Mae* and her two children live in a rural community in Asia*. Five years ago, their lives were forever changed when Mae’s husband was murdered. In the aftermath, Mae carried a heavy burden of grief and anger. Though she longed for peace, the pain she held onto felt overwhelming.
For several years, World Renew’s local partner has been running a trauma healing program in collaboration with local churches in Mae’s region. This Bible-based program brings people together in small groups, creating a safe space to share their stories, acknowledge their pain, and listen to others who are also on a journey toward healing.
Earlier this past year, Mae attended a two-day healing session at her church. Over the course of the program, she began to open up about her loss and listen to the experiences of others. But it was the final session—focused on forgiveness—that left a lasting impact.
In that session, Mae began to understand how holding onto anger was affecting her heart and her relationship with God. She came to see forgiveness not only as a command, but as a path toward freedom and healing. Through the teaching, she was reminded that, with the help of the Holy Spirit, believers are equipped to forgive others just as Christ has forgiven them.
With this new understanding, Mae took a courageous step. She brought her pain and bitterness before God, choosing to surrender them at the foot of the cross. In doing so, she found the strength to forgive the person responsible for her husband’s death.
As Mae embraced forgiveness, something within her shifted. The anger she had carried for years began to lift, replaced by a deep sense of peace and release. She experienced healing in both her heart and soul, a transformation she credits to God’s work in her life through the program.
“I praise God for giving me this spirit of forgiveness that has allowed me to release my pain and find solace in his love,” Mae shares.
Stories like Mae’s remind us of the profound healing that can take place when individuals are given the opportunity to process trauma in a supportive, faith-filled community. Forgiveness does not erase the pain of the past, but it can open the door to peace, restoration, and renewed hope.
As we reflect on Mae’s journey, may we pray for those who are carrying deep wounds—that they would encounter God’s presence in the midst of their pain, find safe spaces to share their stories, and experience the freedom that forgiveness can bring. We also lift up communities facing crisis and injustice, asking for wise leadership, provision for those who are displaced or vulnerable, and protection for those working to bring hope and healing in difficult contexts.
*To protect identities, names and specific locations have been changed or omitted.
