Speaker, Shelly Cook Volkhardt
Shelly was born in Taiwan to missionary parents. At age 13, she committed her life to Christ and felt His call to missionary service. After graduating with a B.A. from Biola University and participating in summer missions programs to Brazil, India and Southeast Asia, she and her husband Glen served with Radio HCJB for 29 years. While at Radio HCJB, she co-hosted radio programs, provided counseling, taught Bible studies in Spanish and English, trained and discipled women, and offered lots of hospitality.
As a teacher of the Word and a Biblical counselor, Shelly's passion is to encourage women to find out who God
is and the difference He can make in their daily lives. Shelly's gifts include encouragement, teaching, and exhortation. Her hobbies are reading, knitting, and walking. After spending 20 years in Ecuador, Shelly claims the unique gift of being able to drive successfully in a third world country!
Shelly has co-authored two books - Kitchen Table Counseling: A Practical and Biblical Guide for Women Helping Others (with her mom, Muriel Cook) and Holy Habits: A Woman's Guide to Intentional Living (with Mimi Wilson) which has been translated into 4 languages. She currently teaches two Bible studies, mentors three young mothers, co-leads a home group with her husband, and counsels and encourages countless women. Shelly and Glen have been married 30 years and have two sons.
Worship Leader, Caren Martin
As a young child Caren had a special love for God and His Word. Out of this passion grew a strong personal
relationship with the Lord expressed in a worshipping heart. In her college years, she studied music which gave her opportunities to travel at home and abroad while bringing God's love and His salvation plan through music. Her commitment to God has enabled her to reach into people's lives with an authentic message of love and hope. The last few years have been a difficult season of life. However, out of her experience of God's faithfulness and provision, she is able to encourage others. Caren's heart is to lead young and old into the presence of God where worship through music is experienced in Spirit and in truth.