Chattanooga resident dares for more

Written by: Samantha Burgess

When you’re greeted by Lisa Potter’s easy smile, quick-witted humor and readiness to serve others, you might not expect that she had a rough childhood. Potter works towards turning her rough childhood into a positive message to others. Potter hopes her struggle will show others that they aren’t alone and that redemption is found in Christ.

Lisa Potter was born on May 27 in St. Charles, Mo. At four, Potter lost her mother to cancer. Potter and her four younger siblings (three sisters and one brother) were put under the care of several family members because her dad didn’t take care of them. They moved back in with him when he remarried two years later. Potter and her family moved to Poplar Bluff, Mo. during her freshman year of high school. She stayed there until 2006 and then she moved to Chattanooga, Tenn.

Growing up, Potter first heard the Gospel a little before her 21st birthday. A friend invited her to “Friend Day” at their church where Potter heard about the love of Jesus and that Jesus would never leave her.

“As I sat in service I thought about my relationships at the time and how everyone I loved had hurt me or left me,” said Potter. “I wanted the kind of relationship Jesus could give.”

When the service ended Potter went forward during invitation and was led to an office where she accepted Christ as savior.

Through the years, Potter learned from trials in her life that God is in control and that the hard times she may face are only a learning or growing experience. One of her greatest strengths is connecting with people and using her experiences to guide them. Although some people previously took advantage of her, Potter learned from her mistakes. Potter seeks to serve others, specifically women through Dare For More Ministries.

Dare For More (DFM) started as Potter’s friend Reba Bowman’s idea. She worked in Christian colleges and saw many women who had a head knowledge of the Gospel but not a life changing relationship with God. Bowman left college and focused on women’s ministry. Potter met Bowman in 2003 when they were both working at Fort Bluff Camp in Dayton, Tenn. Bowman brought up the idea of Dare For More to Potter, and Potter decided to move to Chattanooga, Tenn. in 2006 so they could start the ministry.

“Lisa truly cares about every person she meets,” said Bowman. “I couldn’t have asked for a better partner in this ministry.”

Holly Frantom, a young woman that Potter disciples, said, “Lisa isn’t just a mentor. She’s a close friend and a role model.”

Potter and Bowman took a trip in August to Ndola, in Zambia, Africa. They worked with WIPHAN (stands for widows and orphans) which ministers to orphans and offers employment to widows in each of their three locations. WIPHAN’s spiritual emphasis diminished over time so they asked DFM for help. Potter and Bowman held a women and teen conference in Ndola where they taught believers how to disciple to others. The hardest part was helping the women and teens move past cultural issues and grow spiritually. The most rewarding part was seeing close to 70 woman and girls who came to an understanding of the Gospel and trusted in Christ.

Lisa Potter (3 on the bottom row in pink) and Reba Bowman (6 on top row in navy blue) from DFM pictured with some of the women they helped in Zambia.

Potter said DFM currently has two connections to partners in the Dominican Republic, and they hope to develop future partnerships with WIPHAN in Africa and local ministries in Australia.

DFM has allowed Potter to overcome many challenges. Growing up, Potter struggled with public speaking, but now it’s her job.

“People are the same wherever I go,” said Potter. “We may look different, speak different languages or have different customs but we are all still humans with the same basic needs and desires.” Potter said she learned countless times how God doesn’t need her, but He still chooses to use her to lead others to Him.

To keep up with Lisa Potter and Dare For More Ministries you can visit their website, Facebook, or Instagram.

Samantha Burgess is a sophomore majoring in communication with an emphasis in digital media and is assistant editor over campus life and events. When she’s not doing homework, Samantha can often be found curled up with a good book, writing, listening to music or watching TV.