In the realm of orphan care, where countless children grapple with the weight of trauma and loss, Christian organizations like The Boaz Project are pioneering innovative approaches to healing that integrate biblical teachings into trauma recovery programs.
In this third installment of our ”Faith-Based Healing for Orphans” blog series, we’re discussing biblical trauma healing—a curriculum that combines therapeutic interventions and spiritual truths that aim to instill hope, resilience, and a sense of belonging in the hearts of orphans.
Acknowledging God as the Wise Creator
Caregivers going through our training are reminded of the inherent worth and value of each child in their care, as they are beloved creations of God, regardless of their past experiences or circumstances. They are wonderfully made, fiercely loved, and consistently pursued.
Acknowledging these children as God’s creations also reframes some of the trauma-related symptoms they experience. For example, the fight-or-flight response of their amygdala on high alert is recognized as God’s provision to help the child survive. It is no longer something to be fought, but to be understood and eased over time.
God as Provider and Nurturer
As we discuss the child-caregiver attachment cycle, in which a child learns to trust their caregivers as their needs are consistently met, we acknowledge God hears our every cry and meets our every need. And in this, caregivers are encouraged to emulate God’s attentive care for His children. He is the perfect example for our caregivers to follow and is a loving Father to the fatherless.
God’s Word is Wisdom
Throughout our caregiver training, we examine different instructions from God’s Word and their impact on healing from trauma. For example, we are told to “give thanks in everything” (I Thess. 5:16-18 KJV).
When we obey the command and express gratitude, we are rewarded by our brains with the “feel good” hormone, dopamine. So as part of our caregiver training, we suggest our partner caregivers encourage the children in their homes to keep gratitude journals where they can record something they’re thankful for every evening at bedtime.
Restoration of Identity
We encourage our partner caregivers to help orphans view themselves not as victims of their circumstances but as overcomers with a purpose and identity in Christ. Through scriptural teachings, they can discover a sense of belonging to a larger family—the family of God.
Forgiveness and Reconciliation
Our partner caregivers also teach the children in their care the importance of forgiving those who may have caused them harm and understanding that forgiveness is a liberating act that releases them from the bondage of bitterness and resentment. Moreover, they teach them about the possibility of their reconciliation and restoration offered through Christ.
Hope and Resilience
Our ultimate hope for healing the hearts of the children we serve resides in Christ’s ability and willingness to make them well. As we discuss neuroplasticity—the ability God gave our brains to heal—we recognize this as one provision God made back at creation for offering us hope that He can mend every wound.
Community
Trauma-informed care from a Christian perspective includes a nurturing community where orphaned children can experience love, acceptance, and support from their caregivers.
This allows them to continue to heal with the guidance of Scripture in a home full of the love of Jesus.
While the results of biblical trauma healing are difficult to track, we can say from our experience with thousands of orphans over the past 25 years that the children raised in homes that employ therapeutic methods based upon Biblical concepts fare better emotionally, socially, academically, and spiritually than those who are not.
They are more likely to receive higher education, go on to have happy families, and obtain and maintain employment. In essence, the most effective methods for healing trauma in orphaned children are those that recognize God’s hand in every facet of their lives.
By integrating biblical teachings with therapeutic interventions, organizations like The Boaz Project are illuminating a path toward healing, restoration, and hope for the most vulnerable among us.
With over 25 years of experience and a network of like-minded people around the globe, The Boaz Project can help you show Christ’s love to scared and abandoned children.
To learn how you can help save orphaned children from life on the streets—connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visit our website here.
