December 15, 2020
Testifies to the Hope
Have you heard the story of Shane Latson? He grew up in Florida. Gordon Dasher was a foster father to Shane Latson and is an uncle to Al Robertson of Duck Commander. Shane attended youth camps sponsored by White’s Ferry Road Church of Christ as a youth. In 1995, when Phil Robertson and the Elders of White’s Ferry Road approved NationsUniversity, little did they know one of the youngest members would benefit from that decision twenty-five years later.
Read Shane’s story in his own words:
Dear Nations Family,
My name is Shane Levi Latson, my life testifies to the hope of Christ. In April 2020, I completed my last course for a bachelor’s degree in religious studies from NationsUniversity. God has allowed me to accomplish this while being incarcerated on a 15-year sentence in the state of Florida Prison system. This prison system does not easily accommodate inmates in pursuit of higher education. However, what the enemy meant for evil regarding my actions’ consequences, my Savior meant for good. Like Joseph, God found me at my lowest point, then He delivered, up-lifted, and appointed me to a position that would bring glory to His Kingdom.
I have been in prison twice before. My present incarceration is for crimes that are related to drugs in one form or another. The demons of addiction enslaved me for most of my life. I thank God for my loving mother and my parents in Christ- Minister Gordon Dasher and his late wife “Momma Jan,” who planted seeds of Jesus in me when I was a child. These seeds have been watered by great men of faith and countless brothers who have encouraged me throughout this journey.
I am grateful for NationsUniversity, Lake Butler Church of Christ, and Minister Gary Weider (my Pastor). For making sure the seeds received the light of hope inside a system that is designed to be hopeless. Of course, all the glory goes to the King of Glory, Christ Jesus my Savior, Who has delivered me from the demons of addiction (7 years clean). He has taken away my desire to live a criminal lifestyle.
A bachelor’s degree in religious studies does not make anyone a minister of God’s Word. Each believer becomes a minister when he/she receives Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of his/her life. For a man like myself who has always had great difficulties in school due to learning disabilities, the opportunity to receive a bachelor’s degree from NationsUniversity while I have been in prison testifies to the hope, strength, and victory that is in Christ.
For most of my life, I have been on the frontline for the enemy. During all of that time, my mother trusted in the promises of God. She dedicated me from the day of my birth to Him by naming me Levi (God’s priest). She was always praying for her lost child. “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16b).
Today my mother now sees the Word of God in my life. I want to thank my family at NationsUniversity, the Lake Butler Church of Christ, and all of God’s people, my mother can say that another one of God’s promises has been manifested in her life through my graduation. God is always faithful, even when we are not.
Full of gratitude,
Minister Shane Levi Latson
When you partner with NU, your gift goes directly to helping students like Shane Latson. Your gift changes people’s lives and expands God’s Kingdom. Like Shane, your giving testifies to the hope that we all have in Christ and that we can change our world.
2020 has been a difficult year and we need all of our Partners to continue to reach the spiritually hungry like Shane. We ask that you prayerfully consider NationsUniversity in your year-end giving.
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