In 1979 my sister Joy married Eddie Kelso and followed him in his ministry of pastoring and evangelism.
With 4 left in the family now, we became a quartet.
In 1983 the Lord led us back to Alexandria,LA. to be with Dad's aging parents.
Three years later my brotherJerry got off the road to pursue a career in computer programming. Today he remains active at his church in Memphis, TN. He and his wife Melony have 2 girls, Bethany and Kayla.
Every family experiences tragedy. In 1988 Mom was diagnosed with acute Leukemia, and in July of 1990 she went on to be with the Lord. Her songs still live on through our singing and others.
Dad and I continued singing as a duet for a year, then the Lord brought Sherri into our lives. In 1991 Dad and Sherri married and immediately she filled the alto part. Once again we were a singing trio.
So, for the next 13 years Dad, Sherri and I continued on the road singing His praises.
Being raised on the road can be tough in some ways, as those who have done it can tell you. Being constantly transit can be a lonely life, especially when it comes to dating anyone! The Lord gave me faith to believe that when His timing was right, He would give me that special one. From the first time I asked Jennifer on a date, till our engagement, was 7 YEARS! She is a patient lady!! On April 16th , 2004 we wed at Hope Baptist Church here in Alexandria,LA.
For several years previous to 2005 Dad had encouraged me to begin a solo singing ministry, but I had no peace until October of 2004.
With a new wife and a son on the way, the Lord gave me perfect peace to finally begin traveling as a separate ministry.
Today my own children, Samuel, Molly, Katherine, and Charlotte, sometimes accompany me in my ministry.
Shawn
Lam. 3:22-23