ABOUT SHINE MINISTRY
Reflecting the Light of Christ Through Service, Healing, and Mentorship
From humble beginnings to a growing community, Shine Ministry is dedicated to raising disciples, releasing purpose, and reviving hearts for Jesus.
our story
Shine Ministry began in 2008 when, during a Bible study, we felt a calling to serve our community in a greater way. This led us to connect with group homes for children, Hospice, and Operation Christmas Child. As Craig and I began serving these organizations, our Bible study group and others gained interest in joining us. We found ourselves becoming a bridge between these organizations and the Body of Christ.
In 2010, we participated in our first international mission trip with the Somerset Foundation in Kentucky. It was during this trip to Guatemala that we realized our calling to missions.
As school teachers, Craig and I always viewed our classrooms as a mission field. However, we now understood that the Lord was expanding our heart for missions from the classroom to the world. As we sought His plan, He revealed a vision of a wagon wheel to us. Shine Ministry was at the hub of the wheel, and as He showed us places to serve, spokes of service for others began to form. With each new organizational connection, the Kingdom work expanded locally, nationally, and internationally.
These were the humble beginnings of Shine Ministry. As we approached retirement from teaching, we established our 501(c)(3) and focused on fulfilling the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20. Over the years, we have connected with several amazing organizations and spread the Good News of the Gospel around the world.
A full list of these organizations can be found on our connections page.
Founded
First Outreach
Global Partnerships
New Season
“Every step of Shine Ministry is a testimony to God’s faithfulness.”
MISSION
At Shine Ministry, we are deeply inspired by the message of Matthew 5:16, which calls us to "let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." This scripture forms the bedrock of our mission, guiding us to “SHINE” His marvelous light to the world through acts of service, Biblical teaching, and fostering connections between communities and mission-minded organizations. As a missions organization operating on local, national, and international levels, our purpose is multifaceted and deeply intertwined with the needs of those we serve while embodying God’s love through action.
VISION
Shine Ministry envisions a world reshaped by Christ's boundless love, where every heart is mended, every life uplifted, and God's glory is radiantly reflected through every partnership.
PURPOSE
Shining His marvelous light and changing lives - Shine Ministry is committed to making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and communities by operating across three critical dimensions:
1. Local Initiatives: Our roots are deeply embedded in our local community, where we partner with organizations and groups to identify needs and provide support. By focusing on local service and outreach, we aim to create a ripple effect of hope that expands the power of the Gospel.
2. National Outreach: Recognizing the diverse challenges faced across our nation, Shine Ministry extends its reach to various states and regions. Through collaboration with national entities, we aim to bridge gaps in resources, provide spiritual and physical support. Our mission is to equip these communities with the tools they need for self-sufficiency and resilience, fostering an environment where organizations and communities can thrive.
3. International Engagement: The world is our community, and our mission transcends borders. Shine Ministry is dedicated to contributing to the global effort of providing aid, support, discipleship, and development opportunities to international communities in need. By sharing knowledge and resources, we help foster independence and sustainable growth. Our global perspective enables us to understand and act upon the unique challenges faced by people around the world.
meet our leadership
Our ministry is led by a dedicated team passionate about serving, equipping, and empowering the Body of Christ.
craig medicus
Originally from Youngstown, Ohio, Pastor Craig Medicus brings nearly five decades of ministry and leadership experience to Shine Ministry. He has faithfully served in roles ranging from Minister of Music in the United Methodist Church to CFO at Journey Church, and now as Executive Pastor at River Rock Church.
Craig’s diverse background in education, music, math, and finance has equipped him for both church and classroom leadership for over 30 years.
A Charis Bible College graduate, Craig has also served as an administrator for Charis’ education programs and has been deeply involved in short-term missions in Central America—often partnering with his wife, Christine, in training.
Christine Medicus
Originally from Girard, Ohio, Christine Medicus is passionate about education, missions, and creative ministry. She holds degrees in social studies, special education, and English, and is a 2020 graduate of Charis Bible College, where she also completed advanced World Outreach and Children’s Media programs.
Christine has served in educational and administrative leadership, currently directing children’s ministry in the Film and Production track at Charis, and serves as Missions Director at River Rock Church. Christine continues to pursue her love of missions by developing and leading short-term outreach teams, always working alongside her husband, Craig.
Together, they have raised three children and delight in their five grandchildren.
meet our Current Board Members
Charles Bailey
Charlie Bailey is a graduate of Charis Bible College and holds degrees in Business Management and Finance from Missouri State University. With decades of leadership experience in retail sales and store management, Charlie currently serves on the Board of Directors at Better Life Church in Wildwood, Florida. Together with his wife, JoEllen, he has faithfully served in a variety of ministry roles across the churches they’ve attended.
JoEllen Bailey
JoEllen Bailey is a Charis Bible College graduate with a passion for ministering to women and families. She brings extensive experience in education, having taught in public schools for eight years, homeschooled for twelve, and cared for children as a nanny for six years. JoEllen is a devoted wife, mother of four, and proud grandmother to eight granddaughters, and she has served in many church ministry positions alongside her husband, Charlie.
michael & kathy winfree
As co-founder of Bridge to the Nation’s Ministries, Michael has dedicated his life to cross-cultural outreach and leadership. Based in Myrtle Beach, he currently serves as a liaison for international students through the Chamber of Commerce, a role he and his wife have embraced for over a decade. Their ministry journey began by welcoming students into their home, eventually becoming Housing Coordinators for All Nations Cafe.
With a B.A. in Missions from Brownsville Revival School of Ministry, Michael has held leadership roles in several churches, including serving as Mission Director for First Fruit Ministries in Wilmington, NC. He is passionate about connecting people and building bridges across cultures.
Wendell Howie
Wendell C. Howie is a distinguished banker, businessman, and entrepreneur whose life is anchored in Christian faith. Beginning his career as a youth pastor, Wendell went on to serve as President and CEO of multiple banks and founded several companies in fields including aviation, real estate, and technology. He holds a master’s degree in Banking and Finance from Southern Methodist University and is a pioneer in Christian media, co-founding Fresh Audio and Video in 1988 to advance global Gospel outreach. Now based in Woodland Park, Colorado, Wendell continues to lead Fresh Media Connections and a property management firm, always serving his community and the Kingdom with integrity and vision.
Liliana Howie
Liliana Howie is a certified Spanish-English interpreter with over 15 years of experience in medical and educational settings. She is highly credentialed, including certification from the Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters. Liliana has also excelled as an educational leader, developing curriculum and managing schools as both a principal and administrator. Her faith in Christ is central to her work and inspires her ongoing commitment to sharing the Gospel and serving her community.
meet our Current Board Members
Charles Bailey
Charlie Bailey is a graduate of Charis Bible College and holds degrees in Business Management and Finance from Missouri State University. With decades of leadership experience in retail sales and store management, Charlie currently serves on the Board of Directors at Better Life Church in Wildwood, Florida. Together with his wife, JoEllen, he has faithfully served in a variety of ministry roles across the churches they’ve attended.
JoEllen Bailey
JoEllen Bailey is a Charis Bible College graduate with a passion for ministering to women and families. She brings extensive experience in education, having taught in public schools for eight years, homeschooled for twelve, and cared for children as a nanny for six years. JoEllen is a devoted wife, mother of four, and proud grandmother to eight granddaughters, and she has served in many church ministry positions alongside her husband, Charlie.
michael & kathy winfree
As co-founder of Bridge to the Nation’s Ministries, Michael has dedicated his life to cross-cultural outreach and leadership. Based in Myrtle Beach, he currently serves as a liaison for international students through the Chamber of Commerce, a role he and his wife have embraced for over a decade. Their ministry journey began by welcoming students into their home, eventually becoming Housing Coordinators for All Nations Cafe.
With a B.A. in Missions from Brownsville Revival School of Ministry, Michael has held leadership roles in several churches, including serving as Mission Director for First Fruit Ministries in Wilmington, NC. He is passionate about connecting people and building bridges across cultures.
Wendell Howie
Wendell C. Howie is a distinguished banker, businessman, and entrepreneur whose life is anchored in Christian faith. Beginning his career as a youth pastor, Wendell went on to serve as President and CEO of multiple banks and founded several companies in fields including aviation, real estate, and technology. He holds a master’s degree in Banking and Finance from Southern Methodist University and is a pioneer in Christian media, co-founding Fresh Audio and Video in 1988 to advance global Gospel outreach. Now based in Woodland Park, Colorado, Wendell continues to lead Fresh Media Connections and a property management firm, always serving his community and the Kingdom with integrity and vision.
Liliana Howie
Liliana Howie is a certified Spanish-English interpreter with over 15 years of experience in medical and educational settings. She is highly credentialed, including certification from the Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters. Liliana has also excelled as an educational leader, developing curriculum and managing schools as both a principal and administrator. Her faith in Christ is central to her work and inspires her ongoing commitment to sharing the Gospel and serving her community.
