"My burden from the very start has been to help people and that only."
- Pastor S. W. Chapman
Background
Born to a mother who had been miraculously healed of a terminal illness, pastor Chapman’s life itself is a testimony of the goodness of God. As a young boy raised on the south side of Chicago, he attended a little church downtown with his mother. This spiritual influence would have an effect that would follow him throughout his life. As a teenager, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. While spending four years of service, he would find himself settling down in Virginia. It was at this point; he would meet his future wife, Wendy, and fully recommit his life to the Lord Jesus. As the years passed, he would go on to become a successful entrepreneur and businessman while raising a family.
Steps Of Faith
Although busy with responsibility, pastor Chapman always kept his walk with the Lord Jesus the centerpiece of his life. As the years passed, the Lord spoke to his heart to build a church building. Not knowing who would pastor the church or if anyone would even come, he stepped out in faith and obeyed the Lord. As a result, everything from the land purchase to the building approval seemed to fall smoothly into place. By 2017, the building was mostly completed. However, there was still no pastor and no congregation. Through much prayer, the Lord again spoke to his heart and told him that he was to pastor the church. Having never taught, pastored or even preached a sermon, perhaps his boldest step of faith was taken when he accepted this calling. A sign stating that the church was opening was placed on the lawn. On January 27, 2019, SonShine Bible Church opened its doors with over 200 people in attendance and pastor Chapman preached his first message.
Burden & Calling
Pastor Chapman was not raised in a minister’s home, nor does he hold a title or degree from any seminary. His burden from the very start has been to help people and that only. There are many other directions that he could have took his time, effort and funds. However, the calling that the Lord put on his life was undeniable, and he ultimately came to the conclusion that none of life’s temporary things really matter compared to the eternal life afterwards in Jesus Christ.