Moulding the Pain

Using clay to draw out the pain of trauma

Man with a broken arm and leg

South Sudanese in Nairobi attending the healing groups for the wounds of trauma  continue to pour our their pain.  We have all been learning how a wound of the heart is similar to a physical wound.  Both can be very painful and can cause additional harm if they are not treated.  Last week, the group was able to mould their pain using clay.  It was important to acknowledge the pain that is there so that the group could eventually bring it to the cross, an activity that carried great significance for many of them. 

A man tied in a boat and murdered

“We have read, last week, in Peter how we can bring our burdens to Him because He cares for us.”

Many are finding release for their pain through the cross.  They know that they don’t have to carry this burden and live with it forever.  Jesus said: “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

As we transition from healing the wounds of trauma to forgiving and reconciling, participants are seeing how God may also be using their pain to mould and shape them.

But for now, in the midst of the many hurts, perhaps some are, at last, finding a place for their terrible pain.