A Season of Change
Yvonne Banks | Christian Counseling Ministries of Western New York, Inc.
I love the divine appointments that are set up by God. We go about our daily living striving to fulfill God’s purpose in our lives, many times without realizing in the moment that those who we meet, or the words spoken into us, in casual conversation, will resonate later. Two such statements spoken to me in years past were, “No one likes change except the person making it.” And the question, “How big is the Father’s heart?”
2022. A season of change. With the retirement of our founder Dr. Timothy Chambers and his wife Cheryl, after 38 years of leading Christian Counseling Ministries of Western New York, Inc. (CCM), they headed to their new home to be with family in California. I found myself sitting at my desk in prayer, seeking God’s direction. New Year. New call on my life. Psalm 139 is a great comfort to me. Taking heart in knowing God fashioned all my days, He is acquainted with all my ways, and His hand is upon me, refreshed my heart, mind, and spirit as I now lead CCM. Here it was, the season of winter 2021-22, a season to deeply abide with my Heavenly Father, a huge step of faith as I left the comfort of my former position and employer. I said “yes” to my new assignment as executive director of CCM. It has been an exciting journey so far. A time for making changes, keeping in mind what had been spoken into me. Leading a team of wonderfully talented counselors and office staff has been such a blessing. Watching God open doors where there seemed to be no way and carefully moving people’s hearts to enable us to begin building a solid foundation in Christ first has been such a blessing. Our organization now has the availability of staff and when hurting individuals call, we can set up an appointment for them right away.
Remembering the question once asked me of how big the Father’s heart is, has been in the front of my mind. When I go to the Father in distress He does not tell me to come in six to eight weeks later to talk to Him. No, He is available. That is my heart, as a professional counseling center, that we are available when someone needs help, to serve in the way our tagline states, “Compassionate Care to Guide Your Healing Journey.” Through my faith walk, relying on God’s guidance, the Holy Word, and the Holy Spirit, it has been wonderful to see God’s healing in the lives of children, adolescents, families, singles and married people. People of all ages and circumstances walk through the doors of CCM with apprehension, fear, and feeling hopeless. With the counseling services received they shift to being restored, renewed, and walking in peace, launched into the purpose of their lives. Psalm 139:14 (NKJV) says, “I will praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Our Creator values each of us and longs to be in relationship with us. CCM staffers strive to see each person who walks through our doors, with the same love and value that Christ has for us. CCM’s new mission is to provide professional counseling that integrates biblical principles to guide your journey in healing wounds from the past, resolving conflicts in the present, and achieving fullness of life. How big is the Father’s heart (for His children)? My answer: it’s endless. CCM is committed to make our services even more affordable and available to those who need them. We have already launched a new Southtowns location in addition to our main site in Clarence. As I and my team humbly serve our Lord and Savior Jesus, and serve those who seek services, we have faith and know that God is on the move at CCM and in the community during this season of change.
Christian Counseling Ministries of Western New York, Inc. provides counseling by licensed professionals, integrating biblical principles which guide the healing process so individuals can achieve prosperous, productive, and creative lives.
