First Baptist Church of Narragansett

On October 15th Sam Thursby shared her powerful story during a women's event here at FBCN. We give thanks to God for her life and Praise God's transforming grace as He continues to shape her and keep her "boulder" for Him (By His grace, for His glory).

The beginning of Sam’s story is omitted from the recording so please read below to get THE WHOLE STORY!                  

"So this is a first for me. I hardly put myself in situations where all eyes are on me especially as I talk about myself.   

Before I get into telling you my story, let me give you a brief history of who I am and how I am connected w FBCN.  

I was brought to this church for the first time when I was 2 years old by my foster parents, Jon and Kathy Smith, who still attend here. I am the daughter in law of Wanda and Glen Thursby, who also still attend here. I am the eldest daughter of Russ and Diane Kraines. Growing up my dad was an elder here and my mom spent 5 years as church secretary. My grandmother played the piano here every Sunday, and now my brother in law is senior pastor here.  

As I've been reflecting on my life these past couple weeks in preparation for my story, I realized 2 things. God’s hand of protection was always on my life, right from the beginning. The second thing, as cliché as it sounds, is that everything happens for a reason. And I believe that all of those reasons, even the most painful ones, are part of God’s bigger and better plan for your life.  

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” 

I didn’t come into this world particularly wanted, or welcomed into a healthy, loving home with a bright future. That came later. 

I was born in 1986 to a young woman in her early 20s named Mary. From what I understand my father was her drug dealer. My birth mom struggled with drugs, alcohol, depression, and poor choices in men.  She already had 1 child (with a different man), my brother Josh who's 4 years older than me. 

Less than 2 years after I was born, she had another daughter, again with a different man, my sister and best friend Amanda. It wasn't long after the birth of Amanda that Mary decided us girls deserved more than what she could offer us. So she chose to give us up for adoption, but she requested that we stay together. I can tell you right now that was the best decision she ever made.