Thursday, February 25, 2016

University of Oklahoma student's bold stand for Jesus Christ

Not long ago my brother-in-law Joel received an e-mail from a medical doctor who had somehow found his contact information.  This man was a graduate from the University of Oklahoma in 1966, in the graduating class of my father-in-law (and Joel's father) Tom Sloan.  Both men are pictured below, with my father-in-law's picture circled towards the bottom.    

I have chosen to leave the name of the man who wrote anonymous as this is his story to tell, not mine; therefore, his picture is not circled.  

However, I was so encouraged by his words that I wanted to share them here with you today.  
"Your father was a classmate in medical school.  When I read your mom's book I may learn more.  He brought the gospel to school everyday.  Despite cruel treatment from many faculty and classmates he was faithful to God.  We usually would arrive for an 8AM class to find on the blackboard----GOD LOVES YOU.  If it was Biochemistry that morning the Prof would quickly erase with something like "I HATE COMMERCIALISM"  but Tommy was never deterred from his goal to spread the Gospel. I wasn't receptive at that time in life but made an intellectual decision about 15 years later and faith followed.  But I think your dad was the boldest Christian I've known.  I hope to be more like him."

Wow.  That was just powerful on so many levels.  Both men went on to become professionals in the medical field.  My father-in-law graduated a pediatric surgeon and was well on his way to a prestigious, wealthy lifestyle as director of pediatrics in a Louisiana hospital when he decided to instead pursue living out his life as a missionary in the poorest region of Mexico.  He used his knowledge, gifts, and brilliant mind to help people not only physically but spiritually as well.    He never charged people for his medical services, but instead lovingly shared his talents, his passion for God, and the hope he had of eternal life in Heaven to all who would listen.

That bold college student, my father-in-law, lived out the rest of his life with the people he loved - his wife and eight children - amongst the people he loved, the Mexican Indians in the southernmost state of Chiapas.  He delivered scores of babies and performed countless surgeries often without the luxury of state-of-the-art equipment, but he enjoyed a high medical success rate because of a quick, brilliant mind.  However, I believe that he would have told you the greatest accomplishments of his life were those times he was able to point souls to a Redeeming Savior and see their lives changed because of spiritual healing.

Dr. Tom Sloan graduated from the University of Oklahoma 50 years ago this coming May.  I wonder how many university students  in the class of 2016 will leave a legacy of bold faith in Jesus Christ in their classroom and on the blackboard like he did?  When I think of what Dr. Tom Sloan accomplished for Christ, I sometimes forget that his bold witness didn't begin once he reached the mission field.  He didn't need a title like "doctor" or "missionary" to start making a difference.

Yep, Doctor.  I hope to be more like "Tommy" too.

13 comments:

  1. Great post, Jolene, and very challenging. I love you and your sweet family.

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  2. I love this! We never know just how far our testimony goes.

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  3. Elizabeth GallardoFriday, February 26, 2016

    Wow, thank you for sharing!!!!!!

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  4. A blessing! What a lovely testimony about your father-in-law.

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  5. Love this! Your family has truly been blessed with a Godly heritage. I've missed your blog posts!!

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  6. Charles and Annette RileySaturday, February 27, 2016

    Dearest Friends,
    What an honor to receive this email from you, sharing Dr. Sloan's precious testimonial life story. He has always been such an outstanding servant for our Lord and Savior, as well as one of our closest and dearest friends. He and his family have always held a special place in our hearts and lives.

    May God continue to bless each and every one of you daily with blessings from His bountiful store.

    Love and blessings to all.
    Our prayers are with you each and every day.

    In Christ,
    Charles and Annette Riley

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  7. Such an encouraging and convicting story. Thank you for sharing!

    Hope all is well with you all!

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  8. Dearest Jolene,

    I can’t stop the tears that are rolling down my face:

    I just read your blog about the doctor’s comment about Daddy. Thank you for sharing that, and for reminding me of the wonderful man whose life I shared as his wife for 35 years!

    I haven’t gotten over him, and am still in love with him.

    I know you’re glad to have David back home!!

    Can’t wait to see you in just 19 days!!

    I love you.

    Mom
    Nahum 1:7

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  9. What a wonderful legacy and to have your family fall in step with it is such a blessing.
    Bless you, sweet friend.

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  10. What a tremendous blessing! It encourages me to be a faithful witness! Thanks for sharing!
    Mrs. Hickman

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  11. Oh, man...your post made me cry. Thank you for such a great reminder.

    I hope to share his testimony with our young people...I shared it in Mom's class on Father's Day (Mom was in Chicago) and read to them this letter from the doctor. One of the ladies urged me to please share this story with the young people. It could influence one of them to be bolder in their witness for Christ.

    I look forward to reading your readers' responses.

    We're traveling to Merida.

    Love you!
    Anna

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  12. Mrs. Barbara MayWednesday, July 06, 2016

    Thank you for sharing that great testimony
    and example. We certainly need men like that today.
    Think of you often.
    Much love,

    ~Mrs. May~

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  13. Thank you for writing this article, Jolene. Anna just told me about it and sent me the link. My oldest son will be attending a secular university with a football scholarship. Steve and I have spent much time in prayer and seeking godly counsel concerning this decision. The article really blessed my heart at this time especially since Zach is leaving in just a few days. My prayer is for God to guard his heart and use him to be a testimony to those around him.

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Thank you for your encouraging comments! "As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country." Proverbs 25:25