Outdoor Amusement Missionary

Hello, My name is Shane Mayberry. I am an Outdoor Amusement Missionary, sent out of Parkview Baptist Church. I am serving with www.agm-ffci.org.

I would first like to share with you my personal testimony. I was born and raised in the Waco, Texas area. Since I was a young boy, I have been involved in the carnival business. My grandfather, Wayne Mayberry, started Mayberry Concessions when he was a young man. My family was very successful in this business, and we had all we ever needed when it came to worldly things. Like my father, I also became part of the Mayberry Concessions for my profession. I had been on my own in the business for about nine years, when my grandfather passed away. When this sad time came into my world, my eyes were opened. I never really knew my grandfather like I would have liked.

After much thought, I was led to sell my pizza stand and travel trailer to go back to school. At the age of 22, I started attending TSTC night school to become a diesel mechanic. I was working for All About Cabling during the day to support my family. In 2002, my daughter was born. As I knew it, life was good. I was going to school, working, and a beautiful child. Shortly after Faith was born, we needed child care for her. I remember it like it was yesterday, when we enrolled her at Parkview Christian Childcare Center. Little did I know this would be more than just a daycare.

First of all, I hate to admit my family was coming apart before my eyes. My wife, at that time, was not coming home at night, and I knew there was a problem. After about 3 weeks, I began to question her about her behavior. It happened to be Easter morning 2005, when I believe God led me to attend a church somewhere. I wanted to attend a church service as a family, and made the decision to go to church at Parkview, not knowing what was about to take place. We went in and took our seats in the very back, like most visitors do. The next thing I remember is Pastor John Collier preaching on, "Why Jesus is not still on the Cross." That is when my eyes were open to the fact that God loved me, and that I needed to make some changes in my life for our family. After a few weeks of my wife refusing any help, I found out she was staying with a male drug dealer.I knew it was time for Faith and me to leave.  I am sad to say our marriage ended in divorce. I had to get a restraining order to keep Faith in a safe, stable environment. Even though this was a dark time in our life, I still attended church every time the doors were open. I had a feeling of being a failure in my marriage. I had never wanted to go through a divorce.

One evening, I found myself alone in my living room, after putting Faith to bed. I was reading a book of inspiration when I broke... when I turned it all over to God and I was washed by the Blood of The Lamb... Jesus came in and made me whole again... Amen! After that glorious night, I was led to go forward on the next  Wednesday night. At that time, I was shown scripture to affirm my salvation decision. I was baptized on Sunday, and immediately God began to call me to the ministry. I was praying to God, to lead me to a Godly woman to be a good mother for Faith. God answered my prayers in November 2005, when I met Tracie. We found out that we had attended the same High School, and were the same age. When we first started dating, she made it very clear that Doctors had told her she could not have children. I remember telling her that if God wanted her to have a child, she would. We married on July 8, 2006 and she became pregnant in October. We have a healthy son, Kohen.
I can't  help but praise God in how He works. If we follow obediently; the results are good for us and the Kingdom of God.

I served on staff at Parkview Baptist Church for five years. I have been so blessed to watch the Spirit of God lead lost souls to salvation through our church. When the Doctors said I needed to have a surgery to remove a cancerous mass from my left vocal cord, and I faced four weeks of silence, I believe that God led me to just the right Doctor and that God directed him during the surgery, and I praise God!  

God used this trial in my life to lead me to surrender to His calling of being a missionary to the Outdoor Amusement Workers in America. Since I have been saved, I have had a heavy burden for these dear "forgotten" people of the carnival. There are over 220 independent carnival owners in the United States. There are usually at least 60 people per carnival, and some of them have their entire family on the road with them. I know the carnival business, and many carnival owners. As I read God's word, I believe that He wants this ministry to start from a church. I understand that many of you who read this may have have the mentality that these people are wicked. Please let me say that while they may live a different life style, due to the business they are in, they are no different than any one else! We all are sinners in need of a savior. I am redeemed from the depths of hell, through the trust I have put in my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I want to be obedient, and must do what He has called me to do.

Thank you for taking your time to read this letter. Please email or call me. I would love to hear from you.

Seeking To Save,

Shane Mayberry
Outdoor Amusement Missionary
Email- shanemayberry@ymail.com
Cell 254-366-2523

Sending Church:
Parkview Baptist Church
1100 E. Lake Shore Dr.
Waco, TX 76708

Serving with:
Amazing Grace Mission
P.O. Box 289
Dayton, TN 37321