God Promises in His Word, “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”  (Jeremiah 33:3)

The Story of THE GREAT 'I AM' in its purest and simplest form came to be as a prayer said during a period of personal anguish in Chawna Anderson's life, as she sought to surrender herself completely unto Christ. In 2002 Anderson was brought to the grievous realization that she was covered in the filthy rags of pride, self reliance and unrepented sins, among many other detestable things. It was the most painful, yet necessary truth she has had to face. During that time she pleaded for God to save her, she begged for Him to change her. He did. It was not an overnight transformation, and she still had to bear the consequences of her past sins, but Gods love is immeasurable and His mercy unfathomable. God never left her, and He used the opportunity to begin molding her into His image. One tool that the Lord utilized to help Anderson pull through and mature during these difficult times was Christian books.

Christian books were a life line of hope for Anderson, bringing her into a closer relationship with Jesus and carrying her through the really dark times. She read constantly and devoured the Word of God.

One night while driving to work Anderson realized she had forgotten her books at home. She said a quick prayer, “Lord Jesus help me to get through tonight, because I forgot my books. Amen.” Anderson was working night shift as a nurse at the time and that night went as usual, until around four in the morning when a question suddenly popped into her head and would not leave. The question was, “If someone asked you how Big is your God, what would you say?” She thought for a moment and then immediately grabbed a piece of paper and began to write. The writing started as a poem, He is my overflowing joy, greater than my deepest sorrow, He is my ultimate victory, greater than my worst defeats. By the end of the poem the "He" was changed to "I Am".

Before the end of her shift that night Anderson had completed the entire rough draft for her new book - The Great “I Am”, as well as ideas for pictures she would like to use to compliment the story. The only thing missing was a photographer and the imagery to go with her text.

At the time Anderson had an acquaintance that had done some photography in the past, and she immediately shared her vision with her asking if she would collaborate with Anderson on the project. However, the acquaintance said she was far too busy starting a business idea of her own to take on such a project, but in a divinely set appointment the girl mentioned that she was currently working closely with a local professional photographer by the name of Christopher Ward, and that they should meet. Anderson's neighbor introduced the pair where upon Anderson shared her vision with Ward. Ward immediately agreed to help Anderson with the project and knew he already had the photograph God destined for the cover of The Great “I Am”.

The vision grew through a collaborative effort and a lot of hard work into what it is today. Anderson’s words, along with Ward’s photographs and the stories behind them, bring the book’s important message to life in a humble yet impressive work of art.

Both Anderson and Ward have been involved in Christian ministry and missions with some work taking Ward as far as Africa. Many of the books photographs are from two of these trips as well as various trips throughout the United States including many photographs taken here in Arizona.

It is their hope that others can use The Great “I Am” as fundraising tool for ministries and missions both locally and abroad. The book is available at retail price of $34.95, but can be purchased for fund raising or other worthwhile causes at generously discounted bulk rates.

Ward, when speaking about the book he has adorned with his photographs, states, “We truly believe this book was a gift from God, and through a series of remarkable circumstances, He has revealed its purpose.”