Hi everyone,

I would really appreciate your prayer support for a bible study a few of us are about to commence for a group of friends who suffer various mental health problems, eg, bi-polar and schizophrenia. A few of these friends have been coming to St Aidans church@5 service over the last couple of months. We thought it was about time to get together as a bible study-support group and introduce Jesus and Christian fellowship in a far more intimate way.

The study will be held at my house followed by lunch.

Here’s are some prayer points:-

*that God have mercy on us. May He be glorifed and pleased with our studies and fellowship.

*that everyone makes it and makes it on time. The mornings seem to be the hardest time for them so we have nominated a late start, ie, 11am. The study will not last for more than half an hour, at least not initially.

*that the studies are well thought out before-hand and understood by everyone. A couple of them have reduced learning capacities because of their mental illness and/or medications so we need to keep this in mind during our study preparations.

*for wisdom and grace in our study preparation, the study itself and in running the study and the various personalities.

*that the bible study does not degenerate into a mental health support group. That God and His word is our primary focus.

*the fellowship during the study and over lunch is enjoyable, encouraging and supportive.

Many thanks
Angela

Hi Angela, this sounds like a very valuable new ministry, and one after God’s own heart. I’m praying that He will do more than we can ask or imagine, both in equipping you for the task and working in the lives of the group.

YBIC,

Jon.

Amen.

Jon and Chris,

Thanks, brothers.

I agree this is very new and, for me at least, untried. It all started with an invitation for coffee at a local cafe by a Christian friend suffering bi-polar and is schizo-effective. Having depression myself, I was more than willing to meet her friends who live with a mental illness.

It was an enjoyable morning and we made plans for the following Monday. Nearly every Monday since, we have met with a fluctuating attendance.

I enjoyed their company from the beginning, especially the silences. All of us a very comfortable with each other.

My husband and I have developed a friendship with a particular fellow from this coffee group. Also, the minister of our 5pm service meets with him regularly for coffee. Discussing Jesus and Christianity is part of their time together.

About 3-4 months ago my bi-polar friend and I began praying for one fellow in particular to come to church. Lo and behold he did! He’s been coming ever since. A number of the others have been coming on occasion.

Thanks again for your prayer support.

cheers
Angela

I’ll be praying, Angela…

:)

I don’t consider myself have any mental illness but depression. I will be praying too.

By the way, my chronic chest pain is seems like gone. Thanks God

I am brimming with excitement and I have to share it with everyone who has read this prayer request and prayed.

Almost every Monday this year I and another lady from church have been meeting with some of the people from the local mental health fellowship for a cup of coffee. They suffer a variety of mental health issues. Over the year we have become friends and as I said in my first post, some have been coming to church.

Unfortunately the bible study didn’t get off the ground this year. But we are hoping to get started soon after school resumes in 2006. Please continue to pray about this.

Here’s the exciting bit. Over coffee on Monday, I got to share the gospel. HOORAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!It was short and sweet, based on 1 Tim 2:5. Everyone was listening. One fellow admitted he wasn’t a Christian, even though he’s been coming to church for several months now. He recognises that Jesus is not his Lord and Saviour.

Please pray that each one who attends these coffee mornings recognise where they stand before God, not turn away turn to Jesus.

many many thanks
Angela

Thanks for sharing, Angela - I will be praying for fruit to grow from the opportunity you had…

Han :)

Hi,

We are hoping to start the bible study come March. A fellow Christian lady who has a mental illness will be organising it with my assistance.

She is very excited by the progress so far. It is a privilege to see God at work in her. As a Christian with mental illness she has been a blessing to many others who suffer the same.

The group will begin with ‘7 basic bible studies’, followed by an examination of Mark’s gospel.

Please pray for:

*well thought out preparation and good leadership
*their ability to attend will not be compromised by their illness
*their knowledge of God will grow, and as a result, they will call upon the name of Jesus and be saved
*the group will be based on the love and mercy of God
*that this bible study group will be pleasing to God and blessed by Him (Psalm 127: 1)

An aside: I attended the funeral of one of the group today. The funeral was held at the local Salvation Army. A short gospel message was presented which I thought wonderful. It gave me and my Christian friend (who is organising the bible study) an opportunity to sensitively speak about eternal life in Jesus. I sincerely hope God will use this man’s death and funeral to bring members of the group into an eternal relationship with Him.

many thanks
Angela

This sounds exciting, Angela.
I think there is a big hole in our churches that needs to be filled in just the way you are doing it.
Probably said this before, but someone I know went to a mental health support group run by a church.
In 5 years, Jesus never actually came up!

May God greatly bless you and your valuable ministry.

Dear brothers and sisters,

Heart-felt thanks to all who have prayed for this bible study group.

God is faithful and so very good - we have had 2 studies so far with up to 6 people attending. So far we have completed 2 Matthias Media studies: ‘Who is God?’ followed by ‘Who is Man?’

Please pray:
*thank God for His word and that His invitation to the great banquet is being extended to those who suffer a mental illness
*for the non-Christians in the group: that they will understand and appreciate what they learn and that this new knowledge will lead them to repentance.
*that the group will grow together in understanding, sincere love and humble fellowship.
* that each person will be faithful in their attendance.
* for loving, faithful and godly leading which will uphold the gospel and set an example of Christ-like love and faithfulness.

with humble thanks
Angela

I thought an up-date is well and truly (over)due.

We are now in our third term of meeting together. This term we are looking at favourite Psalms or passages from Proverbs. I’m delighted with everyone’s enthusiasm over the psalms and proverbs.

Today 7 people turned up which is a record. Praise God! One week non-one turned up except me (boo-hoo), so I spent an hour or so in prayer.

Lately a few more people have expressed a desire to attend but are unable due to uni or work commitments. Once again, I was delighted with such enthusiasm and the desire God is planting in the hearts of people who live with a mental illness to know Him.

Please pray for
*continued wisdom for the leadership team of a friend and myself
*ways we can continue to foster a warm and loving environment
*that those who do not have Jesus as their Lord will call on in His name as their knowledge of Him grows and as they continue to experience loving Christian fellowship

Thank God for
* the Christians who do live with a mental illness and their wonderful testimony to God’s sovereignty and love
*the love & happiness (there’s lots of laughing) we experience as we meet together over God’s word
* God’s heart for the oppressed, ill, downtrodden, poor.......

May God continue to be glorified.

Many thanks for your faithful prayers
Angela

Hi Angela
It is great to hear you are doing this.
I wish we had something similar in Bathurst.
May God continue to enable you and enthuse you for this wonderful support that you are giving.