Sharon: A Revolution of Faith
who also graduated from CPU, although you were from a different batch, there would be an immediate sense of brotherhood or sisterhood – a common way of understanding and looking at life the Centralian way.”
After graduation, Rev. Sharon volunteered as an overseas missionary of the Convention of Baptist Churches. She went t o Semerarang, Indonesia and worked with Indonesian students. There she developed a deep fulfillment for sharing the gospel which became her definition of success.
Rev. Sharon entered the portals of the CPU College of Theology in 1973 after studying in Berkeley Divinity School in California, USA. In the college she found joy teaching young people about the word of God and encouraging them live their lives for the glory of the Lord. It is in the area of theology that we develop a deep understanding of the truths of life. You will understand that the ministry is meant to be for others – it is faith training.”
Several people inspired her to be the woman she is today. The most notable of which are her parents and professors in CPU; My father was an educator. He encouraged me to develop my ability of expressing what I am thinking. On the other hand, my mother helped me i n understanding other people and caring for them. My mother was a very passionate Christian, she told me that to have a deeper meaning of life one has to serve the Lord.”
Another person who helped her develop her potential is Dr. Elisa Griño, the Head of the English Department of the CPU College of Arts and Science. I was impressed with the way Dr. Griño communicated with other people. She encouraged me to excel and to further develop my mastery of the English language.”
An advocacy close to her heart, Rev. Sharon shares that it is the upliftment of women in ministry, work and society that moves her to action. According to her it is vital that women learn about themselves and identify themselves as someone who has a significant contribution to society. Women need to discover their God given gifts and talents. My work with women has brought I saw the necessity for me to divest my attention to the plight of women. There is a lot to be done.”
Seeing the victims of an unlivable society, Rev. Sharon forged a revolution against inequality. Every person is worthy of human dignity. Before I engaged in my advocacy I realized three things: first, I should have a very clear vision of the future and I should draw people to that particular vision. Second, I should be making life livable for others through my talents, abilities and skills. And last, for my advocacy to be successful, I should empower others to join me.”
Rev. Sharon shares that it is not easy to engage in advocacy work, she has encountered a lot of challenges along the way but it is her fervent obedience to her the calling God gave her that made her persevere. When you engage in an advocacy like this you won’t have many friends. You have to speak the truth, when you do this people who are in power will be threatened because they want to stay in position – many people will not like you. You will have to go on survival mode.” encountered persecution but remained consistent with her purpose. I was persecuted and put in jail. But when people saw the consistency in my words and actions, the goodness of the Lord was manifested, others began seeing my side of the story – the grace of the Lord sustained me. Just like what Matthew 5:10- 12 says: are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, or theirs is the kingdom of heaven. are you when people i nsult you, you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me .Rejoice and be glad, great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Rev. Sharon’s greatest j oy is se e i ng younger people respond to God’s calling in their lives. As a theologian educator it is the passion of her students in learning and pursuing the word of God that gives her f ulfillment. Seeing younger people say to me: You make a l ot of sense, always brings joy to my heart.”/