Los Angeles, 2006
Domingo says that going through the Initiative, he learned two powerful messages that form the basis for how he does ministry. First, he learned that “We are called to be and do”. He combines this perspective with the second message: “Be obedient and have no fear.” Those two perspectives have made a significant impact on the way he thinks about and conducts his ministry. The first statement is a reminder to be true to who he is and to act upon the knowledge and abilities he has been given by God. The second message reminds him that his focus must remain on obedience to Christ’s call and direction. If he remains faithful to that call he has no need to fear for the future and all the changes that emerge.
WHAT THE DeVOS EXPERIENCE MEANT TO DOMINGO
When asked to describe what the DeVos experience was like, Domingo says:
“A jolt.” “Like it’s a turbo, kick-it-into-gear.” “To me, that’s what it did. It gave me a kick … it was like an injection.”
Domingo adds that he was attracted to the Initiative when he read the material, feeling that it differed from other trainings, starting with the way leadership was defined. He also appreciates the core values that were presented, and the opportunities to be vulnerable and deal with personal and professional issues that needed to be addressed.
“…what I see is that they are really trying to look at you as a person and telling you what you need to do. Not telling you, but you have to discern and figure out what to do and do it. Really challenging yourself. That’s why I think there is so much movement after the Initiative – people changing jobs. …you really have to face yourself. That is how it’s different from something else I’ve had in the past.”
As mention earlier, Domingo really appreciated the timing of the Initiative, especially since he was in a difficult transition between jobs and ministries.
“…God’s timing came at a crucial point in my life. When I think DeVos, it’s the timing, [because] I had been rejecting it for years.” “I had been invited and said ‘no, no, I am too busy. I was still busy when I did it, but I needed to do it at that point, so I saw how God’s hand – it was God’s tool, God’s instrument for taking me to where He needed to take me.”
In addition to the timing of his training, Domingo believes that the trainers and topics were well-suited to his personal and ministry needs. “The presenters were excellent, and the diversity was excellent.” “I mean everything was excellent.”
He also appreciates the attention that was paid to the quality of the accommodations and the locations for the national training sessions.
“It was nice to be spoiled a little bit, to have some nice sea food, and really be pampered a little.”
He feels that this pampering was a reflection on the DeVos family and the DVULI staff. Speaking directly to the staff, he says:
“And you guys are doing an awesome thing. I appreciate all that you guys have invested - the sincerity, the time, the money. You guys have really given your hearts and that was evident all the way through.”
When asked if there were any negative aspects to the DVULI training, Domingo responds that it was tough being away from his family during the training sessions, but other than that, “it’s all been good. All good, a blessing.”
In conclusion, Domingo has this advice to give to others who are thinking of obtaining DeVos training: “In short,…if you are going to engage in ministry, you have to do this.” “It’s that valuable. I think it will help align a whole lot of people with God’s will. It will create a healthier church. So…more people need to be impacted by this, more people need to participate, especially in big cities like this.”