Mother Teresa was not a preacher, nor an evangelist. And the "Word" is much much more than mere "words".
I feel certain that Willow Creek Church is not lacking for words. In my opinion, neither are the poor and dying in the slums of Calcutta.
They knew the Word of Christ through her.
"By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
Thanks very much for your reply, and it's interesting about your uncles. How did you go so far astray?
:)
Very funny.
My Dad accepted Christ, as Savior, when he joined a carpool to work with some guys who were all from the same Baptist Church. They shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ with him and he eventually believed. (Interestingly enough, he was, at the same time, being heavily pursued by some Mormons).
My Dad's family (the Catholic side) told him that they didn't mind when he was on his way to hell but that they really had a problem with him becoming a "born again" Baptist. They didn't have much to do with us after that.
My Dad's conversion was radical and changed his entire life. He became a different person. He was a heavy drinker and stopped drinking immediately. His salvation also saved my parents marriage (At the time, I was 8).
I went from seeing him come home drunk from the bar, late at night, to seeing him doing his devotions and praying in the living room early every morning. (Sometimes with tears running down his face.)
The way that God saved my Dad made me realize how real and powerful the life-changing power of faith in Jesus Christ is! I am grateful to God.
(My Dad studied Greek and became a very good teacher and is still teaching, today.)
My entire family started to attend the Baptist church and we, eventually, all accepted Christ.
Now each of us have our own family, and thankfully, they also have accepted Christ. So much to be thankful for!
That is how I went "so far astray".