Former Al Qaeda hostage speaks on forgiveness

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - 558 days of hell. Two souls united in body and spirit. One Almighty God.

This is the story of Yolande and Pierre Korkie, who were kidnapped by Al Qaeda.

Pierre never survived to tell his part of the story, but Yolande will be in Mossel Bay on Saturday, 26 January at New Life Church, Apiesdoring Street, in Heiderand to share her testimony on how to forgive.

Yolande will relive the couple’s kidnapping and brutal severance from their children and life as they knew it. From the moment they were kidnapped until Yolande’s release and then through to Pierre’s tragic death during a failed rescue attempt, the e-book, 558 Days, recounts the Korkies’ horrific ordeal.

This is the true story of a level of love that few couples will ever experience, of faith that grows stronger through adversity and of forgiveness that is more powerful than human boundaries.

This is the story of 558 Days.

Yolande will also share excerpts from Pierre’s personal journals written while in captivity and a moving letter she wrote to Pierre after his death.

She was born in the United States, but grew up on South African soil. She holds a Master’s degree in Psychology and a Diploma in Pastoral Counselling. As Pierre’s helpmate, she supported him in his endeavours as if they were her own: farming and mentoring. She was also involved with teaching, relief work and equestrian activities.