At GSM Samuel learned to express himself with play therapy where toys become language tools. Samuel’s mom also learned skills, “My counselor helped me to know how to respond to my son when he was so miserable, crying and screaming. He taught me how to talk to him, how to calm him and how to use play therapy.

My son is doing much better now. I’m eternally grateful for the counseling my family has received at GSM. I can’t say enough good things about our counselor and the staff in the Beaverton office.”

Your support of GSM is pivotal in allowing us to provide this care.  Your donation of $130 will provide 2 hours of life changing counseling.  Good Samaritan provides 529+ Hours counseling per month.

We are here to meet the needs of mothers and families in our community and it is made possible because of donations from individuals like you. We appreciate your support and prayers.  - Marty Miller, GSM Executive Director

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For those of you who do not know me, I have been engaged in cross-cultural service for the sake of the Kingdom of God for the past 33 years.   I have studied and lived the Bible story of the Samaritan for all those years.  I can’t count how many times we have dramatized it in the ministry of GSM.  Over and over, playing different parts in the tale, receiving insights and living out the Truth of them.  It has been a very freeing experience.  This has been a true challenge to surrender all prejudice and perception of success to my Lord and Teacher Jesus.  The hymn cries out “remold and make me” and I have some sense of what those words mean.

A few weeks ago that sense increased greatly.  This time it was through a dream.  In the dream, we were having a family gathering at an Inn.  It was in a beautiful sunny room and the party had begun to end.  The family was drifting away slowly to their own homes and some of us began to thank our host who had come into the room to say good-bye.  We began to thank him profusely for his incredible hospitality and then I became playfully sarcastic and spoke the opposite of the truth saying “Yes, it was so terrible.”  The host embraced my face with his hands and placed his forehead against mine.  I quieted immediately and my heart began to burn.  I recognized He was the Christ, our Lord. And the dream ended.

Wow!  The Inn is God’s House in which there are many rooms that He has prepared for us.  The Samaritan took the victim to His Father’s House where all was prepared for him.  This partnership reflects “the Way” that Jesus spoke of to his disciples described in John 14.  Jesus was the Samaritan, the man of unorthodox religion, who was willing to pay the first cost for the victim, assisted by His Father for the long term care of the same, and willing to come again to complete the cost of it all.  He told His disciples that they knew the “Way”.  He revealed this to them as they traveled to the tomb and recognized through Him the effort made fruitful no matter the cost.  He gave time, He gave first-aid, He gave connection, He gave supply, He gave promise.  He was doing what He saw His Father doing, supplying all that was needed.

I am now on a road of service that is no longer my own but that of my Lord and My Father.  I see Life in new Light.  There is only one House and it is my Father’s, one host and it is my Father, one work to assist those for a time rendered unable to help themselves, one goal to provide the hospitality prepared for me and for them, and continued concern as opportunity occurs.   Jesus said ”FOLLOW ME”

PERHAPS WE’LL MEET ALONG THE WAY.      Blessings, Elsa Jane

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Do you have 30 minutes to join us in person for the Good Samaritan Ministries International Day of Prayer, at the headquarters in Beaverton? Join us for the GSM Int’l Day of Prayer June 3 for 30 minutes, or for the whole morning, or for as long as your schedule allows.  The doors are open for quiet prayer, 6 am to 9 am. Samaritans move room to room, focusing on different countries, as we continue praying for Samaritans around the world.  Then from 9 am to noon, join in for fellowship and worship followed by a brunch/lunch.

Many leaders from Africa, Egypt and Ukraine will pray with us as our hearts are touched through prayer.  Pray for Samaritans around the world who are working to transform communities, families and individuals.  Walking the road, Samaritans meet victims of poverty, persecution, and problems of all kinds.  What are you called to do?

Pray with us and join our teams of Samaritans as we pray for leaders, teachers, and children who have received help and now are helping others.  If you want to have friends in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, or Europe who will encourage you as you encourage them, pray about getting involved with GSM Int’l work.  Join with our teams of Samaritans as we pray for leaders, teachers, and children who have received help and now are helping others.

Are you willing?  Yes, I will pray with Samaritans from Egypt. Yes, I will pray with Alex from Ukraine. Yes, I will pray with Yanjmaa from Mongolia, George from Cameroon and others.  Thank you for your prayers.  Let us know if you can join us June 2. Email goodsam@gsmusa.org to RSVP or to ask questions.

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It is estimated that over 630 million pairs of shoes are discarded every year.  It is our goal to repurpose the shoes by getting them to developing nations where they will be used to help local folks to survive through microenterprise programs. 

GSM NEEDS VOLUNTEERS
Most of the shoes will be collected through the efforts of churches in the greater Portland, Oregon metropolitan area.  If you are in a position to influence or to offer to include your connections in this effort, we need to hear from you.

Please contact Marty Miller at 360.601.2283 or email marty@gsmusa.org

We need volunteers to collect shoes on collection days or from the many collection boxes that will be placed in the area.  An SUV or covered pick up truck would be needed.

Meanwhile, here are FAQs from the web site of one of our MicroEnterprise partners:

• Are there any restrictions on types of shoes that can be collected? There are no restrictions on the types of shoes you can collect.  The need is that great, and the Micro-enterprises will be set up in various climate areas.
• What condition should the shoes be in? Of course, we would love to collect shoes in as good condition as possible.  However, sometimes shoes have been used for tasks that cause for considerable wear and tear.   Even these shoes can be broken down into raw materials and reused to repair other shoes or create entirely new shoes.  Therefore, we accept shoes in all conditions.
• Can only 1 shoe from a pair be collected? Although we want to collect as many pairs as possible, even one shoe will contribute materials that can be used to create a new pair of shoes. So, yes, even one shoe from a pair can be collected and will make a difference!
• When we collect the shoes, how do we package them? Our goal is to make this process as easy as possible. We ask that you leave the sorting to us. You can put these shoes in boxes, plastic bags, etc., and have them delivered to one of our many collection points in the greater Portland/Vancouver area.
• Do any shoes go to the dump? Absolutely not. We have our Micro-enterprise partners repurpose shoes to eliminate all waste.

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Recently, one couple shared their story of reconciliation after a divorce. (We’ll call them Adam and Eve.) They are celebrating the love in their hearts for each other. They were remarried recently after being divorced since 2003 when one partner was addicted to crack cocaine.  For this couple, the 10-year journey from active addiction to reconciliation involved divorce; Adam going to rehab; and Eve coming to GSM for classes and counseling over the years. Then Eve came to a class last winter at GSM called “Enriching Relationships, A Pathway to More Meaningfully Connecting.” They weren’t dating at the time. They had wanted to be together but had given up hope of relating to each other in new ways, other than arguing or stonewalling. The class described relational patterns, where couples get stuck. During class, Eve saw their pattern vividly. She went straight to Adam’s home after class and asked for forgiveness. They began dating after discovering where they were stuck and how they could relate to each other differently.  They came in for couples counseling for six months before deciding to marry again.

What are some of the difficulties you have overcome?

Abuse, alcohol and drug addictions, HIV and unemployment

How have GSM classes and counseling sessions helped you reach your goals?

“It helps us get a fresh perspective. We have learned to accept each other’s uniqueness, and not be critical.  We are committed to the relationship and to continuing counseling for one year now that we remarried.”

Before they remarried in December, they both had been coming to couples counseling with Ben, our newest staff member who has an MA in Marriage and Family Therapy from George Fox University and specializes primarily with couples and families.  Previously, Eve also had attended a co-dependency group and the class based on the book “Why Don’t We Listen Better?”

What has changed in your life?

“We both are employed.  We are communicating, trusting and sharing on a deeper level.”

The post New Life After Coke Addiction appeared first on Good Samaritan Samaritan.

Her counselor at GSM said he sees a liberated Lucy.  She has fought off negative thoughts like “I’m going to fail.”  After a divorce, she needed to find work.  She began as a caregiver.  Now, she works as an activity program coordinator for senior residents with memory loss.  She is living a life of freedom and compassion.

Lucy says, “I’m thankful I never lost hope.  I have learned that intimate relationships require that we accept each other and forgive each other.”

Her personal  journey of  healing involved looking back at her experiences of childhood abuse.  “I’m thankful that God has been with me during this journey.  God has validated me.  I know I’m imperfect.  I don’t have to be perfect to receive His love.  It’s unconditional.”

She now realizes that she was dependent on validation from others.  (Lucy is not her real name.) She blamed herself for her husband’s affairs.  She doesn’t blame herself for everything anymore.  She’s more accepting.  “I can’t change anyone,” she says.  “And, I have entered into forgiveness without having to hear an apology.”

Lucy might even say, “It’s never too late to live happily ever after.”

*Lucy is not her name and she is not pictured.

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As we move into 2013 and after avoiding both a fiscal cliff and a world ending apocalypse (underwhelming as it was), we should be feeling pretty good right? Many have enjoyed eating a bit too much of the “stuff” they usual try to avoid (myself included) and have had the chance to get a few days of overdue rest. (revised:) Perhaps we can find a few minutes for reflection and looking ahead. deletle: Where did 2012 go? Regardless of all other concerns, the big question is this – What does our love look like for 2013?

2013 is sure to bring challenges and blessings for Samaritans around the world. Abundant blessings because we operate in God’s kingdom with the amazing privilege of sharing his love through our actions. Interestingly, many challenges can come from these same kingdom purposes. Being a part of God’s plan and sharing his love both sound easy, yet they challenge even the strongest Christian. So I encourage you towards bold love for others in the year ahead.

The kingdom lifestyle of a Samaritan is one of both choice and calling. Each Samaritan chooses to engage in loving others and does so without agenda or expectation of reward. To be honest, that choice is often a hard and costly one. It is the spirit inside us however that calls us to love like this… “‽” This symbol is called an interrobang and can be found old typewriters. (For you younger kids, typewriters were mechanical devices used for communication.) The interrobang represents awesomeness and wonder wrapped together, which is exactly what love often times looks like. God designed us all to be positive, loving creatures that are powered by peace, joy, and crazy love. Love like Jesus and you will find yourself overflowing with Peace and Joy in 2013. And you may just come into a new understanding of what “LOVE” is all about.

The post What Does Our Love Look Like For 2013? appeared first on Good Samaritan Samaritan.

Beginning, Jan. 2, we be studying the most significant scriptures that impact us in the New Testament. You will be made new through these scriptures,   You will not just hear the Word.  You will see it move us to action.  This is an extraordinarily important class called “Scriptures That Move Us,” Wednesdays 6:00pm (potluck dinner)Class from 6:40 – 8:4o pm, Jan. 2 to March 6.

Jan 2:  THE HOLY SPIRIT / SATAN  Instructor:  Jennie Mitchell

Jan. 9:  THROUGH THE EYES OF JOHN; THE SEVEN SIGNS OF JOHN Instructor:  Matt Wilcox

Jan 16:  PETER AND PAUL  Instructor:  Linda Oh

Jan 23:  1ST & 2ND PETER  Instructor:  Bruce Speidel

JAN 30:  GALATIANS  Instructor:  Mark and Jennifer Metternich

Feb 6:  EPHESIANS  Instructor:  Joyce Brors

Feb 13:  PHILIPPIANS  Instructor:  Laura Fribbs and Irene Gonzalez

Feb 20: PAUL’S PERSONAL LETTER  Instructor:  Nick Fones & ROMANS 8 Instructors:  Arlys Fones, Savana

Feb 27:  JUDE AND LETTERS OF JOHN  Instructor:  David Williams

Mar 6:  THE GOSPEL OF LUKE  Instructor:  Jane Keohane

Join us!

The post “New Testament Focus” Bible Class & Potluck Dinner appeared first on Good Samaritan Samaritan.

About 30 people attended the Friday night event at the Beaverton office.  Several people shared their positive experiences of serving at GSM.  Volunteers are empowered to serve as Samaritans in various ways and locations through the Ministries.

A video and slide presentation helped to explain the impact that volunteers are making around the world.  Chief Samaritan Officer, Marty Miller, said, “We simply could not do what we do without our volunteers.  We deeply appreciate all our volunteers.”

Volunteers who attended received some recognition and small gifts.   Appetizers and desserts were served.  Information about current needs for volunteer positions was presented such as hospitality coordinators, office assistants and fundraising coordinators.  Thanks to all who participated, especially those visiting for the first time.

The “Where in the World?” interactive game led to discovering the new maps on the soon-to-be released International Education website which will be linked on the International page of this website.

Interested in volunteering with GSM?  Please contact Susan or Rinda at the Beaverton office, 503-644-2339 or email volunteer@gsmusa.org.  

The post Volunteer Appreciation and Welcoming Night appeared first on Good Samaritan Samaritan.

Brenda Hail from Tri Cities GSM instructed the group on the need for emptying, resetting, refilling, and rest.  And, how we need others to pray and intercede for us. Why? One reason is that “overwork gravity pull” impacts effectiveness!  Insight into our own motivations revealed new understanding.

Donna Granger from Prineville challenged and stretched the group in the afternoon with many examples of how spiritual gifting and “following the Holy Spirit” opens new paths for client healing and treatment.  She explained how walking into the reality of our Christ-earned spiritual authority is a powerful counseling tool.  She shared her art work which illustrates her own “open path.”

Drama therapy training presented by Jane Keohane and Ruth Votaw finished a great day. “Drama Therapy is an active, experiential approach to facilitating change. Through storytelling, projective play, purposeful improvisation, and performance, participants are invited to rehearse desired behaviors, practice being in relationship, expand and find flexibility between life roles, and perform the change they wish to be and see in the world,” as described by the National Association for Drama Therapy.

Contact the Beaverton office of Good Samaritan Ministries for more information about additional classes for interactive counselor/teacher/Samaritan training offered each Wednesday including topics such as art therapy and sand-tray therapy.

503.644.2339
goodsam@gsmusa.org

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