Long Journey to Rome (Former Southern Baptist Pastor Now a Traveling Crusader for Catholic Church)

San Diego News Notes ^ | ANNA KRESTYN

[NYer]

To learn more about Michael Cumbie, please go to www.mikecumbie.org.

[JamesP81]

But also, as a Southern Baptist, we did not believe in the gifts of the Holy Spirit, that they still operated today or were meant for today.

Interesting that he says this, as my SBC pastor says the opposite. This is a good illustration of the significant variance you can get with baptist churches.

[NYer]

Last night, I turned on EWTN in time to catch most of The Journey Home. Michael Cumbie was Grodi's guest. To hear him describe his journey to catholicism with his charming southern accent, was simply amazing. He has such a personality. If you missed the program, here are the re-air times.

One of the callers was also Evangelical and somewhere on his way into the Catholic Church. He asked Michael how he had overcome the usual obstacles - Mary, Purgatory and the Communion of Saints. Don't miss this one, even if you have to watch streaming video on your computer.

[livius]

I think this is wonderful (I live in Florida).

One of the problems with Evangelicals, however, is that it's very hard for them to get rid of the "middle class white person = good Christian" mentality, which was fine in Evangelical churches but doesn't work in the Catholic Church. I heard a former Evangelical speak and I was, quite frankly, shocked by his hatred of Hispanics and his complete incomprehension of the idea that somebody could be a good Christian and not be exactly like him.

I think we need a special program to inculturate Evangelicals - who have accepted the truth claims but not necessarily the reality - into the Catholic Church.

[Wonder Warthog]

....is that it's very hard for them to get rid of the "middle class white person = good Christian" mentality, which was fine in Evangelical churches but doesn't work in the Catholic Church."

Definitely not a problem in the Catholic Church, though. Our Mass celebrant this week was a "student priest" from Malawi, studying in Rome, and on "vacation" in the US. Note to "African-Americans"---you guys aren't black---THIS gentleman was BLACK. Good sermon, powerful speaker.

[mckenzie7]

I had the pleasure of hearing and meeting Mr. Cumbie in Anaheim at The National Catholic Family Conference a few years ago and he was awesome.
I like what he had to say about his previous fellow Baptists and I won't forget it. Respect them as they search for truth, as many of them love Jesus fervently and study His Word tirelessly! A great example for myself and many like me!

[Binghamton_native]

Should we balance this thread with the testimonies of converted priests?

[Campion]

No, start your own thread for that.

[franky]

A great show!

Very funny guy and full of zeal. I wish some priests had his zeal.

[xzins]

One of the problems with Evangelicals, however, is that it's very hard for them to get rid of the "middle class white person = good Christian" mentality

Yep, we protestant evangelicals are just a bunch of bigots. And I know there are no racists or bigots in the Catholic Church. Why...they're all just so very perfect.

(/sarcasm)

[P-Marlowe]

I think that statement says more about the person who made it than the people he is speaking about.

[xzins]

Yep, I always thought my main problem was crusty ideas and (probably) crustier arteries.

Now I learn that I'm a racist bigot.

The good news.....at least I can spell it. :>)

[NYer]

Very funny guy and full of zeal. I wish some priests had his zeal.

I laughed til I cried! Loved his response to the caller who asked him about overcoming Mary, Purgatory and the Communion of Saints. This is one Journey Home episode I plan to purchase.

[Iscool]

Ya, I'm one of them bigots too...You'll NEVER catch me kissing a Koran...

[xzins]

You'll NEVER catch me kissing a Koran..

Or a Karen....(?)...."Hmmmmm," he says, reconsidering.

[bboop]

Yes, we watched Journey Home last night too. This man's story was amazing. And he is a HOOT, just a very funny, obviously Baptist-to-the-core, very wise man. Great interview.

[NYer]

Our Mass celebrant this week was a "student priest" from Malawi, studying in Rome, and on "vacation" in the US. Note to "African-Americans"---you guys aren't black---THIS gentleman was BLACK. Good sermon, powerful speaker.

Twenty years ago, the parish I attended had 3 visiting priests for the summer - 2 from the Phillipines and 1 from Nigeria. At the time, I worked for an int'l airline and was planning to spend a few weeks in Italy, visiting Assisi, home to the patron saint of my parish. Since the flight departed on Saturday evening, I knew I would miss Mass on Sunday so I attended the Saturday morning mass.

I arrived about 20 minutes before Mass was scheduled to begin. On entering the church, I saw the Nigerian priest kneeling in prayer, just to the left of the Sanctuary. He remained in prayer until only minutes before Mass. Once vested, he processed down the aisle. During the Consecration, his eyes were riveted intensely on the host. Looking up, I could see a golden glow emmanating from around him and jabbed my mother in the ribs, pointing to this priest. She didn't see it ... but it was very real.

After Mass, I stopped at the rectory, advising all the priests that I was headed to Assisi and asking what it was they wanted me to bring back. When it was the Nigerian priest's turn, he bore holes through my soul with the most piercing eyes and said: "whatever God intends for me".

After touring Assisi, we visited a gift shop in the basilica, where I picked up the items each priest had requested. Now it was time to find the gift for the Nigerian priest. I circled that shop many times, in constant prayer. Finally, my mother in total exasperation suggested that I "just pick anything" for the priest. No, I couldn't do that. I perused the lay of the shop one more time. Suddenly, a ray of light struck an object in one of the showcases. It glinted and I took that as a signal that this was what the priest was meant to have.

Without even questioning price, I had the shop owner wrap and package this item for the Nigerian priest. When I handed it to him, he bowed his head, extended his hand and blessed the object, then pressed it to his heart. What was it? It was a triptych of St. Francis' Canticle of the Creatures.

---

Most High, all-powerful, good Lord,

all praise is yours, all glory, all honor,
and all blessing.

To you, alone, Most High, do they belong.

No mortal lips are worthy to pronounce your name.

All praise be yours, my Lord,

through all you have made,

and first my lord Brother Sun, who brings the day;

and through whom you give us light.

How beautiful is he, how radiant in all his splendor;

Of you, Most High, he bears the likeness.

All Praise be yours, my Lord, through Sister Moon

and the stars; in the heavens you have made them,

bright, and precious, and fair.

All praise be yours, my Lord,

through Brothers wind and air, and fair and stormy,

all the weather's moods,

by which you cherish all that you have made.

All praise be yours, my Lord, through Sister Water,

so useful, humble, precious and pure.

All praise be yours, my Lord, through Brother Fire,

through whom you brighten up the night.

How beautiful is he, how cheerful!

Full of power and strength.

All praise be yours, my Lord, through our Sister

Mother Earth, who sustains us and governs us,

and produces various fruits with colored flowers

and herbs.

All praise be yours, my Lord,

through those who grant pardon for love of you;

through those who endure sickness and trial.

Happy are those who endure in peace,

By You, Most High, they will be crowned.

All praise be yours, my Lord, through Sister Death,

From whose embrace no mortal can escape.

Woe to those who die in mortal sin!

Happy those she finds doing your will!

The second death can do them no harm.

Praise and bless my Lord, and give him thanks

And serve him with great humility.

---

I have never forgotten this priest and keep him in my daily prayers.

[Salvation]

Great story!

[Salvation]

What order was this priest?

**She didn't see it ... but it was very real.**

I didn't see a glow today. But at the consecration I was in tears, because I could feel the "real presence" of Christ in the church.

[Iscool]

Or a Karen....(?)...."Hmmmmm," he says, reconsidering.

Nope...Not a Karen either...The wifey (who is not a Karen) can still throw a frying pan like a frisbee...