Post By - Marianne Deeks
Fall update
Fall has always been a busy season. From school starting back, programs beginning and routines being sorted, September always feels a little chaotic. The same is true with my ministry. People tend to be a little less stressed and anxious over the summer. There are less expectations and everything slows down. However, once people get back in their fall routine, some of the difficulties in life become more prevelant. This fall has not been different. Currently, I provide counselling primarily for adolescents, young adults and their families. Through Youth Unlimited, I am also able to provide 10 free sessions for any youth involved in a YU program. Many of our youth cannot afford therapy, so they can sit on a waitlist for months before receiving help. Through Youth Unlimited, they can be connected to therapy within a couple weeks. I am also part of a national mental health team. Through this team, I was invited to be the therapist at a spiritual retreat for staff in British Columbia. Many staff attend these retreats seeking a place to rest and connect with Jesus. What a gift it is to be a part of conversations with staff from across the country. As well, I am a part of a mental health advocacy team at Youth Unlimited Toronto. Together, we are trying to discern the best ways to serve the mental health needs of our youth.
I really love what I do. I have the opportunity to hear people's stories and to help them re-write how they think about themselves or their situation. I feel particularly excited when I can incorporate faith into the conversation, allowing someone to understand Jesus slightly different or to help them lean into their faith. Although these conversations are typically with one person, each person is connected to their own sphere of influence. By helping someone process and better understand their circumstances, I feel that I am a small catalyst of change in that person's greater sphere. That is exciting.
So thank you for your continued support in this ministry. It is exciting to watch God move and heal.