My name is Javier, and I grew up in the lush mountains surrounding Florencia, Caquetá. I was just a teenager when I was drawn into the armed conflict that swept across our region. For years, I fought with the FARC, believing it was the only way to fight for justice. The dense jungles became my home, but bitterness and hatred filled my heart.
Life in the camp was harsh, and violence was a way of life. I remember thinking, 'This is my fate; there's nothing beyond this.' But deep down, I longed for peace. After the peace accords, I decided to surrender my weapons and try to find a new path, but the weight of my past decisions haunted me.
One day in 2025, while attending a community reintegration program in a local church in Florencia, a pastor spoke about forgiveness and reconciliation through Jesus Christ. His words pierced through my hardened heart. He said, 'Jesus forgives all transgressions, no matter how grave. He offers a new beginning.' I couldn't hold back my tears. I felt something I had never felt before—a glimmer of hope.
I decided to learn more about Jesus and joined a Bible study group. There, surrounded by people who had also been affected by the conflict, I realized His love was real and unconditional. It was in that small church, sitting on a wooden bench, that I accepted Jesus as my Savior. I prayed, 'Lord, I give You my burdens. I want to start anew in Your light.'
Since that day, my life has changed profoundly. The chains of anger and resentment have lifted, replaced by a desire to be a force for peace. I now work with a local organization in Caquetá that helps former combatants reintegrate into society, offering them the same message of hope and redemption that saved me.
I often share my story with others, saying, 'If Jesus can forgive and transform me, He can do the same for you.' The path is not always easy, but I find strength in prayer and the support of my community. My family, once estranged, is now slowly rebuilding connections, and I see God's hand in every step we take.
Through Christ, I've found forgiveness, not just from others, but from myself. I am not who I used to be. Jesus has given me a new identity—one of peace, reconciliation, and hope.
