Debriefing Testimonies
Permission has been given by several Debriefees to post their comments as a testimony to the Debriefing process.
Please click on the links below for each testimony.
Debriefee 1
"Exhausted we came from the mission field to an oasis of peace, love and security. We had been lacking security in the post-war country where we served as a family. Timid and anxious, we came to a place where we hoped to get professional help in all this confusion. Our wounded hearts searched for someone who would be neutral, an outsider who would see clearer from a distance. But deep down we feared that maybe we would again get hurt and accused.
"Arriving at the Debriefing Centre we felt a loving and caring atmosphere from the first minute. A beautiful environment, good food, friendly staff and the warmth of the house helped us to relax and settle our confused minds. Would there really be a solution to all this and light at the end of the tunnel? Michelle and Gavin were very sensitive in connecting with us and quickly there was trust and openness in our daily sessions.
"To my surprise, Michelle and Gavin took much time and invested a whole week only for us as a couple. I would have not expected to get so much attention and interest in our case, but their commitment to do crisis debriefing was just so special. Nobody has ever taken so much time just for us and nobody has ever listened to what we have to say like they did. It was an active listening, attentively taking notes of what we shared. We felt very important and affirmed.
"Through the debriefing process we were able to leave the situation behind us and we felt like coming out of a prison. Suddenly we were free, able to move, grow and develop again. The following days we discovered many new things which lifted us up more and more. The last day was an act of release, freedom, closure and the beginning of a new healing process. The last thing they helped us with was to give us a new perspective and hope for our future. We were given helpful material on transition and were encouraged to move on and take steps forward.
"Coming timid and fearful, we left changed with a sense of peace and joy. For the first time, after a long draining period of conflict, we were able to laugh again and enjoy the little daily things. Slowly our self confidence came back and we were able to make decisions again and try out new things.
"Debriefing for us was one of the most precious experiences we ever had. The pastoral approach of Gavin and the psychological counselling skills of Michelle make a perfect mixture for holistic member care.
"It is with gratitude to God that I close this testimony by quoting a verse from Psalm 40:2 'He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.' "
