The first day of the Trauma Healing Institute (THI) Community of Practice was a deeply meaningful gathering yesterday, made possible by God’s grace. It brought together individuals from across Mindanao who, despite the trauma they have endured, has found new hope through God’s compassion, healing, and restoration through the THI program. These individuals, despite having their own wounds, have been trained and equipped to help others carry their burdens of trauma and brokenness, guiding them toward new beginnings as well.

Opening and Devotion

The day began with an opening prayer, and a scripture reading by Mrs. Tilani Terrensika Silva Asarappullige, Executive-HR Admin and Program & Research of the Ceylon Bible Society (Bible Society in Sri Lanka). This was followed by opening remarks from Mrs. Victoria Esperanza “Perry” Cartera, General Secretary of the Philippine Bible Society (PBS). She encouraged participants to see themselves as light, emphasizing that if there would be more Trauma Healing trained facilitators, they can bring greater hope and brightness to churches and communities.

Ptr. Carmelo “Mel” Cartera, a THI Master Facilitator, then led a moving devotion based on Lamentations 3:1-27. He reminded participants of the importance of changing our perspectives when going through pain and trials, focusing on the character of God. He emphasized the very real conflict between what the world says and what the Word says. He encouraged the Trauma Healing facilitators to embrace their roles, acknowledging that they were chosen despite their own struggles and brokenness. He added that this ministry is a privilege that may not be taken for granted, because among the hundreds of thousands of people in the Philippines, God has chosen them for this special healing ministry.

Program Updates

Updates from Mr. Frederick Barasa, Program Manager at the American Bible Society (ABS), followed. He provided an overview of ongoing ABS-THI initiatives, highlighting the program’s growing impact. He gave an update that the program is serving natural disaster survivors, those living in conflict zones, students, inmates, pastors, missionaries, refugees, orphans,and  even Muslims and other non-christian. He also mentioned that TH has reached 62 languages, including 3 sign languages,and that each of the participants is part of the movement in reaching more wounded hearts.

Ms. Elizabeth Wanjiru Muriuki, General Secretary of the Bible Society of Kenya, then shared updates and best practices for building circles of trust, maintaining confidentiality, and fostering accountability within healing groups in their country where the training for the current version of the TH Program was first developed. She shared how they are already facilitating various sessions in their country, including ones for children and teens as well.

Key Sessions and Insights

The day’s highlight was the sessions led by Dr. Fe D. Arcenas, a psychologist and counselor, who tackled sensitive but urgent topics. In the morning she discussed the phenomenon of suicide in the Philippines, and in the afternoon she discussed pains in childhood that have profound experiences on lives as adults. In the discussion on suicide, Dr. Arcenas emphasized the critical importance of recognizing warning signs and understanding prevention strategies, particularly within the church community. She addressed the stigma surrounding suicide in religious settings, emphasizing the need for compassion, awareness, and proper responses. She explained that while pastors and church leaders can help, there are times when situations require professional intervention. She stressed the importance of mental health care, likening it to the attention we give to physical illnesses—that as we see symptoms, we have to be alert and offer help. She mentioned that as we help, it is important to ask directly with compassion, teach healthy coping strategies, and promote emotional expression. Dr. Arcenas encouraged participants to use their Trauma Healing facilitation training to offer  appropriate support while recognizing when to advise professional help.

In the afternoon, she delivered a session titled “Child’s Pain, Adult’s Pain: The Lasting Impact of Childhood Experiences on Adult Well-Being.” Dr. Arcenas explored how negative childhood experiences, such as abuse or neglect, can leave lasting scars that affect a person’s development and adult life. Her insights resonated deeply with many participants, prompting reflection on their own journeys.

Interactive Sessions and Reflections

Interactive sessions followed, providing participants with the opportunity to ask questions and share personal stories. Some courageously recounted how trauma from their childhood shaped their lives and shared how they chose to break cycles of generational pain. Their stories of resilience and hope deeply inspired everyone in the room.

Closing Reflections

The day concluded with valuable insights from Ptr. Edwin L. Lorenzo, a THI Training Facilitator and the Senior Pastor of God Centered Family Fellowship in Ma-a. He shared his experiences as a trainer and group facilitator. He acknowledged the challenges of the work but highlighted the deep reward it brings: “This is our reward—yung makapagbigay tayo ng restoration sa isang buhay [sa pamamagitan ng THI program].” [This is our reward—being able to bring restoration to someone’s life through the THI program.]

As we look forward to the second day sessions, expectation grows for more powerful testimonies, the exchange of further best practices, and understanding of the new End-to-End program of the Bible Society. Mr. Gideon Kriel, a participant from Davao, expressed his eagerness: “[Today] we will be going to learn [more] about the techniques to reach out and help [wounded souls]… I am excited about these tools [end-to-end] because I can use these to become more effective and reach more souls for Jesus since the harvest out there is great and people need hope.”

The first day was filled with learning and connection, and we are even more excited for today, as it marks another step forward in our shared journey of healing.