Turning trauma into healing

May 2013

God’s love for the bereaved and vulnerable, his heart for our wounds and traumas, are messages that have turned round the lives of a group of widows living in Plateau State.

 “During our time together they shared their wounds and traumas. Many have seen family members killed in violence and accidents,” said Grace & Light international coordinator Tassie Ghata.

Tassie was keynote speaker and facilitator during the annual Wailing Women conference, a support group for those who have lost their husbands.

Over four days she spoke about healing heart wounds and physical wounds – both need healing – and shared how even when we are in trouble God still loves and cares for us.

 “I spoke about how Christ takes our wounds to the cross and invited the women to share their testimonies and stories with each other,” she said.

“It was great to see them forgiving with tears, even when the person they were forgiving was not present or had not asked for forgiveness. They had a lightness and peace within themselves.”

Of the 138 women who attended the conference in Gindiri, a two hour drive from Jos, 41 chose to be tested for HIV and four were positive.