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). b 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.
Rowland, A. (2014). Adverse Childhood Experiences. Retrieved from:
https://drandrewrowland.wordpress.com/2014/04/25 Links to an external site.
Wolters, A. M. (2005). Creation Regained: Biblical basics for a Reformational
worldview.
