Life According to God's Plan

Sheri Tos (BA ’11) thought she couldn’t fit family, church and business into her new life—until God wove the three into one way to make a difference.

Back in Wisconsin, Sheri had a career as a regional branch manager, was getting an education at Milwaukee’s Alverno College and, after a shaky start, found faith. Feeling empty in her early 30s, Sheri “cried to the Lord and he brought me back to his house.”

Into this life came Jeff Tos, partner in Tos Farms, a century-old Valley agribusiness. The distance was daunting, “but he pursued.” The two married in 2010. “The farm wasn’t moving so I had to.”

Once in Hanford, Sheri found FPU’s degree completion program. “I was so excited! The emphasis on Christian education surpassed what I was currently in.”

Faculty Rodney Frese and Brice Yocum encouraged Sheri to center on service. “I learned that I can make things happen.”

Many graduates call commencement a miracle. Sheri had an additional blessing. “When I met Jeff I told him I couldn’t have children. When I received my degree I was pregnant with identical twin boys.”

Motherhood pushed business aside, but Sheri saw needs. Her youth ministry embraced special needs children, one of whom displayed uncontrollable and dangerous behaviors. In her frustration, Sheri sympathized with the family. “They must feel so judged and exhausted!”

When the children were asked to write three questions they would ask Jesus face to face, “this boy’s answer broke my heart.”

Then God brought Sheri’s life—motherhood, church, business—together in Sensory Rock Play Gym & Therapy, 240 N. Irwin St., Hanford. Children 10 and younger of all abilities enjoy rock walls, a zip line, themed playsets and developmental programs.

“I saw how to help kids and I thought, this is it! This is what my business needs to be.”