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Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith - Choosing Victory Over Victimhood: John O’Leary & Athanase Kadita Tshibaka
Description
This week, we’re joined by author and speaker John O’Leary. John shares the story of a joyful Midwestern childhood that was forever changed at age nine by a devastating house fire that doctors said he would not survive. Through the unwavering love of his parents, the kindness of unexpected heroes, and a hard-fought choice to live, John’s life became a testimony to hope rising from unimaginable pain.
Later in the episode, we’ll hear from finance executive and advisor Athanase Kadita Tshibaka, known as A.T., who was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. A.T. shares a journey shaped by poverty, displacement, and profound loss, and the faith that sustained him through imprisonment, injustice, and life-threatening trials.
Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:
Past interview: Alice Marie Johnson
Upcoming interview: Ed Newton
This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt, call Trinity today. Trinity’s counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps! Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org
TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we’re helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments, Trinity has the knowledge and resources to make a difference. https://trinitycredit.org
Interview Quotes:
“The heroes show up, and none of them wear tights. None of them wear capes. They just look like ordinary friends who faithfully live out the message of Jesus in life.” - John O’Leary
“I think when we get burned in life, whatever that looks like for all of us, we can become bitter about it and wonder where God is in our mess. Or you can recognize that God is all over this mess with you and that you can reveal that goodness and that grace and that mercy to others through your life.” - John O’Leary
“I think when you go through a [difficult] event, at any age, it’s easy to really quickly decide whether I will be a victim or a victor to this. Even if you feel like you have no talent, your life is a precious, priceless gift. You have one job, to say yes to being used for good.” - John O’Leary
“Your life, in spite of what you’ve been through or done, can be used in mighty ways.” - John O’Leary
“Even though we were