Today we’d like to introduce you to Denise Henderson
Denise Lashawn Henderson is a 27 year old proud African American Woman. She was born in Chicago, IL to Darryl and Yolanda Henderson. Denise was raised with her brother Darryl Jr in a small black baptist church on the south side until they moved to Texas in 2004. After High School, Denise graduated from Prairie View A&M University with her B.A in Communications and Marketing. Upon graduation Denise began traveling the world as a participant and led teams on missions’ trips. During her travels, she was struck by the lack of representation of black/brown people in the mission’s community. Denise started Melanating Missions to encourage, empower, and equip African American missionaries and people of color to fulfill the Great Commission’s call to “Go to All Nations”.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely not a smooth road. From Getting my 501(C)3 statues to the fundraising process it has been very difficult. It’s also extremely challenging to find a solid board that will understand and buy in to the vision enough to set time aside for something that may not affect them directly. Another obstacle is just life in general and all that God has for me can sometimes seem like too much.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have three jobs – Melanating Missions- Founder – Hope House Houston- Community Outreach Director – Way Forward- Apartment Missionary All Christian non-profits. I have been in the non-profit world for the past six years and plan on staying in this field. I am known for serving in predominately African American/Inner city communities. I am also known for being an energetic, talkative, positive influence in the community. I am most proud of being the first in my family to graduate from college and traveling the world with little to know money and experience. It was one of the most challenging and rewarding things I’ve ever accomplished. I’ve been told my heart and care sets me apart. I grew up in an environment where we helped people when they needed it no matter what. I’ve had strangers live with me, given people food, money and other resources with no expectations. I believe that God blesses us in order to be a blessing to others. The more he gives the more I will.
What are your plans for the future?
I plan on being the owner of multiple businesses and Melanating Missions being a fulling functioning sending agency. I desire to be a wife and a mother of a large family. I desire to own properties around Houston and other states. I am in the home buying process now so that’s one of the biggest things happening this year, I am also working on some new music that may be dropping this year. I am a part of a podcast called SHREWD “The realest Christian Talk show in the World”. We launched January 19th and have taken the internet by storm. It’s been exciting to start and exciting to see where God will take us.
Contact Info:
- Email: denise@melanatingmissions.org
- Website: https://www.melanatingmissions.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melanatingmissions/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melanatingmissions
Image Credits
Katy Simpson
Nicholas Hunt
