2nd quarter 2021 Update

“Persistent, compound traumas have disrupted my life, relationships and my walk with God. Being able to understand my suffering in light of the Bible in the company of others also going through was a great comfort, a comfort that has brought liberation.” C, a participant in a Healing group

***Exciting Update***
Our visas were granted, passports are in hand, flights have been booked. We will be heading to Ethiopia very soon! Please continue to pray for Sharon and I.
This quarter was very active. I continued to be involved in coordinating 7 healing groups (and facilitating 3 of those), a Scripture Listening group piloting the book of Philippians, coordinating 8 initial trainings (facilitating 4 of those), and 2 advanced training all online. Whew. When we looked at our online activity, I understood why I was so exhausted. Because, honestly, it was too much. We have dialed it way back for this next quarter as we evaluate the way forward of online Trauma Healing, especially as in-person activity has started back again.

Speaking of in-person, one highlight from this quarter was being reunited with 4 of my colleagues at our Basic Debriefing Training in Texas (as a reminder this training was supposed to occur in May 2020 in France)! There were a lot of similarities to Healing the Wounds of Trauma but some significant differences, especially focusing on a cross-cultural experience. There were some great pearls of wisdom and step one to be able to continue in October to their Crisis and Trauma Debrief Training, which is what I am really interested in. It was a trauma debrief in 2015 that was instrumental in allowing me to process the break-in, start to heal, and move forward. I would love to give back in this way to others. I also realize that a debrief would be beneficial for me to process the 14 years I have been serving cross-culturally and I am hoping to attend one in November. We are praying and meeting in the next few months to determine if we want to offer a debriefing retreat for Global Outreach missionaries in 2022.

One of the most impactful parts for me was going through what they called the 3 testimonies about Jesus.

• the testimony of the Holy Spirit - Jesus as our Sin Bearer  (John 1:29)
• the testimony of the Father - Jesus as the beloved Son (Luke 3:21-22)
• the testimony of Jesus about Himself - Jesus the Pain-Bearer (Luke 4:14-18; Isaiah 61:1-3)

I needed to be reminded about my core identity as a beloved daughter, whom the Lord loves. I also needed the reminder that Jesus is the Pain Bearer, not me. I have heard a lot of pain this past year in our online groups and it was just a peaceful and assuring reminder that Isaiah 61:1-3 (a key verse for Ministry Care) is first and foremost about Jesus's ministry to us, and then, when we have received it, we can minister to others. The few weeks of traveling were a healing balm for me. I enjoyed visiting ministry partners, friends, and hanging with family (including some time with my younger sister who I so enjoyed getting to know better). It helped me return with renewed enthusiasm for our current online ministry outreach. And wow, we saw the Lord move mightily in our June healing group and training. 

This quarter held significant anniversaries-May 14 was 17 years since my sister died, May 23 was 8 years from the break-in, and June 26 was 11 years since my 6-year-old nephew was killed. I know I am a wordy person in my newsletters (thank you if you made it this far!) and I also wrestle with what to include as there is so much I want to share that I see the Lord doing. What I am reminded of this time, is that I can hold the tension of beauty that has come from these significant events along with the pain and significant changes to my life as a result. Healing is a journey and I am thankful the Lord is there to meet me where I am at and continue to provide what I need at that moment. 

And since I feel there is so much more to say, I would love to share more about this quarter personally. Let me know if you would like to meet or set up a time to talk. Please continue to pray for this next quarter as I continue to make travel plans (2 additional trips after Ethiopia before 2021 ends). I cannot wait to share how He worked and moved in our time in Ethiopia!

Grace and peace to you and with love,

Misty

“How absolutely critical it is for all of us to understand what trauma is, how we can identify it within ourselves and others, and help those around us to heal. You always want to come from a posture of "do no harm." However, we often don't understand a healthy and Biblical way to respond. This course helps start and deepen that awareness and skill learning.” N, insight from a training

Praises and Prayers:

• Pray for the monthly healing groups that are occurring
• Pray for the Facilitator Training's over this next quarter
• Pray for the 2 Advanced Equipping's occurring in July
• Pray for safe travels to and from Ethiopia and for ministry that will occur
• Pray for wisdom as we continue to navigate the ever-changing, Covid testing requirements
• Pray for Uganda and Zimbabwe as they are still experiencing a very strict Covid lockdown
• Pray for wisdom as we determine how we can implement the debriefing training with the missionaries we serve and care for
• Continue to pray for the team in Ethiopia as they develop and implement their plan on how to move forward with Trauma Healing
• Praise for our first annual Velvet Ashes Missionary Women's Retreat 
• Praise for the 7 online healing groups that were offered and the 82 who participated in those groups
• Praise for the 8 online facilitator trainings that were offered with 83 new apprentice facilitators 
• Praise for the Scripture Listening groups and getting to dig deep into Scripture with the small groups
• Praise for visa's being granted!

Partner Now

Would you prayerfully consider becoming a partner of Misty Bodkins in 2021? 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]