Evangelist Thonya Ryan, a native of Hampton, VA, is an anointed preacher, author, counselor, and singer as she hails from a rich spiritual legacy of preachers, deacons, missionaries, prayer warriors, teachers, and singers. After attempting to ignore her calling to preach for over seven years, Evangelist Ryan yielded to the will of God and was licensed to the gospel ministry in 2003 at the Union Temple Baptist Church in Washington, DC where she was a faithful member for over twenty-five years. There, under the pastoral leadership of the renowned Rev. Willie F. Wilson and Rev. Mary L. Wilson, she used her spiritual gifts of exhortation, mercy, and faith to serve as an Associate Minister, member of the Praise Team, Concert Choir, and the Intercessory Prayer ministry. In 2006, she relocated to Charlotte, NC where she served as the Minister of Worship and Associate Minister at Wilson Heights First Church of God under the pastorate of Rev. Cornelius Atkinson. In 2017, she returned to Maryland and joined Little Zion Baptist Church in Oak Grove, VA where she currently serves as an Associate Minister under the leadership of Pastor Earl T. Howerton Jr. and Lady Shaunda Howerton.

While residing in Charlotte, NC, Evangelist Ryan birthed a women’s empowerment ministry called GLORI (God Loves Our Real Image) GIRLS LLC. The purpose of the ministry is to help women overcome the demonic spirit of low self-esteem. Delivering powerful messages of redemption and purpose, Evangelist Ryan has encouraged hundreds of women to receive the love of Jesus Christ, to see themselves as God sees them, and dismiss the false negative image they have accepted as reality. Being transparent and sharing the many challenges God has brought her through, allows Evangelist Ryan to be a true example of the transforming power of God! She stands firm on the word of God found in Jeremiah 29:11… “For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord; plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” (NIV), and it is her desire to encourage others to seek God’s plan and live life to the full!

Evangelist Ryan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management with a minor in Psychology and an MBA in Human Resource Management.

Her return to Maryland led to her meeting the love of her life, Jeffery Ryan. They reside in LaPlata, Md and enjoy traveling and spending time with family. They
are the proud parents of two daughters and three sons; seven grandchildren and one great grandchild.