The LOI is committed to sponsoring joint mission projects, where Christians from different traditions work together to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to the wider community in word and in action. Together we aim to be a blessing to all we serve and a witness to the unifying power of the Holy Spirit.
Trauma Healing
Today’s world is a violent place. Victims of war, natural disasters, terrorist incidents, and the refugee crisis are suffering in unimaginable ways and the wounds of trauma cut deep. These heart wounds are difficult to treat, are often invisible, but are devastating millions of people. There are no easy solutions to trauma, however, we know that Jesus is the Great Physician and by His stripes we are healed, and so any successful approach to trauma healing must include the hope of Christ found in Scripture. The American Bible Society has developed a Bible-based Trauma Healing Program implementing it in churches around the world. Through clergy and laypeople, healing groups are formed and real issues are discussed like “What is Trauma?”, “Why would a good God allow suffering?” and “How to give up our pain at the cross”. Based on clinical best practices and the firm foundation of Scripture, many are finding strength and hope in Jesus and some non-Christians are even finding Jesus for the first time. With the support and blessing of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, LOI, in partnership with the American Bible Society and the Bible Society of Egypt, has been privileged to sponsor the training of Trauma Healing Facilitators among priests and laypeople of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the Diocese of Cairo serving many in their community who have suffered loss in recent terrorist bombings in their churches and other places. In a spirit of cooperation and brotherhood, several evangelical trainers traveled to Cairo and spent 3 days training priests and church laypeople in the Trauma Healing curriculum. Advanced training will soon begin with the goal of having several trainers of training ready to lead healing groups as well as train others. It is a special blessing for LOI to facilitate this collaboration among Orthodox and Evangelicals and not only advance the Mission of God, but to also provide needed healing of hearts. We pray that this unity will inform and inspire Evangelicals and Orthodox around the world in ways they can serve the Body of Christ together.
“…. he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5
Egypt 2013
Our first joint project was in Egypt in the summer of 2013.
You can read a full report here.