Missionary Spotlight: Get to Know OHI Missionary, Judy Shaw

Judy Shaw has held many titles in her lifetime. Besides being a 20-year realtor, she was also a plant manager statistician for General Motors for a decade. She established an outreach center for Native Americans in Sioux Falls, SD, and was the Senior Lead Pastor there for over 35 years. She served on both the City and County counsel in South Dakota, as well as a spiritual counselor for 25 years at Keystone detox center. Besides establishing the Judy Shaw Ministries, she is the founder of the JS Foundation, focused on building infrastructure (schools and orphanages) in different countries. With all those accomplishments, what would bring Judy to OHI?

“Quite simply, I needed to take care of myself,” said Judy.  “I needed to cleanse my system and reset myself.  The first time I came to OHI for 2 weeks, and it changed my entire mindset.  I finally understood that I had to make my body a priority so I could continue to minister to others.  I gradually increased the lengths of my annual visits, staying from 2 weeks to up to 2 months at a time.  The opportunity to become a missionary here and stay for even longer just seemed like a natural progression in my self-care.  I have been going to OHI every year for over 20 years, and I will continue to do that for the rest of my life.”

So what struck Judy most about the OHI program?  “The raw organic plant-based diet truly works miracles with the body,” said Judy.  “I had fallen and developed arthritis in my knees.  When I would visit OHI, my knees would improve.  Working as a missionary, my extended stay here has shown me how impactful the diet truly is.  I now have no knee pain, the inflammation is completely gone, and I am not on any medication.  I know without a doubt that when I stay on this diet, my body will serve me well.”

Since Judy has stayed at OHI over 20 times, is there anything left for her to learn from the curriculum?  “I always come with an open mind and have the expectation that I’ll learn something new every time I visit,” said Judy.  “I never feel like the curriculum is the ‘same soup warmed over.’  While all the classes are amazing, the Food Combination class changed my life!  Now, more than ever, I am more focused on my diet, and more contemplative of what I eat.”

So, does Judy see an intersection between food and spirituality in her life.  “I understand now how my body is a temple of God,” said Judy.  “When I feed my body raw food it functions at its best.  When I feed my mind positive thoughts and feed my spirit with God’s word, then my whole being can function at its best, and that’s Optimum Health.”

For someone like Judy with a very rich spiritual life, how has the missionary program changed her?  “I call OHI a magical place,” said Judy.  “For all my leadership and ministry work, it took being here at OHI for me to finally let go of the idea that I am not enough because I was comparing myself to others.  I have transformed into being more confident and more courageous, knowing that my contribution matters.  I really believe that we all have talents and gifts that are valuable to share with others.  I practice staying open, because I know that someone will cross my path today that I am supposed to be of service to.  I practice listening deeply, and I try to be present with everyone.  There’s always something I can learn from someone, and I can always help someone in return.  I appreciate how guests arrive, and a week later they leave with a completely different mindset.  The education here leads to a transformation, and all transformations are inspirational.”

Judy has one piece of advice for those considering a stay at OHI.  “Go on an inward quest and find your inner voice,” said Judy.  “It will bring you peace because it is establishing your connection with God.  It is your responsibility to keep your mind open, to continue to deepen your spiritual beliefs, and to grow as a human being.  It’s OK to not be OK.  You need more information so you can grow.  OHI will support you on your journey.  I love seeing people transformed right in front of my eyes.  I have watched people walk in pain, and after the physical detox they are healed.  I have seen people cry, and the emotional detox has unlocked something in them that was holding them back for years.  With education and new understanding, truths will present themselves to you.  You are the gatekeeper for your own life.  Come to OHI and find clarity.”

Thinking about applying for OHI’s Missionary Program? Call us (800) 588-0809.