The Heart of Christ from the Pew: Feature 2
by Canyon Shearer
Kris was medically retired from the Army a decade ago. Having grown up in church, he walked away and into a life of drugs. After realizing that drugs would lead to his death, he and his long-time girlfriend moved to the Dakotas for a fresh start.
Living on his retirement check he found himself one day trying to decide how to best fight the moral decline he saw in the United States and prayed that God would send him a sign. The next day a Mercy Gate Box Elder mission team from Missouri knocked on Kris’ door and invited him to church. Eager to discern the will of God, he began attending Sunday service, Sunday night Bible study, Tuesday night discipleship, Freeway Ministries, and evangelistic block parties. After hearing a sermon from Pastor Andy Daniel on stepping out of the boat to come to Jesus, Kris felt he finally understood the gospel message and fell on his knees before his Savior in repentance and faith.
During Winter Storm Diaz, which brought twenty-foot drifts to Box Elder, and especially Kris’ neighborhood, Kris tirelessly shoveled driveways of church members and neighbors, all the while proclaiming Christ to those he was helping. Kris was baptized on Christmas Day 2022, and immediately baptized his fiancé, Danielle, whom he, Pastor Andy, and many ladies at Mercy Gate Box Elder had led to Christ. Several of Kris’ unchurched neighbors also attended the baptism. Kris has been an invaluable member at Mercy Gate Box Elder and has encouraged many to be more faithful in their service to our king!
Canyon Shearer is a member at Mercy Gate Church in Box Elder, SD and a chaplain in the U.S. Air Force.