By CARLEY TUCKER
news@wood.cm
The Wood County Republican Women kicked off their summer speaker series, “Leading Ladies of the Lone Star State,” on Monday, June 15, at the Mineola Civic Center with an address from author, ministry leader and political activist Bunni Pounds.
Pounds, founder and president of Christians Engaged, shared her personal journey from entrepreneur and worship leader to political consultant, congressional candidate and national advocate for Christian civic engagement. Her message centered on leadership, faith and the importance of active participation in government and community life.
Drawing from her newly released book, “Stepping Up to Lead,” Pounds challenged attendees to view themselves as leaders regardless of age or background. Using the biblical story of Nehemiah as a framework, she encouraged citizens to remain engaged in shaping the future of their communities and nation.
“We are in an incredible moment in American history,” Pounds said. “You are needed in this moment. Your voice matters. The message God has given you matters.”
Pounds also highlighted the work of Christians Engaged, the nonprofit ministry she founded in 2019 to encourage Christians to “pray, vote and engage.” The organization provides voter education, civic engagement resources, leadership training and discipleship programs designed to help Christians become active participants in public life.
A significant portion of her remarks focused on the recently completed “America Reads the Bible” initiative, a nationwide project that brought together ministry leaders, elected officials and public figures to read the entire Bible publicly in celebration of America’s upcoming 250th anniversary. Pounds described the effort as a modern-day “Ezra moment,” referencing the Old Testament leader who read Scripture to remind the Israelites of their identity and purpose.
Reflecting on America’s approaching semiquincentennial in 2026, Pounds spoke about the nation’s founding principles and the role citizens play in preserving freedom for future generations.
Throughout the evening, she emphasized that leadership is developed through faithfulness, discipline and service long before opportunities for public influence arise.
The event marked the first installment of the Wood County Republican Women’s summer speaker series, “Leading Ladies of the Lone Star State,” which showcases influential Texas women serving in leadership roles across government, business and public policy.
The series continues July 20 with Danielle Buck, vice president of strategic partnerships for Patriot Mobile. The final speaker will be Dr. Dawn Buckingham, Texas land commissioner, who will close the series Aug. 17.
The Wood County Republican Women host monthly meetings and educational programs designed to inform and engage citizens on issues affecting Texas and the nation.