What is Love?

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.

1 John 4:7-8.

What is love? If someone asked you to define it, what would you say? Would you start quoting from 1 Corinthians love is patient, love is kind..., would you think back to your wedding vows, a first kiss, or the first time you held your child? How would you define love to a child who has experienced sexual abuse? For millions of children around the world, love has no definition. 1 in 10 children will experience physical sexual abuse before their 18th birthday. 7 in 10 children will be exposed to adult sexual content online. 

What is love to these kids who have endured sexual abuse, when thoughts of their caretakers incite fear and the idea of romance reminds them of physical pain? 

That's why RiverCross implements trauma healing programs in areas like Zimbabwe where children are particularly vulnerable to sexual abuse. RiverCross Kids Clubs, hosted by local private schools, give these children a safe place to heal, process, and develop important psychosocial skills in the wake of their brokenness. But most importantly, RiverCross Kids Clubs provide a way for children to experience love. 

When kids feel safe, they are able to heal from their trauma, embrace the love they're being shown, grow in confidence, and are empowered to thrive. Praise God for the 10,000 children and counting who have experienced God's love displayed because of RiverCross. 

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