The Ultimate Pursuit. Carl D. Smith

      Carl Smith shares his remarkable and deeply personal story in this important book which is captivating, realistic and moving. This is an autobiography which absorbs and entertains, while it is profoundly inspirational. It will strike a deep chord with those in dire straits, and who are thinking of giving up. Carl Smith’s story provides stirring, powerful messages about Heart and Faith.

      Chair, Department of Psychiatry, Rady Children’s Hospital and Health Center

      Professor and Director, Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry UCSD

      The Ultimate Pursuit is a story of Jesus’ incomparable love and a demonstration of the intimate relationship with God that is available to us. It is a message of indescribable hope and an account of the Lord’s never-ending mercy even in the worst of times. This book is a great encouragement no matter where we are in life.

      Founders and Executive Directors of Friend Ships Unlimited

      I love Carl’s story. Here is a personal example of a universal truth. We are never written off by God, we are never too far away for Him to rescue, and Jesus is relentless in His pursuit of us. The great news here is this can be your story.

      Director of Chi Alpha, San Diego State University

      DEDICATION

      I want to dedicate this book to my mother, Jean M. Smith. She never gave up on me even when times became very difficult. Her love and commitment kept me going. It was and continues to be the kind of love that never quits. She was a shining light when everything seemed to be dark and I had lost my way.

      I am also very thankful for the lessons I learned from my father. Even though he and I had some misgivings when I was growing up, my father never stopped praying for me. He tried over and over again to help me even though I struggled. My father, Glen, and I have both grown in the Lord and enjoyed many loving years together.

      Thank you Mom and Dad.

      I love you very much.

      ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

      First and foremost, I would like to thank my Lord Jesus Christ who is the reason this book was written. Without Him I would not have a story worth sharing.

      I also want to thank my wife Helen, who is not only a large part of the story and helped me type the manuscript, but gave me the encouragement and accountability I needed to live this story you are about to read. Also, thank you to my daughter, Moa Hope, who has filled my heart with love.

      A huge thank you to Sonnie Hamner who edited and made me soul search through each and every page of the book. Sonnie and her husband, Gary Hamner, were a huge inspiration to me to even undertake this project.

      I am very grateful for Judi Daniels who voluntarily used her professional skills to help make up for the fact that I barely got by English class in high school. Her love for Jesus was reason enough for her hard work.

      I am forever indebted to the ministry of Teen Challenge that took me in when I smelled foul, looked scary and all I had was a parole officer and a drug addiction. They only asked me to do one thing—to surrender my life to Jesus and allow Him to love me—and it worked.

      To all of my family, especially my mother who knew I was starting to write a book of miracles but went to heaven shortly after I started it. Her steadfast prayers, along with my father, Glen’s prayers were answered, which is also a huge part of this book.

      Also to the awesome Julie and Gary Kirk of CSN Books, who were the answers to my prayers for the right publisher.

      I cannot leave out Rev. Keith and Candy Jackson who were directors of Teen Challenge Ministry Institute, pastors of the Lynwood Worship Center, and my mentors and good friends. I learned so much from them about trusting God and believing Him for supernatural favor.

      To Don and Sondra Tipton, owners and president of Friend Ships ministries, who gave me an opportunity to join with them in reaching out to the nations.

      I also want to thank many of our friends who have helped make this book a reality through their support and prayers:

      Glen Smith

      Jack and Eletta Files

      Jack and Retha Files

      Ray and Ginny Allen

      Lowell and Naomi Crocker

      Norm and Betty Riley

      Jim and Evie Jingling

      Dan and Jeanie O’Dell

      Ardith

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