To me this is a "must read" for anyone who cares about Biblical faith and issues of race and social justice. It is hot off the press, a biography by a professional historian, Lewis C. Sheafe: Apostle to Black America. You likely have never heard of Sheafe, he was a community activist and a pastor for both Baptist and Adventist churches from the 1880s through the early decades of the 20th century. He had the ability to gain the respect of key leaders on both sides of the race line at a time when America was retreating from the idealism that ended slavery just prior to his birth. To him, a heartfelt relationship with Jesus centered in Bible truth was just as important as working for social change, the betterment of the poor, etc. In fact, the two were entirely fused!
The value of this biography is its careful research, readable narrative and attention to the sociological and religious context of Sheafe's life. It will speak to your soul as well as your mind. The author is a good friend, Dr. Doug Morgan, professor of history at Washington Adventist University (Takoma Park, Maryland) and coordinator of the Adventist Peace Fellowship. I do not know if it is up on Amazon.com and the other online booksellers yet; if you have difficulty finding it, let me know and I will share more information about access as I get it. But, do not neglect to read this book, even if you are not interested in the history of the Adventist movement or the Baptist church.
This volume uncovers quite extensively the lost history of this dynamic "Apostle to Black America." A must read for every minister of the gospel who is "waiting on a call." I am sure that it will be an inspiration for those who lack the courage of their convictions to follow the leading of the Lord in their lives. It is shown in this volume how Elder Shaefe always kept the big picture as a higher priority, and that was "that this message may go to my people all over the United States." May nothing get in the way of the great commission, Lewis Sheafe certainly didn't.
Elder Eric Betts
Coordinator-General Assembly of Free SDA
Posted by: Pastor Eric Betts | July 25, 2010 at 09:25 AM