Taking Giant Steps in World Missions
by
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Two months after high school graduation, while visiting Dallas, Texas, July 1956, I spotted a sign, "Join the Marines and see the world." I took my first giant step, by walking in and signing up for the USMarine! We had never discussed which branch of the service we liked, so later, I learned that my friend Dean had also sign up, but for the USArmy. Thus the binding tie was broken and we became seperated from the time we joined the military. The Marines sent me to Camp Del Mar at Oceanside, CA and Dean was sent to another region with the Army. Sometimes I wonder what would have happen if we both had joined the same military unit?
Upon completion of basic training in Oceanside, CA, a white Christian friend who attended a Friday youth outreach rally and basketball game at a local Baptist church, invited me. That evening after the fun and games, the church showed the Billy Graham Film, Souls in Conflict, starring Joan Windmill, about the London Harringay Crusade. It brought me under such conviction, that I gripped my seat to avoid going forward when the alter call was given. I loved God, had joined church, was baptised, prayed often, nonetheless, making a total commitment to Christ became so much clearer at this time.
Upon leaving the church, my Christian friend knew that I was wrestling with one of the most important decisions in my life. He never said a word, just walked silently beside me for half an hour up and down Hill St. He then suggested that we go to the Christian Busnessmen's Servicemen's center over the Paramount Movie Theatre for free refreshments. At the center, we were met by a man from Swenden, Mr. Oscar Olsen, who sat with us while we had cake and a soft drink. He proceeded to to ask me personal questions and reminded me of my Christian upbringing in Texas. Then he opened the Bible and talked about the great sacrifice Jesus made for my sins.
A short time later someone began singing and the center's leader, Rev. Howard Carey, presented a short message. This time, when the invitation was given to receive Christ, I took my second and most important "Giant Step. This time, " it was towards God and his forgiveness through Christ. "
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About the Book
This Book portrays God's calling of an Afro-American lad from the segregated Southern USA, in 1957, and elevated him and his wife, Dorothy, to become two of the most outstanding Black Pioneer Missionaries in World Missions, today! They have evangelized and planted churches in over 95 countries, and even more extensively, in the 23 countries where Christians in Action Missions has ministries.
You will experience glimpes of fifty years of the Taylor's life and ministry, beginning with Elgin's call to missions in 1957, while in the USMarines. It Moves to their service as the First Black Missionaries to Japan, 1959-64; Elgin Pastored, studied Japanese, and attended The University of Maryland, earned his BA degree, and later earned his MTh in California. Dorothy, a high school teacher, taught at Okinawa Christian School and ran the youth ministry. They transferred to Nigeria, Africa, but due to a civil war, were evacuated to London, England, where they founded a Bible College, an Evangelical Church, and directed CinA's Europe, Africa, and India Ministries for 15 years.
Returning to America,1980, they worked at the US Center for World Missions, Pasadena, CA with Dr Ralph Winters. In 1982, Elgin was elected CEO of CinA Missions International, (the only known Afro-American Director of a multi-ethnic, international, cross curtural ministry during this time).
The book closes, with the spotlight on their present involvement in Ghana, West Africa, where they lead medical/outreach teams, build churches and schools, bore fresh water wells, and hold leadership seminars.They were appointed Chief and Queen Mother in the Broang Ahafo Region by the King, Ohmahene Okatakayie Kodom IV, in 2001.
Today, they are blessed with much remaining fruit, in both the low places of the streets, to the palaces of Kings, to God be the Glory!
About the Author
The Taylors have been in Cross-Cultural Foreign Missions for almost 50 years, both are natives of Texas and university graduates, with many cross-cultural converts such as Brenda Hammonds, and husband Ron, who sends us this endorsement::
"People are seldom willing to die for something which they are unwilling to live for. Elgin and Dorothy Taylor have lived their lives abandoned to the will of and work of God. Their lives speak as a testimony of what can be done if we are willing to take what we have, start where we are, and keep on doing the very best we can for the cause of Christ. Since 1976, we have daily reaped priceless benefits from a few well placed moments of the Taylor's time which they invested into our lives. You, too, can benefit from their touch as you read the life story of these great missionaries of faith.
Because of their witness, to my wife in a snack bar in England, today, we are in ministry and it has grown from one church to six to 2000 waterwells in Latin America and Africa, more than a million souls won to Christ over Broadband Internet, a relief ministry , both spiritual and humanitarian. Personal growth, two children, and now, six grandchildren. All is owed to Christ our Savior and to the Taylors. How can we adequately express our heartfelt gratitude with mere words. Nonetheless we are trying through this message, with all our love." --Rev & Mrs. Ron Hammonds, Golden Triangle, Church on the Rock, Beaumont, Texas