The Bible Society of Kenya held a workshop that saw the first group of 28 facilitators graduate in classic advanced trauma healing. The training took place from 9^th-12^th October 2017 at Dimese Sisters, Karen. The facilitators had already undergone the basic initial equipping trauma healing training and were already facilitating trauma healing in various regions of the country. Also present were participants from the Bible Society of South Sudan. The participants were certified depending on their performance on various tests administered; healing group facilitator, training facilitator and master facilitator.

Participants during the training session

The main facilitator was Mrs. Debbie Wolcott, the Training Manager at American Bible Society. Rev. Repent Abraham from South Sudan Bible Society was certified as a master facilitator. The participants from Kenya came as far as Kuria in Migori county, Baringo Kakamega and Nairobi counties. The participants were excited to be empowered with advanced skills that would enable them to handle trauma cases in their communities. After the classic advanced training, those willing to progress with the course were asked to register for master facilitator course that would take place in November 2017.

The trauma healing programme was introduced in Kenya by BSK in 2013. This programme has since grown in reach and impact. Many people have been equipped with knowledge on how to handle trauma related issues as well as reach out to people who have undergone difficulties in marriage, loss of loved ones, rape, domestic abuse, sickness and many more. The programme is unique as it equips people with biblical and mental health resources so that traumatized people can experience the life-changing message of the Bible.

The programme is currently airing on Kass FM, a local radio station that airs in the Kalenjin dialect. Since the start of live airing on radio, this programme has gained a lot of mileage in terms of the number of people that have come to know of its existence. Through these media, many people have received renewed hope and are able to cope with life knowing that God is in control of everything that happens.

A group of over 40 trainees is currently undergoing the basic trauma healing. Two groups have already graduated with the initial equipping training and some were part of the group that graduated with classic advanced skills.  The training incorporates participatory learning and doesn’t involve assumptions as it addresses real practical issues that confront members of the society on a daily basis.

A participant receives a certificate from Mr. Isaac Litali, Global Ministry Exchange Facilitator at United Bible Societies

The training not only equips the participants with trauma healing skills but also helps the trainees to get healing on their personal issues before they can go and minister to other wounded hearts. The areas covered in the training include; why people suffer if God loves them, healing the wounds of the heart, grieving, rape, ministering amidst HIV/AIDS, care giving, forgiveness, living amidst conflict, helping children that have undergone bad things, taking one’s pain to the cross and looking ahead. The training is open to everyone that needs their personal healing of heart wounds and to be able to help others.