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A “prophesized” tale of perseverance amidst racial, economic hardships
BASTROP – A local bishop’s self-published book has garnered national recognition over the past several months, securing spots in campus libraries across the country, including prestigious Ivy League and Texas universities.
The story of George Sampleton, 75, is one of resilience, perseverance and unwavering faith. His memoir, “Don’t Give Up, Keep the Faith,” published in 2017, chronicles his upbringing in Gonzales through family poverty and racial integration.
“Such personal narratives, like Bishop Sampleton’s account, serve as invaluable documentation of the African American experience in Texas,” Robin Hutchison said, associate university librarian at Texas A&M University. “Through his story, he not only preserves personal history but also contributes to the collective understanding.”
The title of the book reflects the words of encouragement consistently given to Sampleton by his mother, words that enabled him to overcome adversity, according to the author. From eating sugar as a meal and tying shoes with baling wire, Sampleton would go on to graduate after the initial integration of schools, serve in the military and pursue seminary education and leadership roles in multiple churches.
Collegiate librarians have praised the memoir for its themes of diverse life experience, unwavering faith, resilience and financial prudency, recognizing the profound impact of Sampleton’s narrative and his lifelong dedication to preaching understanding and hope.
Alongside recognition from the Texas State Legislature and prominent schools like Stanford University and Brown University, a representative from Baylor University recently made the trip to Sampleton’s Inspiration Pentecostal Church in Bastrop for an interview. The discussion will be archived in the university’s Institute for Oral History as part of its Religion and Culture Project collection.
“Despite facing racial discrimination in the past, Sampleton’s story is one of embracing love and unity, reflected in his multicultural church community today,” Steven Sloan said, oral history director. “Community service plays an important role, particularly through church and local outreach programs. His personal grief has fueled a commitment to pastoral care. Sampleton’s journey as an author, detailing the challenges and eventual success of writing his book, exemplifies perseverance and dedication to preserving legacy. The interview will inspire future servants and leaders to come.”
According to Sampleton, the book was prophesized by his mother at an early age and took him 25 minutes to write. “If you had me sit down and try to write a book now, I would fail. It sounds strange, but it’s true,” Sampleton said. “God came to me in a dream, and he said to me, I want you to write a book about what went on in your life, and not only that, but let people know that I am the one.”
As his memoir continues to reach new audiences, Sampleton emphasizes and hopes readers can gain a sense of humility from its pages.
“It makes me go back to when my father worked from sunup to sundown to put me through school after we integrated. My mind goes back, and it makes me feel humble, very humble,” Sampleton said. “I just want people to know that it’s not about you holding me back, it’s not about anyone else holding me back, it’s about me holding me back. You may not be as intelligent as your counterparts, but remember one thing, make sure you believe in yourself. Once you believe in yourself, then above all, learn to stay humble, learn to help people. We got to love one another, love is the key.”
Sampleton’s message of humility, self-belief and love stands as a timeless reminder of the power of faith and perseverance.
