Drifting from Faith
Born on January 28, 1856, in Hoboken, New Jersey, R.A. Torrey was raised by Christian parents. Despite this foundation, he drifted from faith during his time at Yale University, succumbing to the allure of a worldly lifestyle, including drinking and gambling. Torrey's life was clouded by melancholy, and he found himself in deep distress, even contemplating suicide.
A Desperate Prayer Answered
It was in this desperate moment that he remembered his mother's promise of divine help. He prayed, "O God of my mother, if there be such a Being, I need help. I need light. If you will give it to me, I will follow you." Immediately, he experienced a profound transformation as God's love filled his heart. He embraced Jesus as his Savior, and spiritual realities became tangible.
A Worldwide Ministry
Following this encounter, Torrey's life was radically changed. He established daily habits of Bible reading and prayer, and his beliefs in the core tenets of Christianity were solidified. Torrey graduated from Yale Divinity School in 1878, began his ministry in Ohio, and married Clara Smith in 1879. His ministry took him around the world, leading revivals that brought tens of thousands to faith in Jesus. As a leader at the Moody Bible Institute and later at the Bible Institute of Los Angeles, Torrey emphasized the power of prayer and the indispensable role of the Holy Spirit in believers' lives. His writings, such as 'How to Pray' and 'The Power of Prayer and the Prayer of Power,' continue to inspire many. Throughout his life, Torrey attributed his transformation and ministry success to Jesus, consistently pointing others to Christ as the source of salvation and power.
