The need
War and poverty affect the whole person: physical health, emotional strength, family life, faith, and the places where a community gathers.
Community Development
Trauma Counseling.
Healing for nations that have experienced brutal oppression and injustice in generations of civil war.
Watch the work
Healing the whole person.
This field film shows why trauma counseling is a foundational part of community restoration.
Holistic transformation by the Word
What this ministry carries into the field.
Our trauma healing program has two parts. The first section focuses on developing emotional strength, and the second teaches about forgiveness. Throughout the program, the counselors teach people how to connect to one another and counter stress with positive activity. In addition, stories and sharing times help the participants understand pain and trauma from another perspective while giving them the opportunity to discuss the events they’ve experienced.
How it works - 01
The field-led response
The original Trauma Counseling curriculum that we use 1) was written by Christ-believing psychologists from Australia, 2) was peer-reviewed through publications at Boston University, and 3) for many years has been adapted and contextualized for the many people groups we serve throughout South Sudan and Uganda. Though founded in Biblical curriculum and implementation, the services and healing we offer to traumatized communities are not always presented as a “religious” function, but as a two-week process that works. By the end of the first week, forgiveness is introduced. How can you forgive if you have never been forgiven, in other words how can you give away what you have never received? They are introduced to the Great Forgiver!
- 02
The work continues
Favor has discovered an immense demand and need for trauma counseling as both nations from top to bottom have experienced brutal oppression and injustice in generations of civil war. We are working at great speed to bring trauma counseling to many contexts. We have hosted reconciliation meetings between tribes with continuous violent raids. In both countries, we are bringing counseling to the military generals, government offices, the police force, the radio, universities and many more throughout these post-war nations.
The ministry in context
A need, a field-led response, and a path forward.
See how Trauma Counseling fits Favor’s wider approach to transformation.
Favor’s approach
Field teams pair practical care with prayer, discipleship, trained local leadership, and a healthy church rooted in the community.
What comes next
Immediate care opens a longer path toward reconciliation, stable congregations, local service, and community-led restoration.
On the ground
What the work looks like in practice.
Once the people have completed the trauma counseling, they are often ready and eager to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. In most communities, this work precedes a 2-month long Portable Bible School to train and disciple.
In the field
Trauma Counseling, seen up close.
A closer look at the people, place, and daily work behind this ministry.
“Please bring your trauma counseling. We’re all traumatized in South Sudan… I’m traumatized.” Minister of the Interior for South Sudan
Healing & Freedom · December 11, 2019
Trauma Counseling Heals a Former Warrior
The conflict in South Sudan has wreaked terrible pain on the citizens. Both the perpetrators and the victims of the war have been left with deep emotional scars. One tribal warrior did things that left a permanent anxiety in his mind. He thought that God could never forgive him. After participating in Favor’s Trauma Counseling, he was healed from the terrible internal anguish. He found peace at last! “The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.” – Psalm 29:11
Questions
Understanding Trauma Counseling.
What to know before you explore, pray, or give.
Who carries Trauma Counseling on the ground?
Favor’s field programs are led and delivered by indigenous staff, teachers, pastors, counselors, and ministry leaders who live in the nations and communities they serve.
How does Trauma Counseling connect to the rest of Favor’s work?
It belongs to the Community Development pillar, but it does not stand alone. Favor’s programs are designed to reinforce prayer, discipleship, local leadership, and the long-term health of a community.
Are the details identical in every location?
No. Language, facilities, local leadership, and immediate needs vary by nation and community. This page describes Favor’s published model; current field details should be confirmed with the Favor team.
How can I support this work?
Favor Partners provide dependable, unrestricted support that field leadership can direct where it is most needed. You can also contact the team to ask whether a current designated project is available.
Community Development
Keep exploring this ministry.
Each program is one part of a connected, field-led movement.
Stand with Trauma Counseling.
Favor Partners give field leaders the flexibility to keep this work moving month after month.