Looking for Support

Ayanna was six months pregnant when she lost her mom. She heard about One by One at a free baby shower event and thought a mentor would provide the extra support she needed without her mom to help. “Wanda has been just that for me. She is a wonderful mentor and is always there when I needed her.”

Wanda, Ayanna’s mentor, heard about One by One through her church, Divine Life. Her church challenged her to consider “how much a soul costs,” leading her to look for an opportunity to impact someone else’s life in a positive way. She was a great match for Ayanna.
“I know how it feels to have a baby at an early age and not have someone to talk to or walk with you through life. It’s challenging and scary. I get to pray, teach, disciple, and laugh with Ayanna,” Wanda says.
 
Wanda and Ayanna have completed One by One’s Year 1 program and are currently going through the Year 2 and the Discipleship programs. Wanda says, “Ayanna has been so responsive. She participates and applies what she learns.”

“Wanda and I were matched after I had my baby. It was the perfect time (as God’s timing always is) to have her step into my life because it was the hardest time I have had in my life. She has helped me majorly in my spiritual journey. And she helps me when I confide in her with other things. She is always there,” Ayanna says. “And One by One has been great: I love the community and the care each mom gets.”

Wanda adds, “I have encouraged her to read her Bible, pray, attend church, and spend time with the Lord. She takes the discipleship training seriously and has her workbook filled out when we meet. In fact, when we started the Discipleship program, I gave her the book to start reading before our meeting. When we met, she was on fire to the point she almost taught me!”

Ayanna adds, “It has been a joy to connect with each other through God.”
Ayanna’s life has changed so much in the past two years. She has a healthy and happy baby boy. She recently got married and moved from an apartment to a house. And she found a new job that allows her to work from home.

“I love meeting new people and sharing my experiences with mothers who have gone through the same things I have,” Ayanna says. “My time with One by One has been the best. I have the best mentor. I was perfectly matched, and she has been a great addition to my life. I am truly grateful to her.”

Wanda feels much the same way. “Being her mentor has been a blessing to me. And I get to see what my obedience to the Lord has done in her life.”

Wanda encourages other women to become mentors. “If you’re shy or afraid to mentor a young lady, don’t be. God has not given us the spirit of fear. If we can help these moms then we are helping their babies. Remember that these babies may be the ones who take care of our loved ones. We don’t know what the moms are going through, but I believe we can turn a negative situation into a positive situation with the help and love of Jesus. So come on board and pour into the lives of these young ladies and babies. One by One training makes it easy to effectively serve these moms. And they need us. As time passes you will see how your being obedient impacts their lives.

Ayanna’s advice to new moms? “Hurry up and sign up! It’s not too late.”