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 More About "Aunt" Diana

A Dynamic Presenterdiana shafe

Diana Shafe is a talented vocalist and captivating speaker who has ministered in both music and message throughout the Midwest. She has been a frequent speaker for Christian Women's Clubs as well as a variety of women's groups, banquets, retreats and seminars. Whether speaking or singing her presentations are marked by her high energy and engaging style. She has demonstrated the ability to help people see the role that Christ can play in leading them to deal with the challenges of daily living. The topics which she is proficient and comfortable addressing range from: surviving and recovering from physical assault and sexual abuse, to finding hope in the midst of physical suffering, to personal spiritual growth and family life issues.

A Trained Speaker

As an alumni of C.L.A.S.S. (Christian Leaders and Speakers Seminar), and Carol Kent's "Speak Up with Confidence", Diana has received some of the best formal training in public speaking that is available. She has served as a volunteer for the Calhoun County Task Force for Abused and Neglected Children, and is currently a volunteer counselor for victims of sexual assault and abuse. In March of 1999 she was certified as a Facilitator for Effectively Working Together(TM) through Starr Commonwealth's Evergreen Center for Personal and Professional Development.

A Passion for the Church

Diana has been married for 25 years to her highschool sweetheart, Steve. Together they have served as the founding pastoral family for the Caring Community Wesleyan Church in Albion, MI. In the 20 years since they began this ministry Diana has served in a multitude of different capacities. She has been especially sensitive to the ministry needs of children. Her commitment to meeting the children at their point of need has led to her being known as "Aunt Diana" by children throughout the church. Some of her experience in the church includes: serving on the Children's Ministry Board, teaching a wide range of children and adult classes, Director of Women's Ministries, Worship Team member and soloist, Creator and Director of several children's musicals and pageants, Director and teacher of numerous VBS programs, teaching parenting and marital enrichment classes, and developing and teaching the Women of Influence Leadership Development Course. These opportunities have created within her a passion to see local churches fulfill their potential for impacting their communities with relevance of the Gospel. On a broader level she is currently serving as the Wesleyan Women's Director for the West Michigan District of the Wesleyan Church.

A Love for the Family

Diana's devotion to the church is second only to her commitment to her family. Throughout the years she has consistently worked to develop in her role as a wife. Not only is she Steve's best friend and most outspoken encourager, she willingly embraces the role of "pastor's wife" and all of the expectations that come with it. Together they have paid the price of commitment and devotion that is necessary to build a growing and vital marriage in the face of various obstacles and temptations that life brings to us all. Diana shares honestly about the peaks and valleys they have experienced in their journey together and she is careful to emphasize that their victories have clearly come through the grace of God's love. As a mother Diana has faithfully worked to shape the lives of her two daughters Nichole and Jessica. In the early years of her mothering this devotion was reflected in her decision to home school them. Now that they are adults living on their own her role has changed to that of "prayer warrior".

Did Diana get them into this sticky situation, or is she helping them out of it?

A Life-Changing Ministry

Diana is a radiant and enthusiastic Christian woman who delights in sharing the life-changing power of Christ with others. Through His power she has not just survived childhood sexual abuse and physical/sexual assault as a young adult, but she has consistently turned her pain into a tool for bringing healing to the lives of others. In spite of a number of physical afflictions Diana has chosen to consistently reflect the joy of walking with Christ. Out of the depth of her experience, she is well-equipped to "weep with those who weep" and "rejoice with those who rejoice".

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