FRANKLIN — Two Tennessee women took important steps in 2025 toward brighter futures through the Wilson-Day CWJC/CMJC Scholarship.
Made possible by the Golden Offering for Tennessee Missions, the scholarship helps participants and graduates of Christian Women’s Job Corps/Christian Men’s Job Corps programs continue their education and prepare for meaningful careers.
Named in honor of Creely Wilson and Amanda Day, the scholarship recognizes two women whose leadership helped shape this ministry in Tennessee. Wilson served as the first Tennessee WMU Volunteer Christian Women’s/Men’s Job Corps statewide coordinator. Day served as Tennessee WMU ministry specialist, and under her leadership, the CWJC/CMJC ministry began in Tennessee.
The 2025-26 recipients, Laurine Assis and Evelyn Tobias Ribeiro, both connected with Begin Anew in Nashville and have pursued their education with determination, faith and a desire to serve others.
For Laurine Assis, success means living a life marked by purpose, service, and love. Those values have guided her educational journey and deepened her commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others. She said leaders such as Mother Teresa have inspired her by showing that true fulfillment comes through serving others.
“I could have never imagined that God would bless me with the scholarship and the opportunity to attend college,” Assis said. “I have seen His hand providing every step of the way. I have seen God open doors, provide for my needs, and transform my life in ways I never imagined.”
Assis graduated in May 2026 from Williamson Christian College with a degree in business administration and management. She said Bible study has played a key role in shaping her life, building her character, strengthening her faith and deepening her understanding of God’s Word.
For Evelyn Tobias Ribeiro, success is found not only in reaching a goal but also in trusting God through the journey. Studying in the United States has brought challenges, but she said God has faithfully provided for her needs along the way.
The scholarship helped Ribeiro during her junior year at Middle Tennessee State University as she pursued a nursing degree with a focus on mental health. Balancing work and school has not been easy, but the support encouraged her to keep going.
“I have to work and go to school,” Ribeiro said. “The scholarship provided needed funding, motivated me when I was tired and helped me become the person God called me to be.”
Ribeiro said Begin Anew supported her in ways she never expected. After completing English classes, she sensed God leading her toward nursing.
Although pursuing that degree as a second-language English speaker brings added challenges, she remains confident that God will continue to provide. She believes success is not measured by wealth or achievements, but by living according to God’s purpose.
She also said Bible study has given her a safe place to share prayer requests, grow alongside other believers, and experience the encouragement of people who genuinely care.
Becky Sumrall, Tennessee WMU Christian Job Corps coordinator, said the ministry reflects Christ’s compassion in practical ways.
“Believers are called to embody the presence of Christ in a broken world, offering not only spiritual truth but also tangible comfort,” Sumrall said. “The ministry of CJC is not merely an act of charity but a profound act of worship, reflecting the heart of God and proclaiming the hope of the gospel in the midst of pain.
“When students graduate from our program, they often continue to face challenges related to poverty that require further education or job training to improve their income and quality of life,” Sumrall said. “The Wilson-Day Scholarship provides crucial financial support, enabling these graduates to pursue the additional education or workforce skills they need to better provide for themselves and their families.”
Through the Wilson-Day scholarship, Tennessee WMU is doing more than helping students pay for school. It is investing in lives, strengthening families and reminding women like Assis and Ribeiro that God’s provision often comes through the faithful generosity of His people.
As these recipients continue their journeys, their stories stand as a testimony to what can happen when faith, encouragement, and opportunity come together. B&R — Carolyn Tomlin lives in Jackson and writes for the Christian market and teaches the Jackson Christian Writers Fellowship.