1st quarter update 2024

Grace and peace to you. It is hard to believe we are already in the middle of March! It has been a quarter full of obstacles and challenges but blessings and opportunities too. One of my highlights was the opportunity to work with five teens who are heading overseas with their parents during a Missionary Orientation Training at Global Outreach. Those five were split between 2 families, one heading to Uganda and the other to Ethiopia; I know a little bit about both countries ;-) It was an incredible week, and I am grateful for the intentionality of Global to train not just the adults but to work with the entire family to prepare them to transition cross-culturally. The theme is rooted. My friend and Director of Missionary Kids, Emily, has done a great job putting together the lessons as we explore things we learn from the root systems of trees and flowers and the spiritual applications to our lives and transitions to a new place. For example, we look at the Cacao, and by examining how chocolate is made by looking at the different stages of the cacao, we can talk about the process of transition and sanctification. This is my third year working with the youth, and I love being a part of their care team. 

Focusing on youth has been a part of my ministry through the years, from when I was first a case manager at a residential teen facility to the counseling ministry in Zimbabwe and, more recently, helping develop curriculum for youth and working with MKs. We will finish our pilot of Unstuck, a Teen's Guide to Uncertain Times (focusing on community violence) in the next few months, but the feedback from both leaders and youth has been very positive. If you would like to know more, please feel free to contact me. I do believe this will be a valuable resource moving forward. We are outlining a new program for youth in partnership with the American Bible Society and Compassion International. Please pray that all of the details of the content and training come together in the next few months. 

This month I will return to the Philippines. Trauma Healing has been developing an app-based version of the Healing the Wounds of Trauma program. Last June, we recorded the Cebuano version. It is now in the app and ready to be launched. There will be a 2-day orientation March 25-26 where over 120 leaders will gather to be oriented and trained and then sent forth throughout Mindanao to offer healing groups in Cebuano. Please pray for the safe travels of participants that week, a flexible mindset with the schedule as there is a lot to cover but also a lot more people than anticipated, a strong wifi connection as we will need it across the two days, good rest, and adjustment to the 12-hour time zone difference.  

My mom just had a recent positive report from the oncologist and will continue to be followed up every three months. My grandma has also made significant improvements in her health. That is a blessing for me as this next quarter will see an increase in traveling, so I ask that you continue to remember them in your prayers. Thank you for your continued encouragement and partnership.In His love,
Misty

Interested in knowing more about how to respond to a crisis? Join us for a comprehensive online event that equips responders with the essential crisis care basics they need to know. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this event is designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively respond to people in crisis. From understanding the basics of trauma to the fundamentals of trauma assessment and psychological first aid, we will cover it. Join us for this interactive workshop. See the link below to register. Please feel free to share with others.

Join us for an Essentials in Crisis Care Workshop on April 2nd from 9 to 11 am EST:

https://crisiscareinternational.networkforgood.com/events/69243-essential-crisis-care-basics

Crisis Care International is led by my friend, Stacey Sutherland. It is an honor to get to co-facilitate this workshop with her. Please consider joining us!

Partner Now

Would you prayerfully consider becoming a partner of Misty Bodkins in 2024? There are 2 ways you may donate to Misty at Ministry Care. You can make checks payable to “Ministry Care” and send them to:
 
Ministry Care
14934 Pacer Ct.
Carmel, IN 46032
 
Or you can also make an online donation, using Givelify, on our website at www.ministrycareinternational.org
 
Ministry Care is a 501c3 therefore your donation will be tax-deductible.
 
If you have any questions feel free to email us at [email protected]