Nandini comes from a Hindu family and lives in a slum close to a garbage dump. She loves being part of the club, listening to stories, singing songs, and playing games. To look at her, you could not imagine the horror she experiences at home.
Her dad is a raging alcoholic and regularly beats her and her mother.
Every evening is a nightmare.
One day, Auntie Sunitha, the leader of her club, told them a special story called “The Loving Father” from The Action Bible. It was about the prodigal son who took his share of his father’s wealth only to return home penniless, asking forgiveness from his father. To his great surprise, his father welcomed him with open arms.
After the club, Nandini came to Auntie Sunitha and shared what her father does to her and her mother. Auntie Sunitha was surprised by that but even more by what she said next. “Auntie I liked the story of the loving father and how he forgave his son. Since I have a problem with my father I have decided to forgive him. I will love him because God the Father loves me and my father very much.”
Scripture:
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. Psalms 139:23-24 (NLT)
Prayer:
Lord, I often have a good reason for holding bitterness in my heart, but I only hurt myself when I do not forgive. Please search my heart and reveal any roots of bitterness so that I can forgive those who have wronged me. And please help me to do that at the deepest level so that I can show them the same love that you have for me.
Sample Lesson on Forgiveness:
The Life on Life curriculum used in the J127 clubs in India have several lessons on forgiveness. As you can see from Nandini’s story – forgiveness is needed – and yet hard to do. Although this sample lesson on forgiveness is not the lesson in this story, it is in the curriculum Nandini’s club was using.
Update: In 2018, David C Cook transferred oversight of the J127 clubs to an in-country partner which continues to shepherd and grow this program. By supporting David C Cook’s Life on Life curriculum, you will be helping support this program as well.
