March 2020 Update

Corona Virus (or COVID-19) was a new name a few months ago and now not an hour goes by without hearing it. It is affecting every aspect of our lives with daily decisions about how to live in isolation, what medical resources are available, should I return to my passport country, how do I answer my children’s questions, and what if I disagree with my spouse about what to do. And we find ourselves asking, “How do I live a life of faith in the midst of these challenges?” 

As you know, I have been working with others these past 3 years to bring trauma healing to those in pain. And right now, due to the virus, together, we are all experiencing a common trauma. One of my friends with SIL, Diana Spann, shared this recently and it is worth resharing. 

As an introduction to trauma healing, let's begin with three core beliefs we hold as a part of how God designed us.  

1. There is order in life.
2. There is justice.
3. I have value.

In times of trauma, these core beliefs get shattered. This is what we are feeling as we navigate the chaos of COVID-19. Suddenly the rhythm of our lives is disrupted. It seems unfair that some are losing jobs, businesses, vacations, senior year, and other significant life experiences. There is a feeling of helplessness: becoming a victim of something unexpected and beyond our control. The world does not make sense. Not knowing who or what to believe. And wondering do I matter to God, does anyone see me?

This stress can elicit all kinds of feelings including fear, anger, sadness, hopelessness, and anxiety. As some of our usual coping methods are limited, we may feel a lot of emotions that we can't explain.  

But, God is near to the brokenhearted and He wants to restore what trauma destroys. To restore us to those principles of well-being and even for some to experience them for the first time.

How does this happen? What you have been supporting through the years I now offer to you. God designed us to heal in community and we have developed resources to help. If you would like to be a part of an on-line group to process what is happening, email me at [email protected] or call me at 765-603-3643. My international life has been disrupted through the end of May, but I am excited to see how God is going to use this time to reach out to my local communities, churches, and supporters to be a resource to them.

Not only do we want to respond, but also be a guide. We know that times of crisis are actually the most fertile times of spiritual transformation. We don't intentionally look for a crisis, but let us come beside each other during this time and find a way together to be stretched, to grow, to process, and to find healing.

Thank you for your continued love and support,

Misty

If you are feeling any of these reactions, first remember it is normal. Reach out to me, let's talk. Also, visit https://disasterrelief.bible/ for more resources

Prayer requests and praises:

• For those on the front lines, such as the medical professionals, helping with COVID-19
• For missionaries who decided to return to their home country and the ones who chose to stay-that they are a beacon of hope for those they come into contact with 
• For those restaurants and small businesses who have been impacted by the quarantine orders
• For those who face immense poverty around the world-that COVID-19 does not spread into places that do not have resources
• For those that I love in Zimbabwe as they start a 21-day lockdown
• For my mom: for protection of her health against COVID-19, for wisdom for her medical team, discernment for tests that need to be done, and answers on her care moving forward
• For others we love with compromised immune systems
• Praise for travel to Dallas March 7th to 16th as I attended and gave a testimony at the local Community of Practice and participated in the Oral-Based Trauma Healing Equipping ​

Partner Now

Would you prayerfully consider becoming a partner of Misty Bodkins in 2020? 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 as [email protected]