I can understand why the mental health ministry could potentially be another
source of ambiguity for sharing the saving power of Jesus amidst world- view
(idolatry and perversion). The text addressed differences such as religious belief
(Johnson, 2010). There are also different cultural contexts related to subjects such
as sexual immorality (Wolters, 2005). The bible addresses there is only one way
to God (MEV, John 14:6) and I do not discriminate against any individual I service.
However, I desire to sever at – risk youth from the mental attack of the enemy
(MEV, Rom. 12. 9).
I understand that educating with God’s truth is a necessity to intermarry my
Biblical view and my Psychological View. Goheen and Wolters (2005), addressed
Biblical view under girding Philosophy. I agree that any step taken on the path of
my calling must be navigated with the foundation of Jesus’s path of sharing the
gospel (MEV, John 4: 4). Each door that individuals walk through must be framed
with Jesus’s compassion MEV, Matt. 14. 16). According to research, the early
experiences of youth influence development (Herzog & Schmahl, 2018). For this
reason, youth have to be fed God’s redemptive and healing knowledge through
faith and empirical results grounded in truth.
This is how I receive the homeless that approach me for transitional housing, or
the at – risk youth I service. I provide them with concepts mentioned by Wolters
(2005): 1. Structure (my Christian experience) 2. Direction (my social experience).
The tension of sharing the gospel with them at their level has been effortless for
me. I have been able to apply the Psychological strategies while using the Biblical
scripture and the knowledge that (like mine) human choice is theirs. My
transparency allows individuals to know that things that happen to people in the
Bible happen to everyday people (problems and hope for deliverance) like them
and me.
This furthers my determination to expand my research area. I started in Marriage
and Family Therapy. However, I realized that individuals’ different viewpoints are
related to surrounding social contexts. So, I feel that my reaching at – risk youth in
their own “world” through Child Play Therapy gives different individuals (youth and
the guardians of the youth) the opportunity to receive restoration through Play as
well as the scripture I provide weekly. I desire to equip at - risk youth to bury the
old distorted views (Herzog & Schmahl, 2018) related to culture and develop new,
resurrection minded thinking (MEV, 2 Cor. 5: 17). a My hope is that they overcome
evil and social adversity through resilience (MEV, Eph. 6: 11). I also hope the
youth may be ignited Spiritually to lead other peers to the finished and redemptive
work of Christ (MEV, Rev. 12: 11). Rowland (2014) mentioned a quote from
Frederick Douglass who stated, “It’s easier to build strong children than to repair
broken men.”
References
Herzog, J. I. & Schmahl, C. (2018). Adverse childhood experiences and the
consequences on Neurobiological, Psychological and Somatic conditions across
the lifespan. Frontier Psychology, 9(420). doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00420
Modern English Version. Breakthrough Jubilee Bible (2014). Military Bible,
Charisma House.
