A former profession criminal who once plotted multi-million pound drug deals has told how his life was transformed after what he describes as a dramatic “God encounter” on a ferry.
David Hill, now living within the North Prospect area of Plymouth, Devon, spent his late teens and twenties out and in of prison. He was involved in major drug operations value lots of of hundreds of kilos and usually travelled across Europe with criminal associates, robbing jewellery shops and breaking into homes.
By the age of 25 he had built up an extended criminal record and had already served sentences in approved school, borstal and prison. He was planning his biggest deal yet when all the things modified on the journey back from France to Plymouth.
“I used to be planning the champagne lifestyle with fast cars and all the trimmings of crime, but on the ferry my mate who was with me began talking concerning the Bible. He said his wife was reading it usually and there was numerous truth in it,” said David.
“It was in a while the ferry journey that I heard a voice in my head say ‘Do you wish to know me or do you wish this life?’”
It was to be a life-changing calling. Peddling misery to others by selling them illegal narcotics and living a dead-end lifetime of crime were about to return to an end.
“I knew it was God and I made a decision at that moment that I desired to be a Christian and follow Jesus Christ,” said David.
“I called my fellow drug dealer within the Midlands and told him that I had grow to be a Christian. He thought I had gone mad, but I told him he needed to travel all the way down to collect the gear.”
David recalled his conversion story in an interview with Cross Rhythms radio in Plymouth. He said the choice marked an entire turnaround in his life.
“The Bible says ‘be transformed by the renewing of your mind’ and that’s what happened to me. From that moment on the ferry I knew I desired to be a Christian and it totally transformed my life.”
The change was not without its challenges. With a wife and young children to support, but no work and a criminal record, David had to start out again. He and his wife Lydia joined Plymouth Christian Centre, where they were later baptised. David also trained on a church staff’ course before launching a carpentry business specialising in reclaimed timber flooring.
Since then, he has devoted himself to sharing his story in prisons, churches and community spaces across the South West. He is a member of the Prison Fellowship and has spoken at Exeter Prison several times.
David can be an lively member of Morice Baptist Church in Plymouth, where he helps lead worship and plays guitar. His testimony has inspired creative projects too. He recorded a 12-track album called ‘Embrace’, reflecting how his faith modified his life, and he has written a book titled ‘Still Small Voice’, which has received five-star reviews on Amazon.
“Through my experiences I even have an actual heart for the downtrodden, the troublesome and people who have not got a probability in life. I do know that with the Lord anything can occur and He can turn their lives around,” he said.
He often reflects on a verse that has grow to be central to his journey. “For what is going to it profit a person if he gains the entire world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a person give in return for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26)
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