By Hezekiah Olujobi
Adversity, like sculpture, brings out the best in us and makes us stronger than our adversaries
In 2004, I suddenly lost my job at my mother church due to a misunderstanding of the purpose of my vision and persecution.
Since then, life has been a series of struggles. As a survivor of injustice and someone, who has experienced life in prison six consecutive times, I understand that in a society where stigma can severely damage one’s image, exposing oneself can create barriers to growth. However, I cannot remain silent about my story of salvation. If my own blood sister can doubt me and say it will take two years before she believes my story, why should I take offense at the opinions of outsiders? If my church authority can decline my vision, why should I blame the pastor who did not believe in it?
I believe I should stand up for those who are going through similar experiences, and filling this gap has been a profound experience for me.
Out of the integrity of my heart and ignorance of the consequences that may lie ahead, I made the decision to stand by the vision. I told the church authorities when I was asked to choose between prison evangelism and the practical aspect of reintegration, “Sir, the message is incomplete. It is insufficient to preach the gospel to prisoners without further care for their reintegration; it is incomplete to abandon a man who has wronged many people and is willing to reconcile with them.”
Nothing moved me as much as when someone approached me seeking help for accommodation upon their release. Due to this pressing need, the initiative of the Halfway Home was established. The needs arose, but where are the resources? As a result, I had to search for resources and find a way to survive. Please underline the word SURVIVE. As a father of three children at that time, where do I start life from? There is a need to reach out to the people.
In my quest for funding from local efforts, I encountered many individuals with practical life experiences. I visited a large church, thinking the problem would be solved, but what I found was a big mess. I remember a church secretary to whom I shared my vision and mission, who told me, “Sir, this church you see is going through big challenges. Every Sunday, the offerings amount to millions, and the bank staff are on the ground to take the money away for their loan recovery. As a matter of fact, our salary is inconsistent.”
So many realities of life were revealed to me. Sometimes, if you don’t know the story of where someone is coming from, what they have been through, and what they are still going through, one day you will understand, and the regret of your neglected actions and your sense of judgment may not leave you easily.
If you are the type who judges people based on assumptions—that this person, that fellow you are looking at, has the potential to help you but refuses to do so—you may live with the regret of your wrong assumptions when you finally learn what he or she is going through. Many of those whom you judge based on outward appearances are facing significant challenges that they cannot share with you. Some, despite their challenges, are still standing tall and stretching out their hands to help you. You may not be the only one on their list, yet they still sacrifice to do their best, and yet you are not satisfied or appreciative.
Some are out there sitting on a wrecked ship that is about to sink but cannot tell you. Some are battling life-threatening diseases beneath their clothes, yet what they can offer you is a smile on their faces.
This small piece is for my people going through whatever struggles they may face. Please, DO NOT GIVE UP! You are alive for a reason. Every day of your life, you must fight to be a better person than you were yesterday.
Looking back at where I am coming from, I can say that my today is far better than my yesterday, and tomorrow will be even better at the appointed time of my turning point.
What will be your reaction to those who betrayed you, those who backbite and backlash you, those who added more pain to your journey, and those who blocked you?
As for me, I look at them as if nothing happened. Without their rejection, I may not have learned the lessons I learned today. Adversity, like sculpture, brings out the best in us and makes us stronger than our adversaries.
To all my partners and supporters, to those individuals who choose to invest in my personal growth, and to those who are going through challenges yet still reaching out to help others, I say a big thank you.
Never give up!
See you at the top!!
Hezekiah Deboboye Olujobi CRJ writes from Lagos
