School Story:
[From 50th Year Reunion Yearbook]
When I came to Mt. Hermon as one of the last one-year seniors, the school was still committed to taking troubled boys that needed discipline, structure, and guidance. I qualified, because my teenage rebellion against the legacy of two famous parents was beginning to produce some destructive behavior at home in Washington, DC. Though I didn’t grasp the full scope of it at the time, my one year at Mt. Hermon proved to be a huge blessing in my life. The highlights? Soccer, tennis, the Chorus, a tough English class, and the fact that my academic average was high enough (81) at the Christmas break for me to remain a senior. And then there was blessed Dr. Meany’s history class. He was a Yale graduate, and I know (although I have no proof) that his recommendation got me into Yale.
Unfortunately, my inward rebellion continued through a college career that primarily featured the time-old Yale tradition of “wine, women, and song.” It was not until the summer after graduation (with a BA in history) that I finally surrendered my life to Christ, and began to follow God’s plan for me, which took me to Princeton Seminary, marriage, and the Presbyterian ministry. After several years as an assistant minister in West Hartford, CT, I pastored a small church on Cape Cod for ten years. Since 1977, I have traveled throughout the nation, speaking at conferences and in churches on Christian growth and discipleship, or teaching on America’s Christian heritage. I’ve co-authored books on American history from a Christian perspective, and produced videos, DVDs, and CDs. The latest project is the launching of the first two books in the Crimson Cross Series of adventure stories for young teenagers, based on our American history books.
Has my life since Mt. Hermon been all sweetness and light? Absolutely not! There have been some tough times – my wife and I lost our first and third babies shortly after birth, both through congenital defects. But in each case Christ ministered healing and comfort to us. And our three wonderfully healthy children, Mary, Peter, and David were great evidence of God’s grace, mercy, and love. Sadly, after 36 years, I lost the marriage, in great measure through my own fault. However, I have found that the love and forgiveness of Christ has been a constant source of confidence and hope.
A few days prior to my writing this, my older son Peter asked me on the phone when I was going to retire. I replied, “Oh, probably about the time I draw my last breath!” Retirement is just not a word in my vocabulary. (I can’t afford it!) Well, actually, the truth is that I couldn’t stand being “retired” – I have books I need to write, and messages I need to give.
I am committed to producing more books in our American history series – the Civil War book is the current project – and my co-authors and I will continue to turn out the adventure stories for young teenagers. We are also exploring the possibility of these adventure stories being turned into movies.
But, weighing heavily on my heart these days is the shallow nature of what passes for Christianity in so many of our churches. Most of the historic main-line Christian denominations are shrinking in numbers and dying, for they have forsaken Biblical Christianity. The evangelical and charismatic churches, on the other hand, are proclaiming Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, but there is much shallowness and superficial Christianity. There is a crying need for in-depth ministry on emotional healing, and on spiritual formation and discipleship. So, I am planning on staying busy in the Lord’s service.
