CLAY COUNTY — There is no linear path to forgiveness.

That’s something that Saul Alcineus Jr. said he’s seen and experienced himself.

 “Forgiveness is something a lot of people struggle with.”

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, a Fetzer Institute survey reported that 62% of American adults say they need more forgiveness in their lives. 

Sometimes it’s the missing piece to the puzzle of letting go and moving forward in life. And Alcineus said sometimes it could be the one thing holding you back. 

The topic is something that he explores in his debut book, Forgiveness: A gift to give and receive, which can be found on Amazon. He said through 11 chapters, readers are taken on a journey through the beauty of forgiving others and yourself, and what it takes to get there — delving into real life cases and scenarios. 

“A lot of people will find themselves in those stories,” Alcineus said. 

As a Clay County resident of over 20 years and pastor of Blessed Seed Church, Alcineus said that hearing the stories of others around him inspired him to take the leap and write the book.

After speaking on the topic at a conference, it further solidified his stance. He picked up a pen and paper, and created what was then a rough draft.

However, he said it took years for it to get where it is today. With the push of a friend, he said the book was finally published last year. 

Why should we forgive? Alcineus said it plays a role in becoming a better you, whether that’s improving your mental and physical health, changing your outlook on life, changing your relationship with others and achieving your dreams. 

“I know sometimes there are awful acts. People who have been through a lot. So, people cannot even fathom to forgive what they have been through," he said. “But at the same time, if you do not let go, you become a prisoner.”

It’s a lesson that he said everyone should learn and follow. It not only leads to a sense of freedom, but forces you to look at things from another perspective. And, maybe even become more compassionate.

That’s something he said he’s teaching his congregation. 

The small church meets every Sunday at Enterprise Learning Academy in Jacksonville. 

What started 11 years ago, Alcineus said has become not only a ministry but a place where giving back to others is essential.

One significant volunteer effort Alcineus said they pride themselves in is when they offered computer classes to Clay County’s Haitian community. Alcineus said the majority of his congregation is Haitian.

"A lot of people who come [from] that country, do not speak English well," he said. 

Alcineus is originally from Haiti himself, and while he runs several other churches back in his home country, he said another effort he is proud of is his ability to provide educators and students back home with the funds and supplies that they need. 

With big plans to expand, he said he hopes the church continues to grow and be a community hub — where Clay County residents can stop by and be welcomed with open arms.