Ron (Dave) Hoyt - My Stay at the Lark Ellen Home for Boys - 1958-1961- Page 2
Making parole after several years in prison was like a dream. I'd survived! As I passed through the front gates of the prison into freedom, I whispered a prayer, "God, help me to never go back."
The mystery was trying to figure out which path to God was true. As I read and studied Hinduism and Buddhism and other eastern paths, I was fascinated. Then some new friends told me about Jesus Christ, I remembered my grandma's faith, and I began reading the Bible. I had a lot of questions, "Who had the power to forgive human sin?" Could a spiritual master, guru, priest, Jesus Christ, or God? During this period, it seemed like God was looking for me as much as I was for him. I'd take one step and he'd take two.
My breakthrough occurred on a cool morning in San Francisco near Golden Gate Park. After several years of intense searching while in prison and on parole, God's Spirit finally revealed the truth to me. The experience was unmistakable as God's voice said, "Call on me now." Bowing my head and heart, I prayed, and to my amazement God heard me. Instantly I was flooded with the presence of Jesus Christ and I knew inside my being that God was accepting and forgiving me. I also knew that Jesus was the true Son of God! God knew about my tour through institutions and all the crazy things I'd done, but he'd never given up on me! When I was hopelessly lost in my sins, Jesus died for me. Soon I would learn that by Jesus' suffering and death, that he was taking all the evil and darkness of mankind on himself to heal us, and through this sacrifice - he forgave human sin!
It's our call when it comes to being open and willing to ask God for the truth or his help, no one can make us. It's a personal choice, and being ready is critical. I'll leave you with this; God will never disappoint you if you call on him with your whole heart. If what I've said makes sense, take the next step. You can call him just as I did. "Jesus said, I am the way, the truth and the life; and no one can come to God except through me." John 14:6
New Life - New Journey: Life was an adventure as a new follower of Christ. I took risks and was involved in some amazing things. We began Christian house ministries and small businesses which provided housing and work for people who were giving their lives to God. We started bands and mission teams that went all over the USA and into Europe singing and speaking in schools, churches, at music concerts and through theater productions. It was an amazing time period with lots to be thankful to God for. In the midst of adventure and success I married and started a family. All looked well until through a series of events our Atlanta, Georgia ministry was targeted by a cult who ended up taking over that work and ruining many peoples' lives, including mine. These types of events are the heart-breakers that leave deep wounds and take time to get over. Thankfully I did get over this 'dark night of the soul' through a lot of love and support from God and many caring friends.
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Highlights and Beyond:
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