Danjuma lives in central Nigeria—a country that has been plagued by violence between the herders (Fulani) and farmers (Tiv) in recent years. Many people from both sides of the ethnic conflict have been killed. Danjuma survived an attack on his house, but his wife, two children, and mother were all killed. His house and property were also destroyed. He was all alone and left with nothing.

Yet God was still with Danjuma in the midst of tragedy—and he soon learned that he was not alone. Through World Renew’s partners in Nigeria, Danjuma was able to join a trauma healing group in his community. In this group, he had the opportunity to talk about his experience and receive counseling from trained experts.

“Joining the trauma group marked a turning point in my life.”

“Joining the trauma group marked a turning point in my life,” he said. “I am encouraged by other members’ testimonies and fellowship as I work through my pain.”

In recent years, so many people in Nigeria had extremely difficult experiences like Danjuma’s as a result of terrorism, communal clashes, corruption, abuse of power, and other destructive factors. Deep hatred has risen between indigenous tribal groups and negatively affected church activities and relationships in affected communities.

Trauma healing programs not only provide a helpful forum for traumatized individuals to share and learn, they also help create a foundation for forgiveness in communities. As people openly discuss stories of land conflicts and painful experiences they also have the chance to discuss methods of promoting forgiveness and peace as they work for healing.

“I am grateful to God for the trauma healing program, and it has greatly encouraged me to move on in life and forgive the attackers who destroyed my home and possessions. The program has been timely and medicinal in my life,” said one group member. He also expressed his appreciation to the local church for providing temporary shelter and food for his family.

 In the past six months, World Renew has helped 304 orphans with their schooling and  supplied training to their caregivers.

The violence in Nigeria has drastically increased the number of orphans and widows in the country. Thousands of children  have been orphaned and are living in deplorable conditions. In the past six months, World Renew has helped 304 orphans with their schooling and  supplied training to their caregivers. Food items have also been provided 325 other internally displaced children in the House of Recab camp in Jos and the Hope for the Hopeless camp in Gindiri, Plateau State.

For widows, it can be a struggle just to survive day by day as  the sole providers for themselves and their families. World Renew has empowered a total of 492  widows from 15 communities through basic entrepreneurship training. Each beneficiary received 15,000 naira (about $75 USD) as startup capital for small business operations. One widow in Benue state, for example, used her funds to buy yams to sell. She was pleasantly surprised that through their sale she made 10,000 naira (about $50 USD) in profit! She used this money to fix a terribly dilapidated roof of the house she shares with her children. Beneficiaries of this program have also been encouraged to join a local savings and loan group for community support and fellowship.

These programs in Nigeria have been greatly helped by resources made available to World Renew through generous donations from the Artevel Foundation, Africa Widows and Orphans Support, and the Canadian Reformed World Relief Fund – and there is still a lot of work left to do to help traumatized men, women, and children find a way forward.

“World Renew remains grateful to supporters who have come alongside to care for and to start the gradual process of rebuilding lives and communities,” said David Tyokighir, World Renew’s Country in Nigeria.

“Beneficiaries and community leaders see the trauma healing program of World Renew as a symbol of God’s abiding presence among his people. Community and religious leaders are grateful for the opportunity to learn how to live in the midst of conflict and adversity and to look ahead with hope and renewed strength.”