Our Foundation Vision & Mission
Foundation
Our Foundation: John 11:43-44
“Jesus called... ‘Lazarus, come forth!’..." Jesus said to them, ‘Loose him, and let him go.’”
Jesus resurrected Lazarus, but commanded the community to untie his grave clothes. God has already called you out of survival mode; now your community is here to help you prosper and walk free.
Vision
A thriving Akron where every Black woman embraces her divine purpose and limitless potential.
Mission
Mission
Transforming Akron by empowering Black women through holistic, faith-based coaching.
MEET THE FOUNDER
Tonya Gray
Servant of God
Philanthropist
Entrepreneur
Founder of Lazarus Come Forth Missions
Certified Life Coach
(ICF, University of Akron)
AAS Paralegal
(Academy of Court Reporting and Legal Studies)
Life Experience
This non-profit organization was born from my personal journey, one marked by a long search for worth and purpose. Though raised in the Church, I did not always live a life pleasing to God.
The turning point came when my earthly father passed away. In my deepest grief, I cried out to God, asking who would help me now. For the second time in my life, I heard His voice clearly: "I AM YOUR FATHER." From that day on, I began to seek Him for myself. Through fellowship, communion, and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, I built an intimate relationship with the Father. As a bonus, God allowed me to discover my true self. Through His Word and divine revelation, He revealed my purpose. He led me through trials and tribulations to heal my "world wounds," teaching me to see my past mistakes not as failures, but as opportunities to be a blessing to others. He showed me that I was His before I was even formed in my mother’s womb; I am chosen, and what He has given me belongs to me. Despite those who tried to deny my gifts or silence my truth, God remained my sustainer.
Surviving these battles taught me the true meaning of salvation, deliverance, and freedom. I realized that the love I have given throughout my life was always part of His plan—I simply needed to take it to the next level through faith rather than fear.
To serve the Kingdom, I became a Certified Life Coach through the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and The University of Akron. With these tools and God’s guidance, I established Lazarus Come Forth Missions, a faith-based life coaching ministry.
The Bible says God is no respecter of persons. What He has done for me, He will do for you. Your purpose may differ from mine, but I am committed to helping you navigate your journey through the power of God working within me. I walked this path alone with Him for a long time; now, He has given me to you as a guide.
God is real. He is merciful, gracious, and loving. Just as He has chosen me, I choose to serve Him and you with a humble heart.
Blessings to you,
Founder, Lazarus Come Forth Missions
Tonya Laynae Gray
OUR CORE VALUES
OUR Core Beliefs
1. Love Is Action, Not Just Words ( "My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.") — 1 John 3:18 KJV
2. Our Testimony Can Help Others Know Jesus ( "That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.") — 1 John 1:3 KJV
3. God Showed His Love Through Jesus ( "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.") — John 3:16 KJV
4. Salvation Through Confession & Belief ("That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.")— Romans 10:9-10 KJV
5. Jesus is the Life & Resurrection ( "Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?")— John 11:25-26 KJV
6. Jesus Is The Only Way ( "Jesus saith unto her, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man commeth unto the Father, but by me.") — John 14:6 KJV
7. Gather & Grow Together ( "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.") — Hebrews 10:25 KJV