Life Changing Christ Centered Counseling

Misty with University students.

In the US, we do not need to stop and think about our options if we are going through a difficult time or a crisis and need assistance. We can easily look in the phone book and find numerous listings for counselors, mental health clinics, and specialized groups for certain problems, like AA. There are other countries around the world, however, where this is not so easy and such services may not even exist. An example is in Zimbabwe, where there are numerous daily challenges and little assistance. Women, for example, face discrimination and violence.

Misty with grade 3 students during scripture class.

What can be done about this? It is not likely the violence and discrimination against women there is going to stop overnight. One area that can be improved upon is offering of counseling services. For Misty, she is currently living in Zimbabwe to offer hope through a counseling ministry that focuses on Christ. A listening ear and the ability to show the way out of those difficulties is what it takes to turn a heart from despair to hope in Christ. She is focusing on training two Zimbabwean women to be counselors and to also do HIV/AIDS education. It is so valuable to train these women as they have the insight and wisdom into cultural influences and customs that may have an effect on the counseling session and as a result will help them be better counselors than someone from outside Zimbabwe.

Girls plaiting Misty’s hair during camp.

The Lord has also opened doors at the University of Chinhoyi to establish an AIDS awareness and prevention program. The University has approximately 2000 students and one of the main struggles the students face is the temptation to commit sexual sins due to financial need. HIV/AIDS is taking its toll in Zimbabwe and it is estimated that 1 in 4 adults have AIDS, which places Zimbabwe in the top tier of all countries with AIDS. About 40% of all babies born carry the HIV virus. A conservative estimate places 6,000 deaths a week from AIDS. Most people in Zimbabwe have a relative with HIV or have lost someone to AIDS. HIV/AIDS and other issues in the country has lowered the age of life and subsequently leaves behind many orphans. There is such a great need for education on AIDS; the door is now open and Misty is ready to walk through it.

The beauty of Africa.

Misty graduated in 2003 from Ball State University with a master’s degree in clinical psychology and has experience in conducting counseling with adolescents and training in HIV/AIDS counseling and education. She has been certified by the American Red Cross to teach HIV education. There is a need for a counseling ministry, which will focus on topics like dealing with grief and abandonment, sexual and physical abuse, temptations to commit sinful actions as a result of being in financial need, peer pressure, etc. As well, there will be an educational awareness and prevention programming addressing HIV/AIDS. Along with this, training will be given in the area of counseling as it is Misty’s vision to see the Zimbabweans taking over the counseling ministry, once they have been trained.

Misty and Rumbi.

Misty with students from the Chinhoyi University of Technology.

How can you help?

In order to begin this ministry, she has raised the initial $4,480.00 by raising about $740.00 through an e-mail challenge, donations from individuals, and a grant from the Kappa Alpha Theta Foundation. To support the ministry, she needs to raise about $2,400.00 a month. If you would like additional details in regards to the financial aspect of the ministry, do not hesitate to contact Misty or her forwarding agents, Wayne and Donna Adams. Misty is very thankful for those who are partnering, both financially and in prayer, with her in this ministry and is always looking to add on new partners!

Together we can change the world. If you wish to give a special gift or monthly, quarterly, or yearly support, make checks payable to “HRC Ministries” and mail to her forwarding agents.

Wayne & Donna Adams
PO Box 368
Lebanon, IN 46052
Wayne_adams_91@comcast.net

Misty visiting an orphanage.

By serving with HRCM in Zimbabwe, Misty can help others by sharing Christ and the Biblical principles given by God to overcome the difficulties and challenges faced by Zimbabweans. By partnering with Misty and supporting the ministry through finances and prayers, you too can be a part of spreading the good news and help battle the fight against AIDS by offering much needed education.

HRC Ministries is a 501c3 charitable organization, meaning any gift is tax deductible. Every small gift helps and will be put to use to assist those who are in need of counseling. Even if you cannot help financially, please lift Misty up in prayer, as prayer is a powerful gift.

If you would like to receive her newsletter or would like for Misty to give a presentation providing more details as to this calling in her life, contact her at the e-mail provided below. She would be more than willing to speak with you further about what the Lord has placed on her heart to do.

To contact Misty Bodkins:
E-mail: mbodkins@hotmail.com

Thank you for your prayers and support!!

“Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to my people? Who will go for us?” And I said, “Lord, I will go, send me.” Isaiah 6:8

The will of God will never take you where the grace of God will not protect you.

MAKE A DONATION
If you would like to make a donation to HRC Ministries in care of Misty Bodkins and her specific ministries, please click on the button below. Thank you for your prayers and support!

Misty with Mark and Helen Begarly.