Tanya Thomas

I was a broken, lost soul with very little support and no real family. It was God’s divine power and love that saved me just when I needed it the most.

I was a broken, lost soul with very little support and no real family. It was God’s divine power and love that saved me just when I needed it the most. When I found out that I was pregnant, I felt alone and scared. I cried out to God for the first time in my life, not knowing if He was even there or listening. I had been doing everything my way for the first 25 years of my life, but it was clear that what I was doing was not working. I knew that I had to make a change because I wanted the very best for my baby; I wanted to give her the life I never had. I prayed to God for guidance and for my baby to be a girl. He blessed me with both.

I did not grow up as a Seventh-day Adventist or even a Christian and had very little knowledge about God. But I met a kind and wise woman at my previous job who introduced me to a living faith that gave me hope. As a lifelong Christian, her consistent kindness and love made me curious about her religion, her church and her beliefs. She never asked me if I wanted to read the Bible or study with her. Instead, she patiently waited for me to be ready—she waited for the Holy Spirit to impress me at just the right time. One day I asked her if I could study with her. She was happy to come over to read and study the Bible together. She and I, and my beautiful baby, met once a week to eat and study together. Eventually, I decided to give my life to Christ and dedicate my daughter to Him, to raise her in the ways of the Lord.

After a series of Bible studies that led me to Jesus and an understanding of Adventist beliefs, I visited Pioneer Memorial Church, where Pastor Dwight made an altar call: “If you are praying about getting baptized, don’t wait, the time is now.” I said to myself, “Ok, I will do it.” I contacted the church and requested to be baptized and to dedicate my daughter—but both by Pastor Dwight. Being a very reputable man and in high demand, the odds were slim. However, by the grace of God, he was able and willing to do my baptism and dedicate my daughter the same day. We have been following God ever since. We center our lives around the ways of the Lord and seek His direction in all things.

For the first time ever, I feel a sense of safety and security, a sense of belonging. Ever since God came into my life, He became my family, my friend and my strength. Even if we had nothing, we still have someone, He who will never leave us or forsake us. Before I found God, I was always nervous and scared of everything, but now I am stronger and less afraid. I pray to God for everything every day, for He is the source of life. Now don’t get me wrong, bad things do happen. Being a Christian doesn't exempt us from troubles and tribulations. But the difference is that He is with us and we know it. There are many things on our hearts, but we leave them at His feet and wait for His leading. We are in His waiting room. God is faithful and provides every one of our needs according to His perfect will.

Just this past Christmas, we received a wonderful blessing, something that we have been praying for. An anonymous church member bought us a newer used car, as we had a very old one costing us a lot in repairs. My daughter and I are very happy with our wonderful gift and enjoy it every day. Also, He has given us some wonderful friends, who have become like family to us.

God has opened doors for work for me as well, with the opportunity for me to further my higher education through online classes here at Andrews, so that I can support my family while pursuing a passion that He has impressed upon me. God continues to amaze me with all the ways that He is working in our lives. He has helped me to see our need for Him in our lives.

I am so thankful for the opportunity to simultaneously work full-time and work on my degree part-time. My academic advisor and my professors have been very helpful and have been encouraging me through the challenges. I have found faith, work, friends and the opportunity to further my higher education in a way that fits my busy life. Now, in more ways than I could have ever imagined, I am no longer alone, and I am becoming the person God created me to be. Our lives are forever dedicated to His work, service and purpose.