ABOUT
- Vision
- Founder
- Press Kit
Our Vision
Strive for the Prize exists to see every person win at Life. The passion for this stems from the belief that no matter your circumstances or obstacles, you were created to fulfill your destiny.
The Founder
Wayne Maynard is on a quest to see people everywhere fulfill their God-given purpose here on earth. He has a passion for investing in and impacting the lives of others, so that their God-given purpose is fulfilled. He is a firm believer in divine providence, having witnessed it at work time and again in his life, in both big and small ways.
His drive compelled him to author his first book, “Too Blessed to Make a Mess,” a project he started and advanced during the COVID-19 pandemic. The book title was coined for a message he preached during a Watch Night Service in 2012. The message title resonated with everyone who heard it. However, Wayne’s title was more than a catchphrase; it was a mantra that guided his life every day.
He currently pastors the Shiloh Baptist Church, where he grew up, and now serves with his wife and two children. He founded Strive for the Prize Books, a ministry endeavor aimed at producing inspirational content designed to help people experience God’s best for their lives.
Wayne was born and raised on the island of Nevis in the West Indies. As a young person, growing up in a pastor’s home, his emotions fluctuated between happiness and frustration as he observed the privileges and challenges of that experience. He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Saviour during Bible Club at the age of five, and started learning the piano shortly after. His love for music was evident to his parents, who ensured that he stuck with it, despite his insistence to quit when things got difficult. His youth was greatly influenced by his involvement in church (youth fellowship, VBS, the music ministry), regional youth conferences, and the cadet corps. However, like many teens, he struggled with issues of self-esteem and sought acceptance among his peers. As his teen years came to an end, he yearned for answers to questions like, “Who will I marry?” “Where will I live?” “What college should I attend?” “What career path should I choose?” “What will my family look like?” He determined to seek God’s direction in answering those questions. Meanwhile, his pursuit of a college education appeared to be devastatingly shattered when two Ivy League universities rejected his application. Another life-altering sequence of events further altered and delayed his plans a year later. Eventually, he attended college in New York City. He graduated in 1999 with a degree in Computer Science, having gained a clear realization that God guides our steps and stops for our benefit when we are yielded to Him. 1999 was a thrilling year of graduation, relocation, marriage to his best friend, Shennetter, and a new career. However, the many privileges he had been afforded further fueled his burning desire to see others experience God’s best for their lives and to do everything possible to help make that happen. In 2015, after much prayer and preparation, he ended his fifteen-year career as a software engineer and began serving as a pastor. He and his family relocated from the USA to his native island of Nevis, where they now serve. Favourite things to do – playing the piano and listening to specific segments of his favorite songs over and over and over and over… Favourite snacks – Life Saver Gummies and Kit Kat Favourite classical composer – Ludwig Van Beethoven.
Run The Race Of Your Life To Win
Biblical
The Word of God is the basis for truth and its principles are timeless. Adhering to biblical truth will always prove to be foundational to a fulfilled life. It is akin to a GPS that guides the user to the right destination. Psalm 119:105 says, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
Run The Race Of Your Life To Win
Inspirational
Truth motivates us to act in ways that keep us on the path toward fulfilling God’s plan for us. Jeremiah, the prophet was discouraged and contemplating quitting his calling. But everything changed because of the truth that had been previously deposited in his heart. Jeremiah 20:9 states, “But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.”
Run The Race Of Your Life To Win
Wholesome
The technology-oriented acronym, GIGO – Garbage In, Garbage Out, is a truism. It applies to our minds and hearts as well. Conversely, a proper thought life is produced by meditating on virtuous content. Philippians 4:8-9 lets us know that what is true, honest, just, pure, and lovely should be embraced and will produce peace that comes from God.
The Author
Wayne Maynard
Shennetter Maynard is a devoted Christian, pastor’s wife, and mother of two who has faithfully walked with the Lord for nearly forty years. With a deep passion for women’s ministry, she is committed to encouraging women to grow in faith, strengthen meaningful relationships, and build authentic sisterhood rooted in God’s love.
Known for her compassionate heart and thoughtful spirit, Shennetter inspires women to support, uplift, and stand in the gap for one another through every season of life. As an ambivert, she values both genuine connection and quiet reflection, bringing balance, wisdom, and authenticity to her ministry and writing.
She enjoys traveling, meeting new people, and sharing experiences that encourage spiritual growth, faith, and community. Through her devotional writing, Shennetter hopes to remind every woman that they are never alone and that God calls us to walk together in love, grace, and purpose.