Rosella Shishido

Rosella Shishido has been at First Prez since March 1999 when a friend of her husband’s (Martha Spitz) invited them to attended “Oasis”, the Saturday night contemporary worship service. Rosella became a member in Jan 2000 and has since been excitedly and busily involved in Missions. She writes the Missions column in the Nu Hou Lani (monthly newsletter).

Prior to working at FPC, she was a manager and District Assistant at Banana Republic in Kahala Mall. And prior to retail, she was in news radio in Manila. She loves to travel and do puzzles, and she is passionate about writing, fashion and wrapping gifts.

Rosella, what is most rewarding about your work? As Pastor Dan’s Executive Assistant, hmmm.... It’s like being in a whirlwind working with him. But I truly enjoy it. I learn a lot from just watching how he works. I am mostly behind-the-scenes. And my job is to make his job look seamless. It makes a difference to me to know that I’m helping him do his work better for the Lord, the church and his family.

What are your passions? I love to write. I think I express myself best in writing. I like to organize and simplify things: my plans, my way of life, systems in place, and Dan’s desk. I also love my family a lot. I praise the Lord many times for them.

How did you become a Christian? I was 15. One day my best friend, Christine, asked me, “If you die today, do you know where you’re going?” That was all she needed to share the Lord with me. There’s nothing like scaring a teenager with a life-and-death question.

How did you grow spiritually during your early years as a Christian? Had bible studies after school. Also had a bible correspondence course for a while. After high school I got involved with Campus Crusade for Christ at the University of the Philippines.

Do you have a favorite passage of Scripture? Favorite book of the Bible? My fave forever I think is John 3:30. “He must increase, I must decrease.” It says so much of how much I need to live like Jesus everyday.

Favorite Christian author or books? For fiction, it’s got to be Francine Rivers, for her Mark of the Lion series! Read all 4 books!

What is the best advice you’ve ever received about being in ministry? Not sure if being part of the church office staff is being in ministry. But the best thing I’ve learned from working in a Christian environment is that Christians are normal people! I am not to expect any more or any less from them than non-Christian co-workers I’ve had in the past.

What is one truth of life that you can share? That my life right now is a result of decisions I’ve made in the past. And the wisest decision a person can ever make is to accept Jesus into his/her life.

If you could have dinner with a famous person, living or dead, who would it be? I’d love to meet my husband’s mom. She passed away too soon. I’d like to ask her how Michael was as a kid and as a teenager. Want to know how she was as a person because Michael speaks highly of her. Also want to thank her for raising Michael the way she did because he turned out to be the sweetest guy I’ve ever met.

What CD is in your stereo right now? “Wood and Steel” by various artists. I like contemporary jazz--especially piano music. But get this: I also think that Sting is just the greatest! He’s been on top of my list since the 80’s.

Favorite restaurant? Plumeria Cafe. Consistently excellent service. And CPK in Kahala Mall, my family hangout.

Best advice you ever received? Don’t sweat the small stuff. Especially if it won’t matter a week from today.

Most influential person in your life? My mom and dad. And I didn’t realize that till I moved out of the house. I see a lot of them in me in how I do things, how I act, how I think and how I make decisions.

If you won $1 million dollars, what would you do? I’d pay for our annual family reunions (plane tickets and all) wherever we may choose to meet in the world!

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