As we celebrate women’s history month this year, we wanted to celebrate and recognize someone near and dear to us and who had a huge impact on our lives and serves as our spiritual mentor. We want to salute Elder JoAnn Johnson, who is a trailblazing warrior in God's kingdom!
Elder JoAnn Johnson, founder/overseer of Retired Heroines Ever Magnifying the Almighty (R.H.E.M.A.), has been charged by God to help cultivate a generation of women who will be and build disciples for Christ. She is also the founder/advisor of Awesome Daughters of R.H.E.M.A. (ADOR) whose mission is to nurture and connect young women “living” and “walking” by faith and provide them with the forums and resources to live victorious godly lives.
Elder Johnson accepting her call into ministry and was licensed as a Prophetess in April, 2010 by Apostle Willard Williams, licensed to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ in September 2011 by Pastor La Bryant Friend and ordained by her father, Elder William R. Long and Pastor John Fitzgerald in November, 2012. She is a certified Stephen Minister and has completed the Biblical Studies Curriculum of AMES International School of Ministry. Along with her husband, Leroy, she is certified to facilitate, Marriage Enrichment (M.E.) Workshops and is also certified to train M.E. facilitators. Elder JoAnn currently serves as a Chaplain at Oro Valley Hospital and is specially trained to minister to Senior Behavioral Health patients.
For over 50 years, motivated by her love for God and His people and desiring to see a spirit of excellence in Kingdom work, Elder Johnson’s servant call has had her teaching, mentoring and ministering in areas of evangelism, discipleship, prayer and marriage enrichment. In 2015 she initiated an international monthly “prayer changes things” conference call. She encourages women of all ages to visit the R.H.E.M.A. website to see how to unite with the R.H.E.M.A./ADOR ministries in equipping women to finish this Christian Race strong.
Elder JoAnn believes that “seasoned women, as they faithfully fellowship with Christ, will develop an intimate relationship with Him, resulting in a desire to cultivate generations of younger women who will Magnify the Almighty through being and building disciples for Christ.” (Matt 28:19)
Elder Johnson is married to her high school sweetheart, Leroy. They have been blessed with two phenomenal daughters, Heather (son-in-law, Jehielk) and Leslie and three adorable grandchildren, Essence, Jehiel II and Milena. She resides in Tucson, Arizona where she serves as a member of the Prayer Ministry of LifePoint Church in Catalina, AZ. Nasser Jahan is the Lead Pastor.
As we celebrate Women for International Women's History Month during March, we wanted to shine a spotlight on a true beacon of light, Elder JoAnn Johnson. We love you, we appreciate you and we are better Christians as a result of your covering and mentorship. Thank you for everything you have done, are doing and continue to do for the Body of Christ! Here's to an phenomenal woman we think you all should know!
With Love,
Minister Darrell & Sis. Mary J.