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Set Free Ministries Sees Rise in Parental Concerns Over Child Mental Health, YouVersion Hits 500 Million Downloads, Christian Organizations Launch Gift Catalogs for Global Aid

Christmas gift catalogs, Set Free Ministries, YouVersion

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Set Free Ministries Executive Director Dean Vander Mey says he’s seen an uptick in parents reaching out to the counseling ministry for help with their children as the impact of COVID-19 continues. The ministry focuses on common issues such as anxiety, depression, and fear, all from within the context of spiritual health. “We are created in God’s image. We’re first spiritual beings, then we’re emotional or psychological, and then we’re physical beings,” Vander Mey says. In October, the American Academy of Pediatrics was one of three organizations to declare a national emergency in children’s mental health.

YouVersion celebrated 500 million downloads of its app last week, making it the first faith-based app to do so. The app originally launched in 2008 as one of the first 200 free apps in the App Store from the desire to “make Scripture accessible to everyone.” The app includes Scripture (in over 2,600 Bible versions), Bible plans, prayer guides, and more.

Christian humanitarian organizations have launched their 2021 programs asking donors to purchase gifts for people in need around the world this Christmas season. WorldHelp, World Vision, Samaritan’s Purse, and Compassion International have each published catalogs with options to purchase items like water, educational supplies, livestock, and more for families in poverty.

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Christina Darnell

Christina Darnell is a freelance writer who has contributed to WORLD, The Charlotte Observer, and other publications.

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