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Chapter 1 - The Journey Begins

There was a period of time when I didn’t know how to listen to God. I can only vaguely remember those dark days even though they accounted for nearly fifty years of my life. Then, I was transformed–I was shown how to walk in the sunlight of the spirit. I have James Houck to thank for this conversion experience.

James is ninety-four years’ young. He has been listening to God for more than 65 years. He discovered the miracle of two-way prayer in the Oxford Group, an evangelical, spiritual movement that was prominent in the 1930's. He met the Oxford Group on December 12, 1934–one day after Bill Wilson, the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous. He attended Oxford Group meetings with Bill from 1935-1937.

By taking the Oxford Group Steps of Surrender, Sharing and Witnessing, Restitution, and Guidance he found a new way of living. These were the same steps taken by Bill Wilson, Dr. Bob Smith and the others who wrote the "Big Book" of Alcoholics Anonymous and pioneered the Twelve Step Movement.

I became acquainted with James via the telephone in February 1996. I met him in person the following month. In short order, he changed my life. By following his suggestions, I have been permanently released from the shackles of anxiety and doubt. I have been freed from the demons of my Viet Nam war experience. I have found the solution to all my problems and I am now able to pass this solution on to others, especially to those who suffer from alcoholism, drug addiction, compulsive behaviors, phobias, and fears.

James introduced me to a four-page pamphlet titled, How to Listen to God and he guided me through the Oxford Group Four Steps. These Steps removed the blocks that had separated me from the "Voice Within."

Chapter 2 - The Challenge
(James Houck Lead from Dayton Ohio 11/14/97 - 600 in attendance)
This is the close to the presentation

I hope you can come back tomorrow so we can talk some more about this–how to live in the solution by making listening to God a daily part of our lives. Because this is the way A.A. started and that is the only way it can continue to exist. If you take God out of our program we have nothing.

(thunderous applause)

Yes, I am circling the field. I want to close by reading a letter written by an Oxford Group member during World War Two. This man died in combat shortly after this letter was written. This was his hope for us all.

"Suppose, we as a nation, find again the faith in God our fathers knew. Suppose our homes become again the nations strength, our schools the centers of true learning and good citizenship, our farms and factories the pattern of unity, intregrity and national service. Suppose our statesman learn again to listen to the voice of God. Then we shall know once more the greatness of a nation whose strength is in the spirit of her people."

And, you are her people.

Thank you.

(two minute standing ovation).

   
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