Hello, my name is Shana Cora, and I am the Children’s Ministry Director at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church. I came from a broken home, and while my single mother worked very hard at providing for my sister and me, I spent the majority of my time with my grandparents on their farm. If I didn’t have their influence in my life, I’m certain I would not be the person I am today. As I look back on what might have been, I can see that God had His protective hand around me.

      I was raised in an old, small, backwoods country church. When I was 14, I got saved under a fire and brimstone preacher and was baptized in a local creek. However, Christians are not immune to the troubles or temptations of the world, unfortunately. It was by the grace of God and not wanting to bring shame to my family that I was able to endure although I did mess up here and there.

      In 2003 I married the man God created just for me. My husband has been my support and my best friend. Within the next 5 years we were blessed with two absolutely amazing children. Words cannot describe just how wonderful and how much of a blessing these children have been.           

     We have homeschooled our children from the very beginning. Although I had no interest in homeschooling, God confirmed in me that His will was for our children to be home. One of the ways was through Deuteronomy 6:7. After a few months of homeschooling, I realized it’s more of a blessing than I ever thought possible. This way of life has opened up meaning by connecting us with God and His creation.

We moved to the area in 2017 from southeast Missouri. We began attending Mt. Carmel a year later. I didn’t know, until after accepting this position, just how God had been preparing me for this job in our old church. It’s amazing how He works all things together for His purpose. Romans 8:28. For the five years after 2012, God was teaching us patience and requesting that we be still and wait patiently on Him until He had everything ready Psalm 37:7. It was a long wait, but now that we’re on the other side, we see how He worked all things together for His glory. We made it through with Psalm 46:10. We found peace in staying still and knowing that He is God, He is in control, and He will be exalted.    

      I have enjoyed getting to know the people of Mt. Carmel. The adults that work with the children are the best. They sincerely love each child and seem to have an endless supply of patience. It has been a joy.

I now look forward to getting to know you and your family.