Zoe’s Youth Trauma Healing Ministry with SIM USA in West Africa
Zoe worked with SIM USA in West Africa, bringing trauma healing ministry to communities in need.
“I get to do trauma healing in West Africa, and that is a passion that the Lord has let me be involved with,” she said. “I have come to know so many lovely people. As tough as life is there, they’re such resilient and joyful people. Their faith has been so inspiring to me.”
Zoe brought the trauma healing ministry to a children’s center in the country, a safe haven for around 120 children who have experienced hardships. She spent her days sitting with each child individually or sometimes in small groups. Together, they gently journeyed through a trauma healing curriculum, creating space for healing and hope.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest… for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-30
Bibles for Children in West Africa: How Prayer and Faith Sparked Hope
Aisha was a young girl at the center who had endured unimaginable pain. After her mother’s tragic death, the community turned on Aisha, accusing her of witchcraft and subjecting her to dangerous persecution. By the grace of God, she was rescued and brought safely to the children’s center, where she finally found refuge and care.
One day, Aisha approached Zoe with a request.
“Auntie Zoe I would love a Bible,” she said.
Zoe’s heart lifted at Aisha’s desire.
“Aisha, that’s such a good thing to want! I’m so grateful you want that,” Zoe responded. “But we have a policy here that we want to treat all the children the same. So, I can’t get you a Bible, because I would be favoring you and not favoring everyone else.”
Zoe paused, thinking for a moment.
“But I think a Bible would be good for a lot of the other kids to have as well. How about this: You go pray about it, and I’ll pray about it too, and we’ll see what God does,” Zoe said.
As Zoe considered Aisha’s request, she realized what a great idea it was to give each child a Bible. Perhaps they could learn how to read from the Bible! Zoe prayed and Aisha prayed, expectant that God would move.
“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” 1 James 5:16
The Power of Prayer and Generosity: Providing Bibles for West African Children
That night, when Zoe checked her emails, she was surprised to see a message from her high school Bible teacher in her inbox.
“Hey, Zoe! If any kids or women that you work with need Bibles, my wife and I would love to send money for Bibles,” the message read.
Zoe was amazed as she read the email.
“Yes! That would be wonderful. This is such an answer to prayer,” she wrote back.
Zoe didn’t mention how many Bibles they needed or how much it would cost; she figured her teacher would probably send enough for a few, just enough to get them started. It would be a good first step toward providing Bibles for all 120 children at the center.
A few days later, when the funds arrived, Zoe was astonished. Her Bible teacher hadn’t just sent enough for a few—he and his wife had given enough to buy a Bible for every single child at the center. There was even money left over for extra copies!
The following week, Zoe excitedly approached Aisha with the news.
“Aisha! I have some good news for you!”
“What is it, Auntie?” Aisha asked.
“God loves you so much that He put it on someone’s heart all the way across the world to send money for you to get your very own Bible!” Zoe exclaimed.
Aisha squealed with delight, unable to contain her excitement at the thought of finally having a Bible of her own!
Zoe gathered the rest of the children at the center for the exciting announcement. She told them the same thing she had told Aisha.
“God loves you all so much that He put it on someone’s heart all the way across the world to send money for you to get your very own Bibles!”
All 120 children stood up and began clapping. They clapped for so long that eventually Zoe had to stop them. The children were all so excited to receive a Bible!
Looking back on that beautiful day, Zoe reflected.
“What a privilege it is to be on the frontlines of that, and to be giving the most precious gift in the whole world to the most delighted and excited audience,” she said. “It’s amazing to be a voice in their life, letting them know that they are loved, they have value, and they are special to God.”
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
Join the Mission: Your Support Brings Hope and Healing Worldwide
Stories like Zoe’s remind us that no gift is ever too small when it’s placed in God’s hands. One simple email and a faithful donation from across the world opened the door for 120 children to hold their very own Bibles for the first time. For these children, those Bibles are far more than just books; they are a source of hope, truth, and the promise that they are seen and loved by God.
When you give to missions—whether it’s through prayer or financial support—you become part of stories just like this one. You help bring healing to the hurting, light to dark places, and the life-changing message of Jesus to people who may otherwise never hear it.
Zoe’s story shows how God uses ordinary people and simple gifts to do extraordinary things. Your generosity truly does make an eternal impact! You are a vital part of all that God is doing through SIM USA to respond to need, proclaim the gospel, and equip the Church across the globe. Learn more about supporting SIM USA here.
Names have been changed for the privacy and safety of our workers, ministry partners, and those we serve.
Maggie Watts
Content Creator
I am a Content Creator with SIM USA. It is a joy to use writing and multimedia to glorify God and tell stories about how He is working around the world.