What is the procedure to have someone come to AgapeHope for counseling?
Follow your organization’s procedures for approval. Then contact AgapeHope to check on our availability and to confirm dates and other details. When we receive a request from a guest, the next step is to set up an introductory session by Zoom. The session usually takes about an hour. One of our counselors will share about who we are, how we work, hear your story, and make plans of how we might help. The guest load at AgapeHope varies, and there is often a waiting list. This influences the timing and starting date of a guest’s intensive counseling.
Where is AgapeHope Located?
AgapeHope has a small administrative office in Kenmore Washington, but all counseling is currently being done remotely via Zoom. This allows us to minister to guests all over the world right in their own locations. We can occasionally accommodate in-person counseling by exception. Ask our Guest Relations Coordinator for more information.
What can I expect while at AgapeHope?
Guests may expect an "intensive week" approach. We meet with guests for daily sessions Monday through Thursday. Married couples usually receive both individual and couple sessions. Singles are welcome and will have individual sessions tailored to the need. We use a team approach, so missionaries and pastors may see several members of our team. An introductory Zoom call is scheduled before a guest's arrival. This gives us opportunity to get acquainted and may help the missionary or pastor determine if "the chemistry is right." We ask that our guests plan to begin their sessions on Monday to make the most out of their first week with us.
How long does it take?
The answer to this question is not an easy one with a predetermined response. We recommend that our guests plan to connect "as long as it takes." Addressing personal and relational concerns is not "fast food." We ask guests to plan on a minimum of two weeks. If more counseling is desired after the two intensive weeks, arrangements can be made to do periodic check-ins or more intensive work.
Are there tests I should do before the intensive week(s)?
Each guest is asked to complete several questionnaires and assessments before their intensive counseling begins. These inventories give the counselor objective information about what the guest is experiencing in areas like anxiety, depression, stress, burnout, and others.
Is the counseling confidential?
We believe strongly in confidentiality. It is one of our core values. Before counseling begins, each guest signs a Release of Confidential Information, and information is only shared with those who are listed on the form. When a guest comes voluntarily, we do not report to any leadership unless a report is requested. When a missionary or pastor is directed by leadership to come to AgapeHope, a report is often issued; the AgapeHope team and the guest collaborate on the writing of the report. There are state regulations for licensed counselors, and AgapeHope complies with both legal and ethical concerns regarding confidentiality.
How much does it cost?
AgapeHope does not have a fee nor charge guests for counseling. We accept donations from the missionaries and pastors we serve. These donations are often in the form of leadership-approved transfers from a missionary or pastor’s ministry funds to AgapeHope. A contribution equal to a minimum of $75 per person per day is appreciated. Donations can be made through our giving page or by mail.
How is AgapeHope financed?
AgapeHope is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and is dependent on the donations of our guests and ministry supporters. We do not have a fee for services, and services are not denied if the individual is unable to make a donation. AgapeHope counselors are responsible for raising their personal salaries as we do not bill insurance. Suggested donation: $75 per day per person. Donations can be made through our giving page or by mail.
What is the history behind our name change?
In 1996, Dr. Jack and Adel Rozell founded Missionary Renewal Asia Pacific to minister to Asia Pacific missionaries and later developed the arm Ministry Resources International to minister to a growing number of pastors and missionaries from all over the world. Jack served as director for 24 years and now serves as a consultant for the ministry. Today, this ministry is called AgapeHope.
What is “member care”?
Member Care is the ongoing preparation, equipping, and enabling of missionaries for effective and sustainable life, ministry, and work. Our goal is to enhance the life quality, ministry effectiveness, and longevity of missionaries. Our approach to member care is holistic and includes spiritual, emotional, relational, and physical matters. We seek to enable missionaries to make healthy choices by offering ongoing training, resources, and equipping in all these areas.
How do you describe AgapeHope’s counseling approach?
We are a pastoral care center for missionaries and pastors and their families. Our counseling approach is called Agape Counseling and is based on three principles rooted in the Great Command. We encourage guests to embrace three facts: The first is that “God loves those He sends and is caring for them in a healing way.” Then we counsel a guest to help them discover how God is caring for them and healing them. The third thing we communicate is that as healing occurs, we become more effective healers. We do use some clinical resources (testing, licensed personnel, and approaches, etc.) in the counseling process as appropriate.