Tommy Kilpatrick's journey from California to the Philippines represents a profound transformation in faith and purpose that offers valuable lessons for all of us. As a guest on Designing with Love podcast, Tommy shared his remarkable life story and the spiritual principles that guide his work today.
Born and raised in California, Tommy's early experiences working with autistic children at Napa State Mental Hospital revealed his unusual ability to connect with those experiencing profound disconnection. This gift for relationship-building would prove formative throughout his life, though his path would take many unexpected turns. Tommy's entrepreneurial spirit emerged early – from selling homemade cookies as a child to working as an underwater diver at fifteen, making substantially more than his McDonald's-employed peers.
Tommy's educational journey included studying accounting and abnormal psychology, though his natural curiosity led him down various paths including learning sign language and eventually helping found a charter school in California. The creation of this school demonstrated his commitment to educational innovation, implementing smaller class sizes, developmental approaches to learning, and required parent participation. Despite significant bureaucratic resistance, the school thrived and remarkably continues operating today, nearly thirty years after its founding in 1993.
Perhaps the most transformative aspect of Tommy's story revolves around his spiritual journey. Having been raised Episcopalian, Tommy describes a period where he became involved with socialist organizations which he later recognized as fundamentally opposed to his Christian values. His frank admission of having been unwittingly involved in what he now views as Satanism provides a stark contrast with his current faith-centered life. Tommy's perspective crystallizes around a simple principle: "God loves us. In Hebrew the word love means 'I give.' If you're with God, you are giving. If you're not with God, you're not."
This principle of giving now drives Tommy's work in the Philippines, where he moved seven months ago seeking a new chapter in life. There, he teaches farmers sustainable building techniques using bamboo, shares vertical gardening methods, and works to establish free medical clinics. His philosophy requires exchange – not dependent charity but interdependent community where everyone contributes something of value, fostering dignity alongside assistance.
Tommy's approach to engaging with non-believers is particularly intriguing. Rather than confrontational evangelism, he engages people with thoughtful questions about creation and existence that invite reflection rather than resistance. This Socratic method creates openings for spiritual conversations that might otherwise be closed. As Tommy explains, "When people ask me what is God, I say it's beyond thought. I cannot conceive it. It's beyond me. But how do you know? Faith. Faith is belief without evidence."
The practice of random acts of kindness forms another cornerstone of Tommy's current mission. He regularly gives small gifts to strangers, particularly those he observes working hard or serving others, using the Filipino phrase "Istika regala" – "a gift from me to you." This practice, while simple, embodies his belief that happiness derives from helping improve others' lives.
Tommy's parting wisdom reminds us of the importance of breathing as spiritual practice. He notes the Hebrew word for spirit means "to breathe," connecting this most essential physical function with our spiritual essence. His suggestion that when feeling disconnected, one should pause and breathe, which offers a practical spiritual discipline anyone can implement regardless of circumstances.
Tommy Kilpatrick's story ultimately challenges listeners to consider how they might live with greater purpose, kindness, and interdependence. His journey from entrepreneur to educator to humanitarian demonstrates how a life centered on faith can continue evolving while remaining anchored to core values of giving and relationship.
🔗Website and Social Links
Please visit Tommy Kilpatrick’s website and social media links below.
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