Volunteer Spotlight: Shalea

Shalea is a long-term recovery volunteer who has recently been hired by Rise Up Recovery as a Peer Recovery Specialist. Hailing from St. Paul, MN, Shalea is now in Lakeville serving in the Women's Recovery Home. Her passionate heart and servant soul has had her involved in several nonprofit organizations over the past couple of years, including Harbour Light Salvation Army, Break Through Ministry, and 7 Bells Ministry. She heard about Rise Up Recovery from 7 Bells Ministry's Wendy Lowry. But she first met Tiffany at Teen Challenge.

Fun Questions

What is your favorite book in the Bible?

My favorite book is Hosea. The prophet Hosea was called to love a woman who was a prostitute. Hosea 3 reads, "The Lord said to me, 'Go show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another man and is an adulteress. Love her as the Lord loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love the sacred raisin cakes.'"

Hosea is a picture of Jesus, and we are a picture of Gomer. How many people would actually do pursue a relationship? But Jesus did it. Jesus still pursues us and loves us. Jesus always takes me back. He is faithful to me, even when I’m not faithful to him.

When we turn our affection away from God is where we go wrong.

What is your favorite season?

Fall. I like the weather. It's beautiful during that time.

What sport or physical activity do you enjoy the most?

Cardio stuff because it reminds me how to build endurance. Volleyball is also very fun.

If you could go back in time, who would you like to meet?

I look forward to the day when I walk into heaven and meet Peter. A lot of people say I’m like him, but I don’t think I am. But I think he’s funny.

Besides Peter, who would you like to meet?

John the beloved disciple. What I love about John is that he received so many powerful revelations. John 1 and Revelation 1 are just so powerful. Of course, all scripture is powerful, but there was something really special and intimate there between John and Jesus.

What is your vision for RUR?

My vision for Rise Up is simply the vision God had originally given to the leaders and board members. My heart is to serve those around me; to help every single person I interact with and find their true identity in the heart of God and just love on those wherever they are from every walk of life. I just want every person to know how extremely valuable and precious they are.