In this inspiring episode of the I Am Lakeland podcast, host Don Burns sits down with Pastor Sandra Astacio, the founder of Daughters in Christ Ministries. Sandra shares her powerful journey of faith and restoration, detailing how a personal blog evolved into a multifaceted 501(c)(3) ministry dedicated to empowering and equipping women to walk in their divine purpose.
The conversation centers on the “restoration of life” through faith and practical service. Sandra discusses her two published books, including In Pursuit of Becoming, which explores the journey of becoming a Proverbs 31 woman through prayer, testimony, and biblical study. She also introduces her Christian fiction work, Amelia Unlikely, which uses humor and relatable characters to reflect her own experiences growing up in Florida and finding restoration through God.
A major highlight of the episode is the WE SERVE program (Women Empowered Serve), which Sandra launched during the pandemic to connect women with local service opportunities. From career workshops and resume building to “boots on the ground” community outreach, Sandra emphasizes the importance of a servant’s heart. She also shares details about ARISE—an acronym for Activate and Release Intentionally in a Safe Environment—a transformative event designed to help women release insecurities and embrace self-acceptance.
Throughout the discussion, Sandra’s commitment to building a “relationship-first” community in Lakeland is evident. Whether she is mentoring women through career transitions or hosting empowerment sessions at COhatch, her mission is to ensure every woman knows she is loved and has a vital role to play in the community. 24
