Join Brandi and James as they interview Andrew Brown, the program director at Alongside. They discuss the ministry of Alongside and explore short-term, intensive, or immersive care models for cross-cultural workers.

Around the world, many centers offer a variety of care options, including counseling, debriefing, spiritual direction, coaching, inner-healing prayer, and training. Most of these offer programs that last from a few days to a few weeks, providing intentional time away from work and daily life, and often from difficult environments. During this time, the focus shifts to navigating the challenges that prompt people to seek care.

James, Andrew, and Brandi share some of their experiences working with and connecting to these centers. They are not attempting to be comprehensive or to intentionally promote or unintentionally overlook any particular center; rather, they simply share what they have seen and heard. Please visit the referral page for a list of centers, and email James if you have additional resources to add.

Andrew is a pastor’s kid from Pennsylvania who started his ministry journey at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, before moving to Turkey with his wife, Alanna. Along the way, they had two kids, many moves, and lots of adventures. Andrew has an MA in clinical psychology from Wheaton Graduate School and was one of the first counselors at Olive Tree Counseling Center. Presently, he serves as the program director at Alongside, providing retreat-based counseling and care to individuals, couples, and families serving in vocational ministry. Andrew is one of those unusual individuals who is just as comfortable with emotions and with spreadsheets. Presently, his best days are the ones when he’s exploring somewhere new with his wife, or having random conversations with their teenagers.

To learn more about Alongside or to find out if a retreat is a good fit for you, visit http://www.alongsidecares.net or email them at info@alongsidecares.net.