As a young boy in Peru, Jose suffered sexual abuse in his home. But after escaping the abuse, Jose’s life continued on a downward trajectory of pain and suffering. “I grew up among gangs, theft, and contract killings. I thought I would die in a shoot-out or [get] knifed in a robbery or fight. The last time I was taken to Huaral prison was for aggravated robbery … I wanted to kill and hurt.”

Jose carried anger and pain from his traumatic experiences. Unfortunately, he is not alone. Many Latin Americans are trapped in violent cycles of trauma. Gangs, gender-based violence, political violence, and forced displacement cause them to remain in despair and hopelessness. Latin Americans need healing from their past and hope for their future.

God has the power to set us free from anger, depression, fear, and anxiety through the power of his Word. He can heal wounds from long ago and bring us back to life when we think all is lost.

The Bible says in Psalm 118:

“In my distress I called to the Lord; he answered me and set me free.”

Psalm 118:5

Bible-based Trauma Healing Offers Hope

How do we put an end to the vicious cycles of trauma that are wreaking havoc on people like Jose? It starts with healing. And local Bible societies, churches, and ministry leaders are doing something about it. They are offering Bible-based trauma healing to communities throughout Latin America.

Trauma healing helps those with wounds of the soul and spirit connect with the hope found in God’s Word.

Each group is led by a trained ministry leader using a simple curriculum. Based on Scripture, the lessons use art, stories, activities, and questions to help people engage deeply with themselves, God, and each other. And they find healing in God’s Word!

In 2019, more than 8,000 people have been impacted by trauma healing in 10 Latin American countries: Peru, Ecuador, Cuba, El Salvador, Paraguay, Chile, Bolivia, Suriname, Guatemala, and Puerto Rico. We are praying that God’s Word will continue to set many more Latin Americans free from the pain they carry. Will you join us?

3 Ways to Pray for Latin America:

• Pray that God will open eyes and hearts to experience his healing love. Pray that trauma healing will have a profound impact on the lives of trauma victims.
• Ask God to rescue and protect those who are vulnerable to violence, live in poverty, or face dire circumstances.
• Pray that God will transform communities throughout Latin America, and that they will know him through his Word.