Christian grandmother stabbed in head says she will forgive attacker, if he turns to God

A grandmother stabbed in the head 13 times has said she will forgive her attacker if he turns to God.

Angela Burks, 68, attributes her survival after she was stabbed in the head by Lee Greenall to "a miracle".

She was stabbed by the 39-year-old when she refused to give him her handbag in Alfreton, Derbyshire, on February 5.

When she then surrendered the bag, he continued to stab her.

He was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, but pleaded guilty to wounding with intent, robbery and possessing an offensive weapon and is serving a 10 year prison sentence.

Burks said she would forgive her attacker if he repented.

"It's got to be true repentance though. It's not going to be like an apology - 'I'm sorry' - because anybody can say they're sorry.

"He would then have to turn his life round to God and he would have to prove it to me that he had," she told BBC.

"Personally I would like him to come to God of course, and I would like him to come to full repentance," she said.

"So if he did that, yes, I would forgive him."

When she was attacked, Burks mistook the stab wounds for punches, despite them fracturing her skull and causing a brain bleed.

"I just seemed to accept everything that I had to go through and I'm positive this was part of the miracle," she said.

"I wasn't aware he was stabbing me, but to be stabbed 13 times and not to feel it is just incredible that I'm alive."

Newsletter Stay up to date with Christian Today
related articles
Man facing murder charge asks for forgiveness for killing priest

Man facing murder charge asks for forgiveness for killing priest

Pastor whose pregnant wife was fatally shot: \'I hope to share the gospel with her killers\'
Pastor whose pregnant wife was fatally shot: 'I hope to share the gospel with her killers'

Pastor whose pregnant wife was fatally shot: 'I hope to share the gospel with her killers'

Should we \'hate the sin, love the sinner\'?
Should we 'hate the sin, love the sinner'?

Should we 'hate the sin, love the sinner'?

Jamaica: Widow of slain Christian missionary speaks of \'huge loss\'
Jamaica: Widow of slain Christian missionary speaks of 'huge loss'

Jamaica: Widow of slain Christian missionary speaks of 'huge loss'

News
Young Christians engaging with Bible more, survey finds
Young Christians engaging with Bible more, survey finds

A new report reveals surprising levels of Bible engagement among young people aged 15–30.

Päivi Räsänen to appeal to ECHR after conviction over biblical pamphlet
Päivi Räsänen to appeal to ECHR after conviction over biblical pamphlet

Räsänen's case has been ongoing for years now.

Historic Mozambique church destroyed in extremist attack as church leaders appeal for peace
Historic Mozambique church destroyed in extremist attack as church leaders appeal for peace

Church leaders in northern Mozambique have renewed calls for peace and religious unity after militants destroyed a historic church during a violent raid in Cabo Delgado Province. 

Christians petition for protection of pastors in Colombia following murders
Christians petition for protection of pastors in Colombia following murders

A petition will be presented to the new president.