From "Juvenile Delinquent" to Disciple: How a Voice in the Desert Changed My Life

How a Voice in the Desert Changed My Life

By Dan Ferris

If you saw me at eighteen years old, you probably wouldn’t have guessed I’d one day be sharing a message about the Gospel of Jesus Christs. Back then, I was a foul-mouthed atheist and a juvenile delinquent. I had spent four years convinced there was no God, and my lifestyle reflected that.

But my patriarchal blessing tells me that my main responsibility in life is with the youth—to show you the dramatic effect the Gospel can have on a person.

My story doesn’t start in a chapel; it starts in a dark alley in Phoenix, Arizona, with a siphoning hose and a pair of gas cans.

The Night that Changed Everything

I was living fast and breaking the law. One night, at 4:00 AM, I was caught siphoning gas. I ended up in the back of a police car, arrested for theft and carrying a concealed weapon.

After spending a night in jail, I found myself wandering through Encanto Park in Phoenix. It was a beautiful day, and I was walking around—long hair, no shirt, looking "tough"—when I heard shouting.

I found a group of ten born-again Christians preaching at the top of their lungs. Being the jerk that I was, I started yelling back, telling them to shut up and leave people alone. Instead of getting angry, one of them walked over to me and asked if we can speak. He then explain:

"Every one of us here are ex-heroin addicts," he told me. "We overcame addiction through our faith in Jesus Christ. As well as I can see that man walking across the park, I know that Jesus is real."

I realised he was sincere, but being and atheist I did not care, and I left.

A Voice in the Desert

A few days later, the judge gave me a choice: leave Arizona or face the consequences. I packed up and headed back to California. Near the border, in a town called Blythe, I pulled over and hiked out into the desert to climb up onto a huge pile of rocks.

As I sat there, I started thinking about my life. At eighteen, I was already a "bum", I had friends in prison or dying in accidents. I wondered how I had fallen so far, so fast.

Then, I remembered the man in the park. I thought to myself: I wonder if God is real. I wonder if Jesus Christ is real.

In that moment, I heard a voice—soft, quiet, and incredibly loving. It said:

"Arise and leave this place."

I didn't hesitate. I obeyed immediately, I climbed down and started walking back to my car. Halfway there, the reality of what happened hit me. I had heard a voice. I knelt in the sand and offered a prayer from my heart: "God, whoever you are, whatever you want, let me know and I will follow you all the rest of my days."

Finding the Light

That experience changed my path instantly. I moved back home, got a job, and started reading the Bible for hours every day. Even though I’d never touched the scriptures in my life, I could feel the power in the words.

Eventually, a childhood friend reached out and invited me to Washington state to work. While I was there, I was invited to lunch—on the condition that I listen to a missionary discussion afterward.

When the missionaries told me about Joseph Smith’s First Vision, I was intrigued. Why? Because I had heard God’s voice in the desert. I knew visions were possible. When I read the Book of Mormon, I felt the exact same Spirit I felt while reading the Bible. Two weeks later, I was baptized.

To the Youth: Just Keep Trying

I’ve been a member of the Church for 50 years now. I’m an imperfect person—you don’t come from my background without carrying some scars—but I’ve learned that God doesn't demand perfection. He just wants us to try.

If you make a mistake, you just get up and keep going.

I testify to you that Jesus Christ is real. God is real. No matter who you are or what you’ve done, They love you, and are ready to lead you home.

Reflection Questions:

• Have you ever felt a "nudge" to change your direction?

• How can Dan's story help someone who feels they've "fallen too far" to come back?