All Comments for: Grandpa John | Christianity Today | A Magazine of Evangelical Conviction

Free Newsletters:

RSS Feeds |

Audio |

Twitter

Home > 2007 > March

Christianity Today, March, 2007 |

Grandpa John

A new generation of urban activists is shaped by John Perkins.

Tim Stafford | posted 3/09/2007 08:23AM

On Friday morning at the annual fall conference of the Christian Community Development Association (CCDA), a young Korean American woman, Susie Kook, introduces a Perkins Fellow who has spent the summer ...

[Reader Reviews]

Average User Rating:

Rate and Comment on this article

Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 comments.

Page: 1

Show All

Robert Penton

Posted: March 19, 2007 11:40 PM


Thanks for telling John story. I was his Vice President when he started CCDA in Chicago. Recently, John was here in Seattle/Tacoma speaking at our Governor Prayer Breadfast. As always he gave a powerfull message. John has a unique way of challenging young people. He continues to inspire me. I hope many will read his story and be inspired as I am.

Debora Y. Fonteneau

Posted: March 16, 2007 7:17 AM


John Perkins has changed lives and inspired dreams. Rev. Perkins always struck me as believable. That always registered with me as a child who knew the family. Later, as I was finishing Divinity school, I realized that we had the same passion--the ministry of reconciliation. It is refreshing to read that the ministries he founded in Mississippi are flourishing.

Brooke Morgan

Posted: March 12, 2007 11:00 PM

I so much identify with the comment that John's efforts " have made differences in many lives, but it would be hard to attribute large-scale transformation to them." But making a difference, be it ever so small or slow, is what Christians do. "Results" are not always readily visible to us this side of eternity, I think. I have followed the Perkins' work since they started Harambee in Pasadena, CA. What a blessing they have been to our world.....being faithful to the Word of God and being examples of faith, hope, and love. God bless them.

Jacob Cherian

Posted: March 11, 2007 11:13 PM


While I've never met or heard Grandpa Perkins in person, I am familiar with his ministry and prophetic stance. Thank God for such dear servants who are a gift to the Church, reminding us that our gospel must always proclaim and incarnate "good news to the poor" -- in the Spirit of our Master. Thanks, Tim, for another well-written piece on an important person and perspective.

Cathy Heffner

Posted: March 11, 2007 9:06 PM


To add to Andrew's comments, Jesus' work on earth before the cross was small scale too--yet His ragtag bunch changed the world for over 2000 years, and continues to.

Andrew Dósa

Posted: March 09, 2007 12:43 PM

The author makes the following statements: "None of Perkins's community development efforts in Mississippi or California has been a knockdown success. They have made differences in many lives, but it would be hard to attribute large-scale transformation to them. The same could be said of most members of CCDA: Theirs are small-scale attempts to overcome large-scale problems of depleted economies, disintegrating families, and substandard education." How does the author know what is success? Is size the issue? Money in budgets? A national franchise? Everybody knowing your name? The statements are absurd. John Perkins has lived a faithful life. He has given what he has for what he loves--the lord and his family and all of us. That IS success. The measure of a man is partly shown by his faithfulness and commitment. John Perkins has plowed soil, watered soil, planted seeds, and whatever else he can do. That is obedience and success. That is the life God has called him to.

MPK	Posted: March 09, 2007 12:40 PM


A very inspiring and moving account of this life.

amelia

Posted: March 09, 2007 12:37 PM


It's awesome to read about real life stories and real ministries. I wish there would be more of this kind of stories out there.

Reggie Edwards

Posted: March 09, 2007 12:32 PM


Here in Raleigh, NC at Building Together Ministries, we call John, the GODFATHER of CCD. He has done so much to awaken folks to what it takes to impact our communities. He spoke at a CCD Conf here several months ago and he was so "on it!" it was as though it was our first time hearing him! He's stronger than ever and his message is oh so needed. What a gift John Perkins is! 5 star rating!

Gary Ginter

Posted: March 09, 2007 11:43 AM

John Perkins has influenced my life more than any other man besides my father. Nearly 32 years ago, my wife, Joanna and I were privileged to sit under his teaching in a seminar in St. Louis on urban ministry led by John, Harvey Conn and Roger Greenway. It change our lives. In response to the relocation portion of the 3 Rs teaching, we moved into Chicago's west side. We're still there. Our lives and those of our 4 children have been deeply enriched by the experiences we've shared living in the Central Austin neighborhood these last 30 years. We've learned a lot. We've changed some. We're still growing into deeper understandings. As we enter our 60s, the future is exciting. Thank you, John. Thank you for faithfully preaching with passion. Thank you for forgiving those whose mistakes caused you great pain. Thank you for walking your talk. May God's grace continue to be extended to those you influence by your works, your words and your wisdom.

Page: 1

E-mail this page

Write CT

Print this article

Post a comment