27 / 36
GCU MAGAZ I NE • 2 7
Clinging to her faith in Christ,
Johnson set off on her own with her
children and only $50 in her pocket. She
never looked back.
Johnson, 54, now spends endless
hours working while completing her
master’s in Christian counseling from
Grand Canyon University. “From being
a part of radio programs, newspapers,
workshops abroad and my training from
GCU, everything happened so fast and
it’s been a great journey,” she said.
Blue Moon 211 has held workshops
and conferences in Florida, Jamaica and
Washington, D.C. Most recently, the
nonprofit managed to secure a newly
signed law to mandate youth suicide-
prevention training in schools in Florida,
effective this month.
And in April, Blue Moon 211 was part
of a worldwide effort sending supplies to
Flint, Mich., where more than 52 percent
of the state is experiencing abnormally
dry conditions — there is not enough
safe water for drinking, sanitation,
irrigation or economic development.
Perry Warrior, a community activist and
minister in Flint, said he always will be
grateful to Blue Moon 211 for contributing to
the solution of Flint’s safe-water shortage.
“We have a lot of work to do and it won’t be
overnight — it’s going to be a long process,”
he said. “Vanessa came and she was ready to
work. She delivered baby wipes, distributed
water and spoke to community members. It
was a blessing.”
A blessing — that’s how Johnson’s
enrollment counselor, Zanna Nelson, describes
the online student.
“She encourages me with her Christian
faith,” Nelson said. “Even though she already
works hard enough, Vanessa is always looking
for other ways to contribute."
As president of the International Youth
Empowerment Coalition Task Force,
Johnson is inspiring youth to help the
country move forward without violence.
And in her partnership with the Tampa
Police Department, she hopes to bridge the
gap between police and the community by
organizing community events.
“I was raised in the ’60s when police
brutality was a serious issue,” Johnson said.
“I’m not saying it’s OK, but what I am saying is
that you can always overcome negative feelings
of anger and hate with the spirit that God gives
you and you can look at people with a different
set of eyes.
“When I talk to the youths, I allow them to
tune in with their emotions through music.
Then, I’ll ask them to tell me what the music
brings to mind.”
How does Johnson get all of her energy?
She makes it clear — God. And she is thankful
to have support from faculty at GCU who are
upfront about their faith.
Johnson also has found fulfillment with a
new husband (Johnny) and stepchildren. When
she’s not working, she’s encouraging her 11
grandchildren to share their Christianity.
Johnson hopes that her efforts will help
prepare strong and effective youth, and she is
enthusiastic about the future.
“GCU helped me understand what I needed
to know to go out and do what I do now with
confidence and with faith,” Johnson said.
“God saved me before, and if He could save
me then He can use me to save others. I truly
thank God for helping me find my path, my
destiny and my purpose for living. I know I’m
expecting better days.”
Vanessa Johnson's work through
Blue Moon 211 has benefited the
water-starved people in Flint,
Mich. (opposite page), and it
also has had a major impact in
her hometown of Tampa, Fla., as
noted by the city's mayor, Bob
Buckhorn (above).