Blog Category: Faith
A Prayer For Those Living With Mental Illness
Amy Simpson shares a heartfelt prayer asking us to join in prayer with her for those whose lives are impacted by mental illness. “..Mental illness is one of those things people don’t know that much about unless they need to, either because they’re mental health professionals or because their lives have been shaken by their…
The Strength of a Father’s Love – Daddy’s Here
Our journey through foster care has been a revelation of a gospel for the inglorious moments of life. We had not intended to care for children with special needs when we began this journey, but it would seem that God has had much for us to learn. Recently, our family has once again grown by one—a tiny…
The Need For Mental Health Support Within The Church
Recently ‘Christianity Today’ addressed a very important topic on; ‘The Christian Struggle with Mental Illness’ showing that many Christians who are directly affected by a mental illness aren’t talking about it. Most that aren’t directly impacted with a mental health problem have a family member or know someone who is. Churches need to be the community’s ‘go…
Canberra Open Day 2016
Canberra is having an open day this Saturday 10th of December 2016. If you’d like to find out more about aifc’s accredited Counselling courses commencing in 2017, come along to the aifc Open Day in Canberra where you can talk to tutors and students who will be there to answer your enquiries. When and Where…
Christmas Giving to the Homeless & The Less Fortunate
Christmas time is a great opportunity for Christians to demonstrate the love of God to those who need it the most in our local communities.
Why Christian Counselling Training For Church Leaders Is Needed
Christians often reach out to church leaders first. Some of those Christians may have issues that require the help of a trained counsellor.
Does Mental Illness Mean I’m Not A Christian?
Mental illness can affect anyone. Many Christians have wondered about their faith and where they stand with God after being diagnosed with a mental illness. Amy Simpson, tackles the subject as she answers questions about mental illness and Christianity in her post, ‘Does Mental Illness Mean I’m Not a Christian?’ I receive a lot of…
LIONS ROAR – by Chris Thomas
I don’t have experience with lions. But I know if I were walking through the bushland of Africa, unprotected by fence or guide, and heard that unmistakable sound—I’d be terrified. I live in a part of the world isolated from such terrors, but Australia has its own apex predators to worry about. Granted, most of…
A Snapshot of Australia’s Mental Health & Wellbeing
Good mental health is fundamental to our overall life satisfaction and wellbeing. Over the last three years, the number of Australians experiencing a mental or behavioural condition has increased by over 1 million people – with over 4 million Australians (17.5%) now reporting this. Anxiety related problems and mood (affective) disorders are the most commonly…
Transforming Communities Through Kindness
Recently at an aifc conference we heard from various speakers. Josh Wilkins, founder and CEO of One Voice spoke to us about being kind to the homeless, stating that there’s a large number of youth on the streets who are there by no choice of their own. Video – Not My choice Video – Mobile Shower…
Words Fail Me – A Christian Poem
WORDS FAIL ME – A CHRISTIAN POEM Chris Thomas’ poem poses some serious questions as he self examines his faith. As Christians we need to ask ourselves these questions: What if God suddenly appeared before me? What would I do? What would I say? Words Fail Me What would I do what would I say,…
Lost for Words – What To Say (& Not) To Someone Who’s Grieving
When Amanda picked up the phone, nothing could prepare her for what she was about to hear. Her best friend’s little girl had drowned in the family pool. There was a long pause. Grappling with her own shock and disbelief, Amanda realised there were no words. She couldn’t think of a single thing to say…
Peace From A Prayerful Life & Thankful Heart
Life wasn’t meant to be easy and it’s especially not easy to stop worrying about the often-scary, everyday parts of our lives, but God tells us what to do when we are like that. He says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to…
Dr. Gary Smalley
World Renowned marriage and relationship expert and public speaker Gary Smalley who authored award winning and best-selling books on family relationships and marriage from a Christian perspective, has gone to meet our Heavenly Father on March 6 2016, aged 75. He was married 52 years to Norma and had three children, Kari, Greg and Michael.…
Why Youth Homelessness Matters
According to Homelessness Australia, there’s a staggering number of homeless young people in Australia. When we think about homeless youths we often think about street kids, drug addicts and runaways. But this is not always the case. Most of the homeless youth aren’t homeless by choice. Domestic issues and family violence and relationships or family…
Good Friday – The Crucifixion of Jesus Christ
He was hung on a cross to die, but even after being tortured, teased and crucified for all mankind, death couldn’t hold Jesus down. He was raised from the dead by the Power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus’ unwavering trust in the father was a testimony to God’s love, goodness, sovereign power and authority revealing…
Seeking The Help Of A Marriage Counsellor
We don’t have to wait until a marriage relationship hits rock bottom before seeking the help of a marriage counsellor. They are skilled professionals and trained listeners who are there to help you work out and resolve your problems. What Relationship Counsellors WON’T do 1. Tell you to end your marriage. If you’ve come to…
Forgiveness – The Cure For Bitterness
Leon F. Seltzer, Ph.D. has a really good argument for forgiveness, and in addition provides a five step technique for getting rid of bitterness. The Cure for Bitterness “Virtually every writer who has weighed in on the subject of bitterness has discussed its ultimate remedy in terms of forgiveness. For forgiveness alone enables you to…
Finding The Right Christian Counsellor
Choosing the right counsellor can be a daunting experience if we don’t know what to look for. Just because a person can refer to themselves as a ‘counsellor’ doesn’t mean that the counsellor is trained. People who call themselves ‘A professional counsellor’ must possess the training, the skills & the accredited credentials. Most Christians go…
Annette Spurr – The Power of Gratitude Journaling
We can easily lose sight of the good things we have by simply being too busy. Annette Spurr runs her own business at Blue Box Media and is also the Managing Editor at Mum Daily. As a wife and mother Annette has discovered the power of gratitude journaling. Annette writes, “I used to really enjoy…
Attitudes For Christian Counselling Are Changing Within The Church
Author of, “The Purpose Driven Life” and mega church pastor Rick Warren who founded Saddleback Church with his wife Kay in 1980, told CNN that he hoped to reduce stigma about mental illness after the tragic death of their son. Matthew Warren, who reportedly had a personality disorder, sadly took his own life on April…
Prayer and Fasting
In the lead up to the National Day of Prayer and Fasting aifc is starting the year with the strong foundation of God’s word showing us the importance of prayer and fasting. We invite you to join us as we commit to prayer and fasting with a focus on what the Lord is doing in…
National Day of Prayer and Fasting in Australia
Today is the National Day of Prayer and Fasting. “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.” Hebrews 12:2 In simple terms fasting is giving up things in the natural to birth things in the spiritual. It’s a period where we grow in our spiritual walk by denying the pleasures of flesh. Some…
The Impact Of Stress On The Mind & Body
Stress is linked with a series of physical problems that can come about after impacting on a person’s mental health and emotional wellbeing.
