November 22, 2024

Mae* and her two children live in a rural community in Asia*. Five years ago, their life was tragically changed when Mae’s husband was murdered. Mae found herself burdened by the weight of anger. She longed for peace.

World Renew’s local partner has been running a Trauma Healing Program with local churches in the region where Mae lives for several years. The bible-based program brings people together in a healing group where they learn to talk about their pain and listen to the stories of other people’s pain. Mae joined a two-day healing session that took place at her church this past year.

The final session of the program had a profound impact on Mae. The session, focused on forgiveness, helped Mae to understand how carrying anger was hindering her peace and spiritual growth. Mae came to understand that forgiveness is not only a commandment but also a pathway to inner peace. The program’s teachings reminded her that, with the Holy Spirit, God has equipped believers to forgive others—just as Christ forgives us. She learned to bring her pain and bitterness to the cross and surrender them to God. Finally, Mae found the strength and spirit to forgive the person responsible for her husband’s death.

As Mae embraced forgiveness, she experienced healing in her heart and soul. The years of anger dissolved, replaced by a deep sense of peace and liberation. She attributes this transformation to the program. She believes that divine intervention guided her towards healing. She says, “I praise God for giving me this spirit of forgiveness that has allowed me to release my pain and find solace in his love.”

*To protect identities, names and specific locations have been changed or omitted.