“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” — Romans 12:21
Graham Staines came from Australia to India in 1965 and spent more than three decades serving in Odisha, especially among people affected by leprosy and families living in poverty. He learned local languages, participated in community life, and worked with Indian coworkers in practical care and Christian ministry. Gladys joined this service, and together they raised their family in India.
In January 1999, Graham and the couple’s two young sons, Philip and Timothy, were murdered when the vehicle in which they were sleeping was set on fire by attackers. The crime shocked India and the world. This article does not need to dwell on the violence. The enduring Christian testimony is what followed.
Gladys publicly chose forgiveness rather than revenge. Her forgiveness did not call evil good, excuse injustice, or remove the need for lawful accountability. It refused to let hatred reproduce itself in her heart. She continued the work of caring for people affected by leprosy before later returning to Australia. India recognized her service with the Padma Shri in 2005.
Forgiveness is not weakness
Forgiveness after terrible loss cannot be reduced to a slogan. It is costly obedience made possible by God’s grace. Christians should never pressure grieving people to hide their pain or skip the work of lament. Gladys’s testimony is powerful precisely because grief, justice, faith, and forgiveness were all real.
Graham’s decades of service also deserve to be remembered apart from the manner of his death. His life was invested in people who were often stigmatized and pushed aside. The Gospel he proclaimed was joined to patient, practical compassion. Gladys demonstrated the same union of faith and service after tragedy.
A prayer for persecuted believers
Lord Jesus, comfort every family wounded by hatred and persecution. Protect Christian workers and the communities they serve. Give leaders courage to defend religious freedom and reject violence. Where bitterness seeks to rule, grant the strength to forgive without surrendering truth or justice. Overcome evil with good in us. Amen.
Historical sources and further reading: Christian History Institute — Graham Staines; Christianity Today — the continuing legacy of forgiveness.