It all begins when someone, somewhere, tells a story. Shares a memory. A really tough time or beautiful moments. Words spoken to empathetic ears. When we tell our stories, someone, somewhere feels like she’s not alone.
StoryTellers Live creates spaces where everyday women share stories of the hope found in Jesus, inviting others into deeper trust and relationship with Him,” says Executive Director Brecca Powers, adding that more than 1,000 stories of God’s faithfulness have been shared through live gatherings in addition to 360 podcast episodes.
Founded in Birmingham in 2017, the non-profit has expanded to 18 communities in nine states around the country to include both in-person gatherings, a popular podcast and discipleship resources.
The Auburn/Opelika community was the second community group some eight years ago who took a break then recently relaunched.
“The years I have been involved have been such a blessing to me,” says long-time volunteer Pat Giddens. “I am very passionate about each and every story shared. I have never been to a gathering that I didn’t receive a blessing, no matter the content. There is such a need in our community for it. Everyone has a story.”
Local resident and entrepreneur Sarah Brown currently serves on the ministry team. “This past summer (2025), I felt convicted to play a more active role. I joined a few other ladies, including (the late) Jennifer Cooper, and our executive team in Birmingham, to brainstorm ideas for the relaunch,” says Brown. The group focused on “Retrain. Reform. Ready to Go.”
Tragically, Cooper, owner of Auburn’s Gigi’s Cupcakes, was killed in a car accident the day after the team’s launch meeting.
“Jennifer was super excited and passionate. During our session, we were blown away by her energy and ideas,” says Brown. Many of Cooper’s ideas were incorporated into the strategic plans for 2026. Her husband Patrick directed friends and family to the StoryTellers Live website where a link was placed for donations. “He told me she had more to do,” says Brown. More than $17,000 has been raised in Cooper’s name.
“I pray that Jennifer is watching down and smiling at us as we carry out something she was so passionate about,” says Giddens.
At its core, the group invites other women to tell their stories at a host’s home.
Local resident and entrepreneur Sarah Brown currently serves on the ministry team. “This past summer (2025), I felt convicted to play a more active role. I joined a few other ladies, including (the late) Jennifer Cooper, and our executive team in Birmingham, to brainstorm ideas for the relaunch,” says Brown. The group focused on “Retrain. Reform. Ready to Go.”
Tragically, Cooper, owner of Auburn’s Gigi’s Cupcakes, was killed in a car accident the day after the team’s launch meeting.
“Jennifer was super excited and passionate. During our session, we were blown away by her energy and ideas,” says Brown. Many of Cooper’s ideas were incorporated into the strategic plans for 2026. Her husband Patrick directed friends and family to the StoryTellers Live website where a link was placed for donations. “He told me she had more to do,” says Brown. More than $17,000 has been raised in Cooper’s name.
“I pray that Jennifer is watching down and smiling at us as we carry out something she was so passionate about,” says Giddens.
At its core, the group invites other women to tell their stories at a host’s home.
