Paula Thomas

Pastor Paula Thomas was born in New Milford, CT to the Paul Silva and Shirley Wynkoop. She was educated in the New Milford Public Schools and most of her childhood and young adult life was spent in Connecticut. She later moved to Rhode Island where she attended classes and received certifications. She worked for the public and became a local representative for the betterment of the community. Pastor Thomas teamed up with the Sisters of Mercy from St. Joseph's Catholic Church and later assisted with the founding of the Dorcas Place of Illiteracy Program. As she remained active with the Catholic programs, she was elected to serve a local Board called Funds for Community Progress for three years. She then was elected to serve on a National Board in Washington NCRP: National Committee of Responsive Philanthropy. From there, she was trained to operate as a Philanthropist in Public Relations. She served on both boards for three to four years, but remained active working in the Human Resources field with the Catholic Community. Prior to working in the Catholic Community, Pastor Thomas served in the Salvation Army in many areas of the organization. While serving, she was able to take many courses in different fields of ministry, especially in outreach. God allowed her to be able to go through many doors that have led to the purpose of the calling that He had for her life, and for that she was always grateful. Pastor Thomas' call came in 1985 after she moved back to Ansonia, CT under the guidance and teaching of Overseer Viola Moore of Back To the Bible Church. When God called her, He gave her the book of Ezra to read. Through prayer and obedience, she continued to be taught under the direction of Overseer Viola Moore. In 1990 Pastor Thomas relocated to Fayetteville, North Carolina where she enrolled at Flaming Sword International Bible College under the direction of Dr. Wanda Hatmaker. While in North Carolina, Pastor Paula met and married a wonderful man, Elder Alexander Thomas, Jr. Soon after, God commissioned them both to go forth. Pastor Viola Moore ordained them and Back to Bible #2 was established and later Back to Bible #3. She was a very Godly woman and Pastor that was known for her Anointed Leadership. Through the ministry, she taught to operate in restoration through outreach. Pastor Thomas also established a campaign called "Conquer the Beast of Addiction."ï¿½ Prior to the campaign, the ministry also operated a chemical dependency program. Although she experienced a few setbacks in health and other issues she continued to establish the ministry and through the prayers of the righteous, she was able to overcome as God reached down..picked her up..delivered and healed her. By the grace of God, she and her husband continued to do the work of the Lord. They pursued to carry out the vision that God had given them. Their aim was to develop the Outreach Department, continue to build the chemical dependency program and to educate and build support systems for the loved ones and family members. In addition, they aimed to build recovery with a solid foundation of Jesus Christ and they strived to be Kingdom Builders to the Glory of God. Pastor Thomas worked on completing all of her credentials, certifications and pursued her Associates Degree. In addition to her loving parents, she leaves to cherish her memories; her beautiful daughter, Esther Marie Lewis and her son, Randy L. Lewis; siblings, Sharon Lewis, Gary Wynkoop, Raymond Wynkoop, Brenda Johnson, Brian Wynkoop, Milton Wynkoop, Renee Silva, Randy Silva, Kim Silva and Mike Silva; seven precious grandchildren, James Harris, Mauice Lewis, Shonte Lewis, Brianna Lewis, Duan Lewis, Dayvon Lewis, and Dante Lewis; and great-grandchildren, Javonte Carty and Elyse Grace Ross; as well as a host of other relatives and friends. Interment in Pine Grove Cemetery, Ansonia, CT

Paula Thomas

June 2, 2011