Moving Beyond The Past: An Interview With Anna Cantrall
I, (Alycia), had the pleasure of interviewing Anna Cantrall to discuss her life and incredible story. Every person has a story, a testimony that shows how God took them from glory to glory. This is Anna’s story.
Q: What were your growing-up years like?
I grew up as the 4th oldest in a family of 14 kids. We were home-schooled and passionate about being a Christian family involved in the world and changing the world. One of my favorite memories growing up are of all the missionary stories I would hear - stories like Hudson Taylor, Amy Carmichael, and more (Editor’s Note: If you haven’t heard of these people - google them and hear their AMAZING stories!) This made me passionate about someday doing missions!
Q: You talked about some challenges that occurred growing up. Can you tell us more?
As a girl, I was molested by a man of faith in my community. This was a really hard time for me and my family. I didn’t initially tell people, but my family found out and considered pursuing legal action. When we did this, the entire community was upset with us and alienated us. I had to be completely uprooted and my whole family had to find a new community. It was difficult to experience so many challenges from fellow believers.
*Editor’s note: In years of female friendships and working with females, I’ve rarely experienced someone so open to sharing publicly about their molestation and someone who has clearly seen the hand of God in their lives - despite the mistreatment by fellow believers.
The reason I experienced so much healing was because of Jesus and fully understanding HIS love for me. One moment that really stands out to me was standing at a For King & Country concert and hearing them singing “God Only Knows”. That moment was a rush of emotion where I felt God telling me He does know - He is the only one who understands what I have been through. He is the only one who can heal me and He is the one who will redeem me (Another editor’s note: Never underestimate the power of music!). My identity is in Him and His love for me.
Q: Speaking of challenges, how was COVID for you?
COVID was a challenge for me due to the fact that I wanted to go into overseas missions in Burma and could not due to COVID. I found myself thrust into the middle of politics during this season instead. It ended up being a challenging time of transition, but also a time where I could see how my country needed me. Working within the political system, I found myself encountering so many spiritually needy people who would believe that their good works were enough. My heart was so open to these people because I felt like they were passionate and caring people. They just needed to move in the direction of Jesus and how He is the ultimate authority. A job even opened for me to work with some of my siblings sharing my passion about the Pro - Life movement through a company called SBA List.
Q: Tell us more about SBA List?
I currently work with a company called SBA List and am a regional director supervising other canvassers! We go door - to - door asking people opinions about the pro - life movement and inspiring them to see how the choices they make - especially in voting - can affect the lives of those not yet born. It’s really cool because I get to have competition with a couple of my siblings I do this with as well.
SBA List was started by Marjorie Dannenfelser and a group of women who saw a pro - abortion group called Emily’s List had helped women activate and elect primarily pro - choice politicians. She saw a need and made the pro - life version of Emily’s List. SBA stands for Susan B. Anthony who was the original feminist! She stood for women helping others, women being mothers, women working, and women being wives. Her foundation was believing women could do it all and that was what SBA List wanted to portray as a role model. Today, they have grown to a powerful group of both men and women who help promote pro-life politicians and legislation. It’s a fun job to have and if you want to learn more about them check out: https://www.sba-list.org
Q: What are your future dreams?
I am currently in school for a nursing degree as I still dream of international missions! My long-term dream has always been to be a part of the Free Burma Rangers. They are a boots-on-the-ground organization that goes into conflict zones in places like Burma and near there. They provide medical treatment, the love of Jesus, humanitarian aid, and more. I love these people and love being boots on the ground! This will be a life of challenge, conflict, and joy. When God calls you to something, He will make a way!
*Final editor’s note: God can take a story where someone was voiceless and place them in a situation where He gives them a voice - just like Anna’s! I’m so inspired by her story and everything SBA List does. Never doubt that you are invisible because there is a God who knows and loves you!
If you have an inspiring story of God moving in your life, feel free to write your story and submit it today! You can also request to do an interview as well. We are looking to add more writers and contributors in 2022!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alycia Johnson is a free-spirited wanderer learning to find roots. She currently resides in Milwaukee and serves the community of southeastern Wisconsin. You can typically find her outdoors, as long as it’s warm, hanging out with family/close friends and meeting soon-to-not-be strangers. In her spare time, she writes, drinks chai tea, and builds non-profits, homes, families, and people. Some people like to call it missions. She prefers well-digging.