MINDANAO, Philippines - For more than four decades, Muslim rebel groups have waged war against government troops and Christians in the southern Philippines.
Still, one women's ability to forgive and a spirit of reconciliation is bringing transformation to several communities there.
Shirlyn Macasarte can still vividly recall the day she was ambushed by more than 50 armed men in a remote Muslim area in southern Philippines.
"Fifty muslims with high-powered guns aiming towards my car," she recalled. "I got my Bible and prayed to the Lord. I submitted myself to God and prayed for covering."
A nurse and a public servant, Macasarte knew it was a case of mistaken identity. Her attackers belonged to the Muslim rebel group, Moro Islamic Liberation Front or MILF. They were targeting a leader who formed a faction from the same group.
Macasarte miraculously survived the ambush. She has about 10 bullet splinters near her spinal cord, head and other parts of her body. Macasarte's brothers saw her suffering and vowed to take revenge, but she asked them to forgive.
Not only have Christians like Macasarte helped reconcile Muslims among themselves, but now a Christian church called the City of Praise is experiencing reconciliation with Muslims.
Former Muslim rebel leaders Commander Spider and General Omar once joined other Christians in a Sunday service.
Their group, MILF, began waging war against government soldiers during martial law days in the 70s.
All that changed in 2008 when Pastor Paul Abraham of City of Praise and American Missionaries held a healing festival in their training camp.
"They never allowed Christians to enter their community," he said. "We were given permission to enter their community. They received the vision, the Word was preached to them."
As the Muslim fighters began studying the Bible, they understood that Jesus was the only source of peace.
At a camp where Muslim fighters used to train for war, there is no trace of any warfare training because the Muslim separatist group is now committed to use peaceful means to obtain unity and order in the region.
Part of the peace efforts are giving livelihood to the transformed Muslim fighters. That, according to Pastor Paul, is the higher form of jihad, not through armed struggle but through the expression of the love of God towards others.
Spider said he's grateful that Christians are helping him rebuild his life.
"We are really committed to bring change," he said. "We lay down our firearms because our goal is for Christians and Muslims to live together in peace."
"I hope this is the beginning that we can spread the light to all the people here in Mindanao," Omar added.