John Hyatt

I, the son of John T. Hyatt, Sr., and Barbara Ann Hyatt, was born in Fort Gordon, Georgia. Dad was an Army man which made me an Army brat (or at least that's what we called ourselves back in the day). I was fortunate enough to travel and attend schools in the U.S. and Germany. Our family settled in Columbia in the early 70's after Dad retired from the military. I attended Midlands Technical College and the University of South Carolina in the late 70's and early 80's.

I met the Lord on my lunch break one afternoon in February 1977. I believe Paul said, "If any man be found in Christ he is a new creature." That relationship radically changed my life! I began to study the Bible and to find a church that preached exactly what was written in the Word. That search led me to Elmwood Church of God, and to a Church of God preacher named Bishop T. F. Howell. Brother Howell didn't pull any punches, Biblically speaking. He preached the love of Jesus, tempered with living right and doing right. It was the spiritual fertilizer I needed to take root and grow.

God has richly blessed my life. I have a loving family and great friends. I've been able to minister to hundreds of people and serve in almost every capacity that's been available in the church.

The Nike slogan that was so popular a few years ago "Just Do It" has long been my approach in servitude in the church. I was once told, "The best ability is availability," that still holds true today. God wants people to carry out His game-plan, and I for one want to be on God's team.