Choosing Victory Over Victimhood: John O’Leary & Athanase Kadita Tshibaka
This week, we’re joined by author and speaker John O’Leary (@JohnOLearyInspires). 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.
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00:00 - Introduction: Choosing Victory Over Victimhood with John O’Leary & A.T. Tshibaka
01:46 - John O'Leary: Growing Up in St. Louis and the Devotional House Fire at Age Nine
03:55 - A Father's Grace and a Mother's Call to Fight: Making the Decision to Live
05:51 - Enter Jack Buck: The St. Louis Cardinals Announcer Who Brought Light into Darkness
08:30 - The 60 Baseballs and a Crystal Baseball Hall of Fame Gift: Teaching a Child How to Live
10:29 - Choosing Victory Over Victimhood: Saying "Yes" to Being Used for Good
12:15 - How *Jesus Calling* Impacted John's Faith Walk and "Setting the World on Fire"
14:16 - Meet Athanase "A.T." Kadita Tshibaka: Growing Up in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
15:40 - Early Hardship, Refugee Displacement, and the Motivation of Wednesday Milk and Biscuits
17:47 - Accepting Christ in October 1975 and the Quiet Guidance of the Holy Spirit
19:37 - Imprisonment Under a Dictator in the Congo and Surviving Injustice in Brazil and Liberia
22:21 - Seeking God's Guidance: Praying and Fasting Through Career Transitions to Brazil
25:01 - Familiarity with *Jesus Calling* and the Reality of Being a "Cracked Pot" Dependent on God
26:42 - Devotional Reading: *Jesus Listens* on Trusting God's Plan
