Shelby Stepp died a few weeks
ago, and this Old Singer lost a
friend, as many of you did. Music
Evangelism was blessed twice
when he played his marimba here.
In my opinion, those evenings
were as spirit filled as any we’ve
experienced during the past 23
years of Bible conference ministry.
I would have given anything to
have been at the Pearly Gates as
Shelby entered in—fully whole
with mouth, tongue, hands and
feet. You talk about shouting in
Heaven—there was some for sure.
I already miss Shelby. He
showed me I have been a slackard
in the use of God’s gifts for ministry.
I’m better today because of
Shelby Stepp. Read what his sister
wrote, and think of your own life.
“He was born without hands or
feet, with crossed eyes, with only a
pinhole for a mouth, a one-inch tongue and nominal
jaw structure. He was fed by an eye-dropper
the first six months of his life. Then an incision
was made to give him a mouth opening allowing
him to eat baby food. He was the size of a 6-
week-old baby. His physical growth improved,
but was always somewhat constrained.
While his brother and cousins played outside,
Shelby watched through the screen door. For his
first eight years, he had to be carried wherever
he went. Then he learned to walk on his stubs.
Special shoes were made for him. Surgery
straightened his eyes. At age10, he started to
school and made two grades in each of his first
two years. He was taught to speak using his
diaphragm and throat.
He professed Christ as his Savior at age 12,
and began a life of faithfulness in attending Sunday
School and Sunday and Wednesday night
worship services. When he was 13, his story was
published in People Today magazine along with
photos, one of which showed him hitting a baseball.
(On the front cover of the magazine was a
photograph of Joe DiMaggio hitting a home run.
Joe didn’t know what good company he was in.)
At 15, Shelby began to play the marimba, and
was accomplished enough to perform for the
large high school assembly program three years
later, playing his marimba and tap dancing.
By this time, he could hit, catch and throw a
baseball . . . kick, pass and catch a football . . .
shoot baskets with a regulation basketball and
goal . . . write with better penmanship than most
. . . play the piano . . . and use a calculator.
Unable to compete in sports, he became the bestknown
and most appreciated batboy in his city’s
softball leagues. He graduated from high school
at age 19, and got his diploma from a business
college. He had high hopes of overcoming his
severe handicaps and making his mark in this
world. But as the months and years went by,
Shelby found the business world was not tailored
to meet his special job requirements nor to
provide for his speech impairment. With each
passing year, he saw his dreams fading farther
and farther away.
He began playing his marimba in church services
as a young adult and was gratified to serve
his Lord in this way. He also played for youth
retreats and nursing homes. He later became
assistant custodian in his church. He gave his
best, even as the dreams faded away.
What did God purpose for Shelby in this life?
I have seen multitudes of people who were
inspired by—inspired to make the best of what
they have. No one of us can know what it is like
not to be able to kiss another with lips, nor run
our fingers through the hair of our child or
another’s child, nor having the opportunity to
use our minds in the day-to-day business world.
Shelby gets my vote for God’s Hall of Fame
for Doing the Best You Can With What You
Have.”
