Contact: Amy Tracy, David C Cook, 719-355-9075, amy.tracy@davidccook.org

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., May 23, 2013 /Christian Newswire/ -- In light of the devastating tornado in Moore, Okla., Global Mission at David C Cook made available a portion of its Children-at-Risk curriculum called God's Peace, My Peace: Trusting God in Terrifying Times (www.globalchurch.com/helping-children-process-trauma/). This free resource is for anyone parenting children -- or any adult who loves kids.

While war, genocide, human slavery, HIV/AIDS, trafficking, child soldiers, prostitution, and grinding poverty are by and large issues impacting children in developing countries, natural disasters level the playing field of trauma. This week's tornado in Moore, Okla. certainly constitutes as an event causing severe distress in children.

"While it's essential to meet the physical needs of those ravaged by this monster tornado, our ministry is primarily focused on the inner life of a child, the one wrestling with the emotional, spiritual, and mental fallout," said Marlene LaFever, Vice President of Educational Development in Global Mission (www.globalchurch.com) at David C Cook.

"Soul care is a non-negotiable for children facing wounds so deep no man can touch them... situations so complex even adults strive to comprehend them. Most Christians don't feel prepared to engage with children who've faced bone-crushing trauma. The good news is you don't have to be a psychologist, doctor, or even a pastor to use this this curriculum. It's accessible to everyone."

The activity on clinging to God in the midst of frightening circumstances accomplishes two purposes: 1) To help children trust God in confusing times; and 2) To give the Holy Spirit room to teach kids to replace fear with peace. The lesson is part of a whole life discipleship program that prepares local church and lay leaders to deal with extreme trauma in children in developing countries.

The Children-at-Risk program (www.globalchurch.com/orphan-initiative/orphan-intiative-overview/) now covers more than 10 million kids in many of the most war torn, repressive, and poverty stricken countries in the world. Through curriculum customized for a particular region, children are healed from trauma -- and undergirded to face future challenges. This three-day a week, three year program uses the latest in trauma research and best teaching practices to help adults foster spiritual formation and character development in, and teach life skills to (everything from hand washing to spotting traffickers) kids. The work is carried out in alliance with hundreds of churches and organizations across the globe.

To coordinate a media interview on the Children-at-Risk program or Global Mission's international work, contact Amy Tracy at 719-355-9075 or by email at amy.tracy@davidccook.org.

David C Cook is a leading nonprofit resource provider serving the global Church with life-transforming, Christ-centered materials. Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with offices in Illinois, Canada and the United Kingdom, David C Cook's resources are published in over 150 languages and distributed in more than 160 countries. Originally founded in 1875 as a curriculum publisher, today David C Cook publishes numerous bestselling fiction and non-fiction books from a variety of award-winning authors. It is also a leading provider of worship music through its Integrity Music label, which produces over one-third of the top 100 praise and worship songs sung around the world. Additional information can be found at www.davidccook.com.