A Community Invited to Gather for Healing

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Hebrews 10:24-25.

There are few occasions in life where a community truly comes together and for Zimbabweans, there is no occasion more worthy than a soccer tournament. In April, RiverCross Zimbabwe collaborated with a soccer club from the United Kingdom to host a community soccer tournament complete with a grand prize of new equipment for each of the winning girls' and boys' teams. 

Not only did the community gather for the sake of competition and entertainment, but for healing. RiverCross Champions utilized the opportunity to share their heart for healing through storytelling, inviting the community to participate together in trauma informed activities and audio drama trainings. But equally as important as listening to stories is telling them. RiverCross set up 'friendship chairs', welcoming the community to sit with a trained RiverCross Champion and tell their story in a safe space. Praise be to God there is healing in confiding in others and receiving trauma informed counsel. 

Over 50 young people took a seat in a friendship chair, opening the door to further healing and relationship with local RiverCross Champions. There are plans to make this tournament an annual event.

*Although the stories we share are true, identifying details have been changed.