G. Travis Woodfield joins LAMPa for the summer with the goal of organizing our advocacy work around mental health and addiction. Currently entering his third year of divinity school at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C., he is in process for the Word and Service roster in the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod of the ELCA.

“I am excited to be joining LAMPa for this summer to work on issues around mental health and addiction,” says Travis. “I have previously spent several years as a hospital chaplain working primarily in psychiatric and neurological units.  I hope to bring this perspective to the work LAMPa and the larger ELCA community are doing in Pennsylvania.”

Travis will be connecting advocates who wish to work on public policy around mental health and addiction — whether because of lived experience, professional expertise or ministry with those who are suffering because of these issues.  If interested or know someone who might be,  please contact Travis here.

“I see ministry as connecting people that might not otherwise see connections that can be meaningful and standing with people who might not know the importance and power of their voice.  In short, developing relationships lay at the foundation of ministry, whether it is individual or communal,” Travis says. “I also see individual ministry as helping people experience awe when circumstances seem to be so intense or confusing that awe is out of reach.  Awe, whether in a sunset, or a painting, or a song, or other things, provides connection to the divine in a way that moves people beyond themselves to others around them.  One way I have done this in my ministry is card tricks so, if you see me ask me if I have cards on me and I’ll show you one!”

In his spare time, Travis is an amateur magician who plays guitar and video games, and loves to cook.  He and his wife, Rachael Dietz, an ELCA pastor, live in Mohnton, just outside of Reading.  They have a cat who is half dog, named Clementine.

“I look forward to working with all of you in order to do the best work we can during my time interning with LAMPa.  Feel free to contact me with ideas, questions, or general comments.”