Trauma is all around us. It approaches us in different faces such as abuse, rape, abandonment, and war, a state we’re unfortunately too familiar with in the Middle East. It leaves behind a trail on its victims; a trail that if undealt with, leads them to a life of an all-consuming darkness. The question here arises, how can one get out of this darkness and into the light? Can the victim restore his own wounds? How should we deal with traumatized victims? How can we as Christians do our part in more than just prayer?
Trauma is all around us. It approaches us in different faces such as abuse, rape, abandonment, and war, a state we’re unfortunately too familiar with in the Middle East. It leaves behind a trail on its victims; a trail that if undealt with, leads them to a life of an all-consuming darkness. The question here arises, how can one get out of this darkness and into the light? Can the victim restore his own wounds? How should we deal with traumatized victims? How can we as Christians do our part in more than just prayer?
“It was very fruitful. It awakened in us the sense of responsibility towards each individual that needs help and made us remember that we are called to be loving and kind” Prison Coordinator from the Nusroto Association
Considering what has been happening in the Middle East, especially these last few years, the Bible Society Lebanon in partnership with the American Bible Society and Strategic Resource Group developed a trauma healing program to answer all these questions and more. The program under the title of “Celebrating the Trauma Restoration Promised in the Bible” was launched on the 13th of April 2016 with the purpose of equipping Christian leaders, psychologists, NGOS, social workers and all other concerned parties and individuals on how to be effective when working in the field of reaching out to people in distress.
“This conference helped us see the opportunity to reach out in the midst of despair” Director of the Lutheran Ministry Lebanon
The topics discussed were the following:
Christianity and Persecution: History and Healing” By Dr. Michael Bassous, General Secretary / CEO, Bible society – Lebanon
“Empowering the Church to be the Instrument of God’s Healing Power” By Mr. Paul Schultheis, SRG Managing Partner & Leslie Doll, SRG Board Member
“Meeting All SRG members gave us a good understanding about trauma healing.” Staff member Bible Society Syria
“Importance of the Trauma Healing Program for the Persecuted Christians in the Middle East” By Bishop Yousif Thomas Mirkis, Bishop of Kirkuk and Soleimaniya Diocese for the Chaldean Church – Erbil
“Responding to Trauma Memories and Their Spiritual Impact” By Dr. Diane Langberg, Clinical practicing psychologist, and International speaker
“Diane Langberg’s presentations were both informative and moving. A couple of other prayers and presentations reflected the gravity of the situation in the Middle East.” Dr.Liles from the Bible Baptist Fellowship International
“Experience the Trauma Healing Program” By Dr. Margi McCombs, Senior Manager, Children’s Trauma Healing programs for American Bible Society & Dr. Phil Monroe, Professor of Counseling & Psychology, director of Masters of Arts in Counseling Program at Biblical Seminary
The diverse backgrounds of attendees coming from different countries such as Iraq, Syria, Jordan, UK, and US in combination with the various scopes of work and experiences lead to interesting and intriguing discussions and Q&A session.
We look forward to the next trauma healing seminar and to hear the testimonies of light breaking through in the lives of many.
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