“Cities of Refuge” were six cities designated by God in the Hebrew Scriptures as places of shelter from the “blood avenger” seeking revenge following an accidental killing. The concept became a refuge to me after reading “The Sorrow and Shame of the Accidental Killer” by Alice Gregory, published in The New Yorker not long after my own shameful and sorrowful accident.
“I think a look at suffering humanity would lead to the realization that trauma is perhaps the greatest mission field of the twenty-first century.”
— Diane Langberg
Meet Shaynor
I grew up in Dallas and graduated with a B.S. in Biology from Baylor University. After graduating I served a ministry to the homeless and at-risk teens. Later, he was a Hall Director at Baylor, and then the European coordinator for a tour company; leading tours in Western Europe. After earning his MDiv at Truett Theological Seminary, he spent 12 years in campus ministry with Reformed University Fellowship at New Mexico State and Baylor Universities. He and his wife, Heather (B.A. & M.S. in Economics at Baylor), and their two kids, Jonathan (22) and Violet (11) moved to Eugene in December 2013. Shaynor recently complete a Doctor of Ministry also from Truett culminating in a dissertation on the importance of hospitality for ministry in a growing post-Christian culture.
They love the beauty and quirkiness of Eugene. Shaynor enjoys CrossFit, fishing, bowhunting, mixology, cooking, and a good nap. He's also a big fan of music; from the likes of the Avett Brothers, Sufjan Stevens, and Johnny Cash, to U2, Kendrick Lamar, and Chance the Rapper, and of course Journey and other 80's favorites. He and the family are big fans of all things Baylor and Dallas sports, and have readily adopted the Ducks as well. Go Mavs!
Coaching
There are numerous reasons we struggle to reach out for help. For one, trauma shapes us to feel acutely that the world is unsafe, and often we fear facing ourselves, our hurts, or reliving our worst memories. Sometimes we simply don’t know where to turn for help or know how to navigate the possible resources available. Or perhaps the cost is too steep.
Cities of Refuge exists to help you navigate these and other barriers to healing. We want to partner with you in your journey. That may mean a regular coaching relationship or perhaps simply helping you get started in the best direction given your story. We work with individuals, churches and organizations, and cohorts.
If you are interested in learning more about how we might help please fill out the following form.