Episode 23: Forgiveness is For You, Not Them. The Okongo Samson Story

"Blessed are they who are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." -Matthew 5:10In this episode of the show, we welcome Okongo Samson and his wife Shyla. Now anyone who adorns the cross of Jesus in any way knows what persecution is. It can be as mild as murmuring behind your back, or in more extreme forms, bodily harm and even death can come about.No matter what form it takes, it's not enjoyable in the flesh to endure. But with God's grace, we can take joy in our suffering, because we know it's not really us that is suffering; it's the One we serve that is really the target.Okongo has suffered mightily while serving God, so much so that we can't share in this description for fear the Apple bots will take notice and deplatform our show. You'll have to hear for yourself what Okongo endured, as well as his journey of healing and ultimately forgiving those who wrought the suffering.In our conversation with Okongo, you'll hear:-How a literal thorn in the flesh led Okongo to embrace the Lord...05:00-How to know how to follow Jesus...12:10-Okongo's first persecution...14:05-Coping with the reality of the abduction...19:40-Holding onto hope in hopeless circumstances...23:20-Dealing with the trauma after escaping the camp...25:50-How Okongo's outlook began to change...30:45-The ministry (and persecution) continues in full force...37:30-Returning to the prisons to offer forgiveness to the captors...47:05Learn more about Okongo's work at unite4africa.org