Colombia is home to two million Venezuelan refugees who fled economic and political crises and now face adapting to and integrating into a foreign culture. But instead of finding support, they often find themselves isolated and discriminated against. Churches across Colombia have been reaching out to these refugees, letting them know they are not alone. Tearfund and local partners have been equipping churches to set up trauma healing groups, which have supported hundreds of women. It was at her local church’s healing group that Julia finally found acceptance, community, and healing. ‘It is the first support that I found here in Colombia for migrants like us. When I arrived at the church I found the peace that I previously did not have. I saw that it was like my family. I arrive and they hug me, I leave and they hug me. It really has made me think about changing my life.’
Colombia: churches’ trauma healing groups
Written by David Fletcher 08 Oct 2021Additional Info
- Praise: God for the trauma healing groups giving women a safe place to process their experiences, make new friends and gain a support network to help them overcome through God’s word. (Philippians 4:13)
- More: www.tearfund.org/stories/2021/09/making-the-church-a-safe-space-for-refugee-women
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