Church educates young widows, widowers, single parents on trauma management

Nigerians have been asked to always seek help in relevant quarters whenever they are traumatised as a result of loss of loved ones, jobs or failed relationships. It is believed that this will go a long way at reducing the number of traumatised individuals going into depression in the society.

The National President, Association of Trauma Healing Facilitators (ASTHEF), Nigeria, Mr. Samuel Pender, gave the advice at the 2023 “Complete in Him” programme organised by The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Lagos Province 37 for young widows, widowers, single parents and marriageable youths.

Pender said while it was natural for anyone to experience pain when confronted with unpleasant situations, the ability to live above the challenges was key.

He noted that some individuals’ inability to forgive themselves or others when offended were part of the reasons some people ended up being traumatised and eventually end up depressed if care was not taken.

The trauma expert, therefore, urged those undergoing any form of emotional pain to seek help on time in order not to sink into any form of depression.

In his contribution, the convener of the programme, who is also the Pastor-in-charge of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Lagos Province 37, Pastor Ben Ayanda advised the participants at the event not to allow themselves to be overwhelmed by whatever challenge might come their way.

He explained that the event which was held under the RCCG Christian Social Responsibility (CSR) programme was not only to create a platform for the participants to interact but to give them words of hope and encouragement through different teachings that would be beneficial to them.

Pastor Ayanda encouraged the participants to always find someone to speak to whenever they were burdened particularly, when emotionally down in order to stay afloat of their challenges no matter how grievous they might be.

While he assured the participants that the church would continue to support them in different ways possible, he advised them to always make God almighty their strong ally at all times.

Other guest speakers at the events include: Pastor Oluranti Oluwadunsin, who delivered a talk on the theme of the programme, ‘Your Ally; Your Speed’, and Pastor Kikelomo Ifekoya, who delivered a paper on the ‘Need To Stay Afloat’ of every challenge of life.

The participants were later given the opportunity to ask questions, interact with one another and bear their minds on issues that were of concern to them.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of gifts to the participants, time to eat and drink as well as dance to soul lifting praise and worship sessions.