Yvette Allen-Tatum

Born in Washington, D.C. some 40 plus years ago, Yvette L. Allen-Tatum initially came to Christ at the age of 16.  At that time, she experienced a real encounter with an angel of the Lord and the enemy during a battle for her soul.  She was baptized shortly thereafter.  But, she was only taught that being saved meant she would not spend eternity in Hell.  She was not taught about having a true relationship with the Lord.  Even though she was a born again and baptized believer, she still lived life on her own terms. 

By the age of 22, Yvette was pregnant by her long-time boyfriend and high school sweetheart and found herself in an entirely different predicament.  She was going to be responsible for another life.  This new role required more than she could give.  She again turned to God for guidance and strength.  She prayed continuously until another angel showed up to let her know that everything would be all right with the health, birth, and delivery of her daughter.  By then, her bond with the Lord had grown stronger but she still didn’t allow God to be first in her life.

At 23, Yvette married her boyfriend and father of her daughter.  There marriage lasted for 10 years during which time her second daughter was born.  During the tumultuous time of marital discord, she again got closer to God.  But this time she realized that she only had Him to depend on.  She knew that God would never leave or forsake her.  She allowed Him to be in a true relationship with her and to be first in her life!  After her divorce, she had a burning desire to spread the Gospel of Jesus to anyone who would listen.  She especially wanted to share this word with women. 

In 2003, she married Jerry Tatum, an author and lover of the Lord.  And the union has truly been blessed of God.  During her period of singleness, she told God that she did not want to play the dating game because she didn’t believe that it was His will for her life.  She also knew that she wasn’t good at dating.  So, she asked God to not present anyone to her until He was ready to introduce her to her husband.  She had purposed in her heart that her husband was the only man she wanted to date.  And it was.  She did not meet any men and no one was interested in her until she met her husband through a mutual friend.    Yvette and Jerry knew from the moment they met that they were destined for each other. 

Yvette’s heart’s desire is to train and equip women in the ways of the Lord so they too would be more than conquerors.  She wants women to view themselves as being that Proverbs 31 Woman…blessed and highly favored! 

Blessed with intelligence, she is a graduate of the University of Richmond with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance.  She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theology from Grace Christian College. 

Yvette L. Allen-Tatum… wife, mother, speaker, and future author is a visionary who allows the Lord to use her gifts and talents for His glory and honor.  Surrounded by Faith Ministries, LLC has a true Leader that heeds the voice of the Lord and dedicates herself to the service of others. 

In February 2002, then divorced, single mom of two girls, Yvette L. Allen had just built and moved into her beautiful new home.  Soon after, God impressed upon her to invite a few women over to her home for a prayer breakfast.  The women in attendance initially consisted of various women that Yvette knew from her church and her workplace.  As time progressed, these “Prayer Breakfasts” soon became a monthly Saturday service where the Lord has shown himself mightily.  Guest speakers at these services have included Evangelists, Apostles, Elders, and Fellow Prayer Warriors. 

In 2005, group member Wykinnya Hightower came up with a name for the group -- “Surrounded by Faith Ministries.”   In April 2007, the Lord revealed to Yvette that the ministry should become official, thus, Surrounded by Faith Ministries, LLC was legally formed. 

Today, the ministry consists of many women from various backgrounds, experiences, and testimonies.  What started out small has become a ministry where women can discuss and learn from the scriptures, pray for one another’s needs and minister to others through outreach programs.  Within this diverse group of women many have been saved, healed, and delivered.  May God continue to use this group to reach other women in the city, the state, the nation, and the world!

Surrounded By Faith Ministries, LLC has discussed, learned and experienced these things since the inception:

• We've studied The Gospels and The Book of Hebrews
• We've also studied The Tabernacle of Moses
• We've read Hinds Feet On High Places
• We've completed two Retreats 
• We had a foot washing service
• Members of the Bible Study have received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit with evidence of speaking in other tongues 
  

Just to mention a few things.  We've accomplished a lot and the Lord's work has just begun in our individual lives and in the life of the ministry.
Contact us to participate in our ministry activities!