This book makes an enormous contribution to a topic and reality faced by so many individuals and communities across the globe. The breadth and depth of this much-needed volume illustrates the power and relevance of the gospel of reconciliation and the multi-faceted peacemaking mission that God has given his church.
Dr Peter Rowan
National Director OMF (UK)
This book combines personal testimony, therapeutic expertise, and biblical exegesis in a way that is as rare as it is useful. Written by Christians from a variety of cultures with experience in helping trauma victims, many of these essays will prove enormously helpful to pastors, therapists, and survivors as they think through strategies for recovery from a biblical and Christian perspective.
Frank Thielman, PhD
Presbyterian Professor of Divinity,
Beeson Divinity School, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
In the UK today the word “trauma” is often debased by overuse and application to trivial events. This book lays bare the scope and depth and impact of real trauma, and combines profound scriptural truth, painful testimony, and reports of almost unimaginable suffering, both individual and communal. It offers wise practical advice as to Christian response and action. Surely, the heart of God asks us to weep and mourn with those who suffer, to listen and learn, but then to bring by word and deed his love and grace that is the only source of real healing. Sober, painful reading, but a biblical tool in our hands for our hurting world.
Rose Dowsett
Author, Missiologist, Speaker
Member of OMF International
Member of Lausanne Cape Town Commitment Team
Former Vice-Chair, WEA Mission Commission
A strength of this book is the unique combination of Scripture with personal narrative and experience, as well as more clinical- and evidence-based information about trauma. I’m encouraged to see pastoral leadership willing to engage with this difficult topic and desiring to be informed about these things to better lead and serve. It is of the utmost importance to emphasize that pastors (and all engaging in trauma work) need a processing space and accountability for secondary trauma. It is difficult to see how holding the trauma of others impacts our own hearts, minds, and bodies; and it is important to gain perspective on individual cases to most wisely proceed in providing care and counsel.
Jen Scofield
Licensed Graduate Social Worker
Mental Health Practitioner
