Shelby’s Story

When my dad was diagnosed, I felt abandoned by God. I couldn’t stand the thought of this cancer that couldn’t be cured. He died five and a half months later. He had just turned 50. He was my best friend.

But my dad made sure I didn’t blame God. The leaders here at church rallied around me. They all helped me understand that God loved me and had a plan for my life. And He does!

My dad was there the day I was baptized. It was right before he was diagnosed. I was baptized in this lake, and as soon as I came up from the water, my friends and my dad hugged me. It was the greatest feeling on earth, every burden lifted.

Today I’m a leader in kids ministry, loving on those kids the same way my leaders have always  loved me. I love it. I love worshipping with them and seeing how they love Jesus.

My one prayer is that God will use me in ways I can’t even imagine. I want everyone to see and feel the love of Christ. I want every student in my school to know God loves them and cares for them. He can bring you out of the deepest darkness into the light. He never abandons us and His love absolutely never fails.