An almost hidden pain

Trauma emotionally and psychologically stamps people in a way often invisible to others, but rarely invisible to those impacted. For instance, people at the frontline of Australia’s bushfires earlier this year are still dealing with day-to-day physical loss. They are also living with deep seated trauma. Some children have not spoken a word since day turned to night, and the terrifying sounds of an unstoppable force wreaked havoc in their formerly safe community.

All around the world there are communities living with the pain of an open wound. Those who have suffered child sexual abuse, who have lived in an unrelenting war zone, and those currently at the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic are all likely to carry trauma deep in their souls.

God’s word for suffering communities

There is no magic wand that takes away trauma. It is not about trying to excise the wound within a person’s psyche. However, the Bible offers some words of deep wisdom, lament and hope that can speak into people’s trauma.

Several of Bible Society’s overseas partners are offering programs designed to support people who have significant trauma. With help, communities who have suffered trauma – caused by natural disaster, war, genocide and institutional abuse as just some examples – can start to find new ways of being, while still carrying their wound. The work of Bible Societies in offering trauma support, practical help and in some cases, significant Trauma Healing programs, is paramount to the repair of stressed communities.

Right now, Bible Society Australia has a special appeal to help fund these life renewing programs:

Zimbabwe: Food and God’s word to mothers unable to provide for their disabled children
Lebanon: Emergency repair to Bible Society office and Bibles for 10,000 families traumatised by the recent blast
South Pacific: Bible-based trauma healing training, and booklets for victims of Cyclone Harold
Iraq: Scripture and relief packages for those displaced and traumatised within Iraq
Nicaragua: Practical and spiritual support for families of children with cancer
Syria: Bible-based trauma healing training to help cope with the civil war and economic turmoil
Australia: Bible portions to equip chaplains in hospitals and prisons, and food and Scripture packs

What you can do

As Christians, we claim the words so powerfully expressed in the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians. Through prayer, we can find God’s peace. “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)

How can we help those traumatised through events outside their control? Through prayers (“… in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Phil 4:6) and through giving to provide God’s word, trauma support materials and basic daily items that are acts of practical kindness.

Help equip Bible Societies around the world in bringing God’s peace which is beyond our understanding. It is hard to think of anything more wonderful to receive.

Prayer Needs

• Pray for the peace of God to surround those who have lost loved ones, homes or their livelihoods
• Pray that they would turn to Jesus as they seek to rebuild their lives
• Pray that suffering communities worldwide will find restoration and hope for the future