MEET THE CO-FOUNDER:
Frank Shelton, Jr.

At 35, Frank’s passions have always been: People, Public service and Preaching. Frank worked 17 years on Capitol Hill in various Congressional capacities. He was appointed floor staff of the United States Senate in 1995. This enabled him to interact daily with all 100 U.S. Senators as a bi-partisan figure. His appointment made him one of the youngest in modern memory to hold this position.  He worked from 1996-2000, for his hometown Congressman, Steny H. Hoyer, (now House Majority Leader) as his Special Assistant, Constituent Liaison, driver and occasional speechwriter. In 2001, Frank worked for Governor Parris Glendening, during his tenure as Chairman of National Governors’ Association while serving the fine folks of the Great State of Maryland. Frank worked four years for the Republican National Committee as a fundraiser and in the Membership Services Office. He worked as a volunteer in the Presidential Correspondence Office at The White House for both President William Jefferson Clinton and George W. Bush. He realized early on that people were more important than political parties and his heartbeat is to encourage the discouraged and help those hurting find help and healing.  Frank’s father, Franklin C. Shelton, Sr. was a fourth generation Washington D.C. police officer before he retired as Acting Assistant Chief of the United States Capitol Police in 1995. Out of 2,000 sworn officers, his father was number two in command of protecting the United States Capitol complex, Congressional Community, national leaders, staff and visitors whom visit from around the world.

Frank’s ancestor, William Joseph Shelton was on duty at Ford’s Theater on Good Friday, 1865 the very night that President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. It was noted that his ancestor was with Lincoln when he died and apparently helped in carrying our “Commander in Chief” across the street where he eventually died. At one time, Frank considered joining the United States Secret Service but he knew God gave him a message and he couldn’t keep it a “secret.”

Frank’s family friend was a bodyguard to the late Elvis Presley. His father’s friend was asked to be a pallbearer at Elvis’ funeral. Frank’s favorite person outside of Jesus Christ in the Bible is Joseph of Arimathea in the New Testament. When Frank’s ancestor carried President Abraham Lincoln the night of his assassination; he had the high honor to carry the closest to a “King of a Nation” our beloved Nation will ever know. When those men carried the casket of the late Elvis Presley, they carried the “King of Rock N Roll” but like Joseph of Arimathea; we carry the “KING OF ALL KINGS” by our life and lips. Frank reminded audiences all across America that it is one thing to carry “greatness” but entirely and eternally different when “greatness” carries you!

A graduate of Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs , North Carolina he was named three years later a “1999 Distinguished Alumni.” He went on to take courses with New Orleans Theological Seminary and graduated from the Billy Graham School of Evangelism in Monterey, CA. Frank was ordained in 1998, and was the Minister of Evangelism at Dunkirk Baptist Church in 1999-2001, before being tapped to become VP of National Christian Youth Speakers Network with Sam Glenn www.SamGlenn.com (formerly of TEEN MANIA’s “Acquire the Fire”).

Although, initially speaking to youth; he communicates and connects with audiences of all ages across America . Many note: “Frank has a way with words.” In all actuality, he has a genuine heart for people. Although far from perfect, he has dedicated most of his life promoting the One Who Alone is Perfect, JESUS CHRIST.

To date, Frank has co-authored SEVEN books and recently has addressed audiences in over 23 states and been invited to preach in nine countries. He uses HUMOR, celebrity impressions and captivating stories that Exalt Christ, Encourage Christians while his sole mission is souls. Recently, nearly 5,000 have accepted Christ following his message. 

In 2006, Frank spoke over 145 messages in 52 weeks in 19 states and has been blessed to share the stage with some of the most recognized and respected Christian singers and speakers around the world. To date, Frank has spoken to over 475 churches, classrooms and corporations.  Not everything, Frank has touched has turned to gold but he has given everything to God and that is far more valuable than gold.  Enduring one of his best friend's suicide, encountering a failed marriage that devastated him and has had as many "high's" as "lows" however; Frank would be the first to tell you that God not only uses the blessed but perhaps the "broken" the most.  He has learned more via his valleys than victories and more thru setbacks than success.  Christ died that we could live and often it is in our initial loses that help us relate to others and help propel them to future success!  Frank has always said: "It is often in direct relation to the depths of our brokenness reveal the height of our effectiveness. Frank was recently asked: "Do you promote prosperity?"  He paused and said: "No, but I promote adversity."  He replied: "When you can serve God in the out house you will serve Him if you get to the penthouse or White House."  They got the point.  When we serve God, live for the Lord and give Him praise even in the midst of our respective pain or promotions that is the hallmark of a mature Christian.

Frank is married to the former Ruth Salmeron and they were married on 07-07-07.  Ruth's daddy was a preacher for over 45 years and she is the program manager for three Christian radio stations in Washington , D.C. , Philadelphia , PA and Richmond , VA.   Frank's daughter, Hannah Grace is the apple of his eye, hope in his heart and air to his lungs. Truly, we serve a God of grace and second chances.  Frank was an "extra" in Rocky's return to the ring entitled: "ROCKY BALBOA."  Frank reminds audiences all across America that you may be down, discouraged, depressed, have debt, know the stigma of divorce but if you are not dead than God is not done with you!"

Most recently, Frank was tapped for the second year in a row to be a guest speaker/artist with PRAISEFESST MINISTRIES "Cruise with a Cause" to the Bahamas .  Some of the artists included: Josh McDowell, Bishop Myles Munroe, Jamey Ragle, Grammy Award Winner Nicole C Mullen, SONICFLOOd, David Phelps, Crabb Family, Fred Hammond & others! At one service Frank preached during the week; he gave a 12 minute message and altar call and over 900 salvation decisions for Jesus Christ were made!  On June 26, 2007, Frank was invited to fly to Dallas , TX to be a guest on DAYSTAR TV with Marcus & Joni Lamb on "Celebration" and for 20 minutes shared his ministry, passion for people, HUMOR and Celebrate Jesus! Crusade and concept on world-wide television.  It was aired "LIVE" to over 110 Countries and nearly 200 million viewers watch the program on a daily basis.

Again, it was Frank who got a “D” in public school. Michael Jordan was cut from his sophomore basketball team at Langley High in Wilmington, NC and with God and if you don’t quit – There’s no limit to what you can do when you honor God, play by the rules and chose to cease existing and begin living!  Frank's favorite quote is from MOTHER TERESA: "God didn't call me to be FAMOUS but FAITHFUL."

CELEBRATE JESUS! 
How it all began…………

Frank Shelton, Jr. accepted Christ as his Savior at the age of seven in July 1979, while at a Vacation Bible School hosted by his home church at the time, Brandywine Bible Church under the leadership of pastor, Dr. E.G. Jack whom he and his wife, Lois had a heart for evangelism and lost souls. He grew up in a strong Christian family that demonstrated love of Country, compassion for others and to treat others the way you would like to be treated. Public service was a staple in his upbringing. 

The small country church his family attended every Sunday in July 1982, had a contest for children that whoever brought the most kids to Vacation Bible School that week would win a hand-made stuffed animal. It was a turtle made by the preacher’s wife, Lois Jack. Hearing of the contest but more than trying to win a stuffed animal, Frank began to think of where his friends would spend eternity? Even at ten, he knew that Heaven would be the greatest “party” of all time and he wanted to tell everyone about the love of Jesus before it was eternally too late. At the age of 10, the night of the first Vacation Bible School in 1982, Frankie was in his parent’s bedroom and began to stare at the phone questioning if he should invite friends? He pondered: “What would happen if my friends said “No!” What if they asked me a question and I didn’t know the answer? What if they thought I was “holier than thou? and would not play at recess anymore with me? For 20 minutes, Frank stared at the phone and heard the still-small voice of Almighty God whisper: “Frankie, there is a Heaven and a Hell…….what are you going to do?” 

At that very moment, Frank began to care more what God in Heaven thought of him then his friends on Earth and he began to call friends. On Monday night, four friends showed up with him. Tuesday, he brought seven. Wednesday night, 11 and on Thursday over 16 showed up! On the last night, over 22 kids came as Frank’s guest to church. The Bible says: “If you are faithful in small things you will be faithful in larger matters.”
While a student at John Hanson Middle School ; he was elected President of the Student Council. This enabled him to communicate with his classmates, organize events and network to build “unity in the community.” Plus, at the young age of 12, he was speaking daily to over 800 students. Frank went from knowing nearly everyone in middle school to his first week of high school no longer being the “big fish” in a small pond. The first week of senior high, he was approached by two students and they noted: “Frank, you were well liked in middle school because you were nice and popular.” However, that won’t work here. If you are going to be “popular” here in High School you will have to hang out with us, do drugs, drink alcohol and have premarital sex and maybe, you will be popular.”

Frank listened to their foolish advice and realized: “They were not popular in middle school – PLUS, he didn’t need them to tell him how to be “popular.” Once again, he cared more about what God thought of him then what his peers would think. Frank went on to treat others with kindness, compassion and respect. Played three years of basketball for Thomas Stone and on the biggest night of his senior year was crowned “PROM KING” by the entire 1,200 student body at his high school. Frank always said: “When you put God first, He will put you first.” Ironically, when God sent His only Son to die on Calvary ’s cruel cross He already placed us first by giving His Son, Jesus Christ to be our Savior, Sacrifice and the only Way to Heaven to ensure Salvation. During that time, God was leading Frank to one day in the future host a county-wide revival in his hometown in Charles County . Ironically, he just got a “D” in public speaking. He could “woo” his classmates and a crowd but somehow not his public speaking teacher. We learn more in our valleys than victories.  Night after night, he tossed and turned and contemplated the assignment and vision God laid on his heart. At the time, Frank didn’t have fancy stories or poems memorized; just a burning heart to tell his friends about the life, love, death, resurrection and coming again of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The only vision that he could see, was him speaking in a packed auditorium with tears in his eyes, inviting folks with outstretched arms and a hopeful heart to “Come to Jesus, come to Jesus, come to Jesus.” Immediately, he would see crowds began to get out of their seats and come to a personal relationship Jesus.  Why the urgency? Frank knew the Scriptures and for those that didn’t trust Christ as their Savior would die and spend eternity separated from a Holy God in the fiery depths of Hell. Not a popular or pretty thought but literally the “Gospel truth.”  Nearly, 25 years later to the date; God worked a way for Celebrate Jesus! Charles County Crusade to become a reality. Ironically, the very first venue was the very high school gymnasium that Frank had the privilege to play on the varsity basketball team at Thomas Stone. Over 1,000 folks crowded the gym and Grammy Award Winner Michael English (formerly of the Gaither Vocal Band) came from Nashville , TN to minister in music and 55 people made commitments to Christ as their Savior. The following year, what was once a burden to initially reach his home county; God began to open doors for Celebrate Jesus! Crusades to visit other cities across the Country. Again, if you are “faithful in small…..you will be faithful in larger matters.” Look for a Celebrate Jesus! Crusade to come to a city near you!  If you would like to make a tax deductible gift please either contact us at Frankmotiv8s@aol.com or click on DONATION link. If you would like to bring a Celebrate Jesus! Crusade to your town feel free to contact us today. God bless you and go with God.