In the spirit of Women’s History Month, , the L.A. Sentinel Religion section presents L.A.-area “Champions of Faith,” which features ordinary people inspired by their faith to make a difference in the community.
Rev. Dawnesha K. Beaver, MPH, MAT, Director of Business Operations and Strategy, New Mount Calvary Baptist Church
What is the mission of this ministry?
The mission of New Mount Calvary Baptist Church, under the leadership Pastor Sonja R. Dawson, is to reach persons beyond our walls, nurture them to mature disciples, equip them for witnessing and winning the lost through love that we may all be joined together with Christ in serving this present age.
What role has God or your faith played in your ministry?
My faith journey has been in alignment to the examples and ordinances set forth by Jesus Christ and carried out by men and women of faith. A true servant-leader in character and deed (Mk 10: 44-45), Jesus Christ exemplifies Christian living.
In his best-selling novel, “If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat,” John Orterb states the following, “Water-walking requires not only the courage to take a risk, but also the wisdom to discern the call.”
Indeed, the concept of water-walking or the ability to recognize God’s presence and purpose for one’s life, adhere to the call by faith, and move in the direction that God would have an individual to go despite self-intentions and worldly motivations is not an easy task.
What is a memorable moments during your ministry/profession?
My most memorable ministry moments to date include my completion of my Master of Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary, recent ordination in June 2018, and becoming a fellow of the USC Cecil Murray Center for Community Engagement.
Additionally, I am proud of the work between New Mount Calvary Baptist Church and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles where I served as project coordinator to address diabetes and obesity prevention in the African American faith-based community. Indeed, this faith-based, academic partnership allowed us to champion this work in the South Los Angeles community, help over 100 families and present several academic presentations at American Public Health Association conferences throughout the United States.
What are you doing or working on now and what are some of your future goals?
Presently, I am working with civic, community, faith-based and public health partners to address social and communal disparities in the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. Further, I am in the preliminary planning phases of drafting my first book based on Psalms 100 and its relational implications for ministry and life.
In the near future, I plan on returning back to school to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy in Health Psychology to add to the body of culturally-relevant academic staff and focus my research on the intersection of Faith and Public Health.
How can others help or get involved in your efforts?
To partner with the ministry and mission of New Mount Calvary Baptist Church, I may be contacted at 310-325-0644 or [email protected]
