Mixed emotions about evangelism
by Jack Stauffer, Newton, Kan.
I had mixed emotions after reading Everett Thomas’ Nov. 4 editorial, "What Good News?" In a sense I'm a "religious mutt," too. I grew up in an Old Order Amish foster home in my first 12 years. In my teens, I became a member of the Lancaster (Pa.) Mennonite Conference. At the time they were a very conservative church, stressing the main thing of wearing a regulation garb, a plain coat. When I volunteered for voluntary service under Mennonite Central Committee, I had to get permission from the bishop because they considered MCC too worldly. The only question he asked me was, Did I wear the regulation garb? I admitted I didn't and was surprised he gave his consent for me to go. I went to Camp Landon at Gulfport, Miss. There I met my wife, a General Conference Mennonite Church member. After I left Gulfport, I attended Philadelphia Bible Institute—a fundamentalist college. We spent many evenings and days passing out tracts in Philadelphia. Many students "bragged" how many people they saved during the past weeks or months. The main thing was to keep a record as to how many. It was a strong Calvinist school that said, "Once saved, always saved" as "Eternal security." Regarding "cheap grace," I am surprised that the school didn't offer a prize for the most saved for the month.
If I hadn't met my wife, Linda, I would not have stayed a Mennonite. I'd like to thank Everett Thomas for the timely editorial.
Associated Issue: Mission connects people - Nov. 4, 2008
Associated Article: What good news?
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