I was raised protestant and when I turned 15, I started on my own safari for truth. I experimented with TM, Eastern religions, drugs, alcohol, Native American religion (carried a charm bag and had fetishes around my house).

Smoked peyote, etc. I became more and more depressed which lead me to the psychiatrist and counselors. The psychiatrist prescribed even more drugs, valium, librium and something else for the stomach. I became addicted to valium.

I sunk deeper and deeper into depression until one day I decided to take myself off all the drugs and started reading my Bible. I just sat at the dining room table and read and read until I had completely read the whole Bible.

I saw so many things in there I'd never been taught. There were so many questions. I was in school at the time and my philosophy teacher came up to me one day after class and put his arm around my shoulders and said, "I've noticed you sort of going downhill lately. Some people meet at my house on Wednesday nights and my wife and I would love to have you stop by."

I went and they all gathered around me and prayed and I felt like Atlas sitting there in that chair and the weight of the whole world was lifted off my shoulders. It was wonderful!

I'll never forget the experience. I've slipped up time and again, but I see myself on this tether or umbelical cord attached to Christ. He will only let me get so far then He starts reeling me in again, back to the safety and comfort of his arms.

I wouldn't give that up for anything in the world.