Looking back, looking forward

Happy New Year 2012

2011 ended with a trip to South Asia . . .

The Bible Society of Nepal held a Trauma Healing Convening session to determine whether there is a need for Trauma Healing there. The Bible Society of Sri Lanka held a similar meeting, and I was also able to present Trauma Healing several times in India. My role is to give the church leaders who participate a mini-trauma healing experience plus an overview of how the program works and then facilitate their discussions as they think through the needs in their country. 

Everywhere, the needs are significant: conflict-related trauma (due to the wars that have gone on), domestic violence, human trafficking (women and children), suicide, . .
In 2012, we plan to launch a South Asia Trauma Healing Initiative equipping church leaders from Nepal, India, Bangladesh, and SriLanka --praying that God brings all the pieces together. This will serve as a model for expanding the program elsewhere in coming years.

While in Bangalore, the Scripture Engagement Steering Committee for the Forum of Bible Agencies met to work out a plan for the next few years: from left to right--Ashley Scott, myself, Darrell Whiteman, Clayton Fergie, and Ravi David. The outcome of our discussions was to focus on Bible among youth in Asia.

Then time stopped when Melody and Max and Jason and Carmel came for Christmas!

The most enthusiastic cookie delivery man ever!

Getting the Christmas tree from a Christmas tree farm--a first for us.

As 2011 fades into history, we're thankful for the way life keeps unfolding, for good health, provision of our needs, great family and friends, and meaningful work.
Although Ralph and I no longer need financial support for our income, the need for your prayers for the Trauma Healing ministry is as great as ever--bringing light and hope and healing into places of conflict and pain. There is also opportunity to help the national Bible Societies of these countries with funding to get their Trauma Healing programs underway. Let me know if you're interested.

Wishing you a wonderful 2012 as we see what God will do in and through us.