First Baptist Church, Hamilton
Marion Baptist Association
Favorite Verse: John 3:16
Favorite Hymn: “Blessed Assurance”
Hobbies: Reading, walking and cooking
Family Status: Widowed after 59 years of marriage to Ruble, one child and one grandchild
Lela Rae Shotts joined First Baptist Church, Hamilton, 50 years ago. During her time there, Shotts has been involved with Woman’s Missionary Union and Bible school. She also teaches a Sunday School class and cooks for fund-raisers and families in need.
Q: When were you saved?
A: At the age of 13, I was saved at a summer revival and later baptized in a nearby creek.
Q: When did you begin teaching Sunday School and why?
A: I was asked to teach a Sunday School class the second year after we started attending … First Baptist Church 50 years ago. Because I was a schoolteacher, I already knew that I enjoyed teaching. I loved people and I loved the Lord, so I thought that those were the necessary prerequisites. I accepted the job and have been teaching a class ever since, with the exception of four years. To me, it has just been God’s call on my life. If we think about what God did for us, how can we refuse such a small thing as giving Him a few hours of our week to teach His Word? I think I’ve benefited from it more than the ladies I teach. The hours of study during the week and the Saturday evenings I have spent studying have blessed my Christian walk and are a small sacrifice.
Q: What do you get from the ministry?
A: My faith has grown tremendously from studying so much.
Q: Who has influenced you most in your Christian walk?
A: My only brother, Garlin Mays, was a minister. He died from cancer at age 37. I’ve often thought that he couldn’t continue to serve but that I am still here and should continue to serve God to the best of my ability.
Share with others: