The RenewaNation Review 2020 The Collingsworth Family Special Edition | Page 35

By Dr. Kimberly Pennington with all our hearts despite the devastating circumstances surrounding our father’s death,” she said. Sharlenae’s love for Jesus motivated her to attend a Chris- tian college in Cincinnati, Ohio. That college owned a Chris- tian school where Phillip played basketball during his junior and senior years of high school. “Naturally, we began to see each other more and more,” Phillip said. Their shared faith in Christ, combined with Sharlenae’s kind and compassion- ate demeanor, was attractive to Phillip. “One thing led to another, and we began dating in 2011,” he said. “Phillip was always the perfect gentleman and always had a way of making me laugh. He was back then and still is my very best friend. I love how our relationship started out as friends first,” Sharlenae said. The friends had their fairytale wedding in June 2014. Sharlenae began traveling with The Collingsworth Fami- ly immediately, serving in many behind-the-scenes capaci- ties. One role she filled valiantly, according to her husband, was that of logistics coordinator for guest artists at The Collingsworth Family’s first annual worship retreat in 2019: The Inspiration Encounter, held at The Ark Encounter in Williamstown, Kentucky. “Sharlenae managed all the guest artist logistics on the ground throughout the entire week- end,” Phillip said. “She definitely has the gifts of hospitali- ty and helps.” Among the artists Sharlenae served was the 200-voice Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. Due to her profes- sional training in culinary arts, Sharlenae also served as art and project director for Family Favorites from The Colling- sworth Kitchen, a cookbook published in 2019. Musically, Phillip and Sharlenae often minister together through a duet Collingsworth Family fans have come to love: “Redeemer of the Rain,” recorded on the group’s That Day Is Coming CD and live performance DVD of the same title. “The song has the most meaningful lyrics which paint a beautiful picture of how God, our Redeemer, never wastes pain and how He brings beauty out of brokenness through the trials we face,” Sharlenae stated. “It resonated so much with me because of the storm my family faced when my father died. We felt God comforting us and drawing us to His side.” “My wife and I have received countless messages and emails about how that song helped people through horribly tough times in their lives. Hearing these stories is an amaz- ing encouragement and motivation to us,” Phillip added. In addition to their roles with The Collingsworth Family ministry, which for Phillip, includes lead tenor vocals and managing all technical elements of the family’s live perfor- mances (audio, video, and lighting), Phillip and Sharle- nae took on their most challenging role to date when they became parents to their first child, Noah Timothy, born January 31, 2020. “The role of father is both fantastic and terrifying all at once,” said Phillip. “Knowing you have the responsibility of a tiny human can be an intimidating thing.” He plans to follow his parents’ example by surrounding Noah with people, entertainment, and biblical principles that will reflect the image and character of Christ. Sharlenae agrees. “Before Noah was born, I started pray- ing for him. My prayer has always been for him to grow up to love and seek after God with his whole heart. As he grows, I can’t wait to teach him Bible stories, songs, and more that point him to the amazing God we serve,” she said. In addition to caring for his family, Phillip hones his audio engineering skills during his time off the road. “I have a recording studio in my home—Solid Sound Studios. I am frequently working on jobs with other artists and their recording projects. I also subcontract to do live audio production and events consultation on occasion,” he said. Through the years, Phillip has come to know the Lord as an all-provisional God. “I have seen him provide for The Collingsworth Family over and over again, especially when we all fasted and prayed. My hope is that we will continue to grow closer and strive after Christ and that I will guide and raise Noah in the fear and admonition of the Lord,” he said. For Sharlenae, the goal is simple: “My prayer is that we always remain in the center of God’s will.” ■ “MY PRAYER HAS ALWAYS BEEN FOR HIM TO GROW UP TO LOVE AND SEEK AFTER GOD WITH HIS WHOLE HEART.”