YUNNAN, China – As Pai Jianhua attended a Scripture-based Trauma Healing Facilitator Equipping Course, memories of his own spiritual journey of healing and restoration came back to mind. A former drug addict, Pai now serves in “Garden of Regeneration,” a Christian drug rehabilitation centre in Yunnan. He was excited to attend the course to learn how to better help others in their struggles.
Launched and organised by Yunnan Christian Council/TSPM with support from the United Bible Societies (UBS), the Trauma Healing session kicked off at the end of 2022. Pai is grateful for the opportunity to learn biblical principles and invaluable tools to help trauma victims with their inner struggles. As a former drug addict, he deeply resonated with the course content. “The wounds inflicted by drug addiction are profound, affecting individuals both externally and internally, mentally and spiritually.”
According to Pai, the trauma often left people with inner wounds surpassing that of the average person. “It’s difficult for them to trust and open up about their inner pain.” Hence, he appreciated the biblical principles and practical methods taught at the training, recognising their potential to help disarm people and draw them out of their closet to share their stories.
The fact that this course is Scripture-based also resonated deeply with Pai as he told his own story of how the Lord helped him to overcome drug addiction through engaging with the Bible in a Christian community.
The fact that this course is Scripture-based also resonated deeply with Pai as he told his own story of how the Lord helped him to overcome drug addiction through engaging with the Bible in a Christian community.
Once Was Lost
Back in the 1990s, Pai was a respected teacher at a rural primary school, earning recognition as an exceptional educator. However, curiosity and the bad influence from friends led him down a treacherous path. What began as experimentation with opium escalated into an addiction.
Soon, Pai found himself spiraling into an abyss of unimaginable suffering. Once a pillar of his community, he became a desperate soul, going around borrowing money to feed his addiction. His deeds left his mother blinded by tears and his children without a father figure.
Despite going through three compulsory stints at rehabilitation centres and trying to quit drugs on his own several times, each attempt to break free proved futile.
Now Found and Serving
But by God’s grace, Pai’s life took a turn when his cousin set up a Gospel-based rehab clinic just 20 meters away from his house and invited him there. Surrounded by a compassionate Christian community, he experienced acceptance, care, and prayers.
Instead of any medication or therapy, Pai was introduced to God to overcome both the physical and mental poisons that plagued him. Gradually, he found freedom from drug addiction through the consistent study of the Scriptures with the community. The Lord also strengthened him and helped him to rebuild shattered relationships and give him a life of purpose.
Since 2007, he has been serving at the “Garden of Regeneration,” where he had found deliverance. Today, Pai is an inspiration to others, a reminder that redemption is possible even in the darkest of circumstances and that healing miracles can unfold when people embrace the truths of God found in the Bible and apply it to their lives.
Today, Pai is an inspiration to others, a reminder that redemption is possible even in the darkest of circumstances and that healing miracles can unfold when people embrace the truths of God found in the Bible and apply it to their lives.
Equipped to Help Others
The Trauma Healing Facilitator Equipping Course which combines wisdom from the Bible and best practices in mental health was a perfect course for Pai in his endeavors to help others. “Thank you for the generous support, allowing me to gain profound biblical insights into trauma healing, acquiring a wealth of knowledge and techniques to assist those in need.”
It is encouraging to know that the first equipping session was held successfully and received positive feedback from attendees like Pai who are looking forward to helping those in their community.
Let us pray for Trauma Healing apprentice facilitators like Pai as they embrace the opportunity to become beacons of hope, empowering others to break free from the chains of their past and discover the transformative power in Christ.
Story: Marcus Xiao
Photo: Pai Jianhua
2023©UBS China Partnership
