20 October 2016 | Kaarina, Finland [Ruut Palviainen]
Time for a free bus pass? Maybe time to readjust the aches and pains that come with age! Or, how about bounce forwards with a spring in your step? For a Health Ministries association it must surely be the latter!
For sixty years now, ETRA, the Finnish Health Ministries Association, has been serving the church and the community.
That must be worth a celebration – which is exactly what happened the weekend of 9 – 11 September 2016 at Toivonlinna Junior High School, Kaarina, Finland. Over two hundred participants from all over Finland attended the event, thankfully reflecting on the past and gaining inspiration for the future.
With the theme ‘Lest we forget’, ETRA director Ritva Kuusisto vividly described the phases of ETRA during its 60 year history including the many commited people who have answered God’s calling over time – health professionals and dedicated lay people.
“You should congratulate yourselves on the things you have accomplished in society,” Bergland said. “When we get involved in doing good we bless others and get blessings ourselves.” He is optimistic for the future. “I see that you have good thinking. There is maturity, depth and reflection in the way you think. You should continue this. It’s very important to get more people involved, whether professionals or not.”
The weekend included multiple workshops with small teams covering different themes: Male health, a Kids Health EXPO, the principles of peer support, work with grieving people, seniors, nutrition etc. Teams were assigned to produce hands-on ideas from a) What the Bible and the spirit of prophecy says about their theme, b) What is the question our ‘client’ is asking about the topic? c) What is our concrete solution for them? d) sharing our innovations together and implementing them for the future.
After turning sixty, ETRA is far from retiring – the organisation is moving forward with a new vision and with a new message. While honouring its history, it is changing the emphasis from us (and the message that needs to be spread) to people and listening to their wants, needs and life struggles. With active listening, empathy and a peer role we build up relationships. Such relationships support and encourage, facilitate learning by coaching and understanding identity, and from that, life choises rise and our motivation builds up.
With such a comprehensive outlook on healthy lifestyle, we are able to make a difference in our communities and accomplish the goals we are aiming for. [tedNEWS]
tedNEWS Staff: Victor Hulbert, director; Esti Pujic, editor
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