Since 1999, under the mentorship of both Bishop Dr. Gary Welsh and his wife, my life and potential has been completely transformed to a “spacious place”; one which I had absolutely no concept, plan or vision of. Instead of building churches, these leaders took the less-travelled and unpopular path of building lives. Twenty-five years later, I credit them both with the monumental achievement of pushing me beyond all of the limits, seen and unseen, that I placed on myself. I find it interesting now to remember how their influence often felt like an unwelcome shove in a direction I did not want to go.

Such is the nature of building capacity! Potential is of no use if it remains only potential. Bishop Dr. Gary Welsh and Rev. Welsh have helped (pushed) me to develop various personal skills, talents and inner resources, which I continue to use to this day. Their influence contributed to me holding several leadership positions in church, being invited as a guest speaker to various local and international forums, having multiple income streams, obtaining my degree with the highest academic honours, conducting countless seminars and workshops, changing my job of over 20 years to pursue more flexible options, all while maintaining a balanced and happy family life, including a marriage of 22 years. This, by no means, covers all that I have accomplished or plan to do.

This has had a positive impact on my personal growth and development, and also that of my husband and daughter. They have taught us to cultivate excellence through capacity building! The Phillips’ family is eternally grateful to these two God-sent destiny helpers. Continue to build capacity in others. Godspeed!