The Spiritual Life Committee of Adventist Midwest Health selected Brenda Kringlie as the recipient of its annual “Living Our Mission” award. An employee for the past 20 years, Kringlie is currently supervisor of accounts payable.

Employees at Adventist Midwest Health are encouraged to fulfill the corporate mission of focusing on mind, body, and spirit. Nominations are accepted throughout the year, and Kringlie’s name was chosen as this year’s award recipient. “We felt Brenda exemplified a lifestyle that truly carries out our mission,” said John Rapp, regional vice president of missions and ministry.

When Kringlie was asked to give the prayer at an Adventist Hinsdale Hospital spiritual emphasis event, she thought she was just being asked to help out. When chief executive officer Todd Werner announced her name as the award recipient, Kringlie said she was shocked. “When he said my name, I just froze. It was such a high. It’s an honor just to be nominated,” she added.

Throughout the finance department, Kringlie provides a Christian example to her co-workers by serving as a Spiritual Ambassador. Employees who volunteer as Spiritual Ambassadors nurture fellow employees through individual and group prayer support, encourage participation in devotions and Bible study, and promote friendship and fellowship. A colleague asked her to consider the program, she said, based on her ability to listen.

Kringlie attended the Spiritual Ambassador orientation program. “I was really nervous at first, but it’s an awesome program,” she said. “In our department meetings, I mention that I am the Spiritual Ambassador and that they can come to me with any concerns.”

On her desk, Kringlie has a prayer box where colleagues can also place concerns. On Mondays, Kringlie sends out an e-mail prayer list with individual concerns highlighted anonymously.

“I think it’s important for people that there is someone they can go to at work. Finance can be highly stressful, and prayer truly helps,” she said. “I know it’s helped me. I’ve become a much more positive person. If you believe in God and have Christianity in your life, you won’t have as much stress in your life.”

In her weekly e-mails, she also makes sure to highlight any celebrations. “I think it’s important that people know that prayers are answered,” she said.

Not only does Kringlie exemplify Christian principles in her work life, but in her home life as well. A member of Brainard Baptist Church in Countryside, Ill., she volunteers with the BEDS homeless program. She also raises money for cancer by participating in the annual Relay for Life walk. And, she collects pop tops which she takes to the Ronald McDonald House, which recycles them to help defray the cost for families of sick children.

She has been married to Phil, Hodgkins, Ill., police chief, for the past 29 years. Their son, Phillip, who serves in the U.S. Army, is stationed at Fort Myers, Va. In her free time, Kringlie enjoys walking, her yoga classes, fishing, and spending time with family and friends.

Victoria Tedeschi, public relations specialist for Adventist Midwest Health

Each day is a new beginning

With a chance to try again

All the memories to erase

That seem to bring us pain.

Each day is a new beginning

When we can start anew

To sort out our priorities

And know what we must do.

Each day is a new beginning

In which to do our best.

If we take the first step forward

God will help us with the rest.