Simple • Seasoned • Sassy
This month’s Spotlight focuses on Shirley Gilbert, a true member of the “Fellowship Core.” Shirley was born on June 18 in Pulaski County (Hawkinsville, Georgia.) She is the fourteenth of sixteen children raised by a single grandma. Her first job at the age of five was picking cotton, voluntarily. “Once that first little sack my grandma made for me was filled, I had a job from then on whether it was picking up wood chips or bringing water up from the spring.” She has been married for 23 years to Robert D. Gilbert (the D as Delightful-Delicious-Delivered) and they have four daughters, 13 grandchildren, and five great grandchildren.
Hobbies and Interests
- Exploring God’s Word (Teaching) reaching others through the Gospel
- Singing, Sewing, and Writing
- Recording artist (CD on Healing and 2 Poetry CDs)
- Loves playing softball, and writing birthday jingles
Life’s Work
Went to college after the age of 35 and graduated Suma Cum Laude with an Associate Degree in Substance Abuse Rehabilitation. “I was a single parent with three teenage-daughters and working a full-time job. If God will do that for me at that age what will He do for you now?” Shirley is a LPN by trade and works with Hematology-Oncology patients praying and ministering with them on a daily basis. AIG (Ain’t it Great?)
Ties to Fellowship
A member of Fellowship since September 1, 1985. Shirley stated “I came as a single parent and my whole life changed after meeting and working with Pastor Reid and other great leaders at Fellowship. The message Pastor Reid preached that Sunday was from Psalm 24 ‘Lift Up Your Head’ and as pastor would say, ‘Shirley you have been lifting up your head ever since.’” Moreover, Shirley taught Sunday school and BTU; is a tither, an encourager and loves preaching the word with the Women Prison Ministry; is a member of the Broadcast Prayer Ministry since day one and loves it ; and she enjoys STREET Ministry and Evangelism.
Most Important Life Lessons Learned
“LIFE is short, live it to the fullest on a daily basis. Treat people like I want to be treated and remember everyone is not where I am on this Spiritual walk. Someone prayed for me and I must pray for others – at the time they ask me.”
Would Like to be Remembered…
“As someone who may have changed hair weekly, but the enthusiasm and Love for God NEVER changed. Making a difference in this world that is different, but the difference made was for the Glory of God. For Speaking up and speaking out for the Glory of God, whether family, friend, or foe.”
Message to Future Generations
“Treat others like you want to be treated. Trust the Lord with all your heart and no matter what the situation looks like He has it in control.”
Message to the Fellowship Family
“Just as we were committed and dedicated to our founder, let’s be more committed and dedicated to our new Captain…Pastor Tolan Morgan.”
Written by Elder Isaiah Whittaker Sr.