Biography of the Family

The Sheppard Family

Serving in Haiti 

Personal Contact                                           
 PO Box 102                                                

Hillsboro, OR 97123                         

HaitiMissionaries@gmail.com                       

Missionariesinhaiti.blogspot.com                   

Skype: HaitiMissionaries                                      
Facebook: Linda Shine Sheppard         

Ron’s Bio

Name: Ron A. Sheppard, Jr.

Hometown: Hillsboro, Oregon

Education: Private Pilot’s License, Building Design Education, Auto CAD

Occupation: Building Coordinator, Draftsman, Designer

Ron’s favorite Bible verse:

Every good and perfect gift is from above,

coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights,

who does not change like shifting shadows.

James 1:17

Personal Testimony:

My parents divorced when I was 12 years old. I was not raised in a Christian home. There were some very difficult times. I met an amazing woman of God when I worked at a local grocery store . You could see the fruit in her walk with the Lord. She shared her personal testimony with me.  I surrendered to the Lord at 22 years old. I thank God daily for His love for me.

Linda’s Bio

Name: Linda R. Sheppard

Hometown: Hillsboro, Oregon

Education:  Bachelors Degree in Psychology (Family Studies), Masters Degree in Psychology (Counseling), Pursuing Doctorate in Organizational Psychology (ABD), Pursuing Doctorate in Theology (Christian Counseling)

Occupation: Educator, Humanitarian, Mental Health Professional

Linda’s favorite Bible verse:

And we know that in all things God works

for the good of those who love Him,

who have been called according to His purpose.

Romans 8:28

Personal Testimony:

When I was 19 years, old after many struggles in my life, I came to know the Lord. Although my grandparents spent the majority of their lives on the mission field in Asia and my mother spent the first 17 years of her life as a missionary kid in China, I was not raised in a Christian home. My mother walked away from the Lord for over 50 years and was very angry at God. After my father passed away 9 years ago, my mother finally came back to the Lord. Praise God!

                                                                Our Story  

     

 We met at a local grocery store and attended community college together. We both had personal struggles and challenges in life due to not living a life for the Lord. We were invited to a Bible study by a co-worker who had an amazing heart for God. We both realized that we were living lives that were not pleasing to God and decided to commit ourselves to Him. Since that day, there have certainly been trials and struggles, but we have never wanted to turn back.

Twelve of our 14 children joined our family through the miracle of adoption.

Each adoption has had it’s share of challenges that has brought us to our knees before the Lord. God has been faithful! We are thankful for each and every calling to serve, but we know it is not always easy!

The Sheppard Kids

Naomi (6) is the baby of the family. Naomi actually began traveling to Haiti on medical mission teams at 6 months of age. She is our miracle snowflake baby who joined our family through embryo adoption! She came very close to being born in Haiti on a team Linda was leading shortly after the earthquake. Naomi arrived three months early at 2 pounds 6 ounces, but praise the Lord has no long term effects from her prematurity. She had heart surgery at 18 months old and is fully recovered. 

Naomi's favorite Bible verse: Trust in the Lord with all your heart. ~Proverbs 3:5

Steevenson (12) is an amazing young man who was born in Haiti. He joined the Sheppard family at the same time as Melissa and Billy. He had a very rough start in life with many early hospitalizations, but you would not know it looking at him today. He is a happy and healthy young man who is excited to return to Haiti. 

Steevenson's favorite Bible verse: 

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Jordan (12) is the newest member of the Sheppard Family. Jordan was born in Ecuador. He is smart, articulate and loves to read. He is part of the Three Musketeers (Melissa, Jordan, and Steevenson). The three love to play together and get into mischief at times! 

Jordan's favorite Bible verse: 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path staight.

~ Proverbs 3:5-6

Melissa (12) is an absolute miracle. Linda met Melissa many years ago at an orphanage in Haiti and was touched by her perserverance. She was unable to walk due to cerebral palsy and slithered around on the concrete floor. Today, Melissa is an amazing young lady who can run, jump rope, roller skate, and is even learning to ride a rip stick. Melissa joined the Sheppard family from Haiti along with Billy and Steevenson.

                               

Melissa’s favorite Bible verse: 

And God said, “Let there be light” and there was light. ~Genesis 1:3

Roseminique (14) was the first child from Haiti to join the Sheppard family. She loves to help with Naomi and is an amazing big sister. Roseminique is smart and creative. She likes to roller blade and enjoys playing basketball with her brothers. 

Roseminique’s favorite Bible verse:

If your enemy is hungry give him food to eat; if he is thirsty,

give him water to drink. ~ Proverbs 25:21

Billy (15) joined the Sheppard family along with Melissa and Steevenson from Haiti. Billy LOVES soccer. He is very athletic. Billy can even run 8 miles with mom and hardly breaks a sweat. He is excited to live in Haiti once again. Billy loves to cook and play with his siblings.  

Billy's favorite Bible verse: 

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life 

through Jesus Christ our Lord. ~ Romans 6:23

Talitha (16) has grown into an amazing young lady. Talitha was adopted from Chicago as a baby. She loves drama and art. Talitha loves to help the babies at the clinic in Haiti. She is excited to serve others in Haiti. 

       Talitha’s favorite Bible verse:  

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, 

whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.~ Philippians 4:8

Christelle (17) was also born in Haiti. She loves to draw and play outside. Christelle has a kind heart and is always there to help others. Christelle is an amazing older sister to her siblings.

Christelle’s favorite Bible verse:

For whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 

~ 1 Corinthians 10:31

Julia (18) was adopted as a baby from Oregon. She traveled numerous times to Haiti to assist in the medical clinic prior to moving full time. She feels called to the medical field and hopes to become a doctor someday. She also absolutely LOVES babies and assist in orphanages any chance she can get. Julia is very outgoing and loves to serve others. She is a big helper in the Sheppard family.

 Julia’s favorite Bible verse:

 For I know the plans I have for you,

declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

Phuong (22) joined the Sheppard family from Vietnam. When she first joined the family, we were told she would never be able to ride a bike or catch a ball due to global delay and cerebral palsy. You would never know it today! She can run, ride a bike, catch a ball, and is excellent at roller skating.  
   

Phuong’s favorite Bible verse: 
If anyone has ears to hear, let them hear. ~ Mark 4:23

David (22) is the oldest of the Sheppard kids to join the family in Haiti. David is a senior at Portland State University pursuing degrees in International Studies, Chinese, and Business. He is working on his master’s and doctorate simultaneously with degrees in ministry. David plans to serve on the mission field in Haiti for a few months. He will then continue with his calling to serve in China and minister to those in need.

 David’s favorite Bible verse:  

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. 

Cling to what is good. ~ Romans 12:9

Maliya (21), Kenneth (22), and Joseph (25) are college students residing in the USA.