J's Pages

This one is the story of Dolphus Weary, president of Mendenhall Ministries back when the book was written in 1990. He recounts the story of his growing up in rural Mississippi in the 1950's and 60's, his "escape" from Mississippi when he attended college and seminary in California, and then his return to Mendenhall to put his education to work, serving the people he had intended to leave behind. Mr. Weary paints a disgusting picture of the prejudice, injustice, and poverty that he, his family, and his community experienced during the Jim Crow era. (By telling personal stories, he guarantees the injustices feel more real and offensive.) When he tells of getting the opportunity to go to college, you're rooting for him to be able to escape to a better life. And then you likewise root for him as he hears God's call to serve in Mendenhall. The stories of the struggles that follow are infused with hope as small successes, while mixed with sorrow, start to build a better community for the people there. The latter part of the book moves from Mr. Weary's personal story to anecdotes from the different areas of Mendenhall Ministries' work, recounting how the ministry grew and brought positive change to the people of Mendenhall. 

Check it out! 
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// posted by John @ 9:22 PM 0 Comments