Fan's Faith Still Strong 11 Years Later
Wed., Feb. 27. 2013 11:55am EST
In 3 John 1:4, the apostle writes, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." We feel the same way about our own children and those whom God has enabled us to reach with the Gospel.
This past week, we had the joy of hearing from Shaleigh Sugden, a longtime fan and friend whom we first met in Janesville WI on February 22, 2002, when she begrudgingly attended her first ApologetiX concert at the urging of her brother, DelRay. Much to her surprise, she enjoyed it!
Far more importantly, after our message that night, Shaleigh asked Christ into her heart ... and she's still going strong. She hadn't even started high school back then; now she's a graduate of Emmaus Bible College, where she majored in counseling/psychology and minored in youth ministries.
Shaleigh emails us every year on the anniversary of that concert. Here's what she said this time:It's been 11 years (can you believe it?) since I first saw you guys for the first time and heard that important message. Currently, I am about to leave for an all-night ski with my youth group; and I honestly think I wouldn't be in ministry if it weren't for you guys in ApologetiX.
You encouraged me immensely, both in my faith and in the cultivation of my strengths and talents. Thanks for investing your time, wisdom and thoughtfulness in me, and all the other fans too. I still read every newsletter and am super excited that God is still providing for you guys to do what you love. Thanks for everything!
Shaleigh Note: We recently discovered a video to our song "Transplants" that Shaleigh did in 2009 with another longtime fan and friend, Sarah May. If you'd like to see it, just go to http://www.facebook.com/Apologetix and click on "Recent Posts by Others" and scroll down to Sarah May's post on February 14 at 12:38 p.m. It's a hoot!
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