Here's a little bit about the Founder, Andra. Andra accepted the call to minister the Gospel of Jesus in August 2002. As a result, she founded and incorporated Word of Life Fellowship Ministries (WLFM), Inc. in October 2002 in the state of Maryland as an independent ministry. Andra was ordained and licensed as a pastor in November 2002 through World Christianship Ministries. She is affectionately known to many as Pastor Andra. Her pulpit and congregation is wherever she is. Andra is accountable to God first as her Savior and Lord, and then to primary ministry partners, founder, Roscoe and co-founder, Revita De Chalus of Lord of Hope Ministries International in Streamwood, IL.
With over 20 years ministry experience, Andra definitely fits the bill as a non-traditional ministry leader who passionately loves God's Word, and will meet you right where you are. Like many, Andra's first encounter with Christ was in 1976 at the tender age of 14, but it was not until October 1995 that she fully surrendered her life to Jesus, and was baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit. From that point moving forward, Andra's life radically changed.
Andra was raised and been in a local church most of her life. While at her last former church, Andra became their first youth columnist. And later on, chosen to fill the shoes as Editor-in-Chief of the church newsletter, distributing anywhere at the time 400-500 copies monthly like clockwork. Andra facilitated many church programs upon request by ministry leaders, sat on panels, served on the youth planning committee, introduced and co-presented a topic on HIV/AIDS at the church and at one of the national convocations. However, in June 2000, after five fruitful and faithful years of service as a committed Christ follower at the local church, under God's instruction, Andra resigned and left her local church fellowship to follow God as He led.
The transition was rocky as God thrust Andra unbeknowst to her into leading a weekly Bible Study on her federal government job from September 2000 until the summer of 2001. Andra also added a teleconference during that time until about June 2002. God then called Andra into the ministry, August 2002. It was a whirlwind to say the least. God called Andra into her own ministry the way God called her to serve, which was groundbreaking for her.
Andra is an honors graduate from McComb High School, June 1980; a magna cum laude graduate from Strayer College, June 1994 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration; an honors graduate from Strayer University, June 2014 with a Master's degree in Health Services Administration; and as of September 2016, Andra started Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ working towards earning a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Organizational Leadership with an Emphasis in Christian Ministry. She completed her coursework and is continuing to write her dissertation research on, "Self-Care Experiences Among Female Clergy".
Andra was born Andra Annetta Allen in McComb, MS. Her parents are Mary L. Gooden and the late Louis Samuel Allen. Andra is the only child born to her mother, Mary. Her father had two other daughters, half-sisters to Andra. Andra is the mother of three adult children, and the author of Control Unmasked. She is available for conferences, retreats and general speaking engagements. Her contact information is: pastor@wlfm-inc.org, andie_standberry@att.net or 512.635.9525. She would love to hear from you.
