I was an meth addict with no hope. Good Samaritan Ministries picked me up and held on to me for 3 years until i finally agreed to go to a GSM supported treatment center in the Holy Land. After coming home I volunteered at the office and helped in many ways. GSM changed my life and saved my life. They brought me to the Lord, baptised me and my family and helped heal my past. Bettie Mitchell, married my husband and I and we have spent many years going to Family Therapy Camp, along with many other Bible Classes and groups. We donate every month to GSM because we give to the Lord that way. We are so grateful to have been made whole, and to now be Samaritans!!! We love you GSM!!! ♡
Good Samaritan Ministries is an excellent community resource for individuals, couples and families looking to improve their lives. The counseling offered is professional, nonjudgemental and empowering. In addition to counseling, people can attend a variety of training courses and workshops to enrich their lives. The GSM staff "loves God" and "loves their neighbors," and does this well through effective and powerful training, counseling and action. Internationally, they raise up and train local people to be responsibly accountable in their own communities. Part of their mission is to have their clients "go and do likewise." As a donation and volunteer based organization, they are accredited in managing their funds in a highly efficient manner.
As someone who volunteered for a while and eventually worked as staff I would say this organization knows what it means to "love God and love your neighbors". Good Samaritan Ministries (GSM) works hard everyday to relationally lift people higher in their potential and to work on the harder stuff we often don't want to deal with through counseling and programs designed to develop the whole person.
GSM leads people to self discover potential blind spots, emotional road blocks and behavioral issues based on the ethic found in the story of the Good Samaritan. This timeless story still challenges everyday people and the most respected theologians about what it means to love sacrificially, love those who need it most, and even those who don't deserve it. Consequently, GSM offers donation-supported tools and programs and I was able to quickly see that this organization leads by example.
Using actions rather than just words and doctrine, or opinions, it is through their domestic and international programs I could see their local/global impact. They provide widow and orphan programs, micro business to lift poor families, addiction recovery, donation based (no fee) counseling services, personal training, and long standing commitments to teach and sponsor kids through education who could NEVER otherwise afford good schooling. .
Simply put, Good Samaritan Ministries is a Kingdom focused, and Kingdom expanding organization. Their calling over 40 years ago was actually to "teach (demonstrate/lead) nothing but the Kingdom of God". I think their calling, resulting ministry actions, and longevity speaks to the effectiveness of this organization which is why I will continue to support Good Samaritan Ministries. I have enjoyed connecting others to this amazing organization.
Back in 2008 I was invited by one of the GSM volunteers to attend a banquet that introduced me to the mission that Good Samaritan Ministries had to set up schools in Africa and to provide local counseling to those in need here in the Portland area as well through other US based offices.
A year later I was curious in how I might be able to provide some volunteer support at the office and how my talents might be of use.
On day one after filling out the information on my background and skills I was asked to help out with the GSM website and other digital and technical needs of the office.
In addition I eventually recorded the Wednesday night Bible studies and published them to You Tube for those that wanted to be part of the studies remotely anywhere in the world.
While I'm very impressed in the work GSM does Internationally I really appreciate all of the work and good efforts made to help others locally. Many people need help and counseling but cannot afford the commercial services that they need. That's where GSM is vitally important. Without their services that provide counseling for the ability to gift when possible to keep the infrastructure in place, the office, the paid staff and the costs of outreach many might continue to cope with their problems and emotional challenges.
"Judgement Drops at the Door" This is the unofficial motto at GSM. No matter who you are, what you have done, or the state of your life...everyone who walks through the door at GSM is treated equal...that is treated with respect and love and dignity. If you need help, counseling or support in your life; This is the perfect door to walk through. If you feel as though you want to help others, contribute with your Samaritan Spirit; This is the ideal door to walk through. In either case, no one will judge you, everyone will welcome you.
Guided by the parable of the Good Samaritan, hundreds of volunteers team together with counselors and teachers in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and North America. Education of children is the focus of the ministry, their future is bright because there is joy in working together. The result is the opportunity to see them develop into the next generation of Samaritans. We are one global family with hearts that know no separation.
I had a longing to give back to the community in the way of helping others via counseling services and found Good Samaritan Ministries. They have a 3 year lay counselor program that is cost free to the student and it's helping me become a counselor. The program is one night a week and that fits into my family's schedule. I have since then met the most amazing people that donate their time to help others. People are able to come get good quality counseling for no charge and their lives are changed. I'm excited to be a part of such a neat community!
After many years of serving as a counselor for Western Psychological and Counseling Services, I wanted to remain active in my retirement, so I began volunteering as a counselor at GSM-Beaverton. I really like this organization and the counseling program. I find joy in my co-laborers who are supportive, generous, thoughtful and safe. I like participating and referring others to the many groups for personal growth. It’s a place of miracles.
Over thirty years ago, as a single woman with cerebral palsy I felt alone in the shuffle of life. Becoming involved was life changing from the beginning. Good Samaritan Ministries, is unique because it's where the disenfranchised discover God has chosen them.
Both as a one of their counselors and a mother, I've seen the way God uses GSM to change individuals and generations throughout the world.
My name is Christina Weber and I am a Participant Assistant for Experience Works, Inc. Experience Works is a Title V Senior Community Employment Training Program (SCSEP). In my time with Experience Works, I have had the pleasure of placing two of our participants at Good Samaritan Ministries. In both instances, the participants were treated with the utmost respect and the training they received has been life changing for them. When I am placing participants, I do my best to discern the best possible Host Agency for the participant. To know that the participants are being skillfully trained to be able to obtain an unsubsidized position is rewarding; however, it is far more rewarding to see the life-changing growth that both of these individuals have experienced from working in a faith-based organization that lives out the ministry of Jesus, not just speaks it. I would highly recommend that if you have an opportunity to donate anything to a nonprofit at this time of year, that your donation would go to this organization who lives out the love, mercy, compassion and heart of the Lord Jesus Christ in an environment of high integrity and truth. Thank you. Christina Weber, Participant Assistant, Experience Works, Inc.
I've met so many wonderful people who are willing to serve and share the light of God's goodness and mercy in incredible ways. I've seen lives transformed locally and globally. I've learned so much in counselor training such as releasing victim mentality; and asking what can I learn from this? when faced with difficulties; and letting go of negative or judgemental thoughts.
Empowerment is a result of giving help and hope to anyone who is hurting. In response to the training and donation-based counseling offered by this ministry, the hurting often become the generous givers of time, talent, treasure as they heal. Like the Good Samaritan's action, we see open hearts willing to put another first and build the kingdom of God. Our friends in Kenya are building with care and compassion.
I am working at GSM as part of a sponsored training program to gain experience. I am impressed by the welcoming, caring atmosphere here and the genuine kindness of the people.
I see the acceptance everyone who walks through the door is offered and how this visibly impacts them. I have seen people enter in tears and leave with a smile. Sounds cliche, but it is true.
For me, at this time in my life, GSM has been vital with what I am going through. My husband is going to prison, two of my daughters have been sexually abused by him, I just told him yesterday that I am filing for divorce. So, the fact that I can come and get individual and marriage counseling, from a knowledgeable and compassionate professional, free of charge is HUGE! I am also participating in their DBT group, which is all about dealing with emotions and behavior. It is really helping me to become more aware of what I am thinking, how it is affecting me, my relationships, and my goals.
I first came to Good Samaritan Ministries as a child. My family was involved with training and counseling and I took an eager interest in helping others through watching their examples. Now, as an adult, I can see where this wonderful ministry has helped me love people more, care about the world, and keep a vision for the wellness for all of those I meet. Truly, this ministry is working wonders in the lives of many.
Good Samaritan Ministries helped me to overcome a horrible habit of picking my fingernails and cuticles until they bled. This habit began as a teenager, with worts on my thumbs. I tried to dig them out; by the time I finally had them burned off with liquid nitrogen, the habit was well entrenched. I am now 58 and the only thing that any counselor has ever said was that picking until I bled was like cutting myself and just as serious. Good Samaritan Ministries offered concrete help with a DBT class, which is Dialectic Behavioral Training. I have received respect and great kindness in their beautiful office. I have begun to volunteer; I want to give to others the gift of hope and healing that has been given to me. For the first time in my life, I am not picking; my fingernails are healthy and beautiful.
As a former Director of Good Samaritan I can attest to m the many, many people that are served. Never a week goes by that someone does not thank me for the part GSM Idaho played in their lives: counseling, prayer, classes, food bank, clothes, the list is massve. It is amazing people led by the Holy Spirit serving people . Relation ships often damage people GSM promotes healthy relationships that bring healing. That is the epitome of the Kingdom of God on earth.
I was in a terrible mess! My second marriage was not going well. My husband had left the home. One afternoon we sat on the couch discussing our failed marriage. As I quietly prayed, the Lord reminded me of a woman I had met several weeks before. Her name was Bettie Mitchell. When my husband admitted he didn't know what to do, I suggested we see Bettie for counseling. He was in agreement. Bettie began counseling us. The process was tough but the end result was life-giving. My husband volunteered to help people locally and internationally. He has since passed on to heaven.
My Good Samaritan Ministries volunteer work began as a member of the Good Samaritan Ministries Kenya team. This work inspired me to travel to Kenya. Up to now, I have traveled 9 times to Africa, 3 times to the Middle East and once to Asia ... all to learn about and support the work of GSM internationally.
As a retired school teacher, passionate about the plight of children around the world, I now serve as Co-Leader of International Education. The Good Samaritan Ministries International Education team meets weekly at the International office in Beaverton, Oregon. gsminternationaleducation.org
Good Samaritan Ministries offers many opportunities for service locally and internationally. Individual counseling is availble on a donation basis. Inspired teaching challenges and moves us forward to freedom. We move out of victim mentality. We learn to use our gifts and talents, to go the extra mile, and to be a blessing to others. We meet inspiring men and women who live by great faith.
I’m a 5-year volunteer at Good Samaritan Ministries, specifically with a group called International Education, whose focus is literacy and education for children (most of them orphans) in 3rd world countries. Through fund-and-friend-raising events we … (1) tell the story at large … the international research backed by hard, long-term data … that these precious lives are forever changed because they have been given: (a) the tools to become self-sufficient, and (b) the gift of their own voice; and, (2) we tell the individual stories of children’s lives lifted from total abject poverty and obscurity to become contributing citizens in the development of their own communities.
So here’s the thing about Good Samaritan Ministries: THEY GET IT!!! They get that life is all about your perspective and attitude … within relationships … with your neighbors, spouse, kids; with your in-laws, out-laws, ex-laws; with your fellow workers, boss; with your stuff, like your clothes, car, boat, jewelry, house, and … your money; with yourself; with God. Enter their very modest facility and you immediately sense that their mantra rings true, that judgment stops at the door. Good Samaritan is a safe haven where you are embraced irrespective of your condition. You are free to learn, to keep on becoming, via counseling sessions; long/short-term seminars or group therapy (often interactive); varied weekly activities; become a volunteer and see where you adventurously end up, or, lend your known expertise.
Good Samaritan’s willingness and ability to expend their resources and themselves the mile beyond the extra mile to help the one in need is exceptional, often sacrificial. It is a HUGE work they do, and the needs are ever-pressing, particularly given the current world-wide economic climate. But, by wisely applying aggressive time and money management, they seem to cover more bases than otherwise imaginable. They are the first to admit the impact of their faithful and dedicated volunteers. Whatever space you fill at this ministry, if you let it, and if you dare, it will challenge you to see yourself more honestly, to question your life’s priorities, and ultimately, the reason for your existence … the purpose of your life on planet earth.
I believe that each of our lives is a story, interspersed with messy chapters. I often told my own children that our family, each of us, was a story in the making, because whether looking at secular or Biblical heroes, they, too, were all flawed personalities, irrespective of their suggested greatness. Years ago I had some counseling at Good Samaritan Ministries. Years later I returned and ended up a volunteer with the International Education group. I’d be hard pressed to find elsewhere the depth of dedication and commitment, such natural intent to intervene … to be “my brother’s/sister’s keeper” (Luke 10:25-37), as I experience at and through Good Samaritan Ministries’ efforts.
So what is my story? From my past counseling, from my volunteering, from attending classes and events at Good Samaritan Ministries, I’ve arrived at a place of reconciliation with myself, and there’s a real peace about that. There is always the push and pull dynamic in my life … which is rich personal growth potential … if kept in proper balance and perspective. You'll find that hanging around with "the people" at Good Samaritan keeps you humble, and if you stay attuned you can't help but expand your horizons, see with new eyes, become more willing, even able, to extend yourself, often simply because of a realigned perspective and attitude! I’m human but I’m learning I need to apply more of God’s grace in my life, and to extend it more to others. I always thought I had a story or two, but I’m seeing more and more that I have my own unique story. At this point, it’s not a bad read either, but there's new and improved versions up ahead!
Review from Guidestar
I've had the pleasure of being a counseling client of GSM and training as a counselor as well as small donor, and I've seen the impact they've had on communities in many countries around the world, including here at home. GSM is one of the very best Christian NGO's I know of. I've had the pleasure of talking with their founder, Bettie Mitchell, and I can say that they reach out to every single person with open arms. This is a prayerful and brave organization who will not shrink from facing difficult situations, and who reach out to everyone, regardless of their lifestyle. These are Bible loving believers, but you will find many more Christian actions than Christian words here, and they know how to pinch a nickle until the Buffalo screams.