About the Event
We all experience a range of emotions (depression, anxiety, fears of aging and dementia) and concerns in our daily lives. Our responses to them may inhibit our ability for living fully into God’s intention for us. We often try to deal privately in responding to them and rarely discover how the church can be a resource for wellness within the context of our life together as followers of Jesus. This seminar will provide a time to learn and dialogue about how we can care better for ourselves and others in staying mentally well. Through input and dialogue we will discuss the role of faith and the potential of the church to provide better care and support for individuals living with mental health issues and their caregivers.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
About the Presenters
Dr. Sandra Yuk Shuen Wong
Dr. Sandra Wong is a registered psychologist specialized in cross cultural issues. She is an educator and researcher in the areas of special needs children, family relationships, and immigrants’ issues, with extensive experience working in counselling, education and rehabilitation fields. Sandra belongs to the Disaster Psychosocial Network in the BC Provincial Disaster Stress & Trauma Responses Services. She is also certified to provide Cogmed Memory Training, an evidence-based program to improve working memory and attention
Rev. Doug Johnston
For 21 years Rev. Johnston worked in a nursing capacity at the veterans Shaughnessy Hospital in Vancouver. Within that capacity he worked with many living with dementia. Doug went on to study for the Christian Ministry and completed his Master’s Degree in Family Ministry, following which he served churches in Brandon Manitoba and Calgary. For the past 5 years he served as Chaplain for the Bethany Care Society in Calgary where he pioneered group interactive sessions with the residents, as well as gave support to the friends and family visiting their loved ones.
Dr. Paul Pearce
Dr. Paul Pearce is the Director of the Centre for Healthy Aging Transitions (CHAT), which is a ministry of the Carey Institute. He has served in a number of capacities across western Canada and in Ontario through the years as an educator, pastor, CBWC denominational staff and the Executive Director of Beulah Garden Homes, which is a CBWC ministry providing affordable housing for older adults in Vancouver.
Through the years, Paul also served in a number of ministry capacities across western Canada and in Ontario as an educator, a pastor and a CBWC denominational leader. chat-carey.ca
