At the heart of a large slum in Indonesia stands its only building, a simple structure with big gaps in the roof and roosters wandering through the courtyard. Inside, the walls burst with colour, sparking hope for families drawn to the children’s education program within. 
In stark contrast, rows of makeshift homes, all boarded up, surround the building and rubbish heaps of discarded scrap materials line the unpaved roads. As Sharon Joshua drove in to visit the OM-run program, a colleague mentioned, “Make sure you keep your backpack with you. There’s no way of looking for it in this maze if it gets taken.”
She had been involved in the education program from Australia, but “seeing the slum with my own eyes broke my heart,” reminding her of God’s deep love and the significance of blessing children through education.
Working in the not-for-profit sector has been an enduring passion for Sharon, Head of Partner Engagement for OM Australia. “I’ve always been drawn towards issues like social justice, poverty and children,” she says.
Sharon spent many years in the corporate sector, building skills in stakeholder engagement, account management strategies and cross-cultural engagement. These skills led her to a role she considers ‘an extension of herself’. “I wasn’t satisfied just supporting causes; I wanted the opportunity to have direct impact,” she shares. “It took time, there was a lot of prayer and pleading with God. OM was the answer to my prayers.”
Leading her team in the Melbourne office, Sharon is responsible for developing relationships and strategic partnerships that help fund OM’s global focus: making Christ known in least-reached communities in Australia and around the world.
In her role, Sharon values projects and ministries that share the Gospel and address people’s practical needs, leading to true transformation that whole communities can experience. “In the slum, I saw children playing in the rubbish heaps, that’s their playground. Yet, the OM teachers faithfully share their knowledge in the hope that these young people can carve their own futures, not limited to spending their days in the slum,” she shares.
“One of the students, Zaina*, finished her exams and now hopes to apply for a nursing degree at a local university. It just takes one child to inspire and change a whole community. Our hope is that other children can see their futures in Zaina’s success. It’s a huge encouragement.”
Sharon has a family of her own, including two children. She moved to Australia at 18 as an international student and, while undertaking a Masters Degree in International Business, met Mark, who would become her husband. “Back then, it was a huge life experience, complete freedom, I wasn’t ready for that, yet I am completely indebted to God for His saving grace over my life,” she remarks.
She grew up in a Christian family in Sri Lanka, often called the pearl of the Indian Ocean for its shape and beauty. With a smile, she recalls, “We’d go to church every Sunday, and the service started at 7 am. As kids, we’d wonder if God was awake that early!”
The trust and dependence in God that Sharon experienced in the early days of moving to Australia have carried her throughout her life and career: “God continues to shape me in all spheres of my life, and I’ve had to depend on God to provide where He is leading.”
She sees God at the heart of giving, resourcing her team and opening opportunities for dialogue and relationships. “We seek to build long-term authentic relationships where we pray for our partners and see them for who they are, their passions and burdens. It’s been an unparalleled privilege.”
One of OM Australia’s strong partnerships is focused on the persecuted church worldwide. Recently, at a fundraising dinner, Sharon arranged for a Christian Somali couple to share their testimony and ministry. “It was incredibly impactful — a guest of a guest at the dinner gave her life to Jesus,” Sharon shares. “When I look back, God put the plan in place two years ago, enabling me to attend OM’s Leaders Gathering overseas, where I met the couple and secured funding for their work from our Australian partners. One year later, God brought them here to inspire others and share the Gospel.”
There are many impactful moments like this where Sharon has witnessed God’s grace and heart through her work. And, as part of OM’s leadership team, she is involved in stewarding OM’s impact as a mission organisation, ensuring the vision and governance reflect serving God wholeheartedly.
“As a Christian, my faith is ultimately all I have, and I have come to lean on God for what I have and what I need. The same is true when raising funds for our many ministries here at OM.”
“I am fortunate to have a wonderful husband who encourages me,” Sharon continues. “My advice to anyone who wants to serve God as a full-time career is to openly and unashamedly tell God your desires for your life and ask Him to align them with His will.”
*name changed
