Terry Waite spent almost 5 years in captivity after being kidnapped in Beirut. Now, on his 80th birthday, he reflects on the impact of forgiveness.

While serving as special envoy for the Archbishop of Canterbury and attempting to free western captives in Lebanon, Waite himself became a captive from 1987 to 1991 on his third visit to Lebanon.

On Friday, Waite turned 80 years old, in a place far from where he was held hostage 30 years ago. Having had ample time to reflect since the traumatic experience, Waite explained the role faith played in his life during that time.

"I could say in the face of my captors, you have the power to break my body and you've tried, the power to bend my mind and you've tried but my soul isn't yours to possess," Waite told Premiere.

That perseverance not only empowered him to make it through those difficult years being held captive, but also showed him the importance of caring for the poor.

"I've always had sympathy for people who are on the margins of life. But that sympathy in captivity was changed into empathy... Being there equipped me to do more."

Solitary confinement was a significant part of his time in captivity, Waite remembers, but even this did not keep the man from travelling back to visit the country where he was held following his release. It also did not prevent his offering of forgiveness towards his captors.

"If you can't forgive it restricts your own future. Forgiveness is liberating."

Waite's humanitarian sacrifice was not forgotten, and the Lebanese Embassy held a reception in his honour earlier in 2019.

For certain, the now 80-year-old continues to carry out God's call on his life. He intends to return to Beirut as well later this year for further peace-building work he feels still remains to be done in the country.