Deborah—A faithful and passionate counselor
By Angelica Michail
At first glance, Deborah Nonglait looks ordinary—neither assertive nor authoritative. Yet her everywoman demeanor belies her deep commitment to seeking out those in need and supporting them. Eleven years ago, she declined a comfortable government job and chose the road less traveled—helping those in need of counseling.
Deborah is the sole counselor at the Mihngi Counseling Center in Jowai, outside Shillong. She has been running it single-handedly until a few months ago, when she was able to hire an assistant, Phykhamti. To find her clients, she bravely walks the streets, going to prisons, jails, bars and hospitals. She leaves a calling card with her name and phone number and an offer for free counseling.
Many have responded to her offer for help—men addicted to heroin and marijuana, women addicted to alcohol, and others dealing with family issues such as domestic violence. On the day we visited, there were about 10 women, men and young girls at the center.
Presbyterian Women’s Fellowship (PWF) in the Presbyterian Church in India (PCI) supports the program, providing the counseling center and funds for Deborah and her assistant.
When Deborah spoke, her passion came through each word she uttered and each gesture she made. Although she has no formal counseling training, she said she felt called to do this work and uses the word of God as the foundation for the support she offers. Before we left, she asked that we pray for the success of the center and that her work glorify God.
Angelica traveled to India in October 2011 with Presbyterian Women’s Global Exchange.
Invite the participant from your synod to your next event to share more insights from this life-changing trip.
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