Into the Fray...Part 1

In 1971 I had gleaned as many PFAL students from the Missionary college as I thought I might find. The spiritual climate of the school seemed to be getting "colder" in subtle ways or maybe it was just my spirit but I was getting the itch to move on. The only moving on that really interested me was The Way International. I did not know what I might do with The Way. I had been away from HQ for most of the last seven years except for school summer break visits. I had been in touch with grads at HQ and Dr. Weirwille at times. Though I didn't speak often with Dr. Wierwille, I regarded him my mentor in the Word and was always eager to respond when he did call or write. I had started to reguard myself a co-worker in the ministry with the pillars of the church.

That attitude was not just ego nor quickly acquired. Dr. Wierwille had asked me for help on several occasions. He asked me to help him in his research to put together the first Christian Family Class which was filmed in Michigan in 1969 or 1970. He had coached me a few times on what books to read and suggested certain classes at times. He had asked me to run the first Intermediate Class in Rye, New York. He had asked me to assist the girls there in keeping order in the group and back them with a little authority. I had run three PFAL classes out of the student body at the Missionary College. I did have three years of Bible College and a track record of nearly 10 years with The Way. It was time to step up and help in a bigger way.

I had written to Dr. Wierwille that I had had enough of the Missionary College and was dropping out. I wanted to help him with the ministry in any way that I could. He wrote back that we could talk about it when he came to Rye the next time to teach the Advanced Class, which was only a few weeks away. He was also surprised that I had stayed so long. No other Grad, who had attended Bible College, stayed at as long as I had. I could hardly wait for that Advanced Class to see Dr. Wierwille!

The day finally arrived. And I met with Dr. Wierwille after one of the sessions in the first week. He seemed especially tired and agitated but I didn't know for a long time why that class was especially difficult for him. (another story).

He asked me if I were serious about volunteering. Of course I said yes. He asked Sandi, my wife, if she would support me. She said yes. (Later, I learned that her agreement was insincere.) Then it was settled. He asked me to go to Northwest Ohio and take over the branch from a girl whose family had long supported The Way. I didn't want to go to my home area and I didn't want to take a ministry work from the daughter of one of the "pillars of the church" who was already doing it. However, I volunteered and this is what he wanted so I agreed without stating any of my objections. I learned in the Army that a volunteer is a soldier without reservation or complaint. I had now committed myself to being a branch leader in Northwest Ohio... without any real understanding of what that meant except what I knew from the Bible about elders and bishops.

I quickly made arrangements to vacate my apartment before the lease was up and arranged for the money to be sent to me from the girl in Ohio to finance the move. (see the "Prolog").

When I finally got setup for business, I didn't know what to do. Here I was the branch leader of Northwest Ohio... what did that mean? What was I supposed to do on Monday morning? Monday morning came and I reported to my office promptly at 8:00 am. and sat. I thought studying Bible was a good idea so went at that for about 45 min.. Now what? I sat starring out the window for a few minutes and did what I usually did when stuck. I ask God... no response. "OK God, I'm going to sit right here and do nothing until you tell me something!" Then He responded with call your twig leaders. I had a list so I started. Most of them were not home. Some of the wives were. All I learned was that on Monday morning I couldn't get anything done for God or the Ministry. Maybe Monday is a good day for a "day off". Right God? "No" Now I I have to start figuring out this thing.