“It is crazy to think that Night to Shine started as a way to celebrate the Tim Tebow Foundation 5-year anniversary. We thought how cool would it be to do something to radically celebrate overlooked people before we ever even had a name. And now, it’s 10 years later and look at all that God has done through Night to Shine, more than we ever could have thought, dreamed, or imagined. With 725 amazing host churches across all 50 states, 56 countries, and 6 continents, so many things stand out to me, but one thing in my heart and my prayer is that Night to Shine is a time where the honored guests don’t just hear they are loved, but they get to experience God’s love.
Our hope is that as they walked down the red carpet, or were crowned King or Queen, that they didn’t just know love as a concept, but they experienced the love of all the people cheering for them, they experienced the love of Jesus, and walked away knowing full well in their heart they are loved. Because at the Tim Tebow Foundation, we believe all are created in His image, and we have a big job to do until all are celebrated, until all are free, until all are loved, and until all know they are God’s royalty.” - Founder, Tim Tebow
Tim Tebow was able to surprise volunteers and guests at seven different Night to Shine locations:
- Guatemala
- Belize
- Colombia
- Brazil
- 3 different churches in Ohio
Stories coming in from worldwide about Night to Shine
Family - Crossing Community Church Hope Creek - Belize: One of our volunteers shared that after posting a video, a friend reached out to her in tears saying she saw her cousin all dressed up and smiling! Here were her friend's words about one of our honored guests, age 32..."For the first time I think he felt special. Because honestly my cousin was this abandoned child. He lived on an island by himself. Only my grandfather was there. Nobody actually cared about him being on that island. And just looking at him that night it really melted my heart, because it's the first time he's ever been dressed like that. They have made an impact on his life, and I know not only his but ours, too, so I thank God for those people."
Staff and Church - First Church of Chiang Mai & Stronger Together – Chiang Mai, Thailand: Our event was staffed almost entirely of seminary students. To look out around the room and know every volunteer was a current or future church leader was awe inspiring and a reminder of the powerful ripple effect that Night to Shine has in the world! This was not just a one-night event, this was a pivotal moment where future leaders would know the immense importance and value of disability ministry and the gospel mandate to include all in the body of Christ!
Volunteer - Vernal Christian Church – Vernal, UT: I had a 16-year-old boy be a buddy to a girl, nonverbal in a wheelchair. He moved her wheelchair and danced with her ALL night long. She had the biggest smile. That young man truly knows how to love like Christ. To be in the moment. To push himself to make someone feel loved, special, and wanted.
Honored Guest - Way of Salvation Church – Masaka, Uganda: This is from Namukwaya; I could not believe that I am crowned as queen!!!
My heart is filled with too much joy to know that there are people who love me the way I am. This is the best day of my life! And I have come to know that God loves me through you. Thank you for my gifts. Who am I to be among the special guests of the day!! God is powerful.
