HOW DID I GET STARTED ? (Updated)

It all started about 9 1/2 years ago now with a referral. The caller wanted to refer an individual for online counseling, an individual working cross culturally, that was experiencing a significant degree of anxiety related to their living circumstances. My first reaction was certainly ! I've been doing online counseling and working with anxiety ? no problem !

After the call, it hit me, wait a minute, my perspective, my approach, in counseling individuals with anxiety in my local context, is probably not going to work with someone who is fulfilling a Call to work cross culturally. This realization began my search, my seeking to better prepare myself to work with those who were answering the Call to serve cross-culturally. I read among other articles and books "Facing Danger; A Guide through Risk" by Anna Hampton and would later attend a workshop she offered as well. I have come to a better understanding of my theology of suffering, risk, and adjusting / aligning my understanding of Missions, those who serve, and how I might be of service.

Through my exposure now to over 200 individuals serving cross-culturally, and having read many more books, articles, listened to podcasts, and attended conferences, I continue to learn and grow in my understanding of how best to help those I serve. I continue to offer the Cerny Smith Stress assessment and online follow up, as well as offering online Counseling. I have been blessed to be able to offer these services and supports through the Pennell Counseling Center and Broadmoor Baptist Church here in Shreveport, Louisiana and I look forward to seeing where and how God continues to bless and open doors to serve. I'll be providing onsite counsel, support with several sending/supporting organizations this year and I'm looking forward to launching a "Debriefing App" soon (6/2025).

I'll always be thankful for that first call and grateful for the path it led me to.

Psalm 139: 16b "...all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."