Lesson 286: It is no Secret
Army of Tennessee Chaplain David Chaltas
He made no bones about it. He liked to drink at parties and chase women. He had notoriety as a song writer, poet, actor, and radio personality. He enjoyed the party life style, yet for some reason he felt something was missing. He was even noted by some as the radio’s first singing cowboy. But there was something always a tad out of reach for him.
In 1949, an evangelist came to town and arrangements were made to host him on this young man’s radio show as a means of promoting the crusade. During the interview, the evangelist extended an invitation for the radio personality to attend the crusade and he accepted. The young man was the son of a Methodist preacher and though he had strayed, he still knew what was missing.
The songwriter attended the crusade and later visited the evangelist in his hotel room. The conversation has been lost between the two men but the young radio jockey surrendered his life to Christ. Through his efforts the crusade lasted eight weeks in his city of L. A., California.
One day while walking in Hollywood, a friend came up to him and they began talking. Soon the conversation led to his conversion and he was asked had he really changed from his wicked ways. Without hesitation, he stated, ‘It is no secret what God can do and could do the same for him. John, his friend, gazed for a moment and then stated that his answer sounded like a song and he should write one by that title. After reflection and I am sure prayer, he did so. The song became a #1 hit in pop, country and gospel music. The song had such an impact on America that the original manuscript was buried in a cornerstone of the Library of Congress Copyright Building.
He would go on and create a show entitled the ‘Cowboy Church on the Air’. The show was very popular and went national. Soon trouble began as the sponsors wished to advertize their alcoholic beverages but the young man refused to do so. Soon he was released from his contract. Because of his stand he was nominated to run for president of the United States on the prohibition ticket. General Eisenhower won the election. He came in fourth place.
The evangelist was none other than a youthful Billy Graham. His friend that he ran into on a Hollywood street was the Duke himself! John Wayne!
Isn’t it amazing how God uses others to touch people’s lives? The old general