Each newsletter we'll highlight what God is doing in the life of one Missio attender. This Fall we're featuring Sumith Unni.
Where did you grow up and what school did you come from?
I was born and raised in India, specifically in Delhi, where my parents, originally from Kerala in the southern part of the country, had migrated. My schooling took place in both northern and southern regions of India. I completed my education with a Master’s in Theology (Th.M.) specializing in Pastoral Counseling.
What brought you to the Pasadena area?
I moved to the Pasadena area to pursue my Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy at Fuller. With over a decade of experience in Christian ministry, counseling, and social work, I decided to specialize in providing support for couples and families. Fuller's unique program, which integrates theology and psychology, caught my attention. Currently, I am in the final year of the MFT program. The decision to relocate to Pasadena was driven by the lack of a similar program in India and my aspiration to equip myself in this field. Additionally, I have plans to pursue a Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy.
What were you doing before you move to Pasadena?
Before coming to Fuller, I was working with International Justice Mission (an NGO fighting human trafficking) as a Senior Associate for the Corporates and Community Engagement department. I also worked as a freelance Pastoral counselor and trainer, which I am still doing, even now, via video conference.
Briefly, what is your sense of God’s call for your vocation?
Ever since I embraced Jesus Christ as my God, my life has been a continual process of redefining my purpose on earth from God's perspective and aligning with His eternal mission. Witnessing God's transformative power in my own brokenness, I am convinced that my vocation as a therapist, biblical teacher, and spiritual mentor is a response to His call to empower others to thrive through pain and suffering. I sense a calling to support individuals, families, and communities, particularly those in underprivileged groups, in living a life of fullness with God at the center.
Why/how did your interest in your field begin or why/how did you feel called to this specific mission field?
My decision to enter this field is deeply rooted in my faith, personal experiences, and ministerial journey. Born into a Hindu family, my upbringing was marked by the challenges stemming from my father's excessive drinking habits. The transformative impact of Christian faith on my family's life, especially after they embraced Christianity, led me and my siblings to follow Christ in our teenage years. This newfound faith provided profound meaning to my life. I decided to study theology to reach communities with God’s love. Working with marginalized communities exposed me to the harsh realities of abuse, violence, and poverty. This prompted me to equip myself with the tools to offer better care. Further, pursuing counseling education became pivotal in creating a safe space for people to open up about their wounds and begin the healing process. It also directed my focus towards strengthening marriages and families, aligning with the overarching mission to bring about positive change in the lives of those I encounter.
What’s the current focus of your studies?
Currently, my studies are centered on psychotherapy and family systems. I am immersed in learning how to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders within the framework of marriage, couples, and family systems. My specialization lies in providing care for individuals, couples, and families, particularly addressing relationship issues and other mental health disorders. Additionally, I am actively acquiring skills to develop resources related to topics such as selecting a life partner, premarital counseling, parenting, and marital enrichment programs.
What’s a fun fact about you?
A fun fact about me is that above all else, people tend to remember me for my sense of humor, jokes, and penchant for pranks.