Stronger Than Revenge

A new documentary telling the extraordinary true story of forgiveness in the aftermath of war is now available to watch, offering a timely reminder of the power of grace in a world often marked by division and conflict.

In the Face of Revenge, produced by Victor Hulbert, tells the story of Viktor Ståhlberg, a Finnish Seventh-day Adventist whose response to personal tragedy during Finland’s 1918 civil war left a legacy that continues to influence lives more than a century later.

The documentary is based on a story first published by tedNEWS in 2018, marking the centenary of the death of Ståhlberg’s son, Väinö, who was captured and executed by Red soldiers during the conflict. Despite his devastating loss, Viktor refused to allow 10 soldiers to be killed as revenge for his son.

When soldiers prepared to execute 10 prisoners in retaliation for Väinö’s murder, Viktor intervened. Carrying his Bible, he traveled to the execution site and appealed for mercy, declaring that no one should be killed. The prisoners’ lives were spared, breaking a cycle of violence and retribution. The consequences of that decision would extend far beyond that day.

Among those saved were the two sons of a local blacksmith. Deeply moved by the act of forgiveness, their father became a Christian and joined the Adventist Church. Over the years the story continued to bear fruit, with nine descendants of the Ståhlberg family serving as pastors and church leaders.

Timo Flink, director of Hope Channel Finland, believes the story remains highly relevant today. “The story of Viktor Ståhlberg is a powerful reminder of how one person’s decision can ripple through decades and generations, touching not only his own family but countless others as well,” Flink shared. “Rather than seeking revenge for the murder of one of his sons, Viktor chose mercy. He saved the lives of 10 young men from the opposing side during the Finnish civil war.”

Flink added that Viktor’s example demonstrates that genuine faith is expressed through action and continues to challenge believers today. “Each of us has the potential to be the next Viktor, to make a choice in a critical moment that echoes far beyond our lifetime and leaves a legacy of light in the lives of those around us.”

Former Hope Channel Norway director and Norwegian Union Communication director Tor Tjeransen described the documentary as a compelling testimony to the transformative power of grace. “This story shows the powerful impact of forgiveness and grace,” Tjeransen said. “This is a moving story of what can happen when you choose forgiveness and grace rather than revenge.

“When your son is killed after having been betrayed by his own girlfriend, it would be so easy to join those who want revenge. Viktor Ståhlberg would have none of that. He chose grace. And that choice has brought blessings to the Seventh-day Adventist Church to our own day.”

Bringing the Story to the Screen

The documentary’s journey to completion has been almost as remarkable as the story it tells.

Hulbert first encountered Viktor Ståhlberg’s story after being contacted by Sakari Vehkavuori, a pastor who is Ståhlberg’s great-grandson. Captivated by the account, Hulbert worked with Vehkavuori to publish the original tedNEWS article in 2018, where it quickly attracted international attention and was subsequently republished by several publications and ministries.

Determined to bring the story to a wider audience, Hulbert later traveled to Finland with Vehkavuori and Atte Helminen, filming at key locations where the story unfolded, including the family farm, the prison where the young men were held, and near the site of their execution.

The project was eventually paused as the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped priorities and demands across the church. Years later the footage found new life through the work of Edward Hilburn, a recent TV production graduate of Bournemouth University, who volunteered to edit the documentary.

Hilburn said the project left a strong impression on those who previewed it. “In the Face of Revenge is a story full of emotion,” he said. “Working with the director and cameraman Victor Hulbert to edit this documentary was an absolute pleasure as we can bring this thrilling and heartwarming story to your screens.”

“After my friends watched this for the first time, they were able to really understand and feel the struggles of these men and were touched and surprised by the show of faith and strength in forgiveness,” he added.

More than a century after Viktor Ståhlberg chose forgiveness over revenge, the documentary invites viewers to reflect on how faith, mercy and courage can still transform lives today.

In the Face of Revenge is now available to watch on YouTube. Viewers are encouraged to watch, share, and reflect on a story that demonstrates how one act of grace can influence generations.

The documentary was directed by Victor Hulbert and edited by Edward Hilburn, a Bournemouth University TV Production graduate who volunteered his skills to complete the project.

The original version of this story was posted on the Trans-European Division news site.