After seven years in a verbally abusive marriage, Pastor Kathern Thomas knew what it felt like to be abused.

“When I got out, the Lord had to do a healing on me,” she said. “He took my misery and gave me a ministry to help other women.”

Shortly after founding her own church, Worshippers Interceding for Excellence in March 2004, Thomas launched the first “Called to be D.I.V.A. (Divine, Inspirational, Victorious, Anointed) Women’s Conference,” which teaches women that they are divine because they are from God; they are inspirational when they direct others on the right path; they are victorious because Jesus died for us; and they are anointed because Jesus lives inside of us. But Thomas said it hasn’t been easy convincing them of this.

“You would be surprised how many women don’t believe they have those attributes,” she said Wednesday.

On Oct. 16-18, Thomas will be joined by Elder Alicia Cardwell-Brown, evangelist Cheryl Lang from Douglas Park Baptist Church in Chicago, Linda Williams of Judah House of Praise in Stone Mountain, and Elder Dale Brown of Restoration Church of Deliverance in Tucker.

The event kicks off on Oct. 16 at 7 p.m. On Saturday, it takes place 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Sunday, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Admission is free and a complimentary lunch will be served on Saturday.

Worshippers Interceding for Excellence Church is at 3096 North Decatur Road in Scottdale. For more information or to register, call 404-455-6678 or 404-587-2751.