Meet Kent!
Friends, we’d love for you to meet Kent Shaffer, our wonderful Co-Founder & newly appointed Associate Director!
Kent shares, "I grew up in a small farming community in southwest Kansas, where I learned how to work and make things work. I learned what it means to be a good neighbor and engage in civic responsibility. I was always active in sports growing up.”
”After high school, I attended a small Bible college to become a youth pastor, but mostly I went to play basketball. During my sophomore year, I met and married Becky. Those of you who know Becky's story also know much of my story. We would go on to serve as foster parents over an 18 year period. During the last eight of those years, I also worked in the administration for a children's home, which included leading their volunteer program, staff development, and training, as well as coaching and teaching at the high school.”
Shaffer family in 2014.
”In 2008, I took a job with John Brown University and we moved to Rogers. On January 6, 2009, Becky and I prayed after breakfast about pursuing the dream that was "Saving Grace," and I asked God for a sign. Little did I know that a series of events would unfold with a stranger that Becky met later that morning. Becky shared her dream and the stranger [now good friend], Karen Weiler, was so moved by the Spirit that she returned to Becky later that morning with a four-foot sign that said "Amazing Grace". God knew He needed to make it clear to me that I needed to follow the dream by giving me a literal sign. Since then, He has done great things, and countless lives have been changed through Saving Grace!”
Newspaper clipping from 2009.
As an Enneagram 6, Kent is reliable, hard-working, loyal to a fault and fosters a spirit of cooperation. He loves to build connections and is a true champion for others. God definitely knew what he was doing when he paired Kent & Becky together! It is many of these traits which set Saving Grace into motion!
In friendships, Kent is dedicated to showing up and following through with commitments. He is a phenomenal and trustworthy listener!
Becky and Kent at Saving Grace Prom, 2021!
On Co-Founding and recently accepting a full-time position with Saving Grace, Kent shares, "I wanted to be part of building something that outlasts me. There is an African proverb that says it best; "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." I am thankful to get to work alongside others who are willing to stand together as a community with their talents, time, and resources for “Grace.” I hear the giver share how it has blessed them abundantly as well. We are all in this together.”
”I am honored the board felt it was appropriate for me to come onto the staff to help us manage the growth ahead!"
Interesting in learning more about our plans for future growth? Email us at info@savinggracenwa.org
