Meet AAA-Rated (Academic, Athlete, Author) Wiley Graf. Academically, Dr. Graf earned his PhD in civil engineering from the University of Akron. Athletically, he pitched on the Zips baseball team and is a member of the Barberton Ohio Sports Hall of Fame. But all pales in comparison to his latest accomplishment. Author Graf has used his knowledge of God’s Word and Spirit-enabled triumphs over the flesh to break new ground in the Bible-based treatment of porn addictions in his new book A Way of Escape. The Tell Your Story (TYS) team chatted with him recently and he is passionate about sharing his one-of-a-kind battle plan for those still struggling. Find out why he’s so fired up.
What is your name and where are you from?
My name is Wiley Graf and I am from Barberton, Ohio
What do you do for a living?
I am a Retired Engineer and College Instructor.
What are your hobbies and interests?
I like reading, writing, golf, and fitness.
What are two special or unique things about you that are probably not known by your co-workers and acquaintances?
1) When “A Way of Escape” launches it will be the only book in the Christian literature that is talking about escape without accountability, i.e., escape from sins of the flesh without having to enlist the aid of an accountability partner/group.
2) I have the highest winning percentage of any pitcher in the history of college baseball (2-0, 1.000 winning percentage in my freshman season with the Akron Zips).
Are there causes or issues that you truly care about?
The two books that I have written capture the two issues that I care most about: 1) “100 Reasons to Believe the Bible is the Word of God” was motivated by a desire for all to come to the saving knowledge of the Savior, and 2) “A Way of Escape” was motivated by a desire to (i) provide fresh hope for the still-struggling, and (ii) heap much-deserved praise and honor on the Holy Spirit.
What is your story as a person?
Unsaved my first 29 years, I enjoyed more than my share of academic and athletic successes but still had a glass-is-half-empty view of life. Saved at age 29, a glass-is-half-full view now but still have to give away too many hours to a job. [I] retired at age 58 and am free to serve my Lord 24/7!
What is the main story you want to share with the world through your book?
MILLIONS are trapped in sexual sin. They’re looking for a way of escape and will likely never seek accountability-based help. “A Way of Escape” is the escape-without-accountability book that they have been waiting for!
If you had an opportunity to share just ONE message with the WHOLE WORLD, what would it be?
Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He has come that we might have life, and have it more abundantly!
What does family mean to you? Tell us about your family.
My dad, mom and step-mom were all solid Christians. All have passed but gave my four siblings and me a firm foundation upon which to build our lives. We five are separated by the miles across IL, IN and OH. [I am] not huggy-squeezy close to any of my siblings but [we are] getting together more often now that we are all retired.
Wiley Graf is the author of “A Way of Escape” available for order on Amazon.
