A Journey Marked by Adversity and Mentorship

When Os Hillman lost his marriage, his business, and his financial security in the span of just a few months, his world collapsed. By age 42, he had tasted success as a business owner, teacher, and leader. But suddenly, he found himself in what Scripture calls the Valley of Achor — a valley of deep trouble.

Out of that valley, God brought mentors — spiritual fathers — who shaped his journey and helped him discover his calling as a leader in the faith-at-work movement.

Meeting Gunnar Olson — A Joseph Calling

In 1994, Os met Gunnar Olson, founder of the International Christian Chamber of Commerce. At that point, Os had lost over half a million dollars, his marriage was ending, and his business was crumbling.

When they met, Gunnar told him:

“You have a Joseph calling on your life — earmarked by adversity. God is preparing you as a provider for others in the marketplace.”

From that moment, Gunnar became a spiritual father to Os. He didn’t write checks or solve Os’s financial crisis. Instead, he offered wisdom, friendship, and the kind of mentorship that was “caught” more than taught.

Lessons From Spiritual Fathers

Through Gunnar and other mentors, Os learned several timeless lessons:

1. Adversity is preparation — Just as Joseph’s prison prepared him for Pharaoh’s palace, adversity develops character for greater callings.
2. Position yourself with hunger — Mentorship isn’t always formal. Often, it’s about being present, serving, and learning from those ahead of you.
3. Pain can be a motivator — Hunger and desperation often position us to hear and receive wisdom.
4. The Father’s blessing matters — At a Virginia Beach conference, Gunnar prayed for Os. The encounter brought deep emotional healing — a reminder of the power of spiritual fathers blessing spiritual sons.
5. Mentorship evolves — Over time, the mentor-mentee relationship can shift into friendship or even mutual encouragement.

Discovering Purpose

Another mentor helped Os discern his God-given design through a simple exercise. Out of it came this statement:

“God made Os Hillman to be an articulator and shepherd of foundational ideas that lead to transformation.”

Those words became a compass for his life, helping him filter invitations, opportunities, and decisions.

Generations: Passing the Baton

Now in his later years, Os is passionate about succession — raising up the next generation of leaders in faith, work, and culture. He emphasizes Psalm 145:4:

“One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.”

Through the Generations initiative, Os hopes to see spiritual fathers and mothers pass on wisdom, blessing, and power to younger leaders hungry for God’s call in their lives.

Key Takeaways

• Seek out mentors with humility and hunger.
• Don’t despise adversity — it’s often God’s training ground.
• Understand your unique God-given design and purpose.
• Expect God’s power and blessing to flow through generational connection.
• Carry what you’ve received and pass it on to the next generation.

Learn More

TGIF: Generations — equipping younger leaders through mentorship and community.
Marketplace Leaders — Os Hillman’s ministry.

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