Hello

My Story

In 1996, as an evangelist, Patricia’s teachings often sought to encourage her listeners to empower themselves and their surroundings by first looking in the mirror. While reading the book “Chicken Soup for the Soul,” Patricia was inspired by the poem, “Start with Yourself” and Change Me Seminars and Support was established.

Increasingly, Patricia noticed that some of her most faithful seminar attendees and volunteers were people who simply needed a place to reflect and worship, judgment-free. Through the leading of the Lord in 2001, Change Me Seminars and Support was expanded to include Change Me Ministries and Fellowship, Inc. In the same year, Evangelist Braxton was ordained and licensed under Pastors Robert and Jackie Clark of Power of God Deliverance Ministries. She also obtained an additional Ministerial Certification through the State of Virginia. She was later joined in ministry by her husband.

In 2003, “Change Me,” as affectionately named by those who worship and fellowship with the ministry, moved to a larger location at 1824 Park Ave. Patricia has always felt that the primary mission of Change Me would be to serve families and children. In August 2003, “The Clothing Closet” was opened. Since that Saturday in August, more than 1200 families and children have been served food, new and used clothing, furniture, and household goods. The Clothing Closet also serves as a thrift store accepting monetary donations to support the various ministries of Change Me. No individual, family, or child is turned away due to a lack of money.

In 2004, the Bright Hope Educational Learning Center, a 501 ©(3) Non-Profit Corporation, was founded and dedicated as a partnership between the Altrusa

Club of Lynchburg and Change Me Ministries and Fellowship, with the focus of serving children. Bright Hope provides basic and advanced level tutoring to numerous children, and in May of 2007, was elevated to the status of Master

Partner with the Lynchburg Public School System. In 2010 Change Me moved to its current location, 2310 Fort Ave., which has doubled the space for the ministry and for the learning center. 

In the 17+ years of service, Change Me has seen growth of its ministries continue to multiply. Change Me Ministries and Fellowship became a part of Ministries United in Christ under Bishop Joseph Howard of Atlanta, Georgia, and also began airing on WRDL-TV. In 2008, Change Me Bible Institute became a part of the Change Me Ministries and Fellowship Family. In 2009 the ministry hosted its first “Men Under Construction” Conference focusing on strengthening and building strong men and families.

Bright Hope has seen its after school program grow to two times per week. Bright Hope provides school supplies and clothes to participating students on a year round basis. Partnerships with several Lynchburg businesses have increased. Through the partners, Bright Hope is able to provide haircuts for students, Christmas presents, periodic incentives and meals. The on-site computer lab was recently updated to include new laptop computers, a wall monitor and Wi-Fi to better serve the students.

In 2013, The Buena Vista Virginia Stake of The Church of Jesus of Latter-Day Saints honored Pastor Braxton as an outstanding community member with a Family Values award for her exceptional contribution of supporting families and family values.

“Pastor Braxton”, along with the dedicated members of Change Me Ministries and Fellowship and the volunteers, all work tirelessly to serve the needs of the surrounding community. Mark 10:44-45 reads, “And whoever of you desires to be first shall be servant of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” God blesses us in order to bless others and the primary goal and mission of Patricia, the members of Change Me Ministries, its volunteers, and her staff is to share the favor that God continues to bestow on the ministry.

Kimberly L. Braxton-Vinson - 2013