Elder: Sharon James

Thorly was born to Christian parents who were his first teachers and model of Jesus Christ. At the early age of eight he felt the calling of God and made a public commitment to follow God through baptism. As a youth he has served in Pathfinders and Adventist Youth Ministries but enjoyed teaching his peers in Sabbath School. Over the years he has served the church as a Junior Deacon, Head Deacon, Men’s Ministry Director, Sabbath School Teacher, Personal Ministry Director and  Finance Chair. In these positions he honed his passion and skills in leadership and community development.  

Thorly  is a graduate of Farmingdale State University with a Bachelor of science in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Manufacturing Engineering Technology. He has held a progressive and distinguished career in the aerospace industry for thirteen years where he has received endorsements in Program Management, Lean Six Sigma and Aerospace Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul.  Being unable to ignore the call of God on his life he left that industry behind to pursue God’s call.

While at Andrews University, Thorly was inducted in and served as vice president of the Theta Alpha Kappa national honor society for Religious studies and theology. He was also privileged  to serve as the president for the Black Student Association of the Seminary and also the Seminary Student Forum. In May 2023 he would have satisfied the requirements for graduating from Andrews University with a Masters of Divinity and a Master of Science in Community and International Development.  Thorly is married to his best friend the former Akisha L. Campbell. It is his joy to do life and ministry with her and their son Jordan.

Sheila LeSure is the Lead Elder at Praise Fellowship. A lifelong Seventh day Adventist, she surrendered her life to Jesus at an early age and has been active in the work of the gospel ever since. A wife to Curtis for over 40 years, she is the mother of 4 adult children and numerous grandchildren. Her commitment to service has been demonstrated in her over 30 years as a public servant working for the State of Indiana in the Department of Child Services. Sheila has lived Paul’s declaration in Romans 1:16, “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes. She loves the work of the gospel evidence in the fellowship of believers and its ministries to the community. Her favorite scripture passage is found in John 14:1-3 where Jesus says: “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” Even so, come Lord, Jesus.

My name is Sharon James. I serve as an elder and children’s ministry leader for my church. I am a wife, mother, sister and teacher who messes up on a regular basis but I am so grateful that God “sees” me and doesn’t give up on me. I was raised in a Christian family with parents that loved God and taught me to love God too. As I reflect on my past and the struggles I experienced in my life, I can truly say that God has been faithful. Psalm 37:25 says, “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor His seed begging bread. I understand that this doesn’t mean that hard times won’t come. God’s provisions won’t always be what I want or expect but it will always be in accordance to God’s perfect will. He knows our future, He holds it in his loving hand. I inherited my mother’s passion for children ministry. I love seeing the pure joy a child experiences getting to know Jesus. As an elder I am challenged daily to grow my faith and strengthen my relationship with God so I can serve other. I value community. We need each other. I pray that God will give me wisdom, guidance and courage as I serve my church family. I was looking for the mission statement on our church web page and realized I hadn't sent picture. I discovered our mission statement with online giving.