Lyn's Log July 2014

Dear Friends:Past . . . Faster and faster time goes; events and relationships whizz by, leaving memories and hopefully, changes in the lives of those we touch and also our own lives. I know I have been enriched by the ever-growing network of friendships and work relationships. Soon after completing treatment for breast cancer, I flew to Conakry, Guinea to facilitate an advanced church leader workshop with International Mercy Ships teammembers, and with partners from Pioneer Bible Translators and SIL, a non-profit birthed out of Wycliffe Bible Translators. It is always energizing to network with other organizations, to see God’s Kingdom come on earth, and to foster healing in the lives of believers and non-believers.In addition, the mental health team provided training for corrections officers and attorneys, and also for the Christian Military and Police Association in Guinea. Though the group was small, these men are all leaders who have a large sphere of influence, and incorporate Biblical principles into their service in their communities. The humility of these government workers was a model to all of our team, and we look forward to working with them again next year during follow-up. Though Ebola limited mental health projects, it was not necessary to cancel allprograms.During a short stay in Texas, a group of leaders came together from various organizations to have an introduction to trauma healing and mental health and illness. The purpose was to train local leaders, and to begin the equipping process for a small team going to Pakistan next year. Youth With a Mission (YWAM) Mercy Works at Twin Oaks in Texas was the hosting organization. This introduction was the first training program offered by Tributaries International, the former Friends of Touch non-profit originating from Virginia. YWAM and Tributaries will serve together to bring healing to the congregations in Pakistan physically and emotionally wounded by bombs/fires in 2013. This year training in emergency first aid will be offered in Pakistan, followed by emotional trauma healing next year. Soon after the training in Texas, I left for South Africa, offering a variety of training seminars in collaboration with Naomi Myers, who is the Mental Health Manager for Mercy Ships Southern Africa, and the director of Salt and Light Counseling Centre birthed through Northpine Baptist Church in Cape Town. Our first stop was in the Eastern Cape at Zithulele, where we offered a 3-day seminar on Mental Health/Illness for community workers and leaders. It is likely that Naomi will return to Zithulele and hold a one week equipping session for church leaders, to strengthen the work started in that area.Several training groups were held at Northpine, including an addictions group, a support group for family members, and a training and discussion group with the leadership. Each of these sessions emphasized the love of God for those who are lost and/or wounded by the cares of this world. It is a privilege to see the way God opens doors to expand His plans and purposes. And finally, 9 South Africans and 9 Americans joined together to bring healing to 48 children from the townships North of Cape Town. I love to see teamwork, and to watch Naomi weave the tapestry of human and financial resources to organize a one week children’s workshop, gave me such satisfaction. The “Mercy Team” of Americans, together with the South Africans joined together to impact the lives of these children who are growing up in violent gang and drug-affected communities.While the week may not change the environment of these children, we did see healing occur and the children learned coping skills that may alter their responses to the chaos and violence that surrounds them.Each young child was offered an opportunity to attend Awana at the church, and the older children were given opportunity to join a teen network in the local area. Thank you, Northpine for your hospitality. Present . . . Soon I leave for Virginia to have medical follow-up, and to join Pastor’s Friend, Lighthouse Worship Center, and Tributaries International for a trauma healing program for both adults and children in Mbarara, Uganda. The end of July is also my transition from full-time Mercy Ships to consultant for both Mercy Ships and for Tributaries International. I am thankful that I am able to continue with both organizations as a consultant, and that Mercy Ships and Tributaries will collaborate together to meet the mental health needs in Mercy Ships’ target countries. My next newsletter will describe Tributaries and the group of men and women expanding the organization from a one-country, single focus ministry, to a global, broader scope organization.Future . . . In September I will return to Texas to finish reports, and then will drive to Northern California to finally embark on my book-writingjourney. I pray that this upcoming season will be uneventful physically, and bursting with spiritual and psychological insights. May it be so, Lord.To God be the glory,LynTo see the full newsletter complete with photographs, please click the link below:JULY 2014 NEWSLETTER-rev2