Ten Questions for Sherri Shawen
Q 1: You have been attending Harbor Light for several years now. What drew you here?
A: I used to attend a church called House of Prayer on the other side of the freeway in Newark. The church closed after attending it for 21 years of my life. As a young adult I attended a few functions at First Assembly and thought why not check it out. I stayed because of the humility and brokenness I have seen in our Pastor and his wife. I have seen them humble themselves and be desperate for the move the Holy Spirit at whatever the cost. I just love that about the both of them.
Q 2: This may sound like a strange question, but how does a Caucasian woman end up becoming the leader of the Filipino Pinoy group?
A: I have a deep love for the Filipino people. I have served as Missionary over the years in the Philippines. I was asked by some of the Filipinos to start it up and of course I can't resist. I just want all cultures in our church to feel welcome and have a way to plug into Harbor Light. Filipinos are shy by nature and I thought developing relationships would make them stronger and reach out more as a team.
Q 3: Some people work hard all week so they can live their hobbies on the weekend. You work hard to go on missions trip? How did you get the "missions" bug.
A: Simple I met a Filipino guy from college named Dino Miciano ( a Pastor in Washington) and he kept telling me about his country. I then went to a youth camp to work and met a Missionary by the name of Marc Morris and he told me about a program called WEAC for Church of God in the Philippines. Long story short I went on a missions trip and came back a different person. I was changed and the Philippines just hopped into my heart and settled in.
Q 4: You have traveled several times to the Philippines. What type of work do you do when you are there?
A: I have taught in a school, helped in a Orphanage, sang in many churches, sang for the Philippine Navy, sang at funerals, raised funds for Education for the Street Kids, raised funds and ministered in Youth Camps, taught in seminars for the ACCM students, and taught in seminars for Christians for Christ at University of the Philippines. Of course, the Lord opened up other intimate and more personal one-on-one ministries throughout all the ministries described.
Q 5: I hear you are going to Nepal soon. Tell us about this trip and what ministry you plan on doing.
A: I will join a team that will be ministering in a variety of conferences that range from Women, Youth, and Worship. I have also supported a Youth Pastor and his wife there and will be checking out their needs for ministry.
Q 6: How do you connect to God?
A: Talk to him.... sorry I guess you want a very spiritual answer. I talk to him... Oops it popped out again. No really it is quite simple I walk and talk with Him 24/7 just like I would with a friend or family member. He is my best friend that constantly shows me unconditional love and acceptance. I wake up each morning saying "thank you Lord for this day and allow me to be with you in all I do."
Q 7: What inspires you to reach for God's best?
A: I just feel this is the least we can do. He died for us and no one can imagine the pain and suffering He sustained mentally, physically, and spiritually, And this alone inspires me. He had such a great purpose and it was to give us a fighting chance. So it is simple; If I do not give Him my best then I am saying it was all for nothing. Just can't do that can you?
Q 8: What does Sherri Shawen do to relax and recharge?
A: I love the beach -- it is very soothing for me. I love to lay on my carpet and blast worship music and just rest in His presence. I unload via cell phone or web to my accountability partner in the Philippines. I love to minister and I feel like that recharges me in some way. To be honest, I just feel that if we are constantly in His presence then that means we are constantly being filled. So why do we need to be recharged? So the question should be how do we stay in His presence 24/7? This is what I focus on and continue to work on. This is where I am weak at times.
Q 9: What is your favorite food to eat? What restaurants are your favorite?
A: My favorite food is Spaghetti, Japanese Food, Filipino Food, and Duke and Pat's free meals at their house. My birthday special from the Tate's each year is Pork Chops, Scallop Potatoes, Corn, and Bev's Chocolate Cake. Hershey's Dark Chocolate in the gold wrapping is to die for.....
Q 10: Some people have mottos, a mission statement or life verses. Do you have a line or two that characterizes much of who you are and what you aspire to become?
A: "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good tidings, who publishes peace, who brings good tidings of good, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, Your God reigns!" Isaiah 52:7 Truly God is the center of my Life. I really trust him for all things. I just want to be a servant and I want to make an impact through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. I want to pour out what he has poured in me every moment of the day.