Trauma Healing for IDPs Begins

Last month, Yuri Amelin (our new associate pastor) and Vika Rybchynska (Children’s Music Club) began our Trauma Healing workshop for Internally Displaced People who came to Kyiv from the occupied eastern cities of Mariupol, Rubizhne, and Severodonetsk. The class was combined with a Bible lesson given by Yuri. Vika taught about trauma, including its symptoms and reactions, and compared them to physical wounds. “Our group was in tears and couldn't stop crying. Natalia from Rubizhne told us about her trauma, which was a huge step since she kept her pain inside and did not want to share it before.” Vika gave some homework to write all about their pain on a piece of paper and bring it next time to class or burn it. This exercise can help to open up and not keep the pain inside. Yuri also asked the people to read Mark 2 and write out what was unclear. Everybody liked the class so much that they thanked us many times and said that they felt better and would continue attending the course. They drank tea with biscuits and enjoyed fellowship together after the class. 

Vika continues conducting trauma healing sessions regularly at our office for this group. Today, she worked face-to-face with Kateryna from Mariupol. The woman is deeply traumatized. They discussed her personal trauma and did some breathing exercises for the critical periods. Kateryna shared her story, which she could never tell anybody else before, which made her life unbearable.  

Thank you for your continued partnership, allowing us to bring hope and healing to the country of Ukraine.