Vivian J. Stokes-Smallwood

A "Ministry of Presence" Built for Service

My life and entrepreneurial endeavors are guided by a philosophy called a "Ministry of Presence"—a commitment to being fully available to people, listening deeply, and answering the call to caregiving. This foundation has always been rooted in my faith, my family, and a deeply seeded servant’s heart. As a proud military widow, a mother to adult children, and a grandmother, I know firsthand what it means to navigate life’s transitions with resilience, grace, and an unwavering trust in God.

Long before earning any formal degrees or titles, my servant's heart was shaped by a life of selfless devotion. One of the most defining seasons of my life was faithfully serving and caring for my husband when he could no longer serve himself. This experience profoundly taught me the meaning of unconditional, selfless love, showing me that we cannot truly understand how much we don't know about love until we love through deep challenges.

Over the years, I have been blessed to serve communities across many different spheres:

Education and Caregiving: Dedicated educator and compassionate caregiver with experience teaching, mentoring, and providing person-centered care. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, with a commitment to creating supportive, inclusive environments. Recognized for empathy, adaptability, organization, and helping others achieve their goals.

Higher Education: Earned a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies from Grand Canyon University (November 2018) and a Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling with a Community Chaplaincy Cognate from Liberty University (December 2020).

Crisis and Chaplaincy Support: Served as a Volunteer Chaplain for the Willingboro, NJ Police Department and the Burlington County Department of Corrections, alongside supporting the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF) to assist those affected by work-related stress, trauma, and disasters.

25 Years of Faith-Based Leadership: Dedicated 20 years of faithful service at Living Faith Christian Center (Pennsauken, NJ) and 5 years at The Family Church (Voorhees, NJ). Throughout this time, I stepped into diverse roles including Deacon, Trustee, Service Coordinator, Children’s Ministry Leader, and Stephen’s Ministry Leader (Care I and Care II). I have also served over 24 years leading and facilitating, Government of Twelve (G-12), Women’s Life Groups.

Community Connection: Currently residing in Las Vegas, Nevada, I have actively served at Central Church (Henderson) since November 2021 with The Pathway Essentials Teams, walking with people who chooses to learn their next steps in their journey with God. Also, servitude evolves leadership as a Greeter, First Step Host, and Community Group Assistant Leader, focusing on Christ-centered community groups that defeat isolation through creating an atmosphere of support, encouragement, and accountability.

The Extension of God’s Hands: For nearly a decade, I have devoted my heart to growing

The Extension of God’s Hands, a nonprofit ministry inspired by the compassion and mission found in Matthew 18:12–14. Just as the Good Shepherd leaves the ninety-nine to seek the one who has wandered, our mission is to reach those who feel forgotten, overlooked, or left behind—offering hope, practical support, and the transforming love of Christ. Through this ministry, we are committed to extending God's hands of compassion into communities, serving individuals and families with love, dignity, and the unwavering belief that every person is deeply valued by God.

Inspiration Through the Written Word of God

As an author and contributor, I believe in the power of storytelling to break chains, inspire healing, and reveal God's grace.

I am honored to be a writer and contributor to four life-changing books available right here. Highlights of these impactful works include:

My Life for Yours: Chronicles of a Caregiver's Unconditional Love– A deeply personal account where I share the story of my journey caring for my late husband, "My Life for His", illustrating and embracing the challenging process to truly love another unconditionally.

Break The Silence: Remove the Mask and Heal (Part I) "Clean Out the Clutter" – A powerful compilation exploring raw truth, faith, and the essential steps to emotional and spiritual healing. While embracing the challenging process of decluttering oneself... it is essential to let go of fear; yell "Plot Twist", face everything and rise to the next journey of life.

Break The Silence: Remove the Mask and Heal (Part II) – In this follow-up anthology, my chapter, "Clean Out the Clutter," The Relocation - Faith Enough to Move Forward, explores what it means to walk in the shoes of someone committed to doing unto others as unto God. Through prayer, testing, and intentional internal decluttering, I invite readers to step forward effectively and strengthen their own circles of influence.

Empowered by His Strength – An inspiring "Healing and Revelation Devotional", resonating ongoing faith to move forward... to finding divine resilience, grace, and strength to carry you through life's most challenging seasons. Ongoing faith is the fuel that moves you forward through life's most challenging seasons, unlocking the divine resilience already placed inside you. This journey does not require you to see the entire path ahead; it simply asks you to take the next step in grace.

My writing invites you to view life's testing phases not as barriers, but as testimonies designed to strengthen your character and display a true servant's heart.

Exploring the World and Designing Your Freedom

Beyond my ministry and writing, I have a deep passion for the travel industry. As a Network Marketing Professional, I believe that exploring the world broadens our perspective, refreshes our spirit, and creates lasting memories with the people we cherish most. Travel is more than visiting new destinations—it's an opportunity to grow, connect, and experience the richness of God's creation.

Today, I channel that passion into two exciting avenues designed to serve and empower you:

1. Customized Travel Planning

Ready to take your next dream vacation? Whether it’s a multi-family reunion, a milestone celebration, or a relaxing getaway, I am here to handle the details. As a professional travel specialist, I earn commissions while saving you time and stress, crafting seamless, unforgettable travel experiences.

Ready to escape? Head over to our Trip Inquiry Page to submit your travel details, and let’s start designing your next great adventure!

2. Build Your Own Home-Based Travel Business

Are you looking for financial freedom, flexible hours, and the opportunity to make money from home? I am incredibly passionate about mentoring everyday people to launch their very own home-based travel agencies. When you partner with me, you will get inside information about the booming travel industry and the exact tools you need to build a successful business that creates generational impact for your family.

Partner with Me: If you are ready to make money from home in the travel industry and want to join my team, visit our Travel Business Opportunity Page to learn how you can get started!

Connect With Me: Whether you're here to discover an inspiring book, plan your next unforgettable journey, or build a business that offers greater freedom and flexibility, I'm honored to walk alongside you every step of the way. Together, let's pursue purpose, embrace new opportunities, and create a future filled with faith, growth, and meaningful experiences.

Let’s be inspired, let’s explore, and let’s grow together.

Agape Love and Blessings,

Vivian J. Stokes-Smallwood

Email: [email protected]