Today we’d like to introduce you to Viva Johnson.
Hi Viva, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Looking back, I can see that God was preparing me for ministry long before I realized it.
As a young child, I spent a great deal of time with my grandmothers, whose love, compassion, and example deeply influenced my life. They helped cultivate in me a genuine love for the elderly and a heart for serving others. As I grew older, I volunteered in nursing homes, often taking my own children with me to visit residents who rarely had visitors. Watching their faces light up simply because someone came to spend time with them made a lasting impression on all of us. I also volunteered at shelters for women and children escaping abusive relationships, as well as youth centers that served young people working to overcome addiction and difficult circumstances. Those experiences taught me that sometimes the greatest ministry is simply showing up, listening, and letting people know they are loved.
Another beautiful part of my journey is my husband, Pastor Joe Nathan Johnson. We first met as children when we were about six or seven years old. By the time we were nine or ten, we were what children affectionately called “boyfriend and girlfriend.” We remained close until we were about thirteen years old, and then life took us in different directions.
More than thirty-three years later, God brought us back together in a way neither of us could have imagined. We reconnected at a church convention, began talking again, and two years later we were married. Looking back now, it’s easy to see God’s hand orchestrating our story all along.
Although I had taught and preached on occasion before then, it was in 2005 that I truly embraced the calling God had placed on my life. After much prayer and seeking God’s direction, I surrendered to the calling He had placed on my life and began preaching and teaching His Word. From that point forward, my desire has simply been to follow wherever He leads.
That calling eventually led my husband and me to establish Faith Ministries Free Church of Arizona in August 2025. We stepped out in faith, trusting God to guide every step. The ministry began in our home, where we gathered to teach God’s Word and build a Christ-centered ministry founded on faith, love, and service. Shortly thereafter, we received recognition as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, providing a formal structure for the work God had already begun.
Within the first four months, Faith Ministries hosted its first Annual BBQ Fundraiser to help raise funds for the ministry. The response from our community was overwhelming. Families, friends, local businesses, and neighbors generously supported the event through donations and encouragement, making it a tremendous success. It was one of the first reminders that when God gives a vision, He also provides the people and the resources to help accomplish it.
As the ministry continued to grow, God continued to open doors. In 2026, we were blessed to receive our first grant, which has helped strengthen our outreach efforts and expand our ability to serve the community. We’ve since launched initiatives such as our Back-to-School Backpack & School Supplies Drive, provided benevolence assistance to families in need, partnered with local schools and businesses, and continued sharing and teaching God’s Word through our weekly Bible studies and Sabbath worship services.
Today, one of the most exciting chapters of our journey is about to begin. What started in our home has now grown into Faith Ministries preparing to hold its very first monthly in-person worship services this September in a dedicated facility. Watching God bring that vision full circle has been both humbling and inspiring.
When I look back over my life, I don’t see a series of coincidences. I see the faithfulness of God. Every experience—from visiting nursing homes as a child, to reconnecting with my husband after more than three decades, to answering God’s call into ministry—was preparing me for where I am today.
Faith Ministries is more than a church to us; it is the fulfillment of God’s purpose unfolding one step at a time. Our mission remains simple: to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, teach the uncompromised Word of God, love people, serve our community with compassion, and point others to the hope that is found in Christ. We are grateful for all that God has done, and we look forward with great anticipation to everything He has yet to do.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but every challenge has strengthened our faith and reminded us that God is faithful. I can honestly say that every step of the way, the Lord kept whispering to our hearts, **”Trust Me.”** Those two words became the foundation upon which we learned to build this ministry.
Starting a ministry from the ground up requires a great deal of faith, patience, and perseverance. There were times when resources were limited, opportunities seemed uncertain, and all we could do was pray and trust God for direction. Building a ministry isn’t just about organizing worship services—it’s about earning trust, building meaningful relationships, serving people consistently, and remaining faithful even when progress isn’t immediately visible.
One of the greatest challenges has been learning to wait on God’s timing. There were moments when we wanted to move faster, but God was teaching us that every season has a purpose. In reflecting on the journey, I can clearly see that He was preparing us for opportunities we never could have imagined.
We’ve also learned that ministry is about far more than preaching on the Sabbath. It’s about meeting people where they are, listening to their needs, walking alongside them through difficult seasons, and serving our community in meaningful ways. That often requires flexibility, sacrifice, and a willingness to put others before ourselves.
One of our biggest tests of faith came as we searched for a place to hold in-person worship services. Time after time, we found facilities that were simply beyond our budget. We found ourselves asking, “Lord, how are we ever going to afford the rent, internet, utilities, and everything else that comes with establishing a place of worship?” Yet, every time uncertainty arose, God reminded us to trust Him. In His perfect timing, He opened doors we could not have opened ourselves and provided exactly what we needed.
Through it all, every obstacle has become another opportunity to witness God’s provision—through community partnerships, generous supporters, answered prayers, grant funding, and doors that opened at precisely the right moment. He has continually shown us that His provision follows His purpose.
One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that if God gives the vision, He will also provide what is needed to accomplish it. The road hasn’t always been easy, but I wouldn’t change the journey because every challenge has deepened our faith and helped shape both me and Faith Ministries into what we are today. We are living proof that when you trust God one step at a time, He faithfully orders every step of the journey.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
The name of our organization is Faith Ministries Free Church of Arizona, a Christ-centered ministry dedicated to preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ, teaching the uncompromised Word of God, and serving our community with love and compassion.
While worship services and Bible teaching are at the heart of what we do, we believe ministry extends far beyond the walls of a church. One of my favorite passages of Scripture reminds us that God draws people with lovingkindness, and that is exactly what Faith Ministries strives to do. Our desire is to meet people where they are—not only spiritually, but also in practical ways. Whether through community outreach, benevolence assistance, partnerships with local schools and businesses, or simply taking time to pray with someone in need, our goal is to reflect the love of Christ in tangible ways.
One of the things that sets Faith Ministries apart is that service isn’t something we do occasionally—it’s woven into the very fabric of who we are. From our Back-to-School Backpack & School Supplies Drive and our community partnerships to our weekly Bible studies and pastoral care, we strive to be present, approachable, and actively engaged in the lives of those we serve. We believe people should experience the love of God long before they ever hear a sermon.
Another hallmark of our ministry is our commitment to faithful stewardship. We believe every donation, every volunteer, and every opportunity entrusted to us is a gift from God. Because of that, we are intentional about operating with integrity, accountability, and transparency, ensuring that the resources God provides are used wisely and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
What I am most proud of is not a particular program or accomplishment, but the way God has allowed Faith Ministries to grow through simple obedience. What began as a vision in our home has grown into a thriving ministry preparing to hold its first monthly in-person worship services while continuing to expand its outreach throughout the community. Every milestone has been a testimony of God’s faithfulness and His provision.
If there is one thing I hope readers take away about Faith Ministries, it is this: our doors—and our hearts—are open to everyone. We are passionate about helping people grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ, experience the hope found in His Word, and know that they are deeply loved. Our prayer is that everyone who encounters Faith Ministries leaves encouraged, strengthened, and reminded that God is still changing lives today.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is to never give up hope and never stop trusting God. There were many moments throughout this journey when we couldn’t see how everything would come together. There were questions, uncertainties, and obstacles that seemed far bigger than our resources. Yet, time and time again, God reminded us of one simple truth: “Trust Me.”
I’ve learned that God is truly a God of provision. He doesn’t always provide in the way we expect or according to our timetable, but He is always faithful. Looking back, I can see that every closed door, every delay, and every challenge was preparing us for something greater than we could see at the time.
If I could encourage anyone pursuing a dream or answering God’s call, it would be this: Never give up hope. Keep believing, keep praying, and keep taking the next step of faith, even when you can’t see the entire path. Sometimes God asks us to trust Him before He reveals the outcome.
I’ve also learned that success isn’t measured by how quickly things happen or by how big they appear to others. True success is found in being faithful to what God has called you to do. If you remain faithful, He will take care of the results in His own time.
No matter what you’re facing today, don’t let discouragement convince you to quit. Some of God’s greatest blessings come after the moments when you feel like giving up. Keep trusting Him, keep moving forward, and remember that with God, nothing is impossible.
Contact Info:
- Email: faithministriesfcaz@yahoo.com
- Phone: 972-341-4984
