“FEED MY SHEEP”

Think you have read this before? Yes, the first half you did, not too long ago. But read further down, about half way and you will find the real reason for my posting this. There’s something there that I believe some of you would find interesting –  something that some of you might find an adventure. I’ve been on such an adventure with God and have found that it has made my life worth living. Do you hear God calling you, as I once heard his call?

The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?”
He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.” (John 21:17)

Jesus called his disciples to touch the whole of humanity with his message of life and love. Theirs was a life of faith and a call to accomplish great things by serving humanity. Not long after I became a Christian, about 30 years ago, Jesus did that for me. He gave me a dream to make the world a better place for people who live with mental illness like I do. I started believing in the impossible to significantly reduce the stigma.

From around 2000 to 2014 I gave my all to spread the news of God’s love for people with struggles like mine and how my faith in him had helped me. I spoke and wrote widely trying to correct the misconceptions so many Christians had at the time, thinking that mental illness was a spiritual problem. Mental illness is not caused by spiritual problems, but spiritual support can help us cope with mental illness. Faith is one of the most important ingredients in dealing with mental health challenges.

News spread, especially with the help of the faith-based peer support ministry called Living Room that God led me to founding. At one point there were 16 groups stretching across Canada . . . and maybe more that I hadn’t heard from. Since 2013, I have carried on Living Room work by sending out encouragement in the form of devotionals. Although it might have appeared that I retired, I never stopped the work. And God is with me yet.

And now, at the age of 78, I recall Jesus and his disciples on the beach, having breakfast after his resurrection. Three times he called for Peter to “feed my sheep.” As a follower of Jesus, I’m calling for the same. I want to make sure that the work of giving spiritual support to people with mental health needs will carry on when I no longer can.

Today I feel God’s call to resurrect the Living Room spirit to where it once was, and beyond. I want to make sure that those who live with mental health challenges receive the spiritual support they so very much need for healing.

My book, ONE SUCH AS ME? quotes what I prayed way back in May 2010, four years after the founding of Living Room.

“It has occurred to me how I wouldn’t be afraid to die. But before I die, I want to build Living Room into something firm and strong. Oh God, how I would like to build something that carries on after I die. Not for the glory, Lord. The glory would be yours. But this is what you made me to do.”

Here and there, the book talks about Living Room being much like AA and how this movement could be an example to follow. Might this be a way to go? Free to spread its wings and to benefit individuals, no matter what faith or what background. After all, God loves us all unconditionally.

“Lord, please help me build Living Room into a movement—a strong movement that cannot be broken. One day, I’d like to have a meeting with my supporters and discuss Living Room’s vision. To discuss my dream of having Living Room become a movement. Would they like to be a part of this? Would they like to help with ideas?”

That meeting will take place, probably on a Sunday at the end of September at New Life Community Church in Burnaby.

I have asked some of you to read ONE SUCH AS ME? before that meeting. If you don’t have time to read the entire book, it would be good if you could look through it and read portions. Familiarize yourself a bit with it. For example, just reading the appendices would be helpful, especially the part about the immense value of peer support.

Think you might be willing to be one of the first to read the book? Please respond to this email and let me know whether or not you’re willing and able. I now have copies available. We will work out a way to get a copy into your hands.  Price: $25, including postage, $20 when picked up or delivered.

Blessings to you all.
marja