Though He Took Part in Chapel, Shawayne had never considered himself a believer...
Shawayne used to count himself with the non-believers. Though he had taken part in church activities by leading worship or volunteering to pray during chapel, Shawayne had never awakened to his own need for a savior.
Then tragedy struck. In January 2019, former CCCD student Kevon Williams passed away unexpectedly. Kevon was well known and loved by many at CCCD, including those at Knockpatrick school. “The announcement was made during morning devotional,” says campus manager Trudy Powell. “Both staff and children were shocked and grieving.” Classes were put on hold while staff members consoled students. As they gathered, many volunteered to pray.
Shawayne (middle) and friends sit together after school.
Shawayne was there with his fellow students that day. “During the prayer session,” he says, “I felt the Holy Spirit touch my heart. I was worried about not accepting Jesus as my Savior. I felt guilty and nervous. I thought back on the things I had done wrong.
“I thought about the many times in my life I was encouraged to do the right thing, but instead did the wrong. I knew I needed to make a change in my life, because I had never accepted Jesus as my personal Savior. Shawayne prayed to receive Christ that day. “I didn’t want to die one day not accepting Christ,” he says, “so I asked the Lord to forgive my sins. I acknowledge him as my Savior who died on the cross for me.”
News of Shawayne’s salvation spread quickly. Now, Shawayne feels a desire to preach and share with other students so they might follow Christ. “Sometimes I read my Bible,” he says, “and work to remember verses so I can share with other students.” His favorite Bible story is 2 Kings 2, where Elijah is taken up into heaven.
Though he used to count himself with the unbelievers, Shawayne now proudly calls himself a believer. “I like being a Christian,” he says, “it makes me feel clean, wonderful, and free.”
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