Forgiveness is one of the hardest things we’re called to do as Christians, especially when the offence is so great. But sometimes, we hear stories that leave us in awe. Testimonies that show the supernatural power of God’s love working through ordinary people.
On this episode of Forerunners, Mandy Worby shares the story of Rani Maria, an Indian nun dedicated to protecting the poor from greedy landlords and unjust moneylenders. Her bold stand for the vulnerable made her a target. In 1995, while travelling by bus, she was brutally attacked by a man named Samandar Singh, hired to kill her. “He inflicted 40 major injuries besides 14 bruises, and to her very last breath she said the name of Jesus repeatedly,” Mandy says.
Tragically, no one dared to intervene. Rani Maria died, but her story of love and courage didn’t end there. Samandar was jailed for 11 years. But it was what happened next that truly showed the power of God’s grace.
The Supernatural Power of God’s Love
While Samandar was in prison, Rani Maria’s sister Selmy Paul did something extraordinary. “She visited Samandar and expressed her forgiveness of him,” Mandy says. “Samandar was so overcome by her actions, he begged for forgiveness and expressed repentance.”
Later, Rani Maria’s mother also visited him, forgave him, and even kissed his hands. This was a powerful symbol of genuine forgiveness. Upon Samandar’s release, Selmy did something remarkable. “She accepted him as a brother, similar to adoption. She tied a symbolic raki thread around his wrist showing everyone of their relationship,” Mandy says.
What’s even more incredible is that Samandar remained a Hindu, yet Selmy committed to loving him as her brother regardless. “Sometimes actions like these are truly shocking,” says Mandy, “but they show us that the love and power of God are far greater than our own natural human responses.”
This story is a reminder that through Jesus, forgiveness is possible, even when it seems impossible. It’s a testimony that speaks to the world about God’s transforming love.
Listen to Mandy’s full message below:
