10/05/06
Dear Brother Jed:
Once upon a time, a long time ago, I was a freshman at Ohio University. And one day I was walking through the college green, and I found a large crowd of college students gathered around a group of eccentric-looking individuals, led by you, "discussing" the message of Jesus Christ. I'm not sure why, but for some reason I remember being picked out specifically, and with that long, accusatory pointer finger, you informed me that I was going to Hell.
It's one of the most vivid memories I have of college, actually. After that day, I used to walk across the campus nearly every week day, hoping you'd be there. It was a lot of fun for me actually, seeing the crowds gather, hearing the angry debates, the fiery rhetoric. Oh, I couldn't stand your message, but I really loved it when you were there. I mocked with the best of them, but I never listened. Few of us ever did. Now, twelve years later, I have come to realize I very well may have saved myself a whole lot of heart ache if I'd actually paid attention.
Don't get me wrong, I still don't agree with you on the whole "Lake of Fire" business. And I think your methodology leaves quite a lot to be desired. But I've discovered a lot of respect for you well after the fact. It takes guts to preach on a college campus these days- I didn't realize how one-sided they were until I entered the real world myself. And I understand sometimes the only way to get peoples' attention is to be "eccentric," loud, confrontational. And I hope you continue your ministry for years to come.
As for me, I've returned to the Church, and am a practicing Catholic. I'm a Cantor for the church and a member of the choir. I am also very happily married with two small children, both of whom I plan to send to Catholic school and raise to love Jesus Christ and be good Christians. It was a long, bumpy road to get here, but life is much better since I let Christ back into my heart.
Should you ever visit Houston, TX, drop me an email. I wouldn't mind saying hello.
Take care and God Bless.
Sincerely,
Roberta, Ohio University, Class of 1999
