Equipping the saints is the storyline of the church and on April 22nd that is exactly what Paula White Ministries did in Lahaina, Maui.
On August 8, 2023 a deadly fire spread through historic Lahaina, Maui killing over 100 lives, destroying 2,200 structures and leaving over 3,000 homeless. Eight months later the displaced residents are still living in temporary housing while grieving the loss of family and friends. Paula White Ministries teamed up with CityServe International and the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) to bring emotional and spiritual healing to hurting hearts across the island.
Pastor Paula is no stranger to trauma and knows the importance of good mental health. “Trauma is real and when not dealt with properly can leave lasting scars on an individual,” said Pastor Paula. “Most churches are not equipped to provide trauma care or mental health coaching.”
That is, until now.
AACC has developed three biblically based and scientifically sound programs to train church members on how to handle the mental health crisis sweeping across America. Using funds from a generous CityServe scholarship, the trio of organizations kicked off the Maui Mental Health Initiative at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort. Two hundred pastors, ministry leaders and fire survivors listened to renown trauma expert and Clinical Psychologist Dr. Shannae Anderson of AACC teach on practical steps to overcoming trauma.
The attendees then signed up for one of three certified programs; Trauma Informed Care Coach, Mental Health Coach or Youth Mental Health Coach. Todd Lamphere is the PWM Global Outreach Pastor and serves on the CityServe executive team spearheaded the mental health initiative. “There is no greater gift we can give to the local church than to train and equip the believer in mental health care. There has been a mental health vacuum within the church and it has lacked the resources to curb the mental health epidemic,” Lamphere said. “ “Pastor Paula has been a longtime champion for mental health and the programs offered by AACC and course tuition sponsored by CityServe provides a unique opportunity for believers to learn soul care and mental health best practices.”
If you would like to know more about becoming a certified mental health coach, go to www.lightuniversity.com for more information.
