Looking for Memory Sharers

Welcome to De-Commissioned, a place for former members of the Great Commission movement (aka GCM, GCC, GCAC, GCI, the Blitz) to discuss problems they've experienced in the association's practices and theology.

You may read and post, but some features are restricted to registered members. Please consider registering to gain full access! Registration is free and only takes a few moments to complete.

[mark]

My name is Mark Sachs.  I am looking for anyone who might have been active in ISU Bible Study from 1974-1976.  I was a popular musical presence in the group and, because I am Jewish, I was often trotted out to share my testimony during evangelistic blitzes and fund raisers.  I left the Church, Christianity and Iowa to rediscover my Jewish self and religion.  This appeared rather sudden to my brothers and sisters, but it was preceded by 6 months of serious study and conversations with Mark Friedman, Gary Kellogg and Jim McCotter.  Today I am an Orthodox Rabbi.

My experience during with the group was both wonderful and distressing.  Great fellowship and spiritual learning.  The joy of giving myself up to G-d and the work of his Church.   At the same time, it was sad to see the cutting off of members who became pentecostal, the sexual acting out which was covered up, and the group think.   The experience opened me up to explore and find my true spiritual self but also left some scars.  Part of me yearns to reach out to others who shared the experience of those years.  If you remember me, please let me know.

[Greg]

Mark,

Hi!

Yes I very much remember you!  This is Greg Wurm.  We were roommates for about six months in the apt. on Campus Ave with Dan and Mark.  I moved in August 1976.  You had decided to go to Yeshiva in NYC as I recall.

By the way, this is my first posting on this site.  I just happen to look it up today and there you were.  Very cool!

[mark]

Gregg,
This is unbelievable.  I just found this site today and posted today!  This is the hand of G-d!!
I remember you so well.  Mark Freedman, and you and Brad Lemur and I all shared that small 2 BR apartment owned by the elderly lady (Grace?) who lived upstairs.  I remember how Mark's dog upset her so much. 

Can you fill me in on your journey after I left?
Thanks for writing!

[Greg]

Mark,

Filling in could take a very long time!  I have lived in many places and done many lifetimes worth of experiences.  Right now though, I live in Florida with my awesome wife of 31+years.  We have five grown children who are all doing well in their various life pursuits. 

Do you remember what the four of us spent the better part of a day trying to get into the apartment?  And even then it didn't work and we had to take it apart to get it in?