From Vengeance to Forgiveness

Ten years ago I lead a mission trip to northeast India for a youth group from Montana.  One young man named Jayenta (pictured in a blue shirt) quickly became our friend as he served as our translator and a guide.  We heard his testimony, how he was just a boy when a group of young men beat his brother to death just because he was a follower of Jesus.  Jayenta vowed to avenge his brother’s death and as he grew up he practiced martial arts for the day he would bring justice to those who killed his brother.  One evening as our team prepared to share the Gospel at a village school, Jayenta seemed reluctant to translate for us.  I encouraged him and he finally agreed. 

The Lord moved powerfully that evening and eight young men came forward to respond to the gospel invitation.  It wasn’t until later that Jayenta revealed that his brother’s killers were among those who received the forgiveness of Jesus that night.  “I wasn’t sure I could do it”, Jayenta admitted, “but as I translated the Gospel message, I realized that the same forgiveness that I received was available for those murderers too.  My heart melted as I shared the message of forgiveness.  Not only has Jesus forgiven them, but I have forgiven them also.”

This summer I have the privilege of leading a group from the same church on another trip to India.  This time we will go to the northern state of Himachel Pradesh.  One of the girls on this team has a sister that went with us on the first trip ten years ago.  We are excited to see what Jesus has in store for us as we go as ambassadors of His message of forgiveness.

Consider coming with us in the future on one of our adventures to India!