People find God in many ways.
In the late 1960s, a young man sought peace, love, and a sense of belonging and journeyed from the East Coast to San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury district, hoping to find fulfillment amidst the hippie movement. Thomas Petrofsky, drawn by the ideals of the era, yearned for genuine connection and community. However, his enthusiasm quickly faded as he encountered the harsh realities of the movement, which left him disillusioned and seeking something more meaningful.
Petrofsky’s disappointment with the hippie culture led him to a profound moment of change when he discovered a pamphlet titled “How to Meet God” in a college restroom in New Haven, Connecticut. Despite his upbringing in a religious environment, he had little exposure to the Bible. The pamphlet’s inclusion of a Bible verse, particularly the promise that “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son,” deeply moved him. It sparked a realization that the promises of God were real and accessible.
Captivated by the idea of a personal relationship with God, Petrofsky felt a profound connection and began to understand that God knows and cares for every individual personally. The pamphlet’s message assured him of God’s intimate knowledge and care, which contrasted sharply with his previous experiences. This newfound belief ignited a desire to explore more about God’s promises.
Upon returning to the East Coast, Petrofsky shared his new faith with his friends, including one who had accompanied him to San Francisco. He visited his friend Jeff to discuss the transformative experience he had undergone. Despite Jeff’s initial surprise, they both agreed to explore this new faith together. They prayed for forgiveness and committed their lives to Christ, experiencing a profound change in their lives and becoming devoted followers of their newfound faith.