He Was Told He’d Die by 20. He’s Now 74. | David W. Ebel

The Thought Atlas Podcast · Sep 11, 2026 · 38m

David W. Ebel was born with multiple birth defects and was told he was unlikely to live past 20. Growing up, he experienced chronic pain, bullying, depression, alcoholism, and four suicide attempts.

Then, at 19, while planning to end his life, David encountered a young woman who invited him to church. What happened there changed the direction of his life.

Now 74, David is a retired Salvation Army officer who spent more than 50 years in ministry. He has served in 49 states and 20 countries, helped plant and rebuild churches, and now uses podcasts, books, and teaching to encourage people to…