USA (MNN) — September is National Suicide Prevention Month in the U.S., and the latest numbers reveal startling developments. When adjusted for age, the suicide rate is at its highest point since 1941.
Set Free Ministries’ Dean VanderMey says the COVID-19 pandemic is behind the latest surge in national and local mental health crises.
“We’ve had a number of people call us with suicide attempts and contemplating suicide. All of our mental health facilities here in Michigan are full. There’s hardly anywhere to send anyone,” VanderMey says.
“This is really having a huge effect on the nation, and especially on younger people. They’re feeling overwhelmed, and they’re losing hope.”
With these trends in mind, Set Free added an outreach component to their annual ministry celebration. “It’s something your listeners will want to tap into,” VanderMey tells MNN. Learn more here.
“It’s a half-hour talk on fear and anxiety, and how to deal with the COVID-19 stress that’s coming upon our nation.”
A quarter-century of freedom
Based in West Michigan, Set Free Ministries hosts a banquet each year to celebrate the Lord’s work through their national and international teams. More about Set Free Ministries here.
Statewide COVID-19 restrictions fluctuated greatly in frequency and severity between April and August, which made event planning extremely difficult for Set Free staff. Instead of hosting the traditional annual banquet, VanderMey says Set Free organized an online celebration to mark its 25th anniversary.
“We’re sharing what God has done over the last 25 years. It’ll be a lively event, and there’s going to be a lot of testimony.”
(Graphic courtesy Set Free Ministries)
Along with describing highlights of the past quarter-century, keynote speaker Dr. Neil T. Anderson will answer questions about fear, anxiety, spiritual warfare, and more. Submit your questions here.
Questions must be submitted before Monday, September 14, when Set Free staff will record the event. The celebration goes “live” on September 18, VanderMey says. Sign up to watch here.
“Twenty-five years ago, when we started, we had this idea: Jesus didn’t charge for ministry, so we’re not going to [either]. That’s what I like about this event going virtual – nobody has to pay a dime. If you want to give to the ministry that’s great, but you don’t have to.”
Header image is a representative stock photo courtesy fernando zhiminaicela via Pixabay.
