Terry Waite travelled to some of the most dangerous places in the world, negotiating with the likes of Idi Amin and Colonel Gaddafi for the release of hostages. Then while working in Lebanon he was taken hostage by Islamic Jihadists. He was held for nearly 5 years, most of it in solitary confinement, was tortured and underwent a mock execution.
Tune into the podcast for an incredible story of humility, grace and finding God in the darkest of places.
Interview starts at 7m 41s
Image used with permission.
BOOKS
Solitude: Memories, People, Places
QUOTES
“I was pushed across the room. When I took the blindfold off I was in a tiled cell and that was, I realized then that I was a captive. And I remember saying three things to myself. No regrets. Don’t regret. You’ve done what you can and so live with that. No self pity. Don’t feel sorry for yourself because there are many people who are in far worse situations than you are and no over-sentimentality. Don’t say, Oh if only I’d been a better husband, a better father. You can’t relive the past. You live with yourself as you are. Make something of it from that point on. And I can’t say that I kept those things exactly but at least I did my best to stand by them.”
“One of the good things about experiencing what some might think is a rather negative period in life being trapped and in prison is that you can always turn it round. Misfortunes very often can be turned round and used creatively. And I found that over the years to be the case.”
Thank you for this interview. Very inspiring. Terry’s outlook gives me hope for the future re: on-going, worldwide human conflict.
Thanks Judy! He certainly is an inspiring chap!
Hi guys, thanks to you and Terry thanks for this interview. I’m a Canadian Mennonite missionary, church planter and peacebuilder in Manila, Philippines. But, I started here working with armed groups in the southern Philippines like Terry mentioned in the interview.
I was inspired by Terry’s wisdom, his calmness and his love. I’ve felt and sensed the same thing in so many followers of Jesus. They’re people who work in high risk areas and compassionately walk the long path of justice and peacebuilding.
I’m interested in hearing more about the Christians and Muslims in Syria who are working at the grass roots to reconcile! This is a story I want to hear more about and be able to spread in my network. I’m so passionate about telling the stories of people all over the world who are choosing reconciliation over fear and mistrust. I’d love it if you could send my contact info to Terry. I’d love to hear from him.
Blessings guys. Keep up these great interviews.
Hi Darnell.
Good to hear from you. Glad you found the interview with Terry helpful.
Unfortunately I don’t have Terry’s contact details. I went through his PA. I’ll email her contact details to you.
Tim