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For over 55 years, Shenk’s Greenhouse has been in the business of growing things. FRAN SHENK ‘76 and her husband, Jack, have spent decades nurturing this family business. However, even more important than the beautiful flowers and plants they grow is their focus on cultivating relationships, serving neighbors, and honoring God through faithful work.
They, along with their son, and seasonal help from their daughters and grandchildren, desire that their faith in Christ shapes each interaction they have with customers. They strive to run the business with honesty and fairness, following Christ’s command to “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
During the busy Spring season, the demands of the greenhouse can feel especially overwhelming. Fran finds rest in Christ through prayer, daily time in Scripture, and worship with her church family.
Fran shares, “Being rooted in Christ means being the good soil in the Parable of the Sower: holding fast to the Word of God and allowing it to transform your life, bearing good fruit in season.”
Looking back, she remembers times at LM that helped her to do just that. Chapel services, singing together, and the encouragement of being surrounded by a community of believers were significant in her journey.
Today, that same depth of community continues through the greenhouse. Over the years, many customers have shared personal struggles and prayer requests. Fran and Jack faithfully lift these concerns up to God each evening after closing.
As Fran reflects on God’s faithfulness throughout her life, she can see God’s steady presence through changing business seasons, uncertain times like COVID, and countless other moments when God provided for her needs. Her encouragement to today’s students comes from Proverbs 3:5–6: Trust the Lord, acknowledge Him in all your ways, and He will faithfully direct your path.
