Orbiting the Moon

CBS's Sunday Morning show December 21, 2008 reminded me of an event at the 1968 CE Seminar in Dallas. There was a piece on the show recalling our nation's Apollo 8 mission to orbit the moon. The seminar opened almost simultaneously with the orbiter's safe return to Earth on December 27.

Inspired by the mission, Walt Cabe, a student participant promoted sending a telegram to the astronauts signed by all 1,100 participants. The project was a success and in the photograph Walt is seen holding up the telegram which stretched far out into the audience.

1968. It was a heady year in the USA marked by the mission of Apollo 8. Iconic photographs of our big blue ball known as planet Earth appeared on magazine covers and on television. And, what believer would forget that as their space ship circled the moon on Christmas Eve, astronauts Frank Borman, James A. Lovell, and William A. Anders took turns reading the Genesis account of Creation. That was the same year that some 1,100 committed Christian students from college campuses across the USA, and a few from other countries, gathered in Dallas under the banner, "Say So," to be inspired and mobilized to carry the word of Christ to their part of the big blue ball.

Comments

[John Allen Chalk, Sr.]

Thanks, Rex, for sending me the Jerry Goddard comment. I have maintained a relationship and friendship with Walt Cabe who lives in Arlington, Texas and has been and is an influential leader and Bible teacher in local Episcopal churchs affiliated with the U.S. Episcopal Church. I hear from and see occasionally Steve Franklin, who lives in Atlanta, George area. My personal faith is deeper and stronger than ever and hear almost weekly from someone God touched through Campus Evangelism. My best to you, my friend.

[Rex]

Jerry, what neat memories! Your comment came within hours of my thinking that I would take down the blog because so few have found it or commented. Now, I suppose that I must keep it up for a few more months! I will notify John Allen of your comment. Sorry I don't have email addresses for the others you mentioned to let them know about your comment. Care to tell us more about you and your life? Know of others who might like to read and comment? Thank you for helping keep the blog alive.

[Jerry Goddard]

Amazing just amazing. I ran across this site searching for God knows what. Campus Evangelism, a phrase long forgotten, however the watershed experiences never to be forgotten! I looked at your photo display, events 40 years old. I saw Bill Duguid and John Allen Chalk (ever the firm handshake and always engaged eye contact), wow the flood of memories. Dear, no life changing, friendships from years past. I recall the times in John Allen's dining room in Abilene with Steve Franklin, Bill Duguid, Walt Cabe and I. John Allen discipling we few with burning desire to know and walk with that man-God, Jesus Christ. He walked with us carefully but trusting the sovereignty of the Spirit of holiness. I recall a sage piece of advice. "Choose one of the Gospels and, with a notebook at hand, discover really who Jesus IS". I have lamented we did not, as planned, go to Atlanta, pursue advanced degrees and win the world for Christ. But after that experience where those 4 men discipled me I have continued to disciple others using that same example, face to face, engaged, touch, heart to heart, one at a time introductions to the God- man Jesus Christ.

I am ever grateful for the experience while watching John Allen, Steve, Bill and Walt walk with God. Much of that which was facilitated by what we all experienced with Campus Evangelism. Though the phrase is not often in my mind the result has been life changing and life orienting. Thanks for that.