It Takes a Village

I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.
Matthew 25:40.

It Takes a Village*

The Ya Bana Village in South Africa is home to over 50 children who have been abandoned or abused by their caretakers, and now live in the custody of the state. The children arrive to the Village brokenhearted, struggling to process the hurt they've experienced while adjusting to a new home and life that is radically different than what they'd known before. But praise be to God the loving staff at Ya Bana Village offer endless care to these children - providing them with the structure they need in order to meet their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. 

Last month, RiverCross was invited to lead a workshop at Ya Bana Village to better equip their team to respond to the children in their care who have experienced significant trauma. While nearly all of the children who live at Ya Bana have endured traumas such as orphanhood, abuse, malnourishment, or abandonment, proper training for those caring for the children is a vital step in preventing the downward spiral of vulnerability. 

RiverCross Champions led the Ya Bana staff through our Bridge to Freedom audio drama, complete with games, activities, and discussions, all for the purpose of equipping the Ya Bana community to build bridges to hope for the children they interact with. A community of house mothers, gardeners, teachers, security officers and everyone in between, gathered together to celebrate the joy of restoration that Jesus Christ can bring, even in the midst of hurt. 

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