Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Memories

It's been eleven years, so many years since I've felt that stretch and strain (that thrill and terror) accompanying our conversion process from Protestantism to Orthodoxy. Just this afternoon, however, it came back to me in an instant - the fear, the hope, the hugeness of it all, by way of an interview conducted by Deacon Michael Hyatt, CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishing and host of the popular "At the Intersection of East and West" podcast, with my father, John Maddex, former head of Broadcasting for Moody Radio, founder of Ancient Faith Radio and now CEO of Conciliar Media Ministries. I don't know, to tell you the truth, if I've ever heard in that much detail before my dad's version of the events - the emotionally loaded series of heated conversations, the devoured books on Orthodox Theology, the mind blowing visits to various Orthodox Church services. For obvious reasons, I found his narrative fascinating and was struck suddenly, with the force of a bolt of lightening, by how strategically and divinely his life was engineered. He was born, it seems to me now, to serve Christ, to serve the Church, via broadcasting.

So what in the world, many have asked of us, would persuade an entire family of God-fearing evangelicals to step a million miles out of their comfort zone, to start completely from scratch, in order to ultimately find fulfillment and a home in the Orthodox Christian Church? Click HERE to hear our story through the eyes of my father.

You cannot imagine, dad, how proud I am of you and how inspired I have been by your courage, and your zeal for spreading the Orthodox Christian Faith. Thank you for your love and your example!

12 comments:

paige maddex said...

I couldn't agree more. Both you, John, and Tonya are amazing examples of Christ's followers. Thank you for sharing the details of this journey. So much love!

Unknown said...

Molly, that was a great interview. Your dad is really funny and totally cool.

Jane G Meyer said...

So beautiful, Molly, to have your family--so many of you--immersed in the Orthodox church now. What a journey! You are a gift to us. It's obvious God has big plans for all of you--you've already made such a difference. I will pray for protection, and strength for your family...

Beth said...

What an amazing gift for me personally and for so many throughout this world. I remember those early days of AFR, painting Thomas' soon-to-be room in Chicago, being soothed and comforted by the Church's hymnography. And how truly incredible, the effects one church history class at Moody generated and continues to generate in so many lives. Thank you John and Tonya for your courage and obedience to say yes to the calling God had for you. Thanks be to God.

Grandpa Mike said...

Thank you, Molly, for giving us a way to hear your dad's interview by Dn. Michael. I hadn't yet noticed it on AFR.

Though I am still an Evangelical, and not Orthodox, I was THRILLED with the interview my son, John, (your dad) gave on this program. His explanations were SO clear.

And, I have to say that YOUR interview a short time ago was equally as thrilling.

I'm proud to be a progenitor of your whole family - including, of course John and Tonya, as well as Bobby and Paige.

Love to ALL of you!

Grandpa Mike

Mimi said...

Wow, this is fascinating! I'm listening now!

RichnHim said...

Great post Molly. I've recommended your post to viewers on my blog and Facebook site.
Richard

Pres. Kathy said...

You have been tageed!

shelli said...

I loved listening to this podcast, Molly. Thank you for sharing.
I've been meaning to share with you that my family of 4 recently (April 11) became chrismated and my children baptized. You have been an encouragement to me on my Orthodoxy journey. Thank you! Also, congratulations on your new book! I am reading it right now. It has been a wonderful read.
blessings -shelli

Kelleylynn said...

this was great...thanks for sharing!

Byzantine, TX said...

A quick note to mention that your blog was nominated for an Eastern Christian New Media award. Would you mind putting up a blurb to tell people that nominations are open?

http://ecawards.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Hi Molly, I have been reading your blog and also listening to AFR, and I never put two and two together until now! How cool. My husband and I are recent converts and your dad's story was one of the things that really piqued our interest.