09/04/2026
Member Spotlight | We would like to introduce our sister in Christ, Shannon Humphrey Minks!
I grew up going to church and surrounded by amazing, loving, and hardworking parents and family members. I came to the Lord at an early age, I always had a desire to follow God and help others. That is partly my personality and partly because I was taught by the best role-models that is what you should do. But as I got into my young adulthood, I went through some rough times with my husband, who was an alcoholic and drug user, and some of my friends, also addicts. I do not blame them for my choices, but I think being around so many people who were focused on what I could do for them, rather than having healthy give-and-take relationships, my helping and desire to feel loved became a stumbling block in my life. I felt like I could never help enough. It didn’t matter how much I did for my friends, it was never enough. My insecurities grew until I didn’t know how to handle the disappointment and pressure. I joined in with my friends, trying to escape through substances. And every time I fell to it, I felt worse and worse about myself.
Praise God, He never left me through several years of rebellion. One night, in May of 2014, things got so bad, I wanted to take my own life. When I woke up 36 hours later after taking, 120 blood pressure pills, what I thought was a fatal dose, I knew right then and there, God was not finished with me. His love broke through in such a powerful way. He took away my desire for drugs. He took away the shame. He gave me a clear call to get up and get going for Him. But where? Some of my choices had burned bridges, and I needed to find a new church home. We tried a couple that were good starting places for growth, where one of which I rededicated my life to Christ by being baptized again but then landed back at —Bethel Baptist, we had a strong desire to be involved from the start. It has been amazing to watch the church grow under Josh’s leadership, and I’m so humbled and thankful to be part of a church that makes a difference for Christ.
The Lord allowed me the joy and privilege of supporting my mom Josie in the last 16 years of her life. Together, we got to meet many needs of community members with meals and prayer, just letting people know we cared. My mom taught me that God will always make sure we have enough as we trust Him and take care of others, and we always did. So when the church decided to open a Food Pantry, I was excited to be part of that. I love helping to meet the needs of people through Josie’s Pantry. I’ve also been involved in Women’s Ministry, VBS, and the car show. I love helping host events and showing hospitality—it’s something God has given to me as a gift to share for His glory. Now I’m excited to be stretched in a new way as the preschool Lamp Academy teacher. My helping is no longer a stumbling block. I don't do it to get love back. I don't do it out of obligation. I truly love serving.
I love my church. I tell others about my church. But even more, I love my Savior and love telling others about Him. He saved me out of shame and pain. He has given me a second chance, and I will spend that ministering to others so they can find Him. I want the spotlight to shine on Him not me! Jesus Christ is all that is good in my life. He is the One who forgives. He is the One who provides. He is the One who leads us into better steps. He is the One who lifts depression and exchanges it for joy. If you need a church, try Bethel! If you need hope, try Jesus!
