Competing with purpose
It became obvious to John Shelp during his battles with cancer that God was going to use him in creative ways to make His name famous. Now, aside from being a husband, father and teacher, Shelp is also a triathlete, using the sport as an outlet to share the Gospel.
Along with racing for FCA Endurance, Shelp races for the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society. As a non-Hodgkins Lymphoma patient, Shelp decided to race for LLS because he believes in what they stand for.
"The Leukemia/Lymphoma Society helps thousands every year with blood born cancers. Being a survivor and treatment free this year I feel blessed by such organizations."
In 2007 and 2008, Shelp competed in triathlons at the professional level, but soon found that the schedule and stress no longer allowed him time to focus on his family. As he felt God calling him to make a change, Shelp decided to end his professional career in order to spend more time with his wife and children.
"I am back racing in the amateur ranks," Shelp said, "but I feel called to continue to race and fellowship with triathletes."
After just having their third daughter, John and his wife Micki are staying busy, but Shelp has high hopes for the 2010 season.
"My goal is to go back to my roots in triathlon trying to qualify for Kona 2010 as an amateur," he said. "The challenges will be creating a balance in training, work and family and giving this all up to let God surround and shine through it."
What a tangible example of a way we can bring glory to God in all that we do.
"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." –Colossians 3: 17
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