Rescue centre teens pursue recovery in person

By Sheryl Greenwood | Ecuador in South America

God opened the door for trauma healing ministry to take place face to face in southern Ecuador after a year and a half of strict pandemic regulations and virtual meetings.

This emotional workshop offered 15 people at a rescue centre for sexually abused teens the opportunity to seek healing in Jesus.

“It was difficult to realise that hurts from my childhood were still affecting me and I needed to express them and forgive,” said one participant in the emotional trauma healing workshop.

The three facilitators spent two weeks with the teens playing games and teaching on emotional recovery from trauma using stories and lessons from the Bible. Initially, the teens were reserved and hesitant, but as time went on, they warmed up, joined in activities, and responded more and more.

On the final day, one teen who had been struggling with forgiveness toward her abuser at the start, said the workshop had helped her a lot and desired to move forward in her own healing.

Each teen received their own Bible on the first day, and a certificate, celebration, and Samaritan’s Purse Christmas Child box at the end. They couldn’t have been more pleased!

“We are glad to have a Bible so we can learn more about God,” expressed another teen.

Five of the girls also received boxes for their babies who were living at the centre with them. SIM team members were able to go back later to continue building relationships with the teens through beginning a community garden outside their dinning facility.

The team has been grateful to God for these opportunities to share hope in Christ during pain and for open hearts longing for restoration.

Pray with us

 • For God to use his Word for transformation in the lives of Ecuadorian facilitators and participants.

 • For strong partnerships with more local churches to expand the number of local workers and outreaches.

Read more from SIM Ecuador Trauma Healing below.

June and July adult workshop participant testimonies

“The Trauma Healing workshop helped me cure my wounds and showed me how to listen to others.”

“The most valuable part for me was how to forgive and how to write a lament.”

“Everything was useful, but the most helpful for me was that I was able to express and free myself from the heavy burdens I was carrying.”

“The diagram of the process of grieving helped me to understand where I was in the process and how to heal.”