Defy the Odds

FOREWORD by Jentezen Franklin

It’s rare to find a pastor who is as comfortable in front of corporate giants and US senators as he is with his own congregation. Whether he’s speaking to executives at Delta Air Lines, ServiceMaster, or Chick-fil-A or to his own congregation, Benny has a way of relating core scriptural values and principles that transcend titles and stations in life, all in such a way that people are truly inspired to take action and create change.

Defy the Odds takes you behind the curtain and offers life lessons forged in the pain and triumph Benny has experienced. As you walk through these chapters, you will see how God’s plan and His hand were on Benny long before he was born. Then at each stage of Benny’s life, the Lord positioned a caregiver to provide him with timely direction as He shaped him for a purpose he never could have imagined.

I believe you will find yourself in the space between the lines because Benny’s struggles were not unlike struggles we all face. Yours may have a different name or take place in a different context, but your life’s challenges are not as unique to you as you may believe. What is unique is God’s plan for each of us. That is made clear in every story and teaching in this book.

Each chapter offers a fresh perspective for every season of your life, building a foundation of hope for all your tomorrows. You can defy the odds simply because you carry the very presence of God into every situation you face and every ministry opportunity you encounter. Defy the Odds will show you how to maintain hope in all circumstances, as only a master communicator like Benny can do.

Through surrender and sacrifice, Benny has a way of turning the most unlikely circumstance into something amazing. Whether success- fully navigating the scholarly world as a guest speaker on college campuses or growing a young church of 50 people into a church of more than 8,000, Benny has discovered a hidden pathway to success and victory. He is incredibly passionate about sharing that path with who- ever is willing to sit and listen—or in this case, willing to sit and read.

I promise you this: Whatever situation you find yourself in today— rich or poor, highly successful or just trying to get on your feet—God has so much more for you. Defy the Odds will show you, step by step and story by story, how to walk in all He has for your life. Benny’s story begins before he was even born, and you, too, will discover that your journey isn’t just about finding your next step or making that next decision but also about learning that you have been a part of God’s plan before you ever took a breath.

You, my friend, were made for more, and it’s time to start defying the odds in your own life

—Jentezen Franklin, senior pastor of Free Chapel and New York Times bestselling author
 
 
“It is my great privilege to recommend the book Defy the Odds by my dear friend Benny Tate. From the very beginning of his life, even until now, he has by the grace of God defied the odds at every turn. No matter how helpless or hopeless you may think your situation is if you read this book you will be convinced otherwise. I cannot commend it too highly.”
—James Merritt, host of Touching Lives, senior pastor of Cross Pointe Church, former president of the Southern Baptist Convention

“Talk about an ‘underdog,’ what are the chances or the odds? Yet God! In His mercy He took Benny Tate’s mess and performed a miracle. Need Hope? It is in the pages of this book!”
—Pastor Johnny Hunt, senior vice president of the North American Mission Board, former president of the Southern Baptist Convention, pastor emeritus of First Baptist Church in Woodstock, Georgia

“Whatever or whoever is standing in your way will be removed from your life! How can I say that? If God can do that for my friend Benny Tate, He will do the same for you. Defy the Odds may just be the most transparent and transformative book you will read. Not only will you read it, you will want all those you love to read it too. I’ve known Pastor Benny Tate for many years and reading this book only grew my respect, admiration and honor for him.”
—Sam Chand, leadership consultant and author of Harnessing the Power of Tension

"Pastor Benny speaks wisdom in practical ways we can grasp and apply to our own lives. It's authentic because he has lived it in his own life. He doesn't preach from a lofty tower, he wasn't born in a pulpit. His life had a dreadful beginning but he chose to surrender his life fully to the One who had a good plan for his life: Jesus Christ. This is his story."
—Ruth Graham author of Forgiving My Father, Forgiving Myself: An Invitation to the Miracle of Forgiveness and Transforming Loneliness: Deepening Our Relationship with God and Others When We Feel Alone

“Pastor Benny Tate’s story is one of both inspiration and faith. The guy who starts on third base and gets home and acts like he hit a home run has never impressed me. My good friend Pastor Tate not only didn’t start on third base, he wasn’t even in the stadium. His life is proof that if you have faith and the right mindset and belief, you can truly do anything and defy all odds.”
—John Calipari, head coach of University of Kentucky Men’s Basketball

“Benny Tate is no stranger to adversity and heartache. However, his story is a perfect example of how God can overcome every difficult circumstance and use anyone regardless of their past. This book offers hope to all who read it! Each chapter provides practical application for believing God for big things and trusting Him to defy the odds in your life!”
—Dr. Robert Jeffress, senior pastor of First Baptist in Dallas, Texas

“This story of a brave young man from an ungodly background with the courage to "defy the odds" as a pastor and leader is a challenge to every Christian to stand firm in the faith.”
—Mrs. Joyce Rogers, author, board member of Love Worth Finding Ministries

“Defy the Odds, by my friend Benny Tate, will strengthen your faith in the fact that with God, all things are possible!”
—Pastor Jim Cymbala, Brooklyn Tabernacle

“Benny Tate’s life could have turned out much differently, but he made the decision to break the chains that had imprisoned his family legacy. Through incredible storytelling, harrowing true stories, and pinpoint Biblical truths, Benny teaches how readers can ‘defy the odds’ and overcome the struggles and challenges of this broken world.”
—Reverend Will Graham, vice president, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

“I was not prepared for how much I would enjoy Dr. Benny Tate’s book. When I finished, I asked myself, is this not the most encouraging book I have ever read? If you have felt you were born with all good possibilities completely against you, this is the book for you. If you feel there is no hope, this is your book. If you feel that life has been unfair to you, this is your book. God has raised up Benny Tate to demonstrate to the world what God can do with the most impossible situation. Benny Tate also happens to be a gifted writer, which will make this book easy reading for you. If you are ready to be uplifted, start reading now!”
—R.T. Kendall, Christian writer, speaker, teacher, and pastor of 25 years at Westminster Chapel

“Dr. Benny Tate’s story is one of pain and triumph. It is a real-life exhibit of 2 Corinthians 1, where the apostle Paul tells us that the help you have received in your tough times allows you to help others. Defy the Odds brings help and hope to people’s lives.”
—Tim Dilena, senior pastor of Times Square Church, New York City

“Overcoming life’s greatest obstacles is impossible on your own, but with God, all things are possible. Defy the Odds paints a wonderful picture of how God can use any person regardless of their past mistakes or difficult circumstances. If you need to be reminded that God can use you to accomplish great things, Benny Tate’s story will encourage you to trust that God can transform your life in unimaginable ways!”
—Roma Downey, Emmy® nominated actress, producer, and New York Times bestselling author

“If you meet Benny Tate, the words within these pages become all the more miraculous. It’s not only his accomplishments, which are many. It’s not just the people who love him, which are even more. It’s his attitude and spirit, and it’s his willingness to help you reach your own destiny any way he can. That’s the most miraculous of all.”
—Todd Tilghman, recording artist, season 18 winner of NBC’s The Voice

“Defy The Odds is the perfect title for my friend Dr. Benny Tate’s new book. The undeniable and encouraging hand of God on his life and ministry need to be heard worldwide, and the HOPE you will receive reading this, will change your life and raise your faith. Read the first chapter and you’ll be hooked!”
—Dr. Bill Purvis, founder, BPLEADERSHIP and pastor emeritus, Cascade Hills Church in Columbus, Georgia