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Biography
The origins of Sasha’s
names clearly speak about are life purpose and destiny. Conceived as a twin,
her mother was filled with the Holy Ghost while carrying two seeds of
destiny. It was during this milestone in her mother’s spiritual life, that
her Pastor prophesied the call of God on her unborn child’s life. The enemy
immediately waged a war to destroy the life within her womb.
On October 15, 1965,
Sasha was born and her mother named her Edith for the Lord had declared her
name shall be Happy in Warfare, Joyous, a Rich Gift, a Famous Bearer
(Carrier, Holder, Possessor and Owner) of the Spoils of Warfare. Her twin
sister, having completed her purpose returned to the Father in glory.
At a very early age, Sasha was already demonstrating an acute awareness of
the presence of God in her life. By the age of three she was having
consistent early morning encounters with Jesus. Many referred to her as a
child filled with the wisdom of God. Ministry has been a way of life for
Sasha because her mother, Marva Elaine Butler Johnson, was a prominent
traveling evangelist and teacher during the 1960’s and 1970’s. As a little
girl, Sasha traveled with her mother establishing Sunday School teaching
curriculums for Pentecostal denominational churches throughout the tri-state
region. As an adolescent, Sasha also was privileged to attend Bible School
with her mother where she developed a keen insight into the Word of God.
During Sasha’s teenage years, she walked away from her passion for ministry
because of frustration over erroneous teaching that painted a picture of
Jesus as an angry, vindictive Lord who only tolerated Christians who
maintained a “poverty mentality.” She declared, "This is not the Jesus I
know and love. If He has changed, than I can no longer serve Him.” She spent
the next several years searching for answers in philosophy and
existentialism. Fortunately, she found the truth in the Bible and in an
intimate relationship with her best friend Jesus Christ.
After graduating from college in 1989, Sasha had another encounter with
Jesus. This time He declared, “Your name shall now be called Sasha for you
are a defender of many.” Thus the second phase of God's plan for her life
emerged.
In the 1990’s Sasha started bible study and prayer groups for oppressed
women. She also ministered God’s healing power to women living in community
residential housing who were suffering from demonic possession. Sasha's
commitment to walk in the fullness of Christ and to be like Him led her to
the tough streets of
New York City
where she ministered God's love to people society and even the church had
forgotten. Sasha also worked on an evangelism team in the neighborhood where
she attended elementary and junior high school. The people were skeptical at
first, but changed their minds as the power of God transformed their lives.
Sasha was faithful and submitted to one ministry for more than sixteen years
where she served in various Ministry of Helps departments including the
Saints Outreach Squad which ministered to the sick and afflicted in
hospitals and homes. Sasha served as a committee leader for the Person’s
Without Partner’s Singles’ ministry, and worked closely with college
students to encourage them to stand firm and live as a witness for Christ on
campus. In 1996, while working as the personal assistant to her Pastor, God
finally convinced Sasha it was time to leave and move into the next phase of
His plan for her life.
Through a series of strategic moves, and in the face of disappointment, the
Lord led Sasha to the last city on earth where she would want to spend even
one day, Brooklyn, NY. However, the words of Bishop Julius Abiola brought
immediate healing to Sasha’s heart. He said, “Whether or not you become a
member, you will always have a covering at Christ Life Ministries.” The
kindness of Dr. Matilda Abiola, who called Sasha frequently to see if she
needed anything (food, clothes, a hug, the Word), helped transform her life
as well. God also used Bishop LaDonna Osborn at the 2006 Gathering of the
Eagles to remind Sasha, that He will never forsake her, and what looks like
failure, is often the need for growth and a reward for faithfulness. In
2007, Sasha became an official worker in Christ Life Ministries.
It is here that God provided a platform for Sasha to give expression to her
gifts and talents. Her passion for teaching and missions opened a door for
her to become a member of the Governing Council of Christ Life Bible
Institute and Seminary (CLBIS). She also serves as an instructor for CLBIS
and has taught classes on Preparation for Ministry and Missions and
Finances. She also is a servant in the Teaching Department and serves with
the Council of Ministers.
On her trip to Ibaden Nigeria in 2007, God revealed the method by which He
would equip her to fulfill the next phase of His ministry in her life. She
was brought before her spiritual Grandfather, Bishop Wale Oke to receive her
Nigerian name. He said, “Your name is Oluwagbemisola. God will bring you in
abundance and He will give you the wisdom creative ideas to bring His plan
to pass.”
The call of God on Sasha’s life is taking her to various parts of the world.
Her trip to Nigeria
forever changed her focus of the Gospel to a truly authentic global
perspective. In August of 2008, she will travel with the Women International
Network on a study tour to Benin City, Nigeria. In September, she will
travel with Christ Life Ministries, Inc. to minister the Gospel in the
Republic of Trinidad. Sasha has also been invited to teach in
India in
February, 2009.
Sasha has worked in the public sector for twenty years. A gifted and
talented communicator, she climbed the corporate ladder working in various
levels of management. She also worked as an executive within the
not-for-profit sector. In the mid nineties, she started her own consulting
company, Inxcellence Consulting. Her clients included community-based
organizations, small businesses and government agencies. Inxcellence
Consulting provided expertise in developing quality education and technology
programs for disenfranchised youth and their parents. Inxcellence Consulting
also developed leadership programs for executives and educators charged with
the task of overseeing the success of new programs. Sasha's ability to
clearly communicate a vision for success resulted in her programs receiving
funding from numerous philanthropic organizations.
Sasha holds a Bachelors of Arts in English Literature and Writing from
Manhattanville College in Purchase, NY (1989). She has earned a Masters of
Science in Adult Education and Human Resource Development from Fordham
University Graduate School of Education in New York, NY (2002). Sasha is
currently pursuing a Doctorate in Christian Education Leadership from Christ Life
Bible Institute & Seminary.
As the vision continues to unfold, Sasha’s commitment is to see God’s people
through His eyes and to treat them with the Heart of Jesus’ compassion.
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