Gospel-centered Healing for Wounded Hearts
In the Dungu region of the DRC and beyond, many live with deep emotional and spiritual wounds from conflict, displacement, and violence. Trauma healing is not just important—it’s essential for lasting restoration.
Restoring Hope Ministries partners with local churches to bring Christ-centered healing through trauma recovery groups for adults and children. With support from the American Bible Society, local facilitators are trained and equipped to guide others toward healing using Scripture, story, and community.
What We’ve Accomplished
Facilitators have been equipped to lead trauma healing groups using both printed and audio-based materials.
A children’s healing curriculum has been launched through local leaders trained to work with young survivors.
A Community of Practice now supports these facilitators with training, accountability, and encouragement.
Thousands of adults and children have already begun the journey toward healing through these groups.
Stories of Hope
In 2012, Restoring Hope Ministries partnered with American Bible Society to provide a trauma healing program for widows and orphans who had experienced the violence and mass killings carried out by the Lord’s Resistance Army in Dungu.
As these women gathered for healing, some began Bible studies alongside the farming activities that helped provide food for their families. Those small Bible studies eventually grew into churches.
Today, one of those churches has more than 100 members. Sunday school, youth ministry, discipleship, and pastoral ministry are now part of its life—and one of UBECA’s recent graduates has been appointed as its pastor.
This is a picture of what long-term ministry can look like: Restore, Train, Sustain. Trauma healing opened the door to restoration. Education is equipping leaders to serve. And sustainable community initiatives are helping these ministries continue to grow.
What began with a group of widows seeking healing has grown into a church where men, women, and children are being drawn to Christ. We are grateful to see how God has used these efforts to bring lasting impact in Dungu.
What’s Next
The local trauma healing committee is now developing plans to expand this work into refugee camps along the eastern DRC border and into South Sudan. These are areas with great need—and great opportunity for Gospel impact.
Pray With Us
For wisdom in planning future training and outreach
For open doors in new communities
For hearts to be healed and lives restored