Today we’d like to introduce you to Anji Ari.
Hi Anji , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey began at the age of 18 when I picked up my very first journal. What started as a place to express my deepest thoughts and emotions quickly became my sanctuary—a safe place where I could pour out my heart to God. Through countless journal entries and prayer books, I found healing, direction, and the strength to navigate life’s greatest challenges.
In 2014, I experienced what I believe was a divine encounter. A complete stranger approached me and said they had been waiting to speak with me. Caught completely off guard, I listened as they shared a message that would stay with me for years. They directed me to Deuteronomy 29 and told me, “Where you are going, everyone can’t go with you, and there are people waiting for you.”
At the time, I didn’t fully understand what those words meant. Seven years later, however, God confirmed that promise in an unexpected way. While helping a young woman establish her nonprofit organization, she shared that she had been told there was a woman in St. Louis who was going to help her. Instantly, I was overwhelmed with excitement because I knew God was reminding me of His promise.
Although I had always known I wanted to help others, I wasn’t sure what that would look like. I began volunteering with a local nonprofit organization that provided refuge for young girls who were survivors of human trafficking. Through that experience, I learned how deeply human trafficking impacts our communities and recognized a significant gap in education within the African American community.
I realized that if we truly wanted to combat human trafficking and uproot the cycle of exploitation, we had to begin with education.
That vision led me to establish ENDIT., a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating youth about the warning signs of human trafficking and empowering them with the knowledge to protect themselves. Through ENDIT., I developed partnerships with the St. Louis Public School District, CATE (Coalition Against Trafficking and Exploitation), and numerous school districts throughout the St. Louis region.
I also founded an after-school mentoring program at Vashon High School, where I had the privilege of mentoring high school students. It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Although the program was paused during the COVID-19 pandemic, God was already opening another door.
In 2019, I pursued and earned my Life Coach certification and became a member of the Certified Coaches Alliance. I knew God was expanding my assignment and broadening my reach.
Throughout every season, one thing remained constant—my love for writing.
As life began to settle, I launched The Well Encounter, Intimate Conversations with God, a blog where I share messages of hope, encouragement, and the love of Jesus Christ. I also created The Well Encounter Community, a faith-centered community for women seeking encouragement, biblical wisdom, prayer, accountability, and authentic connection. Together, we navigate life’s challenges while growing deeper in our relationship with God.
Today, I am pursuing a degree in Biblical Studies, having fully embraced God’s call into ministry. Looking back, I can clearly see how every journal entry, every prayer, every opportunity to serve, and every divine encounter has prepared me for this season.
I believe this next chapter will truly be one for the books. My prayer is that everything I do points people toward hope, healing, purpose, and a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t always been a smooth journey. There were many moments when I questioned God and the direction He was leading me. Looking back now, I realize that every detour had a purpose, but in those moments, all I could see was uncertainty.
For years, I struggled to find stability in my career. I could never seem to settle into a job, and at the time, I couldn’t understand why. In hindsight, I believe God was gently but firmly redirecting me toward my calling. Becoming comfortable in the corporate world was never part of His plan for my life.
I experienced three job position eliminations back-to-back. Each one felt devastating. With every loss came more questions, more uncertainty, and more opportunities to wonder if I had somehow missed God’s will. It wasn’t until the final position was eliminated that I reached a place of complete surrender. I finally laid down my plans and chose to trust His.
That surrender was not easy.
Learning to trust God with every part of my life—including my finances, my future, and my overall well-being—became the true definition of stepping out in faith. There were days when my faith felt weak. I questioned whether I was capable of fulfilling the purpose God had placed inside of me. I wrestled with fear, doubt, and insecurity.
There were nights when I cried myself to sleep because I simply couldn’t understand what God was doing in my life. His silence often felt confusing, and His timing never matched my own. Yet even in those difficult seasons, God was working behind the scenes, shaping my character, strengthening my faith, and preparing me for an assignment far greater than I could have imagined.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about The Well Encounter, Intimate Conversation with God Blog?
I am the author and creator of “The Well Encounter, Intimate Conversation with God Blog” and “The Well Encounter Community”, a faith-centered space where women can find hope, encouragement, healing, and biblical truth. I also have an online store called “Wrapt in Faith” where I sell Faith inspired home decor. I am a creator and I find solace in designing things for the home that reminds us of God’s love for us. What sets me apart? I believe it’s my ability to meet people where they are—with compassion, authenticity, and without judgment. My heart has always been to reach beyond the surface and speak to the heart of the person in front of me.
One of the things I value most is keeping my ministry simple and honest. I’m not interested in selling a dream or convincing people that I have all the answers. I simply want to be a vessel that God can use. I believe every connection, every conversation, and every life I’ve been privileged to impact has been divinely orchestrated.
Life can be difficult. There are seasons filled with uncertainty, heartbreak, disappointment, and questions that don’t always have immediate answers. Through my own journey, I’ve learned that we were never meant to walk through those seasons alone. My desire is to create a place where people feel seen, heard, encouraged, and reminded that there is still hope. Sometimes healing begins with knowing someone is willing to walk alongside you, pray with you, and remind you of God’s promises when your own faith feels weak.
If my story helps even one person trust God a little more, hold on a little longer, or believe that purpose can still be found in pain, then I know I am walking in the calling God has placed on my life.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
Going to the Cardinals game with my childhood best friend Donyelle.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thewellencounter.blog
- Instagram: @anji_ari_
