Sarah Elizabeth Shelton of First Baptist Church Columbiana is among three teenagers named to the 2024 National Acteens panel.
“Serving as an Acteen panelist would give me a platform to share the importance of music as a way to worship God,” Shelton said in her application. “By writing blog posts and participating in various Acteens events, I can share how God has used music to reach the most intimate parts of my heart. Music is the purest form of praise for me.”
Three states represented
Shelton, age 18, was named to the panel, along with Faith Howard of Retama Park Baptist Church in Kingsville, Texas; and Gracie Stamey of Mount Zion Baptist Church in Hudson, North Carolina. Read about Howard and Stamey here.
The young women will be part of WMU’s Missions Celebration and Annual Meeting in Indianapolis in June prior to the Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting. The panelists also will blog for wmu.com/students and be given leadership and speaking opportunities throughout the year. Each will receive a grant from the WMU Foundation through the Jessica Powell Loftis Endowment for Acteens.
Shelton’s story
While Shelton gave her heart to Christ when she was in second grade, she has had three heart surgeries in her 18 years. She admits to succumbing to fear and anxiety especially over some medical issues with her heart.
“At times, (I) have allowed fear and anxiety to rule my life,” Shelton said. “They have been idols that my world revolved around, but not anymore. I still struggle with the temptations of worry occasionally because I am human, but I just give it to God, and He handles it.”
Shelton has been an Acteen for seven years. She served as a Mission Friend and GA before that.
What others are saying
Trish Jackson, missions lifestyle strategist for Alabama WMU, said Shelton has a “contagious personality” and was raised “in a church that has a legacy of missions in Alabama.”
Jackson said Shelton is “an empathetic, honest and supportive friend as she gives God glory each day in public school.”
Shelton’s pastor, Michael Miller, also has high praise for her leadership ability.
“She is a strong leader with a creative mind, a compassionate heart and a warm personality,” he said. “She loves God and loves people.”
Involved in her church’s student ministry, Shelton has participated in missions trips to New York, Miami and Oklahoma City as well as two trips to Costa Rica. She has served in a local apartment ministry, parent’s night out, fall festival, Vacation Bible School, Operation Christmas Child, caring for children and with a migrant camp. She has been involved in missions trips to Savannah, Georgia; Newark, New Jersey; Skowhegan, Maine; Gulfport, Mississippi and Nashville.
For more information about Acteens and student missions discipleship, visit wmu.com/students.
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