World Renewal International

Dad and I were invited to hold a tent meeting in Anderson, Indiana in the early 70’s. It was held on the land of an old ministry school that was no longer functioning. Dad and I would take turns preaching and Carol and I did the music. It was a tough neighborhood. [pictured Dad and I]

One night a gang leader gave his life to Christ. The next night he came and brought his gang. He stood at the end of a row of chairs and pointed for them to set in the row. When the invitation was given, he stood and looked down the row at his gang, then pointed to the altar. One guy in the gang refused to go to the altar. So the gang leader put his arm in a hammer-lock and forced him to the altar. Obviously, this is not a recommended method of evangelistic persuasion if you desire true disciples of Christ.

It was interesting to pray with them at the altar in this forced type situation. Dad thought it was really funny. Several of the kids made serious commitments. The leader of the gang was quite serious about the Lord. Life is so interesting sometimes.