"Manna and Mercy"

Those of us who were here the first two weeks of July are still talking about the Bible Study leader who was here during that time. I have been reflecting on what to write about this experience for a few days now and I know I can't do it justice. This was probably the best and most inspirational speaker I have ever heard here--or anywhere for that matter. The Fireside room, where these sessions were held was overflowing with people wanting to hear him. They brought in extra chairs, people sat on the floor, the balcony was filled two and three deep, and some people were standing in the hall. We even closed our offices, the store and the post office for an hour so we could attend the sessions. It's hard to explain to those who weren't here what happened during those two weeks...hard because you had to experience it.

The teacher was Alan Storey who is a Methodist minister from South Africa. Several years ago he came into possession of "Manna and Mercy," a book about the Bible written by Daniel Erlander. Daniel was the village pastor many years ago and comes back to teach every year. Some of you may be familiar with Dan's books. Anyway, Alan told us that this book opened his eyes to the scripture in a new way. He has started using it as a tool to teach others. Awhile back he was teaching in Washington D.C. and Dan happened to attend his sessions. He was so impressed that he asked Alan to come to Holden and teach. Thus, we were the recipients of this wonderful gift of teaching. I can only tell you that everyone who was here was enlightened in a way we are still talking about. He has inspired a great many people to understand the Bible in a new way and to work for peace and justice in the world. What's more, Alan lives out his faith in his own life and ministry in South Africa.

Obviously I can't put 10 hours of listening and learning into this blog entry. But beginning August 15th you can listen to it on the Holden Village website, www.holdenvillage.org. All the sessions we have ever taped at Holden since 1964 will eventually be available, however this summer's sessions will be the first. Please listen to Alan's sessions if you get the chance. Use them as your own Bible study, an hour a day. It is so worth it.

Alan and Dan