A Time of Healing and Training

Foundation of Counseling Ministry Vietnam

When I arrived in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam 2 months ago, I had no idea what God had in store for me.  I still remember the first awkward weekend where everyone was new and shy and I thought, "God, did I make a mistake in coming here?"  It didn't take long, though, for all of us (13 students and 7 staff members representing 8 different nations) to bond and go deep into each other's lives.  I guess to learn about counseling, you must first receive counseling.  The first half of our lecture phase has been focused on just that.  We have all shared some of the deepest and most painful moments of our lives and gone through the process of healing and forgiveness together.  God has ministered such truth and freedom into my life in the past 2 months, and I am so thankful for the crazy way that He led me here for this season of my life.

Besides receiving counseling, we have also learned many key principles for counseling others.  One of the main things that has stuck out to me is the importance of not just listening to people to respond to them or feeling like I have to have all of the answers for them, but actually learning to really listen to people and ask them questions that bring them deeper, trusting in the Holy Spirit to reveal truth to them.  I really look forward to going on outreach where we will all have many opportunities to teach and apply these principles that we are learning!

There is so much more that I would love to say, but I am limited in what I am allowed to share while I'm here.  I am loving Vietnam and this season of my life though!  So thank you to everyone for your love, support, encouragement and prayers!  I can feel your prayers and love from around the world!

Blessings,
Cassandra