Stories & Blog
Scars Cover Their Bodies, But Not Their Hearts
BRAZIL — The only warring in this village gathering was a tug-of-war game between the women. As the rope creeped more toward one side, a few men jumped in to help. More began helping and soon the party game ended with everyone lying on the ground, exhausted and laughing.
No drunkenness. No shouting or screaming. No party crashers swinging machetes. No vows of revenge. No one was absent due to hard feelings, but instead a few were sent to celebrate with new believers in a neighboring village.
This first-generation church celebrates another year, but their past is not erased. Their arms, legs and even faces bear the scars of the violence they’ve brought on each other. There is no shortage of history that could bring up ill feelings toward one another. But today, the difference is forgiveness.
This once-unimagined peaceful celebration is unfolding because of the impact of God’s forgiveness in their lives. Though their language has no word for forgiveness, they're now experiencing it.
No drunkenness. No shouting or screaming. No party crashers swinging machetes. No vows of revenge. No one was absent due to hard feelings, but instead a few were sent to celebrate with new believers in a neighboring village.
This first-generation church celebrates another year, but their past is not erased. Their arms, legs and even faces bear the scars of the violence they’ve brought on each other. There is no shortage of history that could bring up ill feelings toward one another. But today, the difference is forgiveness.
This once-unimagined peaceful celebration is unfolding because of the impact of God’s forgiveness in their lives. Though their language has no word for forgiveness, they're now experiencing it.