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Shay Dawson

dawson_shay.jpg“I can say with certainty that my faith would not be as well-established as it is today if not for the ministry of the CCO,” says Shay Dawson. “I owe a lot to the CCO, and my wife and I would love to be involved with this great organization in the future if God opened up those doors. We believe in the mission of transforming college students to transform the world, because they are the leaders of tomorrow. College was a very transformational time in my life.”

Shay first connected to the CCO’s ministry at Kent State University as a result of meeting CCO staff worker, Ted Schumacher. “Ted was instrumental in connecting me up with Jubilee and the CCO group at Kent. Alec Heisey mentored me and was very intentional in his relationship with me. It was so helpful and really taught me a lot about being intentional and growing and discipling others. The Jubilee conference taught me so much about how to live in a postmodern world, to think critically, to have intentional relationships, and to live out faith in community.

“The CCO helped make my college experience relevant and helped me to continue to develop my faith on a secular campus. I met great friends through the ministry, and it shaped my whole worldview. The speakers and philosophies of the CCO are what I now believe a true faith in Christ is all about.”

Today, Shay serves as Director of Therapeutic Recreation at Bradford Woods, Indiana University’s Outdoor Center. He and his wife, Marilyn, are raising two young children, and they continue to live out the vision they gained from their involvement in campus ministry at Kent State.

“We try to live out our walk with Christ in humility, kindness, compassion, and understanding of others,” says Shay. “Marilyn and I also strive to show others the peace, grace, and love that Jesus shows us daily. I enjoy debating and talking about tough issues in a non-threatening manner. My call is to work with children and adolescents with disabilities, chronic illness, and youth at-risk. This is my ministry and God-given occupation.”

Shay and Marilyn are active members of Evangelical Community Church in Bloomington. In addition to Sunday morning worship, they attend a small-group Bible study out of another church mid-week.

“My job as the Director of Therapeutic Recreation involves running medically-specific summer camps for children and adolescents with physical disabilities and chronic illness and providing adventure therapy to families and youth at risk,” says Shay. “I see this as my immediate ministry as well as my family’s ministry during this season in our lives. It takes everything we have to make this program a success, as we have to give a lot to make it happen.

“The CCO modeled for us intentionality in relationships and real community, critical thinking about worldview, how to tackle tough issues, and a faith that is alive and applicable everywhere. Ted and Alec have made an amazing difference in my life and I hope to pass that on to others as they have to me.”