2021 Hometown Heroes

Page 6 2021 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS May 27, 2021 Reverend Shelton regularly opened his pulpit to student ministers in training from Lincoln Christian University to build their confidence and hone their skills while mentoring them to become future pastors. It is his love of God that always pushed him to help his brothers. When asked, why do you do what you do? Shelton replied, I didn’t think about it. I had a feeling deep inside instructing me to do things to help people, all people. I couldn’t ignore it. I never felt qualified, I just listened and let the Lord lead me. I was to listen to people, and help them wherever and whenever I could. This was particularly rewarding when I would see how it changed some people’s lives for the better. As a lifelong community activist, Rev Shelton is an advocate for anyone in need. He spoke up when racial tension grew to a boiling point at Lincoln Community High School, pushed back when he and others were racially profiled by some officers in the Lincoln Police Department. He stood out in front when Lincoln College Students were receiving unfair treatment by some of the local citizenry. Glenn Shelton set- up programs that provided food baskets to those in need and often gave money out of his pocket to anyone in need. One of his many accolades is being selected as the Courier’s Citizen of the Month in December 2010. Shelton’s fondest memory of working with others was when he had the opportunity to pray over a friend in what others thought was her death bed. He considers himself a man of prayer, a man who deeply believes in the power of prayer. He said the Lord allowed him to witness his power in healing. The Reverend recalled the day he and his wife were informed that his wife’s lifelong friend was in critical condition in a Springfield, Il hospital. By the time they arrived the friend was in a coma and her family was standing around her bed in tears. Rev. Shelton began to pray aloud. Speaking to God, He spoke a sincere prayer that his desire was to raise her up from her bed but said not that my will but Thy will be done. Within 30 seconds to one minute, the patient’s eyes opened, she tried to sit up in the bed and she said, I’m hungry. In a shaky voice, she said, I want a cheeseburger, fries and a chocolate shake. Shelton said the Lord showed him that he hears and answers prayers. As the father of seven (1 deceased), grandfather of 16, great grandfather of 25, Rev Shelton always had a heart for children and used much of the church's resources to support the children in the church as well as those in the community. He directed the youth department to attend regional and state conferences to further Christian education and fellowship. Planned robust vacation bible school programs, summer youth trips to museums, and other cultural events. He is known as grandpa to many. As a member and office holder of many State and regional Baptist organizations, Rev. Glenn Shelton said that he is able to do all that he does because he was called by God. His favorite scripture is Romans 12: 1 & 2. He ended our conversation the way he ends his sermons, “And the best is yet to come.”