The Carpenter’s Hand: How Jesus Rebuilt What Life Tried to Destroy
Gary Price
Meet Gary Price – a seasoned entrepreneur, veteran, and follower of Christ whose life is a living testimony of God’s faithfulness. From serving in the U.S. Air Force as a Minuteman missile mechanic to building a successful cabinet manufacturing business across 26 states, Gary’s journey is one of hard work, integrity, and perseverance. But it was through deep betrayal and unexpected loss that his faith in Jesus was tested—and ultimately strengthened. Today, Gary shares how God turned his ashes into beauty through a miracle hidden beneath North Dakota soil. His story is proof that when you anchor your life in Christ, no storm can shake you.
In the short clip that first caught our eye, Gary Price stands in a swirl of emotions—face earnest, voice trembling, the weight of a life-changing moment clear even before we know the back-story. That scene sets the tone for this new episode of the Anchoring Hope Podcast, where host David Mansilla invites Gary to unpack the journey behind that intensity. Their conversation dives deep into how Jesus Christ steadied Gary through towering successes, crushing betrayal, and an unexpected miracle in North Dakota’s oil fields. If you need proof that God can turn ashes into beauty, buckle up—this testimony overflows with hope.
Early Seeds of Faith and Service
Gary’s anchor was dropped early: “I accepted Christ when I was nine years old… I had absolutely no clue what that would mean in my life.”
Yet looking back at 72, he sees an “angel following” him through every season—high-school misadventures, four electrifying years as a Minuteman-missile mechanic in the U.S. Air Force, and beyond. Psalm 34:7 comes alive here: “The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them.” Whether working with nuclear warheads or guitars, Gary learned that God’s protective presence is not poetic—it’s practical.
Building a Business and Weathering Betrayal
After the Air Force, Gary poured decades into a cabinet-manufacturing company that served 26 states—a dream built plank by plank. Then 2000 hit like a hurricane: an employee’s $125,000 embezzlement (a $500k blow overall) left him gutted and suicidal. On his knees, he prayed, “Lord, You’ve brought me to it—now help me through it.” James 1:2-4 echoed: trials forge perseverance, and perseverance shapes a Christ-like character. The despair was real, but so was the Savior who refused to let go.
A Miracle in the Badlands
Unable to fund an investigator, Gary bartered a hand-crafted desk for professional help—and God multiplied that mustard-seed act of faith. The search uncovered a 14-year-old life-estate deed: 900 acres of Bakken land split among three heirs, with Gary legally entitled to 280 surface acres and 35 mineral acres. Royalties now flow where bankruptcy once loomed. What looked like ruin became restoration: “Financially, I think we’ve been made whole—but it still hurts.” Hurt, yes—but healed and prospered by the same God who reminds us in Romans 8:28 that He “works all things together for good.”
What’s Next?
Start with Jesus, Stay with Jesus. Early faith gave Gary a lens to interpret every twist.
Let Trials Train You. Like tomato plants whipped by prairie winds, we’re “strong enough to bend”; storms strengthen roots.
Value Kingdom Currency. A desk-for-detective deal shows generosity can unlock doors money cannot.
Communicate Relentlessly. Gary’s life (and missile career) proved that 99 % of success—earthly and spiritual—is clear, humble conversation with God and people.
Share Your Testimony. Revelation 12:11 says we overcome “by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony.” Gary’s story fuels others’ faith—yours will too.
Written by Jovilyn Dela Cruz
“I lost everything—but not my faith. And when I traded a handmade desk for the truth, God traded my brokenness for a miracle. That’s what Jesus does—He redeems what the world tries to destroy.”
