Summary

My story is one of deep loss and ultimate freedom through forgiveness. On July 31, 2011, my son Kevin was hit head-on by a drunk driver and died the next day. In the midst of overwhelming grief and pain, I, along with my wife Tiki, experienced a divine intervention that compelled us to forgive the driver. Even though our hearts screamed in anguish, we chose to speak God’s Word over our lives, declaring that forgiveness is freedom. This act of forgiving not only liberated us from the prison of guilt but also paved the way for healing and restoration. I share this testimony to encourage others that through Jesus, who is the source of all hope and healing, true freedom and restoration are possible.

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Kenneth Copeland Ministries Partners Tom and Tiki Finlayson understand just how difficult, powerful and transformative forgiveness can be. They did the unimaginable when they forgave the drunk driver who killed their 25-year-old son. On July 31, 2011, they received the news that their son Kevin had been hit head on as he was driving home from work. He died the next day. That’s when the Tom and Tiki’s journey to forgiveness began.

While still in the hospital, still reeling from their son’s death, Tom and Tiki began to pray. That’s when Tiki surprised herself and uttered the words, β€œLord, I forgive her and what she’s done to our family.”

That served as confirmation to Tom as he had already received an unction from the Lord to forgive the drunk driver, too.

Of course, saying that they would forgive the drunk driver and actually experiencing complete forgiveness took time. β€œEventually, because I kept speaking God’s Word, even though I didn’t feel like it, even though my head was yelling other things at me, I continued to work through that process of speaking the Word and speaking over myself, it eventually changed my feelings. I chose to not allow what this woman did to trap me in a jail cell when I had the key to let me go. Forgiveness is freedom.”

But personal forgiveness wasn’t enough. At the parole hearing for Latisha Stephens, the drunk driver, Tiki announced her forgiveness and became part of Latisha’s early release from prison.

In January of 2014, the two began speaking together at high schools, rehabilitation centers, community events, television shows, and anywhere and everywhere else that will allow them to share their story and talk about the dangers of drunk driving.

Watch Tom and Tiki Finlayson’s testimony of forgiving a drunk driver. And if you need someone to pray and encourage you in your own forgiveness journey, contact Kenneth Copeland Ministries (http://www.kcm.org/contact-us) to speak to or email a prayer minister.

We’re here for you!

For more information about Tiki Finlayson, click to the following pages:
http://www.tikifinlayson.com
http://www.purposechurchtn.com
http://www.iam1n3.org

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Kenneth Copeland Ministries
Hello, we’re Kenneth and Gloria Copeland. For over 55 years, we’ve been passionately teaching Christians all over the world how to apply the principles of faith found in God’s Word to their lives. We are called to teach Christians, just like you, how to overcome life’s obstacles and to live in victory by applying principles found in the Bible. The wisdom of God’s Word can help you with ANY situation in which you may find yourself. Generally, our teachings fall within one of these categories: Finances, Relationships, Healing, Prayer, Faith, Life & Work and Spiritual Growth.
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