Gideon Pingkihan

Mental Health

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I hope this letter finds you well. First, I would like to thank everyone for supporting our vision to save the lost and ignite the saved around the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

On this new year's first edition of the magazine, we'll discuss a social issue that some Christians often forget to discuss: Mental Health. "Kulang ka lang sa Dasal," which translates to "You just lack prayer," is a well-known discourse in the Philippines regarding mental health concerns among Filipino households. A study conducted by De La Salle University - Dasmariñas, Cavite, revealed that 1 in 10 young adults in the country suffer from moderate to severe depression. In contrast, 17 million Filipinos suffer from general depression.

In the realm of faith and spirituality, discussions surrounding mental health have often been met with silence or stigma. However, as a society, it is imperative that we should confront this silence and encourage open dialogue within our Christian communities.

Mental Health struggles are not a sign of weak faith. Recognizing and addressing mental health challenges reflects how we live out the teachings of Christ, creating an environment of love, understanding, and support for all, including those people dealing with mental health.

In this edition, four writers encourage us to approach mental health from the Biblical perspective. I pray that this edition will empower your walk with the Lord, and if you struggle with mental health, God will deliver you with His healing hands and give you hope that the world cannot offer you.

May His favor be upon you always. God bless us all.

In His Service
Gideon Pingkihan
Associate Editor
EGM Times