A Reflection of Life

I don't think it mortality that seizes you as one becomes mature. Nor is it anxiousness about your accomplishments. What consumes you, rather is the challenge of self-understanding - to know in your heart, independently of other people's opinions, what is distinctive about you, what kind of a person you have become, to reconcile with this person, to have figured out what needs to be done in the remaining years to make this idiosyncratic life hopefully a "work of art." I know there is ample time left and I want to find my "blind impress" where I want to know more about myself. I just joined a new ministry but at the same time wanted to find meaning in what I was doing. An opportunity came when I was asked to be part of the Doctor of Education program of Asia Graduate School of Theology.

In one of my classes, I met Dr. John Dettoni and his wife, Carol. It was their invitation to the Kenneth Hansen, Jr. Leadership Institute (KNHLI) in California that opened my eyes to the issues of leadership and the importance of mentoring. After a few years of seeking God's direction in my life, I found my niche. I honestly assessed my gifts, abilities, experiences and the people I influence. I am thankful that God has brought mentors in my life whose only desire is to bring the best in me and help me develop my potential.

I have several assumptions about mentoring and leadership development. I have been used to motivational speakers, have learned a lot from them but after several months what they have taught me has been left in the books or manuals they gave. But in the KNHLI, I experienced a different model of mentoring that has helped me in my development. John and Carol spent time with us and I appreciate them sharing their lives and resources by visiting us in our home country and by inviting us to the institute in the US. I always look forward whenever John and Carol would visit us because there a time when we can discuss about life, decisions and pray together. Mentoring, also continues even through email and phone calls. In the institute, we also spent learning and have fun time together. The institute has changed my perspective about ministry. It also opened many doors of opportunity for me.

I come from Greenhills Christian Fellowship - a church of 3,500 attenders located in the heart of a central business district. The district has a population of more than 100,000 young professionals mostly in the outsourcing business. And many of these adults spend their waking hours in the workplace, so I decided to have an active role in a workplace ministry. My aim is to point workers to Christ and equip them with Kingdom principles in doing their work or business. My goal is a use a new paradigm of doing ministry to individuals in the workplace. I aim to help believers transfor their workplace for Jesus Christ and to provide resources , ministries and information that will help them fulfill their calling in the workplace. Therefore, I believe that the principles and values by which Christians should work on are found in the Bible. My strategy is to provide development seminars on workplace issues especially those related to leadership and ethical management; provide simple business, financial and career counseling advice; coaching and mentoring; and a be a resource for the next generation by being an educational resource for youth and young adults as they transition in their workplace.
Today, I am a part-time professor and I help out in the church planting ministry of our church focusing on Makati City - the prime financial district of the Philippines. I started two Bible study groups among the officers of two of the country's major banks. I have help create the Leadership Development Plan of pertoleum company with the purpose of developing a values based corporate culture. It is my utmost desire that all companies desire to develop ethical leadership among their employees and use Biblical principles in doing business.
But my ultimate joy is to be able to mentor young men and women in the ministry and help them uncover their full potential and capabilities and to be life-long learners of God's word. My prayer is that God will continue to use me for the building of His kingdom and that I remain laser focus on the purposes God has for me.

With joy in serving Christ,
Grace Sumbillo, Ed. D.