Write to the trauma centre in Nigeria

After his father was killed by Islamic militants, Ayuba* from Nigeria was determined to kill the person who helped the extremists identify their targets. But after attending a trauma centre run by Open Doors local partners, a remarkable transformation happened.

“I thank you so much,” he says. “It is because of you that I have peace in my mind now. I said I would never forgive, and I wanted to take my revenge, but now I have forgiven totally. I have learned to leave everything at the feet of Jesus.”

Sessions at the centre focus on what trauma is, and how to respond in a resilient and biblical way. This includes workshops that help trauma survivors – especially church leaders, women and young people – to process and work through their trauma and start to heal. Practical support is also offered.

“The act of listening to victims of violence and allowing them share their frustration, humiliation and fear for the future proves to be very helpful,” says Tirham*, a volunteer at the trauma centre. “They are able to open their hearts to share their ordeal and express their fear and sometimes suicidal thoughts.”

Your prayers and generosity are enormously contributing to the precious work of the trauma centre. Now you can give help in a different way – by writing to both beneficiaries and frontline workers at the centre!

Ayuba has now left the trauma centre feeling strengthened and encouraged to resume his life, but you can write to other believers like him who are still at the centre, or workers like Tirham who are selflessly supporting survivors. Your words will be a powerful source of encouragement.

Guidelines

Greeting cards, postcards and artwork are best
Please include one or two encouraging Bible verses
You can include an uplifting prayer, verses from a Psalm or lyrics from your favourite worship song
For security reasons, please do not use verses that refer to Israel, armies, or war
Show sensitivity. Please do not dwell on the recipient’s plight, share about the blessings of life in your country or your own struggles.

For security

Do not mention Open Doors
Do not mention other religions
Do not refer to Israel, even when using scripture
Do not criticise religions, religious extremists, governments, judicial systems or political leaders
Do not send money or make proposals to help
You can disclose your name and the country you live in, but do not provide your full name or full address.