Bible Society of Kenya continues to conduct the trauma healing programme to help individuals who are ailing from wounded hearts after undergoing traumatizing situations in life.

Trauma is caused by various issues that may be direct personal experiences or witnessing someone else’s suffering. Some people may not know they are experiencing trauma as the situation may have happened a long time ago and one may think they go over the pain until one asks if they have any wounds and it triggers a painful memory that may take time to heal.

A classic initial trauma healing session was conducted at Deliverance Church in Makutano, Embu County from Monday 31st August – September 4th, 2020 where 28 participants were trained on how to handle trauma-related issues. 

Each lesson in the training presented what the Bible teaches on how to handle trauma. Participants learned about the need for trauma healing, how to heal from their trauma, and to care for traumatized people. The training had sessions where participants shared the difficult situations they had undergone. Through this lesson, most people felt relieved of their burdens after the class and they are now able to help others deal with trauma. 

The topic of forgiveness stood out for many. Some participants confessed that they had carried forgiveness in their hearts for years, not knowing that it was bondage. Others had not even realized that the pains they carried were resulting from trauma. They were grateful for this programme as it has helped them to forgive and live in freedom.

General Secretary Mrs. Elizabeth Muriuki was in attendance on the last day of the meeting. She talked about the Bible Society of Kenya’s programmes and emphasized that they are aimed at holistically transforming people’s lives. She encouraged the participants to always rely on God’s word for guidance in their lives and as they help others, as it is the true source of hope to lives’ challenges.

The climax of the workshop was taking your pain to the cross where participants had a chance to list their pain on a piece of paper and burnt them to symbolize the beginning of the healing of pain by God.  After this session, most participants confessed that they felt their burdens were lifted and they have hope to move on with life.

To crown it all participants received certificates and a trauma healing booklet which contains more details on the topics covered.

We interviewed some participants and below are their testimonies.

“I have lived with so much pain after losing two children in a short span due to a mysterious illness. My dad did not attend the burial of my second child, which bothered me. When I confronted him on why he did not come he told me he thought I was cursed. I have lived with pain and unanswered questions on why I had to go through this. This programme has helped me to release my pain to Jesus and now I feel healed.” Pst. Jane 

“After learning about forgiveness, I realized I had not forgiven someone who hurt me many years ago. I was raped by a close friend when I was young, and this resulted in pregnancy. I have had challenges relating to my son who keeps asking who his father is, as I still feel I was taken advantage of. I thank God that through this workshop I have learned the importance of forgiveness and gotten reassurance that God loves me.” Carol

We thank God that people are regaining hope for life and they can spread the message of hope with others who are facing difficult situations in life.