I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior at the age of seven in Vacation Bible School.  The teacher stressed how much Jesus loved the whole world in their sin and willingly suffered, bled and died on the cross and rose again on the third day so that all would have the opportunity to accept this wonderful gift of grace.  I am married to Mark D. Secrist, a Baptist preacher in Summersville, WV and we have been blessed with two boys, Markus age 21 and Phillip age 18.  I was raised listening to southern gospel music and attended many concerts growing up.  Like many others, I remember getting up on Sunday morning to watch the Gospel Singing Jubilee.  I was taught the “do re mi’s” at the early age of five and I love the old time convention style singing. God has blessed me in allowing me and trusting me to sing for Him - it’s something I have always dreamed of doing.  Psalm 100 - Cheryl Secrist

Growing up in a Christian family and a long line of preachers, I had heard the gospel as a child day in and day out.  I went forward and made a profession when I was eight years old and was baptized, but I never fully grasped the meaning of what having a relationship with Christ meant until September 25, 1999.  God broke me that night and my life has not been the same.  I began reading His Word and praying and developing a loving communion with my Savior.  This road has not been easy as I am a single mother with two wonderful kids, Katie age 10 and Zack age 8, but He has been there all the while.  I have been singing since age 3 and have been given many tremendous opportunities to minister through song.  Being a part of Shining Grace is by far one of my greatest endeavors and I am certain that as long as we keep God first and foremost in our lives, He can use this trio of three simple sinners saved by grace to touch many hearts and show others the way to Him- “For by grace are ye saved through faith…”  - Trista Secrist Dorsey