Monday, December 8, 2008

Mental health and missions

I'm writing a paper for my History of Psychology class on how member care for missionaries has changed over the last century.

I just spent twenty minutes on the phone with David's mom getting two pages worth of typed information on the subject, her experiences, what she thinks the biggest struggles, challenges, surprises tend to be, how the Church can help, how missions agencies prepare and care for their missionaries. How there's more and more focus on the "whole person"... and that that is ultimately the most important and effective thing.

I GET SO EXCITED ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF COMBINING MENTAL HEALTH AND MISSIONS.

That's all. I love my major. I love my friends. I love hearing about other peoples' life experiences. And I'm really hoping my life in some way involves missions and mental health... 

In other news, Laura did an amazing job putting Christmas lights up all over the living room. So beautiful. And (speaking of missionaries) I got to talk to the Ramsings on Skype tonight. Yay!

For more on how to care for missionaries, click here.
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1 comment:

tony sheng said...

this is awesome. i would love to read your paper when its done.

December 9, 2008 at 6:20 AM

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Human Needs Global Resources Covenant, 2009

As fellow travelers on this journey, we commit to this covenant before God. Lord, in Your mercy, hear these our prayers:

When confronted with scarcity, need, and inadequacy, may we be nourished by the Bread of Life and the Cup of Salvation. Abundance overflows from Your table, sustaining all who come in faith. Father, help us.

When monotony blurs our vision and dulls our senses, may we encounter others as Christ did, through intentional presence in daily life, submitting as clay to be formed into vessels filled with the Spirit. Christ, guide us.

When wounded by the fractured condition of Your people, may we be united by Your Lordship in faith, hope, and love; seeing, as through the facets of a diamond, the beautiful spectrum of Your light reflected onto Your holy Church joined in praise. Spirit, empower us.

When all Creation groans, afflicted by injustice and driven to despair, may the promise of redemption root us in the hope of Your Kingdom: "Behold, I am making all things new!"

Holy Trinity, send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve You with gladness and singleness of heart.

Amen.