational Theology Center in Atlanta, GA, from which he earned a Master of Arts in Christian Education. He was later awarded a Doctor of Divinity Degree from Livingstone College in Salisbury, NC for outstanding leadership and community partnership.

An effective communicator of God’s Word, Reverend Armour has gained a following for his practical and dynamic teaching style that allows individuals to apply the timeless truths of the scripture to their everyday lives. Armour possesses special training in the fields of Early Childhood Education, Conflict Resolution, Life Skills High School Training, High School Counseling, Church Administration and Christian Counseling. He has spoken on radio and online broadcasts as well as delivered commencement and conference keynotes for several High Schools, Universities, and Organizations.

Reverend Armour is an advocate for public service. Some of his current affiliations include, but is not limited to:

-Board Member, Wilmington Area Rebuilding Ministry (WARM)
-Board Member, One Christian Network (OCN)
-Board Member, Kids Making It, Inc.
-Member, Wilmington Ministerial Alliance
-Member, Diversity Inclusion Committee of the Red Cross
-Member, Wilmington Chamber of Commerce

Pastor Armour believes that while the world has become more global, the Church has remained colonial. In order to win souls for Christ in this age, Armour’s position is that we must rethink ministry by showing people that Christ is involved in everyday life, emphasizing the importance of serving our community as a way to show true worship to God, and teaching the Bible in simplistic ways.

Armour and his wife, Tanya, have been married since 2000. They are the proud parents of two children, Jadah Alana and Jermaine Elijah.