The Ibero-American Consultation of 2021 recently released its second statistical report of more than 3233 churches from 20 Ibero-American countries on issues of Spirituality and Mental Health offered the following data:
-- Anxiety is the most prevalent mental health issue faced by Ibero-American churches, with 40% of respondents reporting it as their biggest challenge. -- Depression and anger were also significant challenges, with 13% and 18% of respondents reporting them as their biggest challenge.
In terms of taking care of their own mental health, the biggest challenge reported by respondents was
-- not knowing how to ask for help (41%) -- feeling embarrassed to ask for help (37%) -- having no one to turn to for help (17%)
This study provides insights into the challenges Ibero-American churches face in addressing mental health issues. The findings highlight the need for increased awareness, education, and support for mental health within these Christian communities. (The online survey was conducted by IglesiaNext in 2021)
Update on Virginia’s recent trip to Argentina:
Healing the wounds of the heart retreat for Argentine missionaries organized by the Argentina Assemblies of God National Missions Department (Departamento Nacional de Misiones)
Virginia and I have been offering seminars and workshops on trauma healing for Argentine church planters, missionaries, Sunday School teachers, etc. Recently Virginia was invited to go back to Argentina for a three-day intensive retreat to minister to missionaries that are about to leave for the mission field.
Before, during, and after, Virginia experienced a very strong migraine and warfare, but we can say that God prevailed, giving her strength and moving in people’s hearts in an amazing way.
Here are only some of the testimonies of the attendees:
Amazing workshops, ministration, Koinonia time. IT SHOULD BE OBLIGATORY FOR EVERY MISSIONARY ON FURLOUGH IN THE COUNTRY. Miguel Angel Lapido (missionary to Paraguay)
Personally, this retreat for me was PROFOUND healing. The Lord spoke to my life in such a special and personal way. I'm leaving behind a very heavy backpack. I leave in peace and joy. It was perfect for me. A.S. (missionary to a sensitive country)
The retreat helped me a lot. In the first place, to leave at the feet of Christ, many things that I did not know were in my heart, and it helped me to acquire tools for conflict resolution. On the other hand, I would like to encourage other missionaries to attend the next retreat, as it would serve them to develop their potential and heal the heart. Marcelo Ramos De Sousa (DNM mobilizer working with young people)
Very necessary for every missionary, either before leaving or being in the field. Each workshop was a great blessing. I was able to understand things that I did NOT know were there. Thank you very much. Elisabet de Navarro (missionary to a sensitive country) These three days for me were beautiful. God surprised me. How many things were in my heart, and I had not realized. I came with much sadness and did not understand why and thanks to the Holy Spirit, I emptied my heart. Excellent in every way. Esther Ordichuk (missionary to the USA)
I came with great weariness; in this retreat, I left all my burdens in the Lord. The Word was very clear; it confronted my heart and healed me. Teresa Paquiri (missionary to Guarany etnias)
Thank you for your prayers — together, we are reaching the lost by equipping the found.
Establishing the church
