Tennia’s Story

Tennia is one of those young people that had longed for faith-filled fellowship amongst peers. Her earliest memories consisted of being a part of a large, African Christian community from a church her uncle and grandparents owned in Philadelphia, where God was very real and the members were vibrant. But, when her family packed up and moved out of the City of Brotherly Love, it began a journey of hopping around from state to state.

Now finally settled in Indianapolis, Tennia gratefully says that this city feels like home. After all, she had roots here with her pastor knowing her since childhood. Upon her recent transfer to Arsenal Tech, she was met with a welcoming environment. However, something was missing. She was lacking friends to share her enthusiasm about Jesus with.

During her junior year, her friend Cassie had informed her that the youth center across the street had games and snacks on Mondays. Her other friend, Heaven, attended Thursday youth nights there. Towards the end of that school year, Tennia walked into the corner building on E Michigan and N State for the first time, and it wouldn’t be her last.

As she got to know the missionaries and young people, Tennia had found what she needed, and being a part of the Underground has helped her a lot.

“It’s nice to talk to people that believe in the same faith,” Tennia added.

As a non-denominational Christian, the Underground has opened her eyes about the Catholic faith through the leader’s talks and education as well as opportunities to partake in Catholic prayer practices. She goes to an occasional Mass, and notes that it is one hour as opposed to three hours! Attending retreat in 2025 “gave her superpowers” and she became “hulked out with Jesus.” There, the leaders educated Tennia about different prayer methods and provided opportunities for her to be engaged in prayer. Since then, Tennia has started journaling, a practice that has been helpful for her to focus and write things down. She also experienced the peace of another Catholic staple: adoration.

The Vagabond community gives peers plenty of opportunities to hang out through consistent youth nights, faith formation, and other spontaneous gatherings. Tennia’s friendship with Heaven would still remain without the Vagabond, but it would not be as strong. She even has made new friends, like Troy and Arailius. They always check up on her and ask how she’s doing. The missionaries, Catherine, Avery, and Brynn, exude kindness and share their unique gifts with her. The thought of life without the this community makes her sad.

“I’d be so bored and lonely,” Tennia stated.

Tennia graduated from Arsenal Tech in 2026, and when she began college this fall, she started to going to the chapel on campus and joined a Bible study.

Tennia’s story is one of steady growth in faith. We are grateful that she got to be transformed by the faithful and fun community of the Underground.

Please pray for Tennia in this next chapter of her life!