By: Corina Mushikangondo, relationship therapist (EFT) has her own practice and regularly contributes to the ICP network as a trainer in intercultural marriage ministry.
We want to help but what, when and how?
They had been coming to our church for years. A woman with a face marked by disappointment and pain. She smiled a lot and liked to chat but wasn’t really happy. And then that young lady, always lavishly dressed but sometimes so withdrawn and defensive in contact. I could go on and on…
As a pastor or pastoral worker you look into the eyes of some sisters and you suspect a deep pain. You would like to give them all more attention and love and tell them that there is restoration with God! But you lack time, and sometimes also insight on how to approach it. Fortunately, since last year we have been given a beautiful tool that helps women recover from emotional wounds. The Freedom Focus course, developed in ICU Gouda. (also read this article of February 1, 2022).
Report first course evening ICF Rotterdam
In ICF Rotterdam we started it last week, with a group of 13 women from 9 different countries. It went beyond expectations! Everyone participated well, despite the enormous differences in culture and level of education. Each lesson is divided into 6 or 7 parts and that makes the program lively. There is room for personal exchange in small safe groups. Even the shy and withdrawn types shared their story. The openness was remarkable. Back in the car with my Ugandan sister, I suggested that she might make new friends in the group. “Oh, but I’ve already made three,” she responded delightedly: the other three sisters in her small group. Another (shy) sister was almost overflowing with gratitude and joy, and wanted to say thank you for this course at the final prayer. We had never seen her like this before, she was radiant, and we were impressed as a team ourselves. God is at work through this program in this group!
Do you want to know more?
In a few weeks I will write again about how things are going. Want to know more about the Freedom Focus course? Check on geloofsinburgering.nl of write to Esther van Schie esther@geloofsinburgering.nl. You also can send me an whatsapp! Corina Mushikangondo-van der Laan 06-28812666 or churchworkers@icfrotterdam.nl