 Happy New Years! As 2017 comes to a close, the word that keeps coming up for me is thankful. Merriam Webster defines thankful in the following ways: 1: conscious of benefit received
blissful, chuffed (British), delighted, gratified, happy, joyful, joyous, pleased, satisfied, glad, tickled (Side note, I learned the word chuffed when I was in Zimbabwe, it was always one of my favorite words!) Each one of these definitions are applicable for me this year. There are many reasons to be thankful. First my expression of thanks is for each one of you. Many of you have been faithful prayer warriors, which is so vital in the spiritual battles that go on all around us. There are some of you who have been such an encouragement to me, reminding me of God's Presence and Faithfulness during those valley moments and a thank you does not seem enough for the blessing you are in my life. In terms of being conscious of benefit received, I am so thankful for those of you who have chosen to be financial partners with me. This ministry would not occur without you so I am thankful for your dedication and commitment. I am thankful and well pleased to be a part of Ministry Care and to have such a supportive Board of Directors. This ministry has been a perfect fit for me. I am thankful that God calls each one of us to serve Him and to spread the Gospel. I am thankful He has chosen me to do this internationally. One of the biggest things I am thankful for in 2017 is learning about Healing the Wounds of Trauma (Trauma Healing), becoming a master facilitator, and being a part of facilitating equipping sessions and healing groups. I believe this will be a big part of the ministry in 2018 and look forward to seeing how the Lord continues to use the material to not just set people free from trauma but also draw them close to Him. I am so thankful for the testimonies coming out of Uganda as a result of Trauma Healing and for the multiplication of those trained in mental health principles and Biblical foundation that has occurred in 2017 and more that will happen in 2018. As 2018 begins, I return to Ethiopia just a few weeks into the new year. I leave the states January 19th. We will be holding an Initial Equipping Session for Trauma Healing February 5 to 8th and a Convening session on February 9th in Ethiopia. I then travel to Uganda on February 10th, where we will be facilitating several Initial Equipping Sessions and an Advanced Session. I look forward to sharing more in my next newsletter. Please pray for safe travels and for God to be glorified in these sessions. "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1st Thessalonians 5:18 If you would like to give to Ministry Care, it is a 501c3 organization, therefore, your donation will be tax deductible.
You may donate one of 2 ways. You can make checks payable to “Ministry Care” and send them to: Ministry Care 14934 Pacer Ct. Carmel, IN 46032 Or you can make an online donation, using Givelify, on our website at www.ministrycareinternational.org If you have any questions feel free to email us as [email protected] Thank you so much! And may God bless you richly with His presence as we move into 2018! "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire." Hebrews 12:28-29
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Wow, it has been an incredible year!! Thank you for your support, partnership, encouragement, accountability, love, and prayers this year. Many blessings have occurred in 2017. One of which is understanding that the Healing the Wounds of Trauma Training and Groups will be a big part of the ministry moving forward in 2018. What a joy it is to be a part of a solid curriculum combining mental health principles with a solid Biblical foundation. Trauma healing is designed to equip local church leaders and ministry leaders with basic mental health and Biblical principles, so they are better able to respond to their own inner pain and that of others. This is vital as trauma can create a barrier to people engaging with Scripture. Hearts are hardened by anger and bitterness and the seed falls on hard ground and does not take root. People may read the Bible but may not let its message get into their hearts without first experiencing healing into their lives. It's very humbling to be a part of this. This has been a great month full of reunions with precious missionary friends of mine from around the world at ICOM (the International Conference on Missions). Twelve years ago was my first ICOM, where I only knew the missionaries I would be working with and enjoyed attending the various workshops. How different ICOM is for me now as I skipped many of the workshops in exchange for sitting down and catching up with others I had not seen in quite awhile. One of the highlights was spending time with single missionary friends as there is an understanding between us regarding the challenges faced on the field when you are single. I also had the chance to share at Global Outreach Made for Missions conference. I taught 2 workshops where the focus was on what is a wound of the heart and how can we help someone heal from their heart wounds. Because of those workshops, we have enough interest to hold an Initial Equipping Session in May in Tupelo, MS with various church leaders and community leaders to equip them to facilitate trauma healing groups. It was also a great time of brainstorming ways we can incorporate Trauma Healing into Member Care (caring for missionaries) and casting vision for 2018 with several co-facilitators. One other piece of news for the month. As you know, I spent 7 years in Zimbabwe, a country that will always hold a special place in my heart. Mugabe, who has been president since independence in 1980, has resigned. His resignation has been described in the news as a non-violent and non-bloody coup as the military moved into the capital and placed him under house arrest. Currently, his vice president has stepped in until elections are held in 2018. Please pray for change and for peace in Zimbabwe. The new president says the right words, but time will tell if he is serious about making positive lasting change. He has trained under Mugabe for years so there is skepticism of his motives. His behavior soon will speak louder than his words. In the meantime, this is a historic moment for Zimbabwe and I wait with the residents of the country in eager anticipation to see what unfolds in 2018. Finally, enjoy some highlights of each month for 2017 in the ministry. Thank you again for your partnership in 2017. Without you, these photographic highlights would not be possible! With love, Misty 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] |
AuthorMisty Bodkins has a Master's degree in clinical psychology. She has worked both stateside and internationally doing counseling, training, teaching, and research. Her passion is working with people who are in crisis. Archives
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