Tomiwa’s Story
Meet Tomiwa! She bears the name (IreOluwatomiwa) that means the goodness of God is following you. After being raised in a Nigerian Christian home, she longed for the opportunity to travel abroad. The desire to study overseas prompted her to apply to universities in the UK and Canada. She finally came to Canada in 2018 as a 20 year old student. But her excitement was short-lived as the sting of isolation sunk in when she moved hundreds of miles away from her family.
Her journey had not been easy. The transition from the warmth of her close-knit family to the vastness of a new country was daunting. Being naturally reserved, Tomiwa found it challenging to forge connections in this new environment. The burden of loneliness haunted her and caused her to revisit her difficult high school years, where bullying led her into a deep depression. During her darkest moments she was teetering on the brink of despair and contemplated the unthinkable.
In her search for solace, Tomiwa turned to God. She remembered the scripture, “Be still, and know that I am God.” This verse became her anchor, a reminder to pause amidst the chaos and trust in God’s plan. It encouraged her to lean into her faith, and seek out a community to help her navigate the turbulent waters of feeling alone.
After discovering OneChurch.to online, the warmth of their community beckoned her, promising a space where she could belong. Then finally, she took a brave step and attended a Young Adults night. To her surprise, the people there were incredibly welcoming. They embraced her introverted nature, allowing her to open up at her own pace.
As Tomiwa began to serve with NextGen Elementary, she blossomed into a leader. The act of giving back not only helped her connect with others but also encouraged her to share her story, revealing the struggles she had faced. Her vulnerability became a bridge, helping her forge deeper relationships within the community.
Over time, Tomiwa learned that loneliness didn’t have to bully her. Instead, she found strength in vulnerability and the goodness of God that had followed her throughout her journey. She cherished the friendships she built in her community.
Tomiwa’s story highlights the power of community and faith. She encourages others to take that first step: “Just come.” In a world that can feel isolating, she discovered that sharing her story with trusted friends that pointed her to Jesus, was a powerful antidote to loneliness. Through it all, she recognized that God continues to personify the essence of her name by faithfully guiding her from Nigeria to Canada, and she could not deny His presence in her life.
While every one of us will experience moments of being alone, we are designed for connection. Join us for our Alone Series, to find out more.