Frequently Asked Questions

Patchwork Faith Ministries will assist you in finding freedom from emotional and physical sickness in your life. Your prayer minister will join with you in prayer through the power of the Holy Spirit. Prayer ministry is not based solely on common counseling tools or words of advice, but rather on the Word of God and the Holy Spirit. God reveals “root causes” so that His power can help you find victory. Some issues commonly dealt with are past traumas; chronic physical ailments; relationship difficulties; unforgiveness; anger; fear; addictive spirits; lack of spiritual growth; current illness; depression & anxiety; children's ADHD, ADD, and others.

Most people doing prayer ministry are not state licensed professional counselors. Many are lay people or ordained lay ministers. Prayer ministers use the Word of God as their foundation, coupled with counseling techniques. They use the Holy Spirit to lead their ministry, as He is the Great Counselor.
 

Most Christian counselors are state licensed. It is also common to use the term "Christian counselor" for any licensed counselor who happens to be a Christian, even though they may only use secular principles in their work. Most professional counselors are either not trained to do prayer ministry or are forbidden by their conditions of employment to do so. Most professional counseling courses are based on a worldview which does not always include Christian principles.

Christian counseling and prayer ministry use some of the same principles. The biggest differences are the qualifications required and the foundation upon which the help is based.

Carissa Hjellming is our female prayer minister and is NOT a state licensed counselor. She is a Certified Healing Practitioner.

This is a question that is hard to answer in a brief response. God gives us power, the power of Christ living within us. He invites us into relationship with Him. But He also gives us other believers who are filled with the Spirit, too. Sometimes we find our healing through Christ living within us. Other times, our brothers & sisters in Christ minister to us with gifts of wisdom, knowledge, prophecy, healing, etc. Many times, healing happens in layers. As we learn to walk in the newness of Christ, God prepares us to then go deeper. Often, we are not fully able to deal with all aspects of a particular problem, until another believer helps us uncover the root causes of it.

To find healing through Patchwork Faith Ministries, you must be honest with God and honest with your prayer minister. You may need to reveal things you would rather keep hidden to find true healing. The enemy would love for you to keep your secrets in the dark—that way, he still has a hold on your life. By releasing these hidden things to a trustworthy minister, the Light overcomes the darkness and the enemy loses his power. Prayer ministers at Patchwork Faith Ministries are non-judgmental and keep what is shared completely confidential. Keep in mind, sometimes God will expose areas of your life to your prayer minister through words of knowledge, too. God does NOT want things to remain locked deep within you. He wants you to find freedom.

No. Prayer ministers at Patchwork Faith Ministries are NOT against doctors or medicine. In fact, if you are suffering from clinical depression and/or having suicidal thoughts, we insist that you be seen by a medical professional, as well. We will work with you while you are doctoring for any sickness or condition.

Appointments are scheduled in 50-minute intervals. Your first appointment is considered an “intake” appointment. Your prayer minister will explain Patchwork Faith Ministries to you, answer any questions you have and inquire as to your needs/goals. You will be asked many questions to begin with. You will receive a client questionnaire and liability release form that must be completed and returned.

Many clients will cry during their ministry time. This is often the way the Holy Spirit works. Do not be surprised if you find yourself laughing, too. Your prayer minister will ask Holy Spirit led questions and listen carefully and tenderly. Our goal is to unite you with God’s Holy Spirit and the healing power of Jesus; to lead you to truth; and to help you find answers, relief, restoration, and physical and emotional healing. At the end of each session, your prayer minister will pray with and for you. This prayer time varies, depending on what is needed.

Global Awakening suggests women counsel women and men counsel men. At the present time, Carissa Hjellming is the only prayer minister at Patchwork Faith Ministries. Therefore, we only offer services for women and children.

Carissa Hjellming is a dynamic Christian speaker and teacher, delivering her own powerful testimony. She has lived through a near-death experience; 17 years of chronic pain; depression; anxiety; divorce; and the tragic murder of her brother-in-law in 2012. Carissa is no stranger to pain. Yet, she remains filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit and desires to help you find that same joy! Just imagine Holy Spirit popcorn. This is our Carissa!

Carissa taught elementary school (grades 1-4) for 16 years, has a master’s degree in this field, and has served as a behavior interventionist for children, as well. She is also an ordained lay minister through Royal Family International and a certified healing practitioner through Global Awakening. Carissa's residency focus was inner healing (emotional counseling). God has called Carissa to this ministry. She loves to encourage, is a warrior for Christ, and Carissa's joy for Jesus is contagious!

No. Insurance will not cover the cost of these appointments.

You sow into this ministry at the conclusion of each session. A $60 donation is suggested. The help you receive is not based on the amount you pay. The one and only time you will receive a bill from our ministry is if you choose to book an appointment and then you do not show up. If you do not call to cancel or re-schedule at least 6 hours prior to your appointment, you will be billed a $50 “no-show” fee. Emergencies are understandable.

God asks us to sow into the people and places that feed our spirits and bring us closer to His Kingdom. To “sow” means to scatter upon the earth for growth. When you choose to sow into our ministry, Patchwork Faith Ministries then grows, and the Kingdom of God grows! Ask God how much you should give. He will lead you. Only you and God know your financial status. Some clients truly do not have the resources to give much. God understands this and so do we. This ministry is here to serve ALL women and children in need. Let us provide you with this:

• The average cost of a 50-minute counseling session in Minnesota ranges from $150-$250. Some agencies offer counseling on a sliding scale related to income. 
• Patchwork Faith Ministries receives NO funding from medical insurance companies.
• Patchwork Faith Ministries is funded solely by contributors, monthly support partners, and clients’ donations.
• Your donations are tax deductible, and you will receive a year-end tax receipt.

This will be determined by you and your prayer minister. Typically, sessions for emotional healing start weekly until you find they can be tapered off to bi-weekly or monthly.

No. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization. We are NOT a crisis clinic. Please call 911 in an emergency or life-threatening situation.