Higher education is so imperative in today’s society.   The True Church of God in Christ, Inc. has really been blessed with several educated members who are in a position to make a difference. This is an exciting time to examine education and salvation from  our members who remain committed to both. Our goal for the next several months is to give the youth an understanding about the importance of  salvation and education. We want the youth to understand why it is so pertinent to have God’s salvation and  higher education. We hope the testimonies gathered from some of members will encourage  the youth to prosper both spiritually and intellectually.

To the High School Seniors:

The Ron Brown Scholars Program seeks African-American high school seniors to receive $10,000 annually for four (4) years to attend an accredited four-year college or university in the US. Deadlines: November 1, 2008 and January 9, 2009.  Mail application, transcripts and recommendation letters in one package.

 For information, contact  

Ron Brown Program
1160 Pepsi Place, Suite 206
Charlottesville, Va. 22901
434-964-1588

 http://www.ronbrown.org/

Sister Lawanda Baskerville
Lucas Temple Member

I thank the Lord for my education in both church and school. I am receiving my spiritual education from the leaders at The True Church of God In Christ. It is teaching me how to deal with everyday situations. I received my natural education from college. It is helping me to succeed in the world today. It is important for the future leaders of tomorrow (youth) to get educated so that they may be successful in life. A college education leads to better paying jobs and more opportunities in the workforce to receive the job that is desired. A spiritual education reminds you that you can do all things through Christ that strengthens you. While you are out in the world trying to get an education you will be faced with many challenges. Just keep the faith and know that you can do it no matter how hard it may seem!

Sister Eva Bridges
Lucas Temple Member

As a classroom teacher in the public schools, I know first hand how many different things there are to capture the attention of our youth. The internet, video games, the TV, MP3 players, the radio and movies, just to name a few, rob our children of time which would be better spent doing homework. Too often children are not turned on to their homework because of these distractions. As parents we must continue to set high expectations for our children and monitor their daily activities and their school work. When left unattended their youthful minds become idol. This gives children time to want for worldly pleasures. When children give so much of their time to impressing their peers, then grades and behavior begin to fall at school. In order for our children to be successful in all things they must be obedient to their parents as well as to the word of God. The word must become apart of everything that our children do. They must know that Jesus is the answer. That he is the anchor. And even though Christ has been taken out of the schools, it will be the light from our youth that brings him back. The youth of The True Church will walk, talk, and act differently from their peers so that anyone that comes in contact with them will recognize their light. It is possible for our youth to be saved and get an education at the same time. I know there will be times when things seem very difficult at school. If our children would simply hold on to the teachings that they receive at The True Church of God in Christ, I know they will be blessed.

Brother Joe Robinson
Lucas Temple Member

I honor God who is the creator of all things. I honor him for his goodness and mercy.  Without him I do not know what I would do.   He has opened so many doors for me.  When I finished high school in 1974, I had several college scholarship offers, but I decided to join the military because I really did not want to go to college.  The military helped me understand the difference that an education could make in my life.  The person with an education always appeared to have the easier job and was giving orders.  They never had to pick up paper or cigarette butts.

Upon my return home from the service, Bishop Lucas kept expressing that education along with salvation would make life easier.  Although I had a wife with two children, I enrolled in college with a strong desire to obtain a college degree.  I often thought of the scripture concerning God’s ability to bring things back to our memory. In order to bring something back to your memory,  you must first have had knowledge of it.  This meant studying was my responsibility to ensure that God would do what he said “bring it back to my memory”.   With that in mind,  I was able to go through college really never worrying whether I would pass or fail a class.  I knew God never lies so if there was any short comings I knew it was in me.

Now I see education as a building process; elementary lays the foundation for high school and high school lays the foundation for college.  If you fail to obtain the knowledge at either stage you make the road a little tougher for yourself.   I know that God desires the best for us, but we have to do our part.  I am reminded of the scripture “…Yes, a man say, I have faith, and I have works; show me your faith without thy works and I will show you my faith by my works.”    Then we must be willing to use the skills and gifts that God blesses us with to his will and glory. I can say that the road was tough and sometimes it seemed that I should just give up. With prayer, trusting and believing in the gospel over time I was awarded an Associate Degree in electronic and a Bachelor degree in Computer Engineer.

I can say with knowledge that the youth should complete their educational goals before they take on a lot of life responsibilities.                                

Brother Samuel Sims, Jr. & Sister La'Keisha Lucas
Lucas Temple Members

Samuel: You know that GOD has brought me from a mighty long way. I remember at one point I had no desire to come to church. I thank GOD that you and my mother continued telling me how important it was to come to church and to pray.

La'Keisha: Well, I thank GOD for you too, Samuel and how you have been a great inspiration and friend to me. I can clearly remember when you had no desire to come to church, but was still devoted to being a great example to so many people.

Samuel: Well, I believe that is through my upbringing in the church. Although, I was not trying to live right at the time, my parents instilled this strong teaching in me as a child and it carried over into the world with me.  The WORD always gave me a conscience that kept me from getting too far out there, and furthermore he allowed me to have a Mother that raised me well and a dear friend that kept me on a straight path.

La'Keisha: It had to be the upbringing because my parents, who raised me and my siblings in the True Church, as well taught me how to carry myself as a young lady and the importance of getting an education, along with salvation. College was very difficult for me, but with the Lord, prayer, you and my parents, I was able to graduate and work in my field of studies, working with Special Needs children and their families. I am very blessed.

Samuel:  Oh yea, I remember your desire to want to give up sometimes but you made it through.

La’Keisha:  I recall how every summer I did not want to go back to college to begin another semester, but through hard prayer, faith and encouraging words, I was able to do it! I did and I thank GOD so much for that. Through the teaching of Bishop Lucas and Bishop Lawson, and now Elder Jeffries, I was able to make it through understanding that we all have to go through tribulations, but the Lord is in control.

Samuel: So we both grew up in the church, and here we are about to get married. The most beautiful thing about our relationship though is that we have been the best of friends for a little over 10 years.

La'Keisha: Yes. Best friends that were able to get to know each other by talking and being friends first. I think it's a blessing that our parents were brought up together and that our families know one another well. Samuel, do you believe that we would have been able to make it through college and be where we are now, if we weren't good friends first and knew the teaching?

Samuel:  Not at all. I would probably either be out there on drugs, not focused, or caught up with children. We could be another statistic, a black man with no education, no job, and just selling drugs in the street. Or I could be dead. GOD has kept his loving arms around us.

La'Keisha: You are right. I could have also dropped out of school and had children before getting married, but GOD was with us. 

Samuel: I tell you one thing...since being back in the church I am not ashamed of this gospel.

Sister Lilly “Mickey” Stafford
Thomaston/Barnesville Member

 I would like to first give honor to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, my Bishop and his wife, and my Pastor Elder Andrews and his wife. I can not continue without giving thanks and honor to my parents Deacon and Mother Stafford who has always stressed the importance of having both salvation and education.

My journey on this topic begins as a student in high school. I was a relatively good kid. I loved going to school. I enjoyed reading, and I attempted to be obedient to my parents and the teachers. I graduated with an A grade point average and had no difficulty being accepted into college, but salvation was the last thing on my mind as I began college. I placed it on hold and told myself “I have time.” To this day, I regret that decision, and I wish I can go back and make some changes.  I realize this is my testimony, and I am a new person in Christ today. Many young people commence college believing obtaining a degree will be enough to obtain the “perfect” job and to have that joy, peace, and happiness. However, sadly it is not. As I was obtaining my undergraduate degree, I lacked both motivation and contentment because I did not have God in my life. After graduating in 2001, it took me 8 months just to find a job. Even though I had repented of my sins the semester prior to graduating, some my prior mistakes had made it difficult for me to obtain a decent job. Now, I look back on my life some times and imagine how easier things would have been if I had just gotten saved at a younger age.

Nevertheless, despite my mistakes in college, God is so Merciful. God gave me another opportunity to obtain education the “correct” way. In September 2006, after spending 2 years in graduate school and working full time, I was able to obtain my MBA degree.  When I think back on my experiences, all I can do is say “Thank you Jesus for having mercy on me.”  Today, I am proud to say, I believe I am saved. God has blessed me with a fairly good job, and I believe he has more possibilities to come in regards to my career. What I want the young people to realize is that things can be so much better for them in school and in life if they were to just pursue higher learning with God as their personal savior. Although I am still reaping some of the decisions I made in my years of college, I am happy, I am at peace, and I believe I am qualified to say that education is achieved more efficiently and sensibly with salvation.

Sister Karina Boyd
St. James Member

Let me begin by granting honor and all praise to the most high, the Lord Jesus Christ.  He has layered and showered many blessings upon my life and I am so thankful.  I believe that if it were not for my chosen lifestyle, my ability to be where I am today would be impossible.  Before accepting holiness as my life counselor, I walked the popular path of many wrong decisions.  The Lord graciously continues to shine His loving grace and mercy upon my soul and for that again I am grateful.   I would love to share one of the many blessings that the Lord has bestowed upon me.  As many of you know, I recently obtained my Bachelors Degree in Higher Education Management from Florida Metropolitan University, but what is unknown by most is the avenues of how the Lord blessed me to receive this honor.  Before enrolling in Florida Metropolitan University (FMU), I had intermittently attended other organizations of higher learning.  I had come to the decision that obtaining a degree was not something for me.  I could not have been more wrong in my way of thinking.   My supervisors encouraged me to go back to school to get a degree primarily to better my chances of moving up the corporate ladder.  I agreed and enrolled.  These classes would be online and my schedule would be decided by my employer and not of my own choosing.  On January 16, 2006, I began my first term of classes.  I was extremely nervous.  I was now a full-time mother, full-time student, full-time wife, and working full-time.  Wow, how was I going to get through, (only through the help of the Lord)?  Transfer credits would save me from having to complete a great deal of classes, yet I would have well over 100 hours of classes yet to attend.  As I began, I vowed that I would graduate from my program with honors and I did, cum laude.  I would have to say again that if it was not for my Lord, both spiritual and natural (Irvin, my husband) I would not have received that blessing either.  Irvin was such a big part of my foundation for success.  There are not many women that can say that their spouse would simply say “You just worry about school and I will do the rest.”  Talk about dwelling with me according to knowledge.  He knew that in order for me to be successful I could not do it all alone.  He took the load off by cooking, cleaning, preparing the children for school, and assisting us with our homework.  I AM BLESSED!!!  Our pastor Elder Dennis Jeffries Sr. calls these actions the “benefits of salvation.”  To put the icing on the cake with obtaining this degree was the cost.  The Lord had already blessed me up to this point by not having to really pay for an education at any of my previous schools.  Irvin and I both had a grant/scholarship through the military, which handled most of the cost for us.  Much of our time enrolled in school we were getting paid to get an education.  FMU would be different; I would have to pay out of my pocket.  The Lord would step in and work this one out as well.  Because the school was online the price of each class would be extremely high.  “Not for Sister Karina Boyd” saith the Lord.   The original cost of my program at completion was well over $35, 000.00, yet I would only have to pay a little over $1,500.  I believe that knowledge is not the same as understanding, nor is it the same as faith.  I am told to gain an understanding in all things and to have faith and believe that all things are possible and because of that knowledge God has granted me with POWER.

Sister Aretha Hutchinson
Lucas Temple Member

I truly count it a blessing to be able to give my testimony. I want to give honor to God, to my wonderful husband, and to all who are due honor. I feel so blessed to have found the truth in 1994 at Lucas Temple. I have always valued education but once I learned how to make it with the Lord, I was able to add salvation to my education. Before I was married I obtained my Associate’s Degree in Accounting and I was able to help in the home. About two years later, I obtained my real estate license. I was able to supplement my income and later focus on real estate totally and have time to care for my mother during her illness. Later, I obtained my National Certification in Insurance Coding in hopes of working from home should I become a mother. My ultimate goal was to become a registered nurse. Until the time was right, I obtained my certification as a nursing assistant and did home healthcare and was able to gain healthcare experience and prepare for nursing school. The Lord blessed me to be accepted to nursing school and I graduated in December 2007 with my Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing. Along the way the Lord opened so many doors and blessed me with numerous Scholarships and honors. I know none of my accomplishments would have been possible without the Lord. He blessed me with a wonderful and supportive husband to walk with me through this life and my educational journey.  I plan to encourage my own children to take advantage of the educational opportunities available and most of all obtain salvation. My husband and I both plan on being examples for our children.

Nursing school was one of the most challenging educational experiences for me thus far. But, another benefit of being a member of the True Church is that the saints offer you encouragement when you need it. There were many times when the saints would offer me words of encouragement exactly when I needed it. I feel so blessed to have the Lord on my side, a wonderful husband and the saints to support me in my salvation and my education.  The Lord has allowed me to obtain education in many different areas and with the education I also gained valuable experience. In each instance I was able to grow in the Lord and be a light wherever the Lord allowed me to go. I am thankful for that because I know it comes through the word of God. With all that the Lord has allowed me to accomplish I want to continue to remain humble. Although I can write my name as Aretha Hutchinson, BSN, RN, CNA, NCICS—I feel the most honor being called Sister Aretha Hutchinson, member of the True Church of God In Christ.

Dr. Stacy Boyd
Lucas Temple Member

I give honor to the Spirit of Christ, who is the head of my life, the creator of all things, the sustainer of life, and the source from whom all blessings flow. I am thankful to God for His grace and His mercy.  In August 2007, I finished all of the requirements for a Ph.D. and am currently employed as an assistant professor of English.  This accomplishment required me to encounter texts and ways of thinking that were alien to me.  Additionally, the process of finishing this degree ends a period of roller coaster emotions that I could not have endured without an extended support network. The completion of this degree is the fulfillment of an experience I had over a decade ago in Athens, Greece.

In 1995, I was blessed with a scholarship to study in English for a semester.  During that semester, I visited the ancient Greece and walked among the ruins of cities and towns with which the apostles would have been familiar.  I made my way to the top of the Acropolis—the high mountain upon which the Parthenon (Greek Temple) rests.  As I gazed down at the sights below—hundreds of mile of concrete city and history in all directions—I remember being overwhelmed and dropping to my knees.  People around me asked if I were OK and I said yes but that I needed a minute to collect myself.  As I reflected on that moment, I thought about the immense privilege that I was fortunate to have.  Perhaps, I would be the only person from my neighborhood that would see those sights firsthand.  It was as if I could hear my grandfather, a deeply religious and fiercely devoted family man with an incomplete grammar school education, telling me that I had a responsibility to take advantage of these opportunities.  For these opportunities were the fulfilled dreams of a people who sustained their hearts and fed their spirits on the hope and faith that their sacrifices would create a better world for their children.  In another moment, I imagined the voices of my son and daughter thanking me for paving a way for them to get to the stars and for teaching them that the world and its possibilities are bigger than Decatur, Georgia. These voices—of futures past and futures present—taught me that my education and indeed all of my achievements were not just about me, but rather were also about the ancestors on whose work I am dependant and about the generations to come.  If our gifts and talents are not used for the health of the entire community, then it’s all vanity rooted in materialism and greed.  Although I have achieved the highest academic credential available, my PhD means nothing if I cannot offer my credentials to the glory of God.  Hurricane Katrina taught us that “stuff” will pass away; only what we do for Christ will last.  We should instead build monuments to love, relationships, and family.

The story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego provides a clear illustration of the importance of education and salvation, and how education can be used to the Glory of God.  The Book of Daniel records that King Nebuchadnezzar had captured Israel commanded his chief eunuch to bring the palace young men who were “skillful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science” (Daniel 1:4).   Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were among the young men whose educational preparation brought them before kings.  Once they were in the king’s courts, however, they refused to abandon their belief in the one true God.  Rather than bow to the king’s idol god, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego suffered the wrath of the king and were thrown into a fiery furnace.  God rewarded their faithfulness by preserving their lives, and their steadfast testimonies compelled King Nebuchadnezzar not only to recognize the one true God but also to promote the three Hebrew boys (Daniel 3).  While their training and education opened doors for them, their faithfulness to God opened many other doors.

Our late pastor and apostle Bishop Lawson taught us that we would all do well to follow the Hebrews boys’ examples.  He taught us that our degrees cannot and will not take the place of the Holy Spirit but that the Holy Spirit was necessary to bring our thoughts and imaginations under subjection.  The consequence of this lack of spiritual governance could lead to arrogance and idolatry because we would otherwise put more confidence in our worldly knowledge rather than in the knowledge of God.  Using a mantra of Bishop Lawson, my great-aunt reminds me that I am still “Dr. Dust and Ashes.” The prayers, testimonies, and songs of the “Saints” fed my spirit when nothing else could as I was finishing the Ph.D. I am indebted to my church family for all they have spoken into my life and for the way they honor me by allowing me to serve them. Truly, the prayers of the righteous “availeth much.”  In addition, Bishop W. F. Lucas and Bishop B. J. Lawson laid hands on me and convinced me that I could “be a great man in this world or in the world to come.” Their spirits live on.  I honor my spiritual parents, Bishop O. Jeffries and Mother M. Jeffries, for their wisdom and admonishments to go higher and deeper.  

As I consider my family’s role in my life, words fail to register the depth of my appreciation, but sometimes the triumph is in the attempt.  And so I begin. I honor my family, both extended and immediate. The inefficiency of words becomes apparent when I consider my parents, Deacon Irvin Boyd, Sr. and Assistant General Mother Claudette Boyd. They dared to raise children whose dreams they could not fully comprehend, but they gave us to the Lord and He worked it out. They taught us to pray and to live with integrity.  I tried to shield them from some of the heartache, but I hope they experience all of the joy, glory and honor that come along with this accomplishment.                

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. Psalms 19:14.

 Amen. 

Sister Ramona Murphy
Lucas Temple Member

I can testify that salvation alone is a sweet blessing from God and salvation with education only sweetened my blessing by allowing me to see the benefits of spiritual and natural wisdom and understanding.  Salvation keeps me humbled through my ever-learning experiences of God’s powerful manifestation of his grace and mercy.  While education can help me to combat some of the challenges of this world, Salvation maintains my victory over the enemy no matter what the challenge.  I have learned early that God’s word cannot be compromised with unrighteousness or hypocrisy. Jesus has been a true and living God to me.  To converse with his saints is like breathing in the fruit of the spirit. It’s like they see right through me and speak to the depths of my soul. . . . What a blessing!

Stay encouraged beloved. Press on and know that true salvation allows me to live forever, but my education can only benefit me in this world and not to come.

Sister Vevelyan Turner 
Augusta/Burke County Member

I thank God for life, health, strength and a very supportive family.  God has truly blessed me with the desires of my heart.  The one that gives me such satisfaction is being able to further my education after being out of school for about twenty two years and graduate at the top of my class.  The struggles I went through really made me wish that I would have gotten what I needed before I got married and started a family.  I would encourage all young people to seek God and your education first.  When you get the opportunity to go to college, go there with a positive attitude.  That's what really helped me make it.  I wanted nothing less than an A in all of my classes.  I had to really study hard and stay on top of every thing.  That included taking care of my husband and helping my children with their homework.  My husband had a part-time job that kept him away from the house until different hours of the night, which meant that I had to do almost everything concerning the children getting their homework done.  I also wanted to stay active in the church, so that meant some Wednesday nights I had to put my homework in the car and work on it before Bible Class or on Sundays, (after Sunday services) since we stayed at church all day on Sunday.  The Lord had mercy on me and blessed me for not putting him to the side to get my education.  I wanted both, so I managed my time where I did not have to neglect either one. For that, God has truly blessed me.  I have a wonderful job where I get rave reviews and the opportunity to advance to a better position.  I've only worked there permanent for a year and have gotten two raises already, the second one being a ten percent raise.  My supervisor told me that I would be getting another five percent raise in January.  I know the Lord is blessing me for being obedient to his word, which I encourage every one to do.  When you do what God tells you to do, he certainly will bless you to the point where you feel like you don't really deserve it.  I thank him to this day for blessing me with the job that I have.  Sometimes I tell myself that only God could do what he's done for me since I don't have a degree in Accounting and is still  being blessed like I am. If you obey God, he will open up the windows of heaven and pour you out a blessing you won't have room to receive.  I am a witness.
May God bless you

Sister Belinda Jeffries
Chattanooga, Tennessee Member

I would first like honor and recognize God. I thank him for his mercy and kindness and for what he is to me, as I strive to be what I’m suppose to be to him. I thank him for the wonderful leaders he has set in charge of The True Church of God in Christ.  I’m abundantly blessed to be apart of such a glorious church family.  I am also grateful for my husband and the natural and spiritual relationship we have together. A relationship that allows us to dwell in peace with one another daily.  Through ten years of marriage we have learned how to please one another, to laugh together when we’ve wanted to cry all of which comes from the teaching of the word of God.

 I’ve been a part of the True Church my entire life, and although I haven’t always obeyed the teaching it was embedded in my heart. Assuredly, with disobedience comes suffering. Once I made the decision not to follow instruction I chose to unnecessarily suffer and not for the name of Christ.  I was given ample opportunity for educational success but instead misused a lot of time and teaching. Although now I have a great support system through family and friends things are a lot more difficult this time around.  Instead of  only working and going to school, at the end of my day I have to first be a wife to my husband a mother to my children and then with what’s left a student for myself.  Out of all my foolishness God still saw fit to have mercy.  God has granted me a second chance and I strive foremost for spiritual victory. I believe with determination I will reach my goals both in the house of the Lord and in the classroom.  God is so good and I’m thankful for each and every opportunity he has given me.

 The True Church has been such a blessing in my life.  Though all of my test and all of my trials my desire is to press forward daily, in order to be the saint God has called for.

Brother Robert Stafford
Deliverance Temple Member

As a young black Christian man, I believe education is extremely important and there is no other way to overcome the circumstances of today's society. One factor I've kept with me was to stay focus. I understood early on in my life to keep positive aspiration and influences around me. I was strong because I had values, disciplines and most of all I had Jesus on my side and as my guidance. Having a good education and being successful was very important to me. Completing college has now given me the opportunity to excel beyond matters in my life. It has open doors for my family, and it has given me hope. Now, I am truly worthy and strengthen by God’s grace and mercy.

Jesus is my friend, my keeper and my strength. During my transitions in life, and as I was pursing my education God was there for me. Without Him I would not have made it through the challenges I encountered in college. I was able to move forward by meditating on all of the good things God has blessed me with. I was determined to complete my education.
It was a challenge to balance education, having a family, and living a sanctified life. However, God has blessed me, and has pulled me through. I had a wife who believed as I did. She was very supportive and understanding. Together, we were more than conquerors because we both had God in our lives. I had a friend (my wife), who was there for me the entire time I was in college. We both made it through, and it was well worth it. Now, it is my determination to stay positive and to keep God in my life. I know God is my salvation and strength, so I continue to depend on him. I cried and almost gave up during college, but I understood in my heart that God was not going to let me down, and I thank God for it all.

Sister Tonya Taylor
Barnesville/Henderson Temple Member

First, I would like to give honor to God who is my Lord and Savior.  Next, I would like to give honor to my pastor and to my husband, Brother Marc Taylor. At a young age I wanted to be saved.  Being rooted and grounded in a Christian family was truly a blessing to me.  My parents both attended church and raised me up in the nurture and admonishing of the Lord.  Growing up, I was really inquisitive about this word called “salvation”.  I began to read my bible, ask questions, and listen more in church. I joined the church later than some of my siblings because I really wanted to know what church was really about.  Around the age of 15 years old, I joined Henderson Temple.  At that time, Bishop Lucas was bringing forth the word every week.  He really enlightened me and planted the seed in me.  As I grew older, others help cultivate and “water” me through the word including Elder Robinson and my Elder Taylor.

At the age of 18 years old, I decided to attend college.  My plan was to complete my education, get married, and obtain a job.  God has truly blessed me.  He has given me my heart’s desire and so much more.  If it was not for the special people in my life growing up, my “light” would not be what it is today.  The True Church of God in Christ provided that light to me prior to entering college.  I wanted to shine more and more for God away from home. In college, I surrounded myself with positive people and mentors.  While at school, I listened to gospel music and our pastor’s sermons.  Whenever I came home, I attended church.  By doing this, I believe my spirit and mind were filled spiritually.  

Now, at the age of 31, I can truly say that salvation and education can be achievable.  I encourage every young person to dream big and set goals both spiritually and naturally.  By putting God first in my life, God ordered my steps. He led me to my husband and kept me through college.  Today, I am blessed to have been working on my job for about 8 years, married 7 years, and have two wonderful children.  God’s word has never failed me.  Salvation and education truly have been a blessing in my life.

Sister Tina Hall 
Lucas Temple Member

Growing up, my parents often told me that with the Lord, I could be anything that I wanted to be. I really liked the sound of that.   So I soon adopted the motto: If it is to be, it’s up to me!  These words became so true to me when I pursued my education away from home.  I knew that in order to be successful, I needed to have God in my heart and “books” in my head.  As with anything, this pursuit had it challenges; dealing with difficult teachers, peer pressure, and my own personal insecurities. Needless to say, being away at school, it could have been easy to “forget” what I had been taught and get buck wild as I saw so many do, but I knew I wanted to please God and did not want to become a career student. I wanted to get in and get out, but do the best I could to be the best.  If it was to be, it was up to me!  It was through my hardest times that I would call or go home and get the encouragement from the saints that I needed to go a little further.  It seemed that it was at those times that the sermons were directed towards me, often telling me to “hold on” or “hang in there, you can do it.”  Those words and really trusting and believing in God really got me through.  He blessed me to graduate at the top of my class with a double major.  

Shortly after getting my undergraduate degree, I earned a Masters degree and soon after that, a Specialist degree.  This time, I had a different set of challenges.  I was married and had a baby.  How was I to earn my degree and take care of my family?  If it was to be, it was up to me. After talking it over with my husband, Marcus, he agreed that these degrees were a good idea and that he would support me in what ever I needed.  This meant a great deal of sacrifice on both of our parts and with God’s help, WE were able to earn these degrees. I say ‘we’ because, had it not been for Marcus picking up the slack, I would not have been able to do it.  We were a team, praying and working together.  

Sister Shavonda Thomas 
Augusta/Burke County Member

The word of God has had and is still having a major impact on my life. I can definitely see the effects of the gospel on my life while being away at school.  I am currently a senior at the University of Georgia and while there, I feel that I have set a high standard for other students to follow.  There are so many carnal activities and behaviors that I could have participated in, but the word of God has prevented me from doing what is "popular" and helping me to do what is right, even if it means standing alone.  Although, I know that I'm not alone because the Bible clearly states that if God is for us, He is MORE than the whole world against us.   Since I have adhered to the teachings of Bishop Lawson, the elders, and the ministers, I can proudly say that I am still a virgin, I have never tasted any alcoholic beverage, never been to a party, or visited any club.  I know that it is the word of God that has kept and continues to keep me from doing these things.  However, I cannot take the credit for anything; it is God's grace and mercy that has allowed me to keep myself  and be a pattern that other females can follow.  I pray that I continue to be successful throughout life and that I always know that all good things come from God.

Brother Timothy Stafford
Henderson Temple Member

As a young educated brother in the True Church of God in Christ, I realize the importance of seeking both salvation and education at an early age. At the age of 21, God blessed me to obtain a B.S. degree in Business Administration.  I thank God for allowing me to be able to achieve this great milestone in my life. Having an education has opened doors in many areas of my life, however I have never forgot about salvation .  I remember an old saying from Elder Robinson Sr., “The sky is the limit if we have salvation and education in our lives.” Salvation and education do not rival with each other, but they compliment each other. Obtaining salvation and education at an early age has allowed me to achieve both spiritual and natural gifts. God has been extremely good to me. If it’s the Lord’s will, at the age of 24, I will have my Master’s degree in Business Administration. I know that I serve a mighty God, and I praise him for every opportunity that he has given me. My salvation and education is very important and has become one of the most rewarding aspects of my life.

Minister Boyd was interviewed by his grandson Elder Vista Jeffries regarding the importance of Salvation and education. Click on the links to hear portions of the interview.

Question : How old are you and how much education did you receive?  Click here for the Answer

Question:  How did the lack of education affect you?  The Answer

Question:  Did you try to pursue an education as an adult? The Answer

Comments on being a successful man

Question:  How did the gospel effect your ability to provide for your family?   Listen to his answer

Question: What advice would you give to the youth of today regarding education and salvation? Click here for the answer 

Mother Stafford from Henderson Temple was interviewed by her daughter Lilly regarding her outlook on Education and Salvation. Please read interview  below.                                                                                              

Question: What type of education did you obtain?
Mother Stafford: After high school, I attended Atlanta Tech where I acquired my LPN license. 

 Question: Were you saved as you pursued your education?
Mother Stafford: Yes, the Lord blessed me with the Holy Ghost at age 18.  

Question:   Prior to getting married, did you see yourself pursuing more education or raising a family?
Mother Stafford:  Actually, before I was married, I knew I wanted to stay home to raise my family.  

Question: So why did you further your education after high school if you knew you did not want to work once you were married?
Mother Stafford: I obtained an education after high school because I knew I wanted to gain more knowledge. I also wanted to make sure I had something to fall back on if my spouse loss his job or really needed my help financially.  In fact, my LPN license is still kept active.

 Question: Once married, did you ever consider pursuing more education, i.e. becoming a RN.
 Mother Stafford: No, I never considered pursuing more education because I wanted to be accessible to my husband and my children. 

 Question: A lot of people would question the choices you made… what do you have to say to those people, and how do  you feel about your decision?
 Mother Stafford: I feel as though I was lead by the Lord with my decision. I also believed my family was blessed by decision. 

Question: What do you have to say to a person who intends on making the decision you made after obtaining education? 
Mother Stafford: I do not believe everyone is able to make the decision I made.  I feel one must be lead by the Lord to do what I’ve done. I also believe one must have total agreement from their spouse to do what I’ve done.  I knew my husband was able to take care of me and the children...  I never had to worry about the lights going off, etc.  

Question: Do you feel the circumstances of today’s society have made it more urgent to be educated?
Mother Stafford: Definitely… I believe everyone should obtain an education because society calls for it… if I was a young person in today’s society, I would get as much education as possible.  

Question: How do you feel one should balance the urgency and importance of living a consecrated life with the necessity of being educated? 
Mother Stafford: To balance living a consecrated life with the necessity of being educated, young people should make sure they take some time out of their schedule to mediate, pray, and just talk to the Lord.... I suggest one to turn off the television, radio and really just focus on the Lord and ask for his help.  

Question: Explain how important it is to have Jesus as your personal savior as one completes their education?
Mother Stafford: Having Jesus as your personal savior will keep you humble and focus as you finish your education.