Our guest speaker tonight was Rocky McDonald, my Oakwood College (University) classmate. In 1962, we were freshmen together and have great memories of our college days.
I asked Rocky to give his testimony to the men. After serving in the military, he returned to Pittsburgh, PA, his hometown. He grew up in a Seventh-day Adventist home and his mother taught him about Jesus. As a child, he attended church every week. He knew all the Sabbath School songs, learned his memory verses, participated in church plays, and sang in the choir.
At the age of 24, he became rebellious against the teachings of the church. He soon left, got involved with the wrong crowd and starting smoking cigarettes and using heroine. His life spar-rowed down to rock bottom and he felt his need of God.
Pastor Walter Pearson, his college roommate, came to Pittsburgh for a weekend speaking appointment and asked to see him. He knew Rocky was addicted to drugs. They talked in the car in front of the church for several hours about good times during their college days. Pastor Pearson never mentioned his drug addiction. Rocky smoked two cigarettes in his presence. His mother said the pastor smelled like cigarettes during his afternoon seminar.
Rocky said his friend encouraged his heart and did not condemn him for his behavior. This made a strong impression upon him.
Rocky continued his drug use and got so desperate that he sold all his furniture and possessions. He cried out to God and said, “Lord, if you get me out, I won’t go this route again.”
To make a long story short, Rocky returned to church, took Bible studies and was re-baptized. He and his wife, Pat, have been married over 40 years and they are active members of the Oakwood University Church.
Rocky’s testimony gave the men hope and encouragement to ‘keep on keeping on.’
