What Students Say

Apdot-a-student program has helped me in so many ways. I have two adopted mothers, Judy Arline and Sandy Ingram. They they are so wonderful! They are the best adoptive mothers, I wouldn't trade them for the world. Survivor is a great program also. Survivor is held every Sunday night. We study the Bible, play games, and eat great food. It was nice and I really enjoyed it. - Nadia Miller

Goal Line has been a great experience for me. I have learned more about Jesus Christ and what His plan is for me. It's a great way to meet new people and have a lot of fun! - William Smeltzer

Goal Line and Mr. Rainey has helped me grow in my Christian walk. He does Survivor for us on Sunday nights where a group of college students come together to worship, play games and just have fun. He has also given me an amazing family, Wiley and Margret Grady, through the Adopt-a-student program . I feel that I have a family while I am away from home. My adopted family has been there for me when I needed them. It's great to have a place to "just get away". Mr. Rainey has taught me a lot and has always been there for me. He is our number one softball fan. He has taught me a lot about how to have a stronger relationship with the Lord. - Revana Rainwater

Leaders Share

Survivor was an awesome experience when I first arrived at Thomas University here in Thomasville, Georgia. I’ve never been a guy that’s gone to church every Sunday, so Survivor provided a safe place where I heard about Jesus Christ and His love for me. Goal Line provided fun filled activities that always included devotion, prayer and great food. All students were welcome, but it really helped the athletes that were not from here. We always looked forward to Survivor as well as seeing Mr. Rainey who is respected throughout the college community and leader of the program. - Thomas Buckner, TU Assistant Baseball Coach

During my first semester at TU there was a lot of talk about God and Christianity. By the end of the semester my curiosity had peaked and I signed up for the Adopt-a-student program. This program was such a blessing. I was very lucky to have 2 sets of adopted families, Bill and Robin Shaver and Jeff and Kay Willis. I became very close with the Willis family and felt comfortable enough to be open and honest with them about being saved. They were as patient with me as John was, and they were always there to answer questions I had about the Bible or Christianity. The following semester I began attending church. During this time I became very good friends with John Rainey and Cheree Moore. They both helped me understand what it meant to be saved and live a life pleasing to God. Through Jesus I was able to overcome some very difficult obstacles that had been put before me. It was only then that I really started living. Since I found Jesus, and decided to live my life for Him I still encounter those difficult obstacles. However, I have found that the obstacles in my life, seem easier and less stressful. Without Jesus Christ I would still be lost. Thank you, Brother John Rainey, for being so extremely patient and never giving up on me. Without such a wonderful, caring, patient and dear friend like John, I would never have found Jesus Christ. Because of you, I have found Jesus. . - Tania Black, Women's Softball Coach