A Christian man whose actions speak

By: American Decency Staff

In 1987, I took a plane flight from Grand Rapids, Michigan to Tupelo, MS.  I had been contacted by what was then the ministry known as the National Federation for Decency (to be renamed American Family Association in January 1988).  Little did I know to what extent the trip was to change my life – a humble little trip to a humble little city meeting with a humble man of God, a man who has become one of America’s greatest men, in my opinion, and a leader in the pro-family movement. NFD/AFA was in the beginning stages of seeking out state directors.  For several years they had been developing local chapters but saw the need for state directors to coordinate and expand at the state level the ministry objectives of the AFA with the goal of promoting the Biblical ethic of decency in the American culture. On my first trip to headquarters, I had the privilege of meeting with AFA founder and President Donald E. Wildmon.  Don would have been 48 years old.  I had begun receiving his NFD Journal in 1985.  I still have several of those editions in my archives.  His personal notes communicated to me and a solid and slowly growing core of individuals in those days. Much could be said but I am limited by space and presumably by attention span in these busy days sadly necessitating sound bytes which this is not.  During my years of ministering with AFA between 1987 and 1999, here are some of my observations regarding this man whom God has used and is still using mightily. 1.  Don is the most focused man I have ever known.  There is no one who comes in a close second.  He is also the most intense person I have ever had the privilege of knowing. 2.  He is a man of integrity who diligently watched over the gifts given to AFA by its donors.  I could give numerous personal accounts of this. 3.  One of Don’s most outstanding gifts that has contributed to the humble, servanthood manner of the AFA is his gift of hiring committed Christians who are yielded humbly to God and His leadership.  From their radio personnel, to their receptionists, to their office staff, to the organization’s leadership – if you have had occasion to call them or work with them, you would know what I mean.   This is not by accident.  The value of this is significant to AFA’s function and ongoing effectiveness. 4.  Don is no nonsense yet it becomes clear he shows his love for his staff and cares for them.  That is obvious! 5.  Don is incredibly visionary.  I heard him state at the Gala dinner honoring him (September 18) at the Value Voters Summit in Washington DC that he acknowledged that God gave him this ability to see ten years ahead.  He saved some of this rare openness for such a time as this at perhaps one of his last remaining large group presentations – reminding me of Joshua 24.  Many of us have seen this and recognized this prophetic gift in Don.  His visionary sense that developing a large radio network would be vital to reaching younger Christians with God’s Word and encouraging them to respond to His Word with life action is but one example.  Much, much more could be said. 6.  Don is the most humble leader I have ever witnessed.  It is very obvious to those who have worked with him that it is not about him.  He hasn’t sought fanfare or limelight.  What a contrast this aspect of his is to many other nationally-noted leaders. 7.  Don is a very generous man and that is clear through multiple personal experiences with Don and in hearing what those closest to him have told me down through the years. 8.  Don loves children.  He lights up when kids are around. 9.  Don has a keen and sharp sense of humor. 10. Don is an exceptional speaker.  He uses his words sparingly but he presses home timely points and lifts up Godly principles and standards in a very cutting-edge way.  When you sit under his teaching, you know that you aren’t going to get clichés or platitudes. 11.  I have been introduced to and met with various governmental officials and spiritual leaders over the years.  When I have had the opportunity to meet with Don Wildmon, I have gone away recognizing that Donald E. Wildmon is a man of God who takes his time, talent and treasure seriously.  Measure your words and allow him to get back to work. 12.  If there ever was a man who was burdened for our nation and its people, it is Don Wildmon. When I flew to Tupelo as a 41 year old man and was named as AFA’s first state director, I didn’t realize how that trip and aligning with AFA was to radically change my life. There is much more that could be said.  Yet let me try to close with these last few thoughts.  Don knew that the cultural war that we have been fighting down through these years wasn’t about dirty words and dirty pictures (as he would say) but rather about the heart of man:  a Christian view of life or a godless view of life and man? There has always been an urgency, a sense of mission and calling about Don Wildmon as he called out to whomever had ears to hear and eyes to see.  He passionately articulated the urgent warning that if we don’t turn this country around soon it may be too late. One of Don’s greatest gifts is his vision.  He saw farther down the road than anyone. He stated at the Gala dinner that he sensed as a nine year old that God had something special for him. It took a number of years for God to reveal it to him but ultimately He did.  Don obediently took up his cross and faithfully followed Him. On the evening of the Saturday night gala dinner honoring Don after accolades came from such others as Jim Dobson, Chuck Colson, Janet Parshall and his son Tim Wildmon, Tony Perkins head of Family Research Council presented an award. What a moment it was as the large audience rose as one and stood applauding Don and his beautiful wife, Linda in one of the most enthusiastic displays of love and regard I have ever witnessed. In closing, I recommend two things to you for your further consideration and inspiration. First, an absolutely must see.  The following video will give you a little sense of the heart and passion of this great man: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWBb0bWNOzc&playnext=1&videos=lH8LyxI7QEo&feature=mfu_in_order Secondly, recently Don’s older brother, and my dear friend, Allen Wildmon wrote an incredible book about the upbringing and history of the Wildmon family.  The book is entitled:  “The Wildmons of Mississippi: A Story of Christian Dissentâ€Â by Allen Wildmon. http://store.afa.net/pc-10000570-4-the-wildmons-of-mississippi-a-story-of-christian-dissent.aspx Thank you Don Wildmon, my friend and mentor! ======================================================= American Decency Association Bill Johnson, President P.O. Box 202 Fremont, MI 49412 ph: 231-924-4050 https://americandecency.org http://www.twitter.com/billwjohnson ———————— Donate online: https://secure4.afo.net/ada/donate.php American Decency Association is a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability.

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