Greetings,
Years ago, while visiting a children’s home in Nigeria, my eyes were drawn to a young girl carrying a bucket of water. The burden was great for a child of her size. Others were playing around her, absorbed in their own imaginations and competitions. Yet, she continued her journey, a lovely cadence to her steps. The movement was full of courage, determination, and grace. This image became the logo for Thrive Life Skills. It speaks our heart to come alongside, helping others move beyond survival towards fullness of life in every circumstance.
Who of us is not aware of the multitude of needs in our world today? Physical pain. Betrayal. Accusation. Poverty. Marginalization. Abuse. Displacement from home and country.
"I have no value or purpose."
"How do I respond to the conflict that surrounds me?"
"As a refugee or displaced person, where do I belong?"
"How is God different from those who have abused and forsaken me?"
The question comes, "What can we do to fix it?" However, the response to this question often leads to poor answers such as: "make their lives look more like mine" or "put the suffering in a box - set it aside, forget the past and just move on."
After living in Nigeria and working in multiple countries around the world, God has filled my mind and heart with this vision:
We must come alongside and walk with the suffering in the circumstances under which they must live their lives. We must give them tools to thrive where they are and hope to discover a courageous and peaceful way forward."
For this intent, Thrive Life Skills was incorporated in 2010 and is recognized as a 501(c)(3) charity.
In desperate situations, it is necessary to restore purpose and value. Learning how to make wise choices, how to create healthy relationships, how to live with integrity, and how to know God - these help restore value and lift eyes to the future even when the current circumstances or past trauma cannot be changed.
Thrive Life Skills has had opportunity to come alongside mission organizations, church leadership, community leaders, counselors, and individuals who have a heart for those living around them who are hurting.
“What do we do next? How do we encourage and lift eyes to the future?”
"I do not know how to respond when someone shares with me about trauma."
"So many in my church, my community are struggling with how to move forward, living under the control of events in their past."
God's particular call to Thrive Life Skills is to come alongside with hope and truth. Thrive Life Skills is not a program, but a tool. As you look at what Thrive provides, you might discover a way that we can assist you in accomplishing your mission goals, your desire to walk with others through difficult times, or on your own personal journey. Talk to us about your specific needs and how we might help. Working together opens possibilities far beyond what any of us could do alone.
Serving with gratitude,
Susan
