In a land of persistent conflict, where war and violence seem to reign, it can feel impossible to imagine a different way forward. Yet, Juma, a woman from South Sudan, chose a path that defies understanding—a path of forgiveness, made possible by God’s grace.
A Life Marked by Loss
Juma’s life was shaped by the harsh realities of her homeland. Born and raised in what is now South Sudan, she grew up surrounded by the instability and poverty fueled by civil war and tribal conflict.
The death of her firstborn son to malaria was a heartbreaking reminder of the region’s severe lack of healthcare. One in four children dies before reaching the age of five, a grim reality faced by families like Juma’s. But her grief only deepened when her husband was murdered in a tribal revenge killing—a cruel echo of the cycle of violence between different tribal groups in South Sudan.
Clinging to her surviving son, Juma lived with the knowledge that revenge was inevitable. It was only a matter of time before her son would avenge his father’s death, perpetuating the cycle of bloodshed.
A Vicious Cycle
In South Sudan, revenge killings are a tragic norm. Eye for eye. Life for life. These acts of vengeance are deeply ingrained, and Juma’s family was no exception.
When her son turned 31, he carried out the vengeance his tribe expected of him, taking the life of the man who had killed his father. Days later, he was shot in retaliation.
Now, Juma was utterly alone.
A Cry for Peace
Broken and consumed by thoughts of revenge, Juma debated turning to her tribe’s elders to ask for justice. But in the quiet of her small hut, she stumbled upon something unexpected: a Words of Hope radio broadcast.
The preacher’s words were rooted in Scripture:
“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’” – Romans 12:19
For Juma, the message was transformative. Words of Hope’s broadcasts in South Sudan focus on reconciliation in Christ, sharing the gospel’s call to forgiveness. The message pierced through her despair, offering a glimmer of hope—a way out of the cycle of death and vengeance.
Choosing Forgiveness
Juma visited the church connected to the Words of Hope broadcast and sought out the producer for prayer and counseling. There, through tears and prayer, she made a life-changing decision: she would not seek revenge. She would leave the matter in God’s hands.
It was an act of defiance—not against her enemies, but against the hatred and violence that held her country hostage. Through God’s grace, she chose life over death, forgiveness over revenge.
A Ripple Effect
Juma’s decision has far-reaching implications. By breaking the cycle of revenge, she has likely saved countless lives—not just in the physical sense but eternally, as the message of Christ’s forgiveness spreads. Her courage is a testament to the transformative power of the gospel.
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When you give to Words of Hope, you are sending messages of peace, hope, and reconciliation to the world’s most difficult places. Your gifts ensure that people like Juma have access to gospel programming and in-person counseling that can change lives forever.
Join us in spreading God’s love to places where it’s needed most. Donate today to help stop cycles of violence and bring lasting hope to individuals and communities.
Together, we can bring healing, peace, and the message of Christ to those in desperate need.
