10 Aug Made Complete in Brokenness | DivorceCare for Kids

I am convinced that the promises and truth of the Gospel is seen nowhere better than in the eyes of a child who has witnessed and experienced divorce. A judge deciding the future relationships of a child and his or her mother and father is a clear illustration of the harsh reality of a fallen world. Yet, even more convincing is witnessing the renewal of hope and refuge that is found in the shadow of the cross. Seeing promises come to light in the lives of these children and their families is irrefutable evidence that hope will remain long after the papers have been signed.

Learning has marked these past several weeks of volunteering in DivorceCare for Kids (DC4K)—at times those weeks have been overwhelmingly challenging and humbling, but I have received such encouragement and gained a greater understanding of Jesus. The sessions addressed topics that I had never recognized as issues and thoughts that were completely foreign to me. This experience was powerful in better shaping my understanding of the Gospel. In order to simplify ideas in understandable terms, I had to truly have a grasp of the concept myself.

The first week the kids who showed up were clearly reserved, upset and unsure of what to expect or how to feel in this new environment. They walked through the door with big questions, fears, and a wide range of emotions concerning their parents’ divorce. The topics of each session were designed to begin a healing process in the kids as they addressed ideas such as expressing emotion, pursuing forgiveness and realizing that divorce is not their fault or responsibility. Through activities, games, and discussions, main ideas were reinforced and made applicable to their lives.

I was so encouraged watching each child’s progression from week to week as they slowly started to speak up, connect with others, and let the truth of the Gospel set in. The same child who determinedly fought his mom about attending on the first week invited friends with him to the session five weeks later. One of the older girls made a point to help the younger girls, as they looked up to her example. I watched a bond start to form among the group as they realized how much they had in common, and that they are not alone in their situation.

God worked through DC4K to give kids a chance to begin healing, soften their hearts where divorce has hardened them, and ultimately draw closer to their Father.

-Erin Batson & Walker Calhoun

DivorceCare for Kids, along with DivorceCare for Teens, and our main DivorceCare ministry, kicks off at both our Powdersville and Pelham campuses on Tuesday, August 30 at 6:30pm. Visit our website for more information about our DivorceCare ministries and to register.