South Sudan has been in a state of unrest since it gained independence from Sudan in 2011. Despite this, the Bible Society there is continuing its work to make the Bible available and to help people apply its message to their lives.
'Healing Wounds of Trauma', South Sudan
Many children have been left with trauma from loss or violence. They are simply not equipped to handle such burdens without some help.
Most South Sudanese have experienced some kind of trauma. Millions died during the 22-year Sudanese civil war, and many thousands have also suffered at the hands of the Lord's Resistance Army, which has conducted brutal raids across the Ugandan border.
Many people have a story of violence, loss, struggle and suffering and most have experienced some kind of trauma - in some cases people have lost all hope.
In response to this, the Bible Society in South Sudan began running the Bible-based 'Healing Wounds of Trauma' workshop, which has now become an established ministry. Hundreds of people each year have attended workshops, learning how to deal with the psychological, emotional and spiritual wounds inflicted by the violence they have witnessed.
Among these many people are of course children. Think of these little ones who have experienced loss of family, who have been mistreated, or have witnessed violence they cannot even begin to process. There is a special course that has been established just for them. Specially trained facilitators lead workshops which demonstrate God's love and offer freedom. Scripture resources are used and Bibles are also given to the children and young people.
Praying for South Sudan
- Praise God that He cares for the suffering and vulnerable. Pray that He will pour healing out through the 'Healing Wounds of Trauma' programme in South Sudan, especially for children who have been through so much.
- Pray for those who have been trained to facilitate workshops and for the churches who are hosting the programmes. Pray that they would be effective at helping the children and in pointing them to Jesus, the one who can heal all.
- Pray too for the Bible Society in South Sudan as they continue to build partnerships and secure funding for this programme to expand and increase its impact. Pray for great kingdom growth.
Week 12: 19 December 2017
Brave Kids
'Healing Wounds of Trauma' is helping children of all ages.
Thankfully, through Church partnerships and opportunities to work in some schools, over 4,000 children have been helped begin working through the trauma they have suffered.
A New Chance
'Jay' is 15 years old from South Sudan.
"I am proud to say that I have attended a 'Healing Wounds of Trauma' workshop organised by the Bible Society in South Sudan. 'Healing Wounds of Trauma' gave me a new chance, the chance to start again for myself.
I can now live life without having the damage caused by people in my childhood, control my adulthood and my decisions in life's journey. I am now strong, confident and ready to take on new challenges.
I would encourage anyone to attend 'Healing Wounds of Trauma'. I was afraid of the unknown before I went, but now I know it was worth the fear to receive freedom from the abuse that never left."
Bible Society NI, 27 Howard Street, Belfast, BT1 6NB
