HOPE ALIVE
“This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it,” these were the words of Samson Onimisi after testing HIV positive.
He was a respected pastor at a time in a church in Adavi local government area of Kogi state, Nigeria, where he lived with his family, but lost everything after falling very ill from the viral infection. His wife, Sarah, and five-year-old son, Joseph, also tested positive for HIV, and this drove the family into seclusion.
During this time, Samson was approached by an NGO that caters to people with HIV, an encounter that gave him renewed hope. After returning to optimal health, he dedicated himself to volunteer work with an HIV support group, sharing their experiences and offering both moral and psychological support to others more recently faced with similar challenges, thereby reducing the adverse effects of stigmatization usually experienced by individuals living with the HIV virus.
Though no longer pastoring over any church, Samson Onimisi continues to preach the gospel of second chances and hope to as many people living HIV positive within his circle of influence.