Donald Hobbs
Out of Control
Growing up, Donald appeared to be the typical adventurous young boy. He was raised in the idyllic family home surrounded by loving parents, two sisters and three brothers. But young Donald had a dark secret that he didn’t share with anyone. At the age of eleven he was molested. As he grew older, he was filled with shame and bitterness and turned to many things in an effort to numb the ever–increasing emotional pain. Donald began to experiment with drugs when he was 13. At such a young age, he could never really know the effect that this would have on the next 27 years of his life.
Conversion
By the age of 15, Donald was stealing cars. Three years later, he was a full-blown alcoholic. Donald’s drug habit started with marijuana which led to pills and then on to stronger drugs. His addiction then turned to cocaine. When the cocaine was not enough, he turned to crack. His life was a roller coaster ride of drugs, alcohol, pornography, and lies, even two failed marriages. In the business world he was successful but at home his life was a wreck. He was desperately in need of a Savior.
On July 3, 2005, Donald, strolled into The Bridge Church. He was hoping to secure a business transaction—certainly not expecting to have a life-changing experience. Even though He grew up in a Catholic home, he had little knowledge of Jesus. He had never really had an encounter with Jesus until that July day in 2005. As the music started he felt a stirring deep within his soul—something that could not be ignored. He gave his life to Christ that day and found the missing link in his life. After 40 years of searching, he found true peace.
Hungry for Change
Connecting with Christ left Donald with a hunger. He was desperate for a change in the life that he was living. He began to seek God. It wasn’t an instant, overnight change. There were many struggles with the addictions of his past but he persevered and determined that he was not going to live a life in bondage. Donald became a passionate worshipper and surrendered all to the Lord. God placed a call upon his life to reach those that have been bound. His testimony is one of hope and healing. He knows the power of forgiveness and knows that the transformation in his life is because of the goodness and mercy of a loving Father.