“We are not forgiven because we forgive, but as we forgive. The ground of all forgiveness is found in the unmerited love of God, but by our attitude toward others we show whether we have made that love our own” (E G White, Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 251).
From 11 June to 3 September 2025, the Stanborough Park Centre hosted a six-part Forgiveness Journey Experience course, delivered by British Union Conference Director Sharon Platt-McDonald. The course featured seminar presentations, reflective exercises, course materials, reading assignments, and one-to-one counselling.
Following the success of a single Easter Sunday seminar in April, demand grew for a more in-depth exploration of the topic. Originally scheduled as four sessions, the course expanded to six after participants requested additional time:
· Session 1 – Forgiveness: Beginning the Journey
· Session 2 – How Do I Forgive?
· Session 3 – Forgiveness Heals (Part 1)
· Session 4 – Forgiveness Heals (Part 2)
· Session 5 – Dealing with Triggers
· Session 6 – Moving Forward
Course reflection
Pastor James Shepley, associate minister at Stanborough Park church, attended all six sessions and shared:
“I have come to realise how forgiveness is something very deep, and not easy at all. We often hear ‘forgive and forget’ or ‘forgive and make up’, but these are neither simple nor always possible. Forgiveness does not mean that wrong becomes right, nor is it the same as reconciliation – though it can lead to it. Forgiveness is a healing process that helps us recover from the hurts we have endured. In this seminar, Sharon shared God-given wisdom, speaking from her own experience, to help us take valuable steps on this journey of recovery.”
Due to the sensitive nature of their journeys, attendees submitted anonymous reflections. Many spoke of healing, encouragement, and newfound freedom:
“The course was an eye-opener. It was a healing experience.”
“Even when you forgive, the pain may still be there and has to be worked through. I learnt this key fact on the course.”
“It was amazing. I am now moving forward and no longer stuck in the same place.”
“It helped to know I was not alone.”
Course materials
Participants were also profoundly impacted by the course materials. Resources such as The Healing Power of Forgiveness and Healing Hearts Restoring Minds: The A–Z of emotional wellbeing provided practical and spiritual insights.
“The Healing Power of Forgiveness book was incredible. Despite the trauma individuals went through, they were still able to forgive.”
Attendees also valued the scripture shared during the sessions. One participant noted:
“Philippians 4:13 became my daily encouragement – I carry it with me everywhere.”
Counselling impact and follow-up
To provide additional guidance, Ellen-Jaye Anderson-Grey, a certified counsellor, mediator, and personal development coach, offered one-to-one counselling sessions. This element proved vital:
“The counsellor was really good. She listened well and helped identify the roots of our trauma.”
“Having a therapist who understood Adventist faith added real value to the sessions.”
Many attendees have since continued with counselling, a testimony to the course’s lasting impact.
Platt-McDonald has delivered forgiveness courses internationally, including in the Bahamas, Botswana, Canada, Cayman Islands, the Netherlands, South Africa, and the USA.
Reflecting on these experiences, she shared:
“I am grateful to God for lessons He has taught me on the transformative impact of forgiveness. The courses are tailored to local needs and may be offered as a one-day seminar, a weekend retreat, or a multi-week series. Wherever I go, I see that the struggle to forgive is universal. Regardless of the trauma faced, forgiveness is always possible. That is why I emphasise it as a journey.”
For those wishing to explore further, The Healing Power of Forgiveness is available from the Stanborough Press and LifeSource Bookshop: https://lifesourcebookshop.co.uk/product/the-healing-power-of-forgiveness/