Historical Testimony

From Factory Worker to Faithful Servant

How Hearing a Street Preacher Led a Factory Worker to Call Out to God That Night

1915β€’πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡ΈAkron, Ohio, USA

A.W. Tozer's transformation from factory worker to influential pastor began when he heard a street preacher in 1915 Akron, Ohio and called out to God in...

Source:
β€œIf you don't know how to be saved ... just call on God, saying, Lord, be merciful to me a sinner.”
Factory worker kneels in 1915 Akron attic after hearing street preacher salvation story that led to aw tozer conversion testimony

Factory Worker Finds God

In the bustling city of Akron, Ohio, a young Aiden Wilson Tozer found himself at a crossroads. At 17, while returning from a long day at the tire factory, he overheard a street preacher's simple yet powerful message: 'If you don't know how to be saved ... just call on God, saying, Lord, be merciful to me a sinner.' These words struck a chord in Tozer's heart. That evening, in the solitude of his attic, he wrestled with his own doubts and questions, ultimately emerging as a transformed young man with a newfound relationship with Jesus.

Hunger for God's Word

Before this pivotal moment, Tozer's life was marked by limited education and a seemingly mundane future. Yet, his encounter with the divine that night sparked an insatiable thirst for knowledge and spiritual growth. Encouraged by his future mother-in-law, Tozer began to devour good books and immerse himself in the Bible, nurturing his newfound faith through prayer.

From Factory to Ministry

Just two years later, in 1919, Tozer accepted his first pastoral role at a small church in Nutter Fort, West Virginia. His journey from a tire factory worker to a respected pastor and author is a testament to Jesus' transformative power. Through his ministry, Tozer's profound insights and spiritual teachings have touched countless lives, providing guidance and encouragement to those seeking a deeper relationship with God.

A Legacy of Faith

Tozer's legacy is evident not only in his writings, such as 'The Pursuit of God' and 'The Knowledge of the Holy,' but in the lives of those he mentored and inspired. His life serves as a reminder that a simple, earnest prayer can lead to a life of profound purpose and impact, all to the glory of Jesus.

About This Testimony

What did God do?
Found Faith, Direction
Where in life?
Church, Other Work
How did it happen?
Heard God Speak, Through Prayer, Through Someone

Source & Attribution

Curated by Doxa from the life of A.W. Tozer, based on biographical accounts and his writings.

Sources

πŸ›οΈ
The Pursuit of God
A.W. Tozerβ€’1948β€’βœ“ Verified
https://archive.org/details/pursuitofgod0000awto_d0x2 β†—
πŸ›οΈ
The Knowledge of the Holy
A.W. Tozerβ€’1961β€’βœ“ Verified
https://archive.org/details/knowledgeofholya00toze β†—

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β€œI shall remember the deeds of the Lord; surely I will remember Your wonders of old.”
β€” Psalm 77:11

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