10.9.2024 | Sharing Hope in Crisis

SHARING HOPE IN CRISIS – HOW TO RESPOND TO TRAUMA

 “When He saw the crowds, He had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few, therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into His harvest.”- Matthew 9:36-38 (ESV)

As believers, we are called to be messengers of hope.

 70% of people are already in a personal or family crisis.

 Many people have experienced great trauma.

How do we minister hope to people in crisis and trauma?

1.  What is Trauma?

 Trauma is a sudden, unexpected, or challenging incident; an incident where life or serious injury or loss is threatened.

 Trauma is overwhelming and can exceed one’s coping abilities.

Trauma may lead to:

a.      Silence beyond words to describe

b.      Isolation no one cares

c.      Hopelessness

2. Symptoms of Trauma

a.      Cognitive - confusion, hard to make decisions, disoriented

b.      Physical – sweating, dizzy spells, rapid breathing, high blood pressure

c.      Emotional – Shock, anger, feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, depression

d.      Behavioral – eating habits change, lack of hygiene, withdraw from people, reliance on drugs and alcohol.

e.      Faith – anger towards God, spiritual emptiness, withdraw from the faith community.

 3.  How Do We Respond to People in Crisis?

a.  Engage in the Ministry of Presence

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us…” John 1:14 (ESV)

 Being there and being present is a powerful ministry

 Showing up is one of the most powerful things we can do.

b. Ask Right Questions

 How are you holding up?

 Can you tell me your story?

 Where were you when it happened?

 What was it like?

 How did it make you feel?

c.  Use active listening

“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” - James 1:19 (NLT)

Repeat back in your own words what you just heard them say.

Give them your full attention: turn your body to them.

 Don’t speak until they are finished.

 Don’t debate or argue.

 Listening to people is one way we can love them.

 Listening builds trust.

4.  After Listening, Prayerfully Respond

Things not to say:

a.      I know how you feel.

b.      The Lord gives and the Lord takes away.

c.      You’ll get over it.

d.      You would feel better if you would stop crying.

e.      That reminds me of a time in my own life…

Things to say:

a.      How are you holding up?

b.      Where were you when this happened?

c.      What was it like?

d.      I can’t imagine how difficult this must be for you.

e.      Do you have family in the area?

f.        Are you aware of the resources available to you?

g.       Can I pray with you?

h.      Knowing how important faith is at a time like this, could you tell me about your faith?

 

5. Be Open to Sharing the Gospel at this Point if Led by the Spirit

a.      God’s plan for us: Peace and life – John 10:10, John 3:16

b.      Our Problem: Sin Separates us from God – Romans 3:23

c.      God’s Solution: The Cross of Jesus Christ – Romans 5:8

d.      Our Response: Repent, Believe, Receive – Acts 2:38, Romans 10:9, John 1:12