Testimonies

Overcoming Shyness

“Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.” —Luke 10:2

When I was 14 years old, God blessed my church with a Bible worker and gave me the opportunity to learn how to share Him with others. Sadly, however, I only went to the class because my parents took me. I was shy and didn’t want to step out of my comfort zone. I quickly put the training out of sight and out of mind.

Even though I wasn’t open to the Holy Spirit’s guidance at that time, God, in His love, didn’t forget about me. He continued to work on my heart over the next four-and-a-half years. Ever so slowly, I began to listen. Then by the summer of 2009, I followed His call to Phoenix, Arizona, where I took part in the ASI Youth for Jesus program. Over that summer, God continued His work of changing me. It seemed that everywhere I turned, someone was telling me I should go to the Amazing Facts Center of Evangelism or another Bible college. Each time I told them no. But finally I had heard it one too many times and told my friend that I’d pray about it. After all, what could I lose in just praying about it?

Before that summer was over, God made it 100-percent clear that He wanted me to attend AFCOE.

A Big Transformation
The next year found me at AFCOE. While there, God continued His work of changing me and giving me a love for His people. And a miracle happened: My shyness disappeared. I was able to see that God had angels with me at each home I visited. I also learned that a relationship with Jesus is the most important thing to a Christian and that we have been given the three most powerful tools anywhere—the power of prayer, the Word of God, and the Holy Spirit who teaches us what to say.

I can now honestly say that there is nothing I could do that would be more rewarding than to work in the Lord’s vineyard! One year ago, God led me back to my home church in Tennessee, where seven-and-a-half years ago Wes Peppers, who is now the director of Global AFCOE, was our Bible worker. Since then I have been able to use the tools I gained at AFCOE and God has been blessing His work here among the people in our community! At this point, there have been five baptisms. I also currently have the privilege of studying the Bible with 11 people on a weekly basis.

This girl, who even just two years ago was afraid of talking in front of a group and stepping out of her comfort zone, has been changed by God and has just started teaching a class called “How to Lead Others to Christ and Make Decisions for Eternity” at church. One of the ladies that joined my class was just baptized in July after attending our prophecy series and follow-up Bible studies. Her first goal is to teach her husband the things she has learned, and God is blessing that goal as her husband has recently started attending church with her. It’s exciting to see the way that God is working and the full circle of changed lives!

I praise the Lord for the opportunity to attend AFCOE! It has been the biggest blessing in my life so far! Each class gave me practical information that I have been able to use over and over as I work out in the field. God has truly changed my life around, something for which I am so thankful! I can’t wait until the work is done here on Earth and we can all go home! Together, let’s finish this work that He has called each one of us to do.

“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.” —1 Peter 2:9

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5 Comments

Anna McFarland

Thursday, November 17, 2011 4:22 PM

I'm 8, and I'm super-duper SHY!!!!

wpeppers@amazingfacts.org

Tuesday, November 29, 2011 1:12 AM

Wonderful Ashley! Keep us=p the good work!!! :) - Wes

kirri hardy

Saturday, December 03, 2011 7:43 PM

Thanks so much for sharing how God has transformed you....
Shyness and a fear of public speaking, or just speaking up in general has always been a problem of mine, but i would LOVE to break free from that and allowed God to use me to the best of my ability....i've been considering AFCOE for a long time now...Your testimony has definately encouraged me to step out in faith, and be an instrument in Gods hand :D

Ashley

Tuesday, December 06, 2011 8:02 PM

Praise the Lord Kirri! Do step out in faith and God WILL bless your willingness! If God opens the doors for you to go to AFCOE - go. It will be one of the best decisions you make! I'll pray for you! ~Ashley

kirri hardy

Wednesday, December 14, 2011 2:35 PM

Thankyou ashely....thankyou for praying for me :D

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