Meet Courtney Shell, Scarlet Hope’s Director of Outreach. Courtney has been with Scarlet Hope for three years and in those three years God has used her to grow and strengthen the ministry in innumerable ways.
After earning her bachelor’s degree at the University of Kentucky, the Lord led Courtney to Costa Rica to work with men and women working in prostitution. It was there that God planted a deep compassion for people in the sex industry. When her stint in Costa Rica was over, God brought Courtney back to her hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, and that’s when she started working with Scarlet Hope.
When asked what her favorite part about working with Scarlet Hope is, she immediately responded with “Seeing women come to know Jesus is of course the best thing ever!” She also said that she loves to see volunteers of all ages with different church backgrounds and unique stories come together for one common purpose. Courtney said, “We’re not a group of women from one specific church, but we are the Church all being united together in the gospel.”
While it can be challenging to invest in women and sometimes see them walk away or lose contact with the ministry, Courtney says this is her dream job, and she stays even when it gets hard because she’s doing exactly what God made her to do. “I never feel like I’m wasting my life,” she says. “A while ago the Lord impressed on me that we only get one life and I am to spend it so it counts.”
Everyone who has had the pleasure of serving with Courtney knows what a joy it is to be around her. Rachelle Starr said of Courtney, “The best thing about working with Courtney is her love for the Lord and how that extends into the ladies that we care for. She keeps me going when times get tough and we are able to share in times of joy and sorrow in the midst of a very messy ministry!”
Lord, we pray blessings over our sweet sister. Thank you for her service and her sacrifice. Please continue filling her up so that she can be poured out into the many lives of Scarlet Hope!
