"Taking Control of Your Life", a conference for women and youth sponsored by the Total Woman Outreach Ministry, Inc., will be held Nov. 6-7 at Nazareth Missionary Baptist Church in Wagram. The event begins at 7 p.m. Friday with a presentation by Pastor Joann Davis of Greaterglory Ministry in Laurel Hill.

Saturday's workshops for adults and youths ages 13 through 19 will be held from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Speakers for the adult workshops will include the Rev. Katie Deberry with a workshop titled "Effective Leadership"; Hattie McCallum on "Taking Charge of Your Health"; and Tywanna Christian with a presentation titled "Lookin' Good". For young women, the workshops will include Mia Berry on "Self-Esteem"; Mary Evans on "Life Comes at You Fast"; Dawn C. Mason with a talk on "Healthy Relationships"; and Hazel McPhatter on "Nutrition and Fitness".

The Rev. Essie Davis, director of Total Woman Outreach Ministry, said that the conference is designed to help women find themselves in a sometimes difficult and confusing world.

"We believe that God has a purpose for our lives," Davis said, "and this ministry was established to help women to discover their God-given purpose."

A live performance by recording artist Dionne "Dee Dee" Wells will be presented on Saturday.

"We are very happy to have her join us to serenade and bless the group with her songs," Davis said.

Participants are asked to bring toiletries to donate to the Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Center in Laurinburg.

"We want to see women draw closer to God," Davis said, "to be a vessel of honor, sanctified and ready for the Master's use, prepared for every good work, reaching out to one another and serving the community in God's name."

There is no charge for the conference, which includes breakfast and lunch, although advance registration is required. For more information contact Tomeka Steele at 318-5770 or Demetrious Vasquez at 268-9988.