I believe this verse says it all… Faith without works is dead. We have to put feet in action:
“If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them,
“Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?
So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”James 2:15-17 ESV
http://bible.com/59/jas.2.15-17.esv
Blessings today,
Heloise
Come the story of one survivor of human trafficking…
Learn to look for clues to protect little children from victimization…
Join us on Sunday, June 26th, 10:30am
1650 Lehigh Street, Easton, PA
Our locally owned non-profit, JWear will be represented at this event. They will sell their “Not in my city” anti-trafficking t-shirts and other items. JWear screen printing company is a blessing to many Easton at-risk youth whom they train to run a business and build their self-esteem. I have seen the benefits personally and these kids develop dreams and goals for their futures. That is priceless… I encourage you to buy from their table when you come.
The President of the Rwanda Association of Christian Counselors was a blessing to our Global Trauma Recovery class at the 2016 Community of Practice conference.
As part of a trauma certificate program, we are in the middle of our last training course and preparing for our Rwanda, Africa immersion trip for trauma recovery this summer; our focus will be domestic abuse. (Yes, I also attend Liberty University for a counseling degree – and yes I need help, LOL).
Rwanda is the beautiful country well know for recovering from the genocide of 1994 when 800,000 were slaughtered within 100 days. This trip will be a team of counselors and students to continue the working with Rwandan key leaders and direct care workers already serving within their communities to aid recovery.
Since the initial 2009 funded by the American Association of Christian Counselors GTRI has been learning from and assisting healing efforts in Rwanda (see the history at the bottom).
I am grateful many are healing from trauma through God’s love, one life at a time.
We would appreciate serious prayers and petitions to Heaven for our team of clinicians and students going to Rwanda in July! Will you pray for us as we begin our physical preparations, raise thousands of dollars for funding and study? Please also pray that the Holy Spirit will bring healing and growth.
How many youth do you know who have been traumatized and need help? If you know me personally, you know my mission: to love, help and equip young people and their parents who are in trauma, in challenging situations or simply need to grow in Christ .
Photo Courtesy of Heather Drew of GTRI
I would love this opportunity to refine my trauma healing skills with the team in Rwanda… while I continue to partner with God to assist and empower youth and equip parents as I have been called to do for years.
Would you help me serve others?
On this summer’s trip to Rwanda, I would serve alongside mentors and fellow colleagues to bring culturally relevant counseling resources and training to Rwandan caregivers who have been requesting Global Trauma Recovery Institute (GTRI) to continue its annual support, resources and training. The cost of the trip will be approximately $4,900 but I will submit $3,500 by May 14, 2016. The team and I are working together to raise the core funds needed. Therefore, I am humbly asking you to consider joining me in this partnership.
To Donate:
Credit Card Donation: go to website http://www.biblical.edu/index.php/give-a-gift/give-a-gift-donation
giving tab…. Donate now red tab…. fill out the form…. purpose Global Trauma Recovery Institute…. responding to other…. comment Heloise Ridley GTRI 2016 Immersion.
Tax Deductible Check: made payable and mailed to: The Father’s House Christian Fellowship, 580 Victoria Ct., Pen Argyl, PA 18072 check memo Heloise Ridley: GTRI 2016 Immersion.
Photo Courtesy of Heather Drew of GTRI
History of Global Trauma Recovery Institute Projects in Rwanda Since 2009
(Background info from GTRI)
In 2009 Drs Diane Langberg and Philip Monroe led a small listening trip funded by the American Association of Christian Counselors.
Soon this project was titled, Project Tuza. Dialogue with government officials (heads of departments of health, education, justice, etc.) and key Anglican bishops led to invitations to bring basic trauma recovery training to the country and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between AACC and the Government of Rwanda.
With funding from WorldVision donors and AACC members, Project Tuza completed its responsibilities with training trips in 2011 and 2013.
Project Tuza from Andrew Bilindabagabo on Vimeo.
Since 2013 Biblical Seminary’s Global Trauma Recovery Institute has provided the leadership in adding to the original training with partnerships formed with the Bible Society of Rwanda and the birth of the Rwanda Association of Christian Counselors.
Trips in 2014 and 2015 brought together GTRI students along with Rwandan caregivers for mutual learning about the problem of domestic violence, addictions, suicide and other trauma related issues.
This is good news! God will help us raise our children and youth. He will also reach out and help our adult children who have left the next. I believe He will fill in the gaps of parenting and the lessons they resisted learning from us 🙂
God is the author and finisher of their faith.
BUT… We do have to do our part. I believe God helps us “see” which adjustments need to be done for parenting our children.
I have personally regretted times I did not heed the nudge or gut feelings God sent to help us at times throughout the years.
I have also been grateful for the promptings that helped me significantly.
I am grateful God wants to partner with us to parent our children no matter what age they are.
As a concerned parent of children who sometimes use cyberschool for our homeschooling with all the bells and whistles, I have enjoyed deeply learning from an instrumental internet safety book, The Digital Invasion: How Technology is Shaping You and Your Relationships by Dr. Archibald Hart and his daughter Dr. Sylvia Hart Frejd.
I have quoted this cyber safety book countless times since it was published in 2013 in presentations and when connecting with other concerned parents. There are many of us!
SIDE NOTE: I do recommend a separate resource below if the issues you are facing are more serious and already out of control!
Have you ever had a kid who has lost interest in everyday life?
Seems to be struggling more emotionally? Depressed?
Has lost interest in recreational activities and prefers gaming instead?
Does not want to relate to their family as much anymore?
Has a hard time falling asleep at night?
Complain they are bored more often than before?
The Digital Invasion book explains details to help caregivers not only support their family’s internet usage, but also understand what is happening inside their brains and hearts when they do. The Digital Invasion clarifies the impact of screens on learning. motivation and attention. I first learned about it through an Association of Christian Counselors continuing education class. Dr. Archibald Hart was teaching counselors, pastors, educators, parents and grandparents the science behind internet usage. I was so fascinated I pre-purchased several copies before it published!
Since I just spoke to another mom about this book a few days ago… I wanted to add a little plug here with a link to click for an audio when the Harts interviewed with Focus on the Family.
I found The Digital Invasion more useful to our family than many of the other internet safety books available.
This book will not leave you feeling condemned but equipped to hopefully navigate toward a balance for improved family relationships.
For those who like quizzes, The Digital Invasion website contains a “Digital Wellness Quiz” or if your child’s gaming usage is serious the “Internet Addiction” test (IAT) by Dr. Kimberly Young…and offers other resources.
I recommend Dr. Kimberly Young’s website for serious internet safety issues that may require treatment services, detox or extra support for “Internet Gaming Disorder”, “Se*xting and Po*rn”, “Internet Infidelity” and deeper concerns that may have impacted your family.
