VALENCIA — Divorce doesn't just affect adults: Children are often caught in the crossfire.

Crossway Church in Valencia facilitates a ministry to help heal parents and children of the pains of divorce. The DivorceCare program has been at the church for a few years, but this winter, it began DivorceCare for Kids.

Working with children has always been a passion of Mars residents Kevin and Krista Wolbert, who lead DivorceCare for Kids (DC4K).

“Krista and I have a heart to share the love of God with children. DC4K provides an avenue for us to minister to children by encouraging them and helping them to understand that even in times of brokenness and pain, God's love for them will never fail,” Kevin said.

Parents of three children, they have been serving together in children's ministry locally for more than 15 years.

“Because our relationship with our parents often depicts how we see God, we want these children to know that, even though sometimes people make mistakes, God is always there for them, loving them and wanting to help them become who he created them to be,” said Krista.

Classes, which are designed for children ages 5-12, are not segregated by age. Children meet together to foster healing and promote sharing experiences across the group.

“Each week, we focus on a different topic to help the children express their emotions, understand why they feel the way that they do and understand that God loves them and has a perfect plan for them,” said Krista.

“Though we deal with very serious topics such as anger, sadness, loneliness, forgiveness and relationships, the classes are conducted in an upbeat and creative environment so that the children can learn useful life tools and have a light-spirited and fun evening at the same time,” she added.

For one participant with two children in the program, DC4K has been a lifesaver.

“I attended DivorceCare at another church and the hassle of trying to find child care was really burdensome,” said the participant, who wished to remain anonymous. With children ages 9 and 13, working full-time and being a single parent, she had little time to unearth the feelings her children had been burying for three years since the separation.

“We are learning about the same emotions together. The kids group brings up things and opens dialogue on issues the kids wouldn't be receptive to if I initiated the discussion,” she said. “The class also gives them the opportunity to see that they are not alone, they are experiencing similar feelings and emotions that others do when going through divorce.”

“Divorce tears apart families,” said Kathy Zacherl, the DivorceCare facilitator. “This program helps them figure out how to put the pieces back together and create their new family. DivorceCare helped me to start the healing journey from my own divorce. When I had the opportunity to offer DivorceCare at Crossway, I knew it was something I had to do.”

DivorceCare is a 13-week, biblically-based support group seminar. Each session shows a 30-minute DVD video followed by small group discussion.

The DVDs present experts, ministers and Christian counselors discussing divorce-related issues such as depression, anger and reconciliation.

“Real people share their stories of how they deal with the pain and heartbreak of divorce and separation. DivorceCare offers hope and healing to those who are hurting from the pain of separation and divorce by pointing them to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, our true healer,” said Zacherl.

DivorceCare for Kids mirrors the adult program in a child-friendly way.

The children watch a much shorter video. Games and activities help them discuss the topic. The programs work together to help the whole family deal with the pain of divorce.

“You are overwhelmed with the pain of divorce, it's hard to know how to help yourself and your children. These programs help parents and children deal with issues one at a time — together,” explained Zacherl.

Participation by the adults and children aids in the healing process.

“As leaders of the DC4K program, we see and greet the parents and children as they arrive each week. We engage in confidential discussions about the children and the circumstances that they face, so that we can understand the children more and minister to them appropriately,” said Krista.

Often grandparents find themselves as primary caregivers or guardians for the children of broken families. The church has a provision for these caregivers to enroll the children in the program without having to attend the adult session.

The current session runs through April 17 and will begin again in the fall.

DivorceCare ministry for children and adultsWHEN: 7 p.m. Mondays through April 17WHERE<B>: </B>Crossway Church, 109 Davis Road, ValenciaCONTACT: Call the church at 724-898-4600 or on the Web at www.DivorceCare.org, www.DC4K.org