We were lucky to catch up with Acetra Russell recently and have shared our conversation below.

Acetra, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

The idea for Moving Mountain Ministries came to me during one of the darkest periods of my life. The catalyst for this journey was the devastating loss of my daughter. Her passing left a gaping void in my heart, one that was soon compounded by the end of my marriage. The pain of losing a child, followed so closely by a divorce, felt overwhelming. I was lost in a sea of sorrow and disappointment.

In those grim moments, I found myself dealing with questions that seemed to have no answers. How do you heal from such loss? How do you find the strength to move forward when your world has been shattered? It was during this turmoil that I realized I was not alone. There were countless others experiencing their own tragedies, struggling to find a way through the pain.

This realization was the spark that birthed Moving Mountain Ministries. I understood that while I couldn’t solve everyone’s problems, I could share the steps that helped me navigate my own grief and begin the journey toward healing. I knew that by offering these steps, I could help others find their own paths to recovery and wholeness.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Dr. Acetra Russell, and I am the founder of Moving Mountain Ministries and the author of 100% Healed: A Mother’s Journey of Moving Mountains to Heal the Heart After Death and Divorce. My journey into the world of coaching and ministry began through personal trials and a deep-seated desire to help others who, like me, have faced the profound grief of losing a loved one and the subsequent turmoil of divorce.

I am also one of the co-founders of Words and Wisdom Ministry LLP. My partner and I started this journey because we noticed a gap in the discussion about women in the Bible. There were incredible stories that often went unnoticed, and we were eager to learn more about them.

Our passion led us to create a curriculum tailored for Christian schools and universities. The exciting part is that our curriculum wasn’t just a project – it became the focus of our graduate thesis. Even more fulfilling was the opportunity to teach the course ourselves.

Moving Mountain Ministries is a place where people could come to find peace and support. I incorporated vintage tea parties into the ministry, creating a warm and inviting space for women to gather and share their stories. These tea parties became more than just social gatherings; they were therapeutic sessions where women could discuss various topics, share their experiences, and offer mutual support.

The discussions at these tea parties were designed to help women open up about their struggles, knowing that their stories could inspire and uplift others. It was a place for healing, where vulnerability was met with empathy and understanding. Through these interactions, women could receive valuable information and insights that would aid them in their own healing journeys.

Moving Mountain Ministries is not just about overcoming challenges; it’s about finding strength in community and realizing that healing is a collective journey. Each step we take toward recovery is a step taken together, supported by the shared experiences and wisdom of those who have walked similar paths.

My ministry does not claim to have all the answers or to solve the ultimate problems faced by those who come to us. Instead, it offers a roadmap for healing, a series of steps that helped me and can help others to begin the process of becoming whole again. It’s about moving mountains, one step at a time, and finding hope and healing through the support and love of a compassionate community.

What I am most proud of is my ability to be transparent and share my story, no matter how hard it can be sometimes. By opening up about my own journey, I hope to encourage others to do the same, fostering an environment where healing and growth are possible.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One particular story from my journey that illustrates my resilience took place shortly after my daughter’s passing. In the immediate aftermath, I was enveloped in an overwhelming darkness. Each day felt like a struggle, and simple tasks seemed overwhelming. The pain was raw and relentless, and there were moments when I questioned how I could ever find the strength to go on.

During this time, I realized that my story may be different from someone else’s, but the results of the pain caused by the hurt is the same. It was in that moment that I realized the power of shared experiences and the healing potential of simply being present for one another. This inspired me to create the vintage tea parties that are now a cornerstone of Moving Mountain Ministries. I wanted to offer others the same sense of community and understanding that had been so pivotal in my own healing journey.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

What has helped me build my reputation within my market is a combination of word of mouth, consistency, transparency, relatability, and community-building. Personal recommendations and testimonials from those who have experienced genuine healing through Moving Mountain Ministries have been powerful. Consistently sharing my story of loss and recovery has established trust and authenticity, while my transparency about my journey fosters a sense of connection and honesty. By creating spaces for others to share their stories, I have built a supportive community where everyone’s voice is valued. Being relatable to my audience, understanding their unique challenges, and offering empathy and understanding have made my guidance and support impactful. These elements have collectively established Moving Mountain Ministries as a trusted source of support and guidance, helping people navigate their healing journeys with compassion and community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://acetrarussell.com
• Instagram: @acetrarussell
• Facebook: Acetra Dee Russell
• Linkedin: Acetra Russell

Image Credits

Image Credits
Denise Washington Photography LLC