Joel's Testimony

Joel Trimble grew up on Canandaigua Lake in western New York State. Life with his adopted parents was idyllic until they assumed the management of a hotel. Moving to an even smaller town in New York ’s Bristol hills to run the Naples Hotel, Joel’s parents left him to finish his school year living by himself.

Feeling abandoned Joel left home to hitchhike around the US . Sleeping on the streets and breaking into buildings Joel's traveling turned to running from the police.

One night high on LSD, Joel Trimble found himself in a torrential downpour. He took refuge under a bush on a Pennsylvania river bank and cried out to God. The next day still high Joel was determined to hitchhike to Colorado but instead was on I-75 between Toledo and Detroit.

Again caught in a rain storm the young hippie was a sorry sight - barefoot and soaking wet. A Volkswagen pulled off the road and the bedraggled Joel got in the back seat. The three people in the car were so happy Joel was amazed at their smiles. One girl asked Joel, "Did you know that Jesus loves you?  Would you like to ask Jesus into your heart?”

Soon John, Suzie, and Carol began to lead Joel in a repentance prayer. God’s presence filled the car and the LSD was gone from Joel’s system. Joel Trimble’s new life in Christ began at that moment.

Joel spent the summer with his Christian friends. When Joel returned to NY State he turned himself in and spent several months in jail and a youthful offender facility. Upon release Joel hitchhiked to Florida and was living on the Fort Lauderdale beach. Again Joel was picked up hitchhiking by a Christian. This time he found a home in a Christian drug rehab and bible school program. There Joel spent eighteen months studying the Bible and preparing for ministry.