Choosing Victory Over Victimhood: John O’Leary & Athanase Kadita Tshibaka

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 : Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling Jesus Always Jesus Listens Past interview: Alice Marie Johnson Upcoming interview: Ed Newton John O'Leary Soul on Fire Jack Buck Athanase Kadita Tshibaka Son of the Congo 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 essentially living in poverty… [my mother] had to struggle, she had to really work hard. But even with her very meager means, my mom showed me the value of hospitality and the value of generosity. There was never an instant where some strangers came and she let them just go hungry. Above it all, God's grace." - Athanase Kadita Tshibaka "When I decided to accept Christ as Lord and Savior, I had nobody pushing me, I had nobody influencing me except that very still voice, very gentle, saying that was my day of decision." - Athanse Kadita Tshibaka "Like most people, I am a cracked pot, a leaking vessel, and I need to be refilled by His Holy Spirit daily. Reading the Bible and being attentive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit helps keep us growing." - Athanase Kadita Tshibaka ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel! Audio Episodes: Bonus Podcasts: Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer: Peace for Everyday Life: Peace in Uncertain Times: What's Good? Enneagram: ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Website TikTok Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us .

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Choosing Victory Over Victimhood: John O’Leary & Athanase Kadita Tshibaka is an episode from Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith by Support.

This episode is 30:22 long.

This episode was published on Feb 26, 2026.

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