Porcia Baxter

While roaming the halls of high schools (and even sometimes middle schools!) I'm often asked if I am lost, late for class, or a new student! At 35, this is a massive compliment. I know God kept me looking young because He wanted students to be able to relate to me. Coming out of a life of addiction, I have a lot of wisdom and experience to share with students. While addiction isn't always the focus of my messages, I am a gifted communicator and I love to weave in aspects of my story to add humor, authenticity, and to resonate with audiences of all backgrounds. From the heart of Chicago, to LA, to rural Midwest, students of all life-walks leave the auditoriums feeling encouraged, revived, challenged, and most of all, loved by God. He has given me so much, and freely I must give it back to everyone He has given me a voice to speak with. Here are a few of the typical types of events I do:

1. Camps/Conferences: I specialize in keynote presentations for multi-day events. Whether it's 12 messages and breakout sessions for your summer camp, or 4 messages for your weekend conference, I can work with your theme to make sure students leave having the best event of their lives. I love to use video and lights to make my messages come alive and students are always leaned in, never bored.

1. School Chapels: Most of the school chapels I speak in are local in Minnesota, but I'm always open to discuss your chapel needs if you are outside of my hometown. I have done all-student chapels in high schools, as well as split chapels where I craft a different message for grades K-4, 5-8, and 9-12. I generally like to have a little background about your school, the students, relevant current events, and if you have a certain verse or topic you would like me to incorporate in the message I can do that too!

3. Youth Groups: I love being able to share at a Wednesday night youth service! These settings are always more intimate than being on a huge stage. I bring a powerful message - I generally talk a little about my addiction and some of the mistakes I made in my teenage years, as well as share my faith and hope in Jesus to bring healing from a broken mess. I also talk about how I was an excellent student, excelled in sports, was popular, and other sources of my identity that competed with Christ. I incorporate Biblical truths, specific verses of Scripture, and if it's okay with the youth pastor I love to give students some time to ask questions at the end. If finances are an issue for your church, let's still chat. I have been given a second chance out of addiction for a reason and my story really resonates with young people. I don't want finances to be a reason to lose an opportunity to share with your group!

4. Sunday Services: I know the challenges of being in full time ministry can be great, and I love to give pastors a break! If you desire me to speak as a guest at your weekend service(es) I'd be delighted! We can discuss any message requirements and length, and and other relative details.

I grew up in the suburbs of Minneapolis and at the age of 12 began experimenting with drugs and alcohol to fit in. I quickly found myself overwhelmed in a life of darkness, addiction, shame, and emptiness. Jesus pursued me with his fierce love and I am passionate about sharing the Gospel through my story. I've spent the last several years speaking mostly to youth, sharing my story, and helping them see that alcohol and drugs are not worth the cost, and that living for Jesus is truly better than any temporary high this world can offer. I speak because I want to make a difference. If I can help one person by sharing what I've been through, it was all worth it. People come up to me all the time after I speak and they share their real struggles with me. Getting the opportunity to encourage them is why I do what I do. When I first started speaking I did mostly youth events, but over the last few years God has been opening up more doors for me to do women's events, conferences, and even corporate events. I look at every opportunity as an open door and am humbled by where ever He sends me. If you're looking for a speaker for your next event, I would love to chat!