Why Christ-centered Aftercare?

By Tonia Burr

​When I was asked to write why I believe Christ centered aftercare is important, I was afraid. How will I answer?  Who will want to know what I believe?  I don't have any degrees.  I don't have statistics or data.  So, I prayed.  "Jesus, I don't know what to say.  This is important, and I don't know what to say..." 
 
The only way I can tell you why I believe Christ centered aftercare is important is to tell you of my Christ.
 
My Christ...
 
In quiet screams for someone or something to help, I have met Him.  In places no person could reach in me, He reaches in and heals.  As I write this I have many thoughts.  Whispers that tell me what I am worth.  Saying that no one will care about my relationship with Jesus.  No one cares about me.  All these things that have been wired into my being as truth.  With that old noise there is now a new voice. 
 
New truth. 
 
New. 
 
My Christ... who tells me I am loved.  That He binds up the brokenhearted and makes beauty from ashes.  Truth that He is healer and peace.  Truth that He is mine, and He is theirs.
 
With that truth, I cannot believe anything other than His importance as central for healing survivors. 
 
He is the way.
 
Mine and theirs.