When children’s book author Shanalee Sharboneau moved out to her ranch in Iola, Texas, she didn’t know she was also a TV producer. Shanalee felt the Holy Spirit telling her people needed to hear their story of giving up the luxurious lifestyle to seek what really matters the most.
The Sharboneau's (mom Shanalee, dad Perry, and son Braydon) discussed and prayed about doing a show, with Perry saying he wouldn't do a show because they would say big words like “God, Christ and pray,” and the entertainment business is not interested in those things. They spent an entire year praying and thinking about what God’s message was to the world, and what people would take away from their show, should they agree. When they finally relented, they created the show’s motto, God. Family. Texas., with the hope they would put something out that the whole family could watch and enjoy while learning with them along the way.
The Sharboneaus’ move is taking center stage in a new television series, “Only in Iola.” The wholesome reality show centers on the challenges and funny moments they have faced while turning their ranch into a homestead. Faith and family are centerpieces of the show.
“We wanted to put reality TV on its head and create something that we believe is the secret to true happiness,” said Shanalee. “We created the show as our authentic selves, as a real family seeking the path back to what matters most. We are hopeful viewers will see this authenticity and that it inspires them to find their true self and to seek what is most important.”
When the Sharboneau's were searching for the perfect director to film the show, Shanalee asked her cousin, Mary Martowicz, to pray for the show. Mary went home and prayed and within one week, the stars “aligned.” They met Jens Delport, who is now the Director, but is also a pastor who led ministry for 10 years. Jens felt the Lord calling him as a missionary from Namibia to the USA. After he married his wife, Jens now realized that he had to transition from missionary to marketplace. He asked the Lord, "What should I do?" and felt the Lord respond with the words: "what are you good at?"
Since he served the church with video production and editing, he knew that he was good and video production and thus he started a video production company called "Alignment Media, LLC.".
The Sharboneau's began filming season one in September 2023 and completed six episodes by December. Before every filming, the cast and crew would pray and ask God to bless the filming of the episodes. Though they did some edits in 2024, they successfully completed all filming in just three months and believed it was due to the supernatural favor this show had in its development. Shanalee said that the most talented individuals just “fell out of the sky.”
“Whatever we needed for the show to be a huge success, that person just showed up. Everything from Press Directors, Country Singers, to T-shirts, God worked one miracle after another. Robyn Trant Johnson, a local merchant who appears on the show said, “It’s like you get used to daily miracles when working on this project. It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen.” Cheyenne Hyman, featured in episode two, wrote, “God is working in ways that I never thought was possible.” When filming episode three, “Thanks be to God,” a participant in the filming, Reed Holler, experienced leg pain and the crew thought at one point he would have to be carried out. Jens and the 30 other participants laid hands on him and prayed. To this day, his leg no longer hurts.
Amidst life’s trials and tribulations, the Sharboneau's are finding solace in their faith and strength in their shared beliefs and collective prayers. Each challenge faced on the show becomes an opportunity for spiritual growth, reinforcing the family’s steadfast reliance on a higher power.
Whether you're in search of spiritual enlightenment, a sense of belonging, or simply wholesome entertainment, “Only in Iola” is a celebration of faith, community, and the enduring spirit of Christian values. Through heartwarming narratives, inspiring testimonials, and insightful reflections, “Only in Iola” invites viewers to embark on a journey exploring the timeless wisdom of Christianity within the fabric of everyday life.
