The Methodist Home for Children & Youth: Finding Faith, Adam’s Journey

By Nancy Abarca
 
“I really believe God has always had His hand in my life, even when I did not know it. He always put the right people in the right place at the right time. The Carpenter’s Way Ranch was one of those places.” 
– Adam Anderson
 
When Adam Andersen was four and a half years old, he was adopted. On multiple occasions this adoptive family would take him back to the Division of Family and Children Services and say, “You can have him back.” Needless to say, Adam had a rocky start. After about 28 homes, Adam arrived at The Carpenter’s Way Ranch (CWR) in Columbus, Ga. in 1992. 
 
Adam was only 15 years old, and his outlook on life was bleak. 
 
“I didn’t really want to die, but I didn’t really want to live either. I just did not care, either way was fine with me,” he shared. 
 
Today, Adam reflects on his life and knows CWR was the beginning of his character being redefined. It was there that God would show Adam he was worthy and loved. God placed people in Adam’s life who would help, heal, and love him. To this day he still keeps in touch with some of his house parents and “brothers.” 
 
Meeting good, genuine, kind hearted people was incredibly impactful for Adam. 
 
“They wanted to get to know me. Not out of obligation or sympathy, but they actually wanted something to do with me. That was huge to me,” Adam shared. 
 
Slowly but surely, Adam began to realize God was giving him a family. 
 
Adam graduated from Harris County High School, where he would unknowingly meet some of the most influential people in his life; people he knows God put before him, starting with his wife, Joy. Adam would also meet his best friend, Matt, who went to church with him. This was another turning point for Adam. He had been in and out of various churches, denominations, and religions. Yet, he could not have imagined what God had in store for his life. 
 
“The Carpenter’s Way Ranch gave me the knowledge of Christ and really planted a deep seed for what Jesus could do for me and what I can do for Jesus,” said Adam. 
 
Joy agreed, “Before CWR, Adam had not had any consistency in his life. God put him where he needed to be, where he could prosper.” 
 
Adam’s eyes were opened to a different way of living, a life with God by his side. Looking back now, Adam can see God working so clearly throughout his life. 
 
“It is interesting how sometimes God separates you from one thing to put you with another,” Adam said. “But it is where He wants you to be; it is what you need. In the moment it can be difficult to comprehend because it is terrible and traumatic. You think there cannot be anything worse than not being with your family, but there is. Although I suffered challenges and hardships, God separated me from that.” 
 
For over a year now, Adam has worked as an investigator for Meriwether County Sheriff’s Office. He has been a certified police officer since 2003. Prior to that, he was in the service as a military police officer. Since 1997, in one capacity or another, he has worked in law enforcement. Despite his past, Adam has always known his calling is to help people. He is positive it is what God put him on this earth to do. Adam figured the best avenue for that was law enforcement. 
 
At his church they have a saying, “Saved People, Serve People.” Adam feels this saying accurately describes him and his values. 
 
The Carpenter’s Way Ranch put Adam on a pathway to his life today. He still remembers learning to lifeguard and the transportation CWR provided to and from his workplace. The Home gave him a work ethic and structure; but more than that, it led him to his family and to God. As his wife puts it, “If he had not been there, our family would never have been born. We have two beautiful lovely daughters.”
 
Adam is grateful for the place CWR holds in his life. He continues to support his family, his church, and his community. He is a devout servant of God’s work.
 
“God still uses me and as long as He will use me, I am going to let Him,” said Adam. 
 
Nancy Abarca is the Marketing Coordinator for The Methodist Home for Children and Youth.