No More Fear: God Helps Student Overcome Fear of Public Speaking to Preach His Message

Megan is shown telling the children's story at the Grand Junction SDA Church. Photo by Phil Jones.

Megan Michalenko, an incoming senior at Campion, spent her summer on the Spark team.  She shares with us the impact spending the summer in ministry had on her. 
 
Going into the summer I was definitely most excited to do Vacation Bible School. I love working with kids and I plan on eventually becoming an elementary school teacher. I was in charge of the crafts station which was something I loved. Something else that drew me to the job was music. I play the violin, so each night I played along with praise team. I love the creativity that playing with a praise team allows me to have with the violin. I also enjoyed playing for special music along with our pianist, Kendra Eickmann. 
 
Something I was the most uncertain about for the job was the preaching part. Personally, I am a very shy and introverted person. The thought of public speaking terrified me. When I decided to interview for this job, I didn’t let my fear hinder me. I knew that God was calling me to work for Sparks, and that He would help me with my fear. The first time I preached was at Campion’s student-led Week of Prayer. Although I was scared, I was able to preach in front of the whole school. I made an altar call for baptism, and two students came forward and were baptized later that week. After accomplishing that, I knew God had called me to Sparks for a reason.
 
My favorite experience of the entire summer was when I preached opening night for our two-week long sermon series in Grand Junction. I talked about the fears and uncertainties we have in this world, and how to cope with them. I made an altar call for anyone who wanted to let go of something and give it to God, and three ladies came forward. Each of the ladies shared with me why they had come forward. Although it was heartbreaking to hear, each of their stories was so inspiring. One of the ladies shared with me that she had recently lost her husband and her house. Something I remember her saying was, “You were preaching right at me the entire time.” That's when I knew God had given me the right words to say that night. He calmed my fear of public speaking, so that I would be able to speak clearly and reach others. 
 
Megan Michalenko, Senior