Posted on 12/31/2023 4:26:07 PM PST by Morgana
Rev. Don Wildmon, founder of American Family Association, has passed away. One of the pioneers of the pro-family movement, "Brother Don" – as his staff called him – left a legacy of tenacious righteousness.
Don Wildmon was born in 1938 and as a young man was a United Methodist minister for 13 years. In 1977, troubled by the profanity and indecency he saw on television, started American Family Association in his kitchen in Tupelo, Mississippi. In 1991, he started American Family Radio (AFR), which now has between one and a half and two million listeners.
Most men would be proud to accomplish half as much, but AFA president and Don's son, Tim Wildmon, says it never went to his head. "Those were the visions that God gave him to start," Tim recalls, "and he was a servant of the Lord and he followed through with what the Lord gave him to do."
"All God asks of you is faithfulness." (Don Wildmon)
Pastor Bert Harper of "Exploring the Word" on AFR was a close friend for years and former chairman of the ministry's board of directors. He was impressed with Brother Don's vision.
"Brother Don Wildmon was a visionary," says Harper. "He could see down the road ten years ahead of time. I found that true in the ministry of AFA, but also found it true and helpful for families."
Dr. Alex McFarland co-hosts "Exploring the Word" with Harper. Wildmon, he says, was "an amazingly influential, wonderfully faithful" man of God.
"In the late 1970s, as our nation was beginning a moral and spiritual decline, God raised up some leaders whowould ultimately change the world and our nation for the good. Certainly, one of the most prominent was the late Dr. Don Wildmon," says McFarland. "In founding the American Family Association, the American Family Radio network and the associated ministries, he set in motion an influence for the gospel that only God could measure. What a legacy he leaves, what an example for us all -- and what an amazing, faithful servant at a key point in our nation's history."
Ted Beahr of Movieguide fought alongside the elder Wildmon for decency on TV and in the movies. "Don had an ability to not just target the exact right problem but he also had ability to galvanize people," says Beahr.
One of the other pro-family pioneers Brother Don worked with was Focus on the Family founder Dr. James Dobson, who now hosts "Family Talk." He says there was an immediate connection between the two and says his legacy will be his courage.
"I think it would be his fearlessness in taking on big corporations and the powerful executives who scared everybody else," Dobson tells AFN.
Dr. Robert Jeffress is senior pastor of First Baptist Dallas. His daily radio program airs on AFR.
"Don Wildmon was a true pioneer in encouraging pastors like myself and thousands of others to speak out on the great moral issues of the day," says Jeffress. "He will be sorely missed by a country that needs him more than ever right now. We pray for the Wildmon family, and wish them every encouragement from Heaven that they will see Don again in Heaven, with all of the rewards he deserves."
Donald E. Wildmon was 85 years old. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Lynda; two sons, Tim (wife Alison) and Mark (wife Virginia); two daughters, Donna Clement (husband Neal) and Angela; one sister, Louise Yancey (husband Mike); six grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren. Also sister-in-law Tamra Durham (husband Larry) and brother-in-law Kelly Bennett (wife Tessie).
Thank you. Certainly do.
So sad. I listen to American Family Radio all of the time. RIP, good and faithful servant.
No doubt that minions of the father of lies are rejoicing. Unfortunately for them that rejoicing will come to a painful end.
He was a great man of God and a warrior for Truth. https://www.afa.net/
ping
Married her when he was 17 and stayed married till death they did part! Very impressive!
It’s not difficult, when the husband and wife love each other, AND know that God put them together. Over 45 years for wifey and I. She still has me mesmerized at times.
At first I thought it was family radio, started by Harold Camping, but I believe it’s different.
Great guy who humbly defied the media in the late eighties. God rest his soul.
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