Harper Hill Global supports the work of TOTSI (Triumph Over Trauma & Stigma Initiative in Nigeria. TOTSI is led by Doris Adamu Jenis and supported by active volunteer engagement. Your gifts make this possible.
Written by Irmiya Jenis Manni, Gombe Nigeria
Triumph Over Trauma (TOT) report from UMC MADAKI CHARGE, GOMBE STATE
As a follow-up activity for the year 2024, the Triumph Over Trauma and Stigmatization Initiative (TOTSI) team took its sensitization campaign to The United Methodist Church of Nigeria, Madaki charge, Gombe State, on Sunday, June 30th, 2024. The work was to inform church members about the “Effects of Trauma on Individuals, Families, Church and the Community.”
In her introductory speech at the church, while coordinating the program, the coordinator of Triumph Over Trauma and Stigmatization Initiative, Doris Jenis Adamu, summarized TOTSI, its activities so far, and its aims and objectives. She also pleaded with the church members to be attentive, adding that what the TOTSI team was there to teach them would benefit them in the long run—perhaps even help save a life.
The facilitator, Mrs. Altine Haggai, first described TRAUMA as a deep emotional wound or psychological injury caused by a life-threatening event or other unfortunate circumstances.
She also highlighted general causes of trauma, including war and conflict, accident, violence, poverty, natural or man-made disaster, loss, abuse, neglect, rape, discrimination, and bullying, among many more.
In addition, she identified the effects of trauma on an individual—the inability to have proper/peaceful sleep or restlessness, feeling worthless, suicidal thoughts, anger issues, loss of appetite, loss of interest or pleasure in fun activities, and fear, among others.
Mrs. Haggai also drew the attention of the members to the effects of trauma on families and cited an example from the holy book using the story of a princess of Israel and daughter to King David, Tamar, who was raped by her half-brother Amnon, who was obsessed with her.
When her father did nothing, even though he was angered, her brother Absolom had Amnon murdered in vengeance and fled to Geshur and lived in exile before he later revolted. The Bible describes that Tamar was left a desolate woman who was grieved and traumatized by her rape. Nothing is known of her later life or death. (2 Samuel 13)
Mrs. Haggai emphasized the need for early detection of trauma and a quick response to it. This would involve showing love and care to the victim/survivor by offering a listening ear and encouragement. Moreover, it would make survivors feel safe by offering them counseling and therapy, among other things. This would help with knowledge.
While speaking on the effects of trauma on the church and community, Mrs. Altine Haggai said leadership and money are the major causes of disputes in churches, which may result in traumatizing members, church leaders, or disagreeing parties. Such disputes lead to disunity and affect peoples’ Christian faith.
She noted only God grants ultimate healing and drew the attention of the congregation to the book of Psalms 34:18 - 22, which says:
“The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; He protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken. Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned. The Lord will rescue his servants; no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.”.
In conclusion, Mrs. Haggai quoted Matthew 6:12, emphasizing the need for forgiveness and having a forgiving heart. God, in his infinite mercy, will also forgive all our trespasses. The TOTSI team also advised the church to create platforms that can provide solace and comfort for traumatized persons and build peace and unity among members.
The members contributed to the discussion through questions and suggestions, and some shed additional light on the lecture.
The District Superintendent of the church, Reverend Raymond Iliyasu, and the pastor in charge, Reverend Nelson Shago Farinkasa, both appreciated the effort of the TOTSI team in encouraging them to extend their activities to other quarters for wider coverage. They also called on their members to properly use the knowledge shared by TOTSI for their benefit.
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