Shon Crook

I attribute my success first and foremost to God, His grace, and His faithfulness throughout my journey. There have been seasons in my life when circumstances could have caused me to give up, but God continued to give me strength, wisdom, and the determination to keep moving forward. As a breast cancer and stroke survivor, I understand that success is not simply measured by what we accomplish, but also by how we persevere and use our experiences to encourage others.

I also attribute my success to remaining teachable, persevering through challenges, and staying committed to the purpose God has placed in my heart. Through Women Empowered for the Kingdom Ministries (WEFTKM), my desire has always been to encourage and empower women through the Word of God. I have learned that success is not just about building something for yourself; it is about allowing God to use your life to make a difference in the lives of others.

One of the most meaningful pieces of advice someone shared with me was, “Do not despise small beginnings.” This wisdom, which is also reflected in Zechariah 4:10, has stayed with me because it reminds me not to overlook the value of where God begins a work, even when it starts small.

Throughout my journey in ministry, I have learned that everything does not happen overnight. There are seasons when we must grow, learn, adjust, and exercise patience. I believe it is important to remain authentic, continue developing your gifts, and never stop learning. You cannot build something meaningful by constantly comparing your journey to someone else's.

I have learned to appreciate each stage of the journey and remain faithful to what God has entrusted to me. A small beginning does not mean a small purpose, and we should never allow the size of our current platform to determine how faithfully we serve. My guiding scripture, Philippians 4:13, reminds me that, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

My advice to young women entering ministry, leadership, or any field where they desire to make a difference is to know who you are, understand your purpose, and build your foundation on integrity. Do not become so focused on being seen that you neglect the importance of being prepared. Develop your gifts, seek wisdom from those with experience, remain teachable, and understand that character is just as important as talent.

I would also encourage them not to compare their beginning to someone else's middle or end. There will be challenges, criticism, and moments when progress seems slow, but those moments can teach you valuable lessons. Stay grounded in God's Word, establish healthy boundaries, and surround yourself with people who encourage your growth while holding you accountable.

Most importantly, remember that you do not have to become someone else to fulfill your purpose. Be authentic, remain faithful, and allow God to develop you along the way. Your journey may not look like anyone else's, and that is okay.

One of the greatest challenges in ministry and faith-based leadership is reaching people with a message that is both biblically grounded and relevant to the challenges they face today. Women are navigating many responsibilities, transitions, disappointments, and personal struggles. Sometimes they need more than encouragement; they need sound biblical teaching, genuine connection, and a supportive environment where they can grow.

I also believe one of the challenges women face today is the pressure of constantly hearing who they should be, what they should look like, what success should look like, and what their lives should look like. With so many voices offering opinions and expectations, women can begin to lose sight of their own identity and worth. Sometimes a woman does not need someone to judge her; she needs someone willing to listen, offer compassion, and encourage her to seek God's truth for her life. I believe we have to come back to an important question: What does God say about me? His Word provides a foundation for understanding our identity, worth, and purpose beyond the expectations of others.

Another challenge is maintaining authenticity and integrity in a world where visibility and outward success can sometimes receive more attention than character and substance. Meaningful ministry is not measured solely by numbers or platforms, but also by the lives that are encouraged, strengthened, and transformed.

At the same time, there are tremendous opportunities. Digital platforms, podcasts, virtual gatherings, and social media allow ministries like Women Empowered for the Kingdom Ministries (WEFTKM) to reach women beyond geographical boundaries. These tools create opportunities to share the Gospel, provide biblical encouragement, and connect with women from different backgrounds and generations.

I see a meaningful opportunity to create spaces where women can grow in God's Word, be encouraged without being defined by their struggles, and discover that their circumstances do not have to determine their future. My vision is to continue expanding the reach of WEFTKM while remaining faithful to its mission of encouraging, empowering, and helping women emerge into all God has called them to be.

The values most important to me are faith, integrity, love, compassion, humility, and accountability. My relationship with God is the foundation of my life, and I strive to allow His Word to guide my decisions, relationships, and leadership.

I believe in treating people with respect, being authentic, keeping my word, and leading with a genuine heart to serve. I also value wisdom and discernment, because every opportunity is not necessarily an assignment, and every open door does not mean we should walk through it. It is important to know when to move forward, when to wait, and when to establish healthy boundaries.

One of the values I hold closest to my heart is faithfulness to whatever God entrusts to me. If God gives me one woman to minister to, I want to be faithful to that one woman. And if He gives me a larger platform, I want to be just as faithful there. The size of the platform does not determine the value of the assignment. Whether I am ministering to one woman or reaching many, my responsibility is to serve with the same love, commitment, and integrity.

I also believe that my experiences are not a reason to glorify what I have been through; they are an opportunity to testify about the faithfulness of God. I do not want my story to focus solely on the hardships I have faced, but on the God who sustained me through them and continues to use my life to encourage others. My experiences have given me opportunities to remind women that adversity does not have to be the end of their story and that God can bring purpose, growth, and encouragement out of difficult seasons.

Ultimately, I want my life and leadership to reflect Christ. I want the women I serve to know that they are valued, that their lives have purpose, and that they can be restored, renewed, and empowered to become all God has called them to be. My goal is not simply to lead a ministry, but to live a life that makes a lasting difference for the Kingdom of God.