As a young girl, Alejandra was often beaten at home. When she became a teenager, she fled her home to escape the abuse. But living on the streets of Guatemala took a heavy toll on Alejandra. She struggled to survive. With no food or money, Alejandra turned to a life of prostitution.

One day, while Alejandra was in a house, two men began fighting. A terrible fire erupted and the house was engulfed in flames. Alejandra was trapped inside. Although she managed to escape with her life, she lost her eyesight.

Lying in the hospital bed, injured and alone, Alejandra felt like her world had collapsed. “I already felt [like] the worst garbage and finding out that I was blind, I felt useless,” she says.

But that’s not how Alejandra’s story ends.

‘Now I know I can move forward.’

Guatemala has one of the highest rates of violence in Latin America. Vulnerable women like Alejandra suffer domestic violence, sexual violence, and gang violence. Some are caught in the shame and degradation of prostitution or human trafficking. These traumatizing experiences leave women in desperate need of God’s healing touch.

To address the deep suffering felt by many in this nation, Bible Society of Guatemala introduced Bible-based trauma healing. The program’s curriculum equips ministry leaders to meet people in their suffering.

At the lowest point in her life, Alejandra found hope in a Bible-based trauma healing group. There, she began to share her painful story. After hearing countless Scripture passages about God’s love for her, Alejandra released to Jesus the shame she had been carrying all her life.

And he healed her! Today, Alejandra says, “I thought it was impossible to forgive me this [former lifestyle of prostitution], but now after the workshop I have forgiven myself and I know I can move forward.”

Praise God for renewed hope for Alejandra! To date, more than 460 people have gone through the Bible-based trauma healing program in Guatemala. Please join us in praying that many others will experience the healing presence of Jesus, just like Alejandra.

Let’s pray together:

Father, thank you for exchanging Alejandra’s pain for peace. We ask you to rescue all those suffering in vulnerable, violent, or abusive situations in Guatemala. We also pray that you will use the Bible-based trauma healing program to bring your healing to all broken hearts.