As promised, I am excited to share Ashley’s story with you today. Forgiven Ministry is an amazing work on so many different levels. Since I’ve been here, I’ve been challenged to reflect on many things such as reconciliation, my view of the incarcerated, justice, grace and forgiveness. From Ashley’s testimony, it’s clear that I am not alone in this journey of reflection and growth. I am thrilled to share Ashley’s post with you now.
At the age of 10 I was robbed at gunpoint in my home alongside my family. I had been to church and could tell you the ABCs of salvation. I had prayed but didn’t know what relationship meant. That night with a gun waving in my face I couldn’t do anything (neither could my parents) but pray. The only option I had was the only one that counted and mattered. It was the best and most needed one. I learned that night–not my parents, not my home, nothing or no one could protect me, but Jesus could keep me safe in anything and everything after He stood in the gap between us and the gunman. He spared our lives that night. We were robbed (what Satan meant for evil), but God had Jesus in the gap and my life was given to him.
I share this because yesterday [Saturday July 13 at our Huron Valley women’s camp] gave me a new view of the man that did this. I see him differently now. I don’t see him as this scary enemy, but a broken person who needed Jesus. I don’t know if he ever found Him, he died since then. But God could have met him at any point, and I want to say He did–as Jesus stepped into the gap because he saw or felt something that night to make him leave.
If you need anything else or want anything else. Please let me know. I am nothing special, but Jesus is and how cool it is that we get to share him! Thanks for this life changing weekend!
What a powerful testimony! Ashley’s shift in perspective, seeing her assailant as a broken person in need of Jesus, highlights the power of forgiveness and redemption. Thank you for joining us in hearing Ashley’s remarkable journey. From time to time, we’ll share more inspiring stories from our volunteers.
You are loved!
Les
