~Featuring~
Jaime Dills and her (future) Equine-assisted Therapy Ministry
I have known Jaime all of her life. Literally. She is my daughter, the younger of my two. I have watched her grow from childhood, mature through adolescence, and make some life-changing decisions in her young adulthood. Here is a little bit of Jaime’s story, about the path that God has been leading her down, and her aspirations for the future.
Grace Point!:
How did the concept of an equine assisted ministry come about?
Jaime:
I have always loved horses, and I knew I wanted to grow up and have a career involving horses. As my faith grew, what I wanted as a career choice quickly became what I wanted as a ministry choice. I have felt the calling to have an equine assisted ministry for over three years now, and I am currently getting the education I need to not only own and operate such a facility, but to also counsel and minister to those who would use it.
I have volunteered at several equine assisted therapy centers, to see how they operate on a day-to-day basis, as well as to observe to see how the horses and clients react to each other, and what the they learn from the experience.
Jaime, with her unit,
returning from a year’s deployment
in Afghanistan, August 2014, Ft. Bliss, TX.
Jaime receiving a promotion
to the rank of Sergeant.
Grace Point!:
What people-group are you the most drawn to help and make your ministry available to?
Jaime:
I hope to work mostly with the veteran population. I want to help those that suffer from PTSD, physical limitations and emotional scars due to war injuries, and those that need help re-entering society after long deployments. I also want to help at-risk youth, their families, and individuals overcoming addiction. I hope to incorporate a retreat where people can come to worship and become closer to God while they heal.
Grace Point!:
How has your military training and experience helped you to achieve this goal?
Jaime:
My military experience has helped me by providing me the opportunities to work with a variety of people, both here in the USA, and while deployed to Afghanistan. Also, because of my military service, veterans and their families have a special place in my heart.
