Dr. Mavis Major’s family became Adventist when she was young due to an Ingathering visitor who ended up doing Bible studies with her mom. Her mom was later recruited to work at Oakwood University (then Oakwood College), so the family moved from Delaware to Alabama. Her early years were not easy and Major, a social worker by training, had to learn how to rely on God—and how to forgive herself for not being “perfect.” One of her biggest strengths is compassion for those hurting. Majors is featured on the cover of the April 2025 Adventist Journey magazine.