BIO:

Many people are curious to know why we do SHINE ministries. Well, Shine is a result of a wrestling match with God. I had read the book, Speechless by Steven Curtis Chapman and his pastor Scotty Smith just before Christmas of 2001. God used one line of that book to begin working on my heart. The line was written by Scotty Smith and basically said that as a believer there is no reason to keep our past a secret. God worked through that and Romans 8:28 "ALL things work together for the good of those who love the Lord." I felt God saying, "Marla I can use the hurts of your past, your mistakes to make a difference if you let me." I wrestled for a period of three days with the knowledge that God wanted me to write down and then share my testimony. As a result of that wrestling match , SHINE was born! God revealed to me that there was a need for women to openly and honestly share their burdens in order for God to make beauty from ashes. The scripture promises just that in Isaiah 61:3, "and provide for those who grieve in Zion-to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor." It is awesome and humbling to be able to be used by God to minister to fellow travelers on this road we journey. We are in our fifth year and growing strong.

For more information visit: www.shine4jesus.4t.com