Fred Shellabarger

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With over 18 years of ministry experience, I am living proof that no wound is too deep, no situation too broken, and no heart too distant for the redeeming love of Christ. Ever since I first heard the Gospel message—"Jesus Christ loves you. He gave his life to save you, and now he is living at your side to enlighten, strengthen, and free you"—my life has been devoted to glorifying God and helping others experience His transformative love. My greatest joy is walking alongside others as they discover the boundless mercy, healing, and hope found in Christ.

I’ve been blessed to share 20 incredible years of marriage with my wife, a partnership filled with adventures both across the country and through the journeys of faith. Together, we’ve been gifted with seven amazing children (and two in heaven), who inspire me every day to embrace the beauty and challenges of life with a childlike heart. While I often joke, “I prayed for patience, and God gave me children,” the truth is, I wouldn’t change a thing. They are my greatest joy and my daily reminders of God’s faithfulness.

Family life is a vibrant tapestry of shared moments: playing designer board games that spark connection and laughter, building with Legos, road-tripping to new places, and tackling endless fixer-upper projects around the house. I’ve also found a newfound love for hiking and being outdoors, where God’s creation inspires awe and reflection.

At the heart of everything I do is a passion for bringing people together. Whether it’s around a board game, a dinner table, or a community event, I strive to create spaces where people feel loved, valued, and seen. I believe in the power of relationships and the beauty of shared experiences that draw us closer to one another and to Christ.

As a co-host of Draw Near, I’m grateful for the opportunity to journey alongside others in faith. Thank you for listening, exploring our webpage, and joining us as we seek to draw near to Christ together. My prayer is that through these shared moments, you too will find the hope, joy, and love that only He can provide.