I actually cannot recall the first time I heard about the Bible school opening up classes in the fall of 1970. I did not know who the Lindsays were, nor did I have any clue as to what they were planning to do in that part of Oak Cliff. I was just a brand-new Christian, not even a year old in the Lord, but I -- along with a few friends -- had started attending Sunday afternoon services at the old Christian Center building on Kiest Boulevard. It was a humble little place that had formerly been a night club or dance hall -- or some kind of ungodly club -- but it had now been “fetched from the fire” and redeemed, so to speak -- much like many of the young, baby Christians that would later attend fall classes that year of 1970.

The “hippie era” was closing, but, as it closed, many impressionable, born again young people now found themselves without the proper direction or the necessary hope and instruction they needed. And not just the young people, but older saints felt the same need as well. That September, 1970, would prove to be a very crucial time in the lives of many souls, young and old. And, again, most of us did not know who the Lindsays were, or what they were all about. Gordon and Freda Lindsay were just older, more mature Christians to many of us. But we would learn.

Gordon Lindsay was a very unique individual, and he placed his stamp upon the lives of many people, and he especially made an indelible impression upon the young, malleable hearts of those young, impressionable Christians I mentioned. As would be true to his nature, he would likely argue it was not his impression, but rather God’s Great Impression that had been placed upon the students, and he would be right. And it was not just the young students. To this day, if I ask those who knew him, I would see immediate smiles, and memories of great respect would flood the mind and heart. He was a man to be respected, and not because he demanded it, but because he had earned it, and because God had very clearly placed it in his life. This dear man of God had paid his dues. We should all take the time to understand just what that means, and strive to do the same -- to learn how to “pay our spiritual dues”.

Now then...I do not intend to lift this man to sainthood (he would not accept it, anyhow), and I really do not intend for this to be a tribute to Brother Lindsay, but -- when invited to write this article -- I must say and share what impressed me the most about that first year at CFNI; what made its mark upon my heart, and what I recall in those vivid and wonderful days of learning and transformation.

Now, as I had said, I did not know anything about the Lindsays, but I do remember being impressed and moved upon by the Spirit of the Lord, as we attended Sunday afternoon meetings in this wonderful little place called the Christian Center. And -- when it became apparent that there was to be “something more” -- the logical and practical thing to do was to be a part of that “something more”. So, about 45 to 50 of us became that inaugural class of Christ for the Nations Institute. As I had mentioned, I was still very young in the Lord, and -- quite frankly -- I didn’t know anything. The way I felt then, and even in retrospect, I really needed everything. So, along with several friends, I joined this happy little group of believers in that fall of 1970, and thus we became a part of a very inauspicious beginning of what is now an international ministry.

The students I met that fall were not unlike students I’d met in high school or even the one-plus year I’d spent at a Dallas denominational college, and they were not too terribly different from the men and women I’d met during my time served in the U.S. Navy, just months earlier. The main difference, of course, was every student that came to the fall classes of 1970 came with a great expectation that God was somehow going to meet us and do a most wonderful thing...and He did. Having said that, let me also say this: It would be errant and perhaps arrogant of me to leave the impression that every student from that first class reached their full potential and went on to become a “generation that shook the world.” As sad as it may sound, sometimes things just don’t work out that way.

We were very much a group of ordinary people with ordinary problems, and we became part of an ordinary Christian society...some grew more than others, and some grew faster than others; some went on into a ministry of some kind -- some did not; others suffered through personal struggles, including separation, loss and divorce, and some even drifted away from the Lord for a season. Not everyone overcame every obstacle and every difficulty that arose. I, myself, struggled for several years, until the Lord met me in a most unique way in 1983 (nearly 13 years after CFNI). I say this not to discourage any heart, and not to be negative or critical or even judgmental of anyone or anything. I say this because -- even though many of us came to CFNI that first year, expecting all things to be made known to us, and for us to become more perfect than we were -- CFNI (or any Bible school, for that matter) did not and cannot make anyone completely “perfect”.

Any current student who is reading this now, I say to you: Do not expect CFNI, its teachers, faculty and staff to “make you perfect”. Only God, by His Wonderful Grace, can do that, as you yield to Him, trust in Him and lean hard and fast upon His Bosom. Trust Him, trust Him, trust Him, and when all seems dark and dim and questionable: Trust Him even more! That is the difference in whether someone overcomes any obstacle or difficulty, whether it is at CFNI, our own home church or any other situation in life.

And remember this: Of the “500” who watched the Lord’s ascension, only “120” actually heeded His command to “wait for the Promise of the Father” (Acts 1:4 & 1st Corinthians 15:6). Then there were the “70” whom Jesus sent out and greeted upon their return (Luke 10). Of these “70”, there were the “12”, specially chosen by Jesus to carry on His Mission. And of these “12”, we constantly see Peter, James and John with Jesus at important and intimate moments of His Life. But who is it that it is mentioned that “he leaned upon the Master’s breast”? Who was truly the most intimate and closer to the Lord than anyone...? Why, it was John of course.

And this is where the teachers of that first year had their work cut out for them, in that they had to train and instruct and lead young hearts to the place of total, complete and unfettered surrender to the Lord...although I’m sure each subsequent year the teachers feel the same way. The regular, “daily” teachers of that first fall were Gordon Lindsay, Charles Duncombe, Marvin Solom, and several times throughout the year we had guest speakers who would stay for several weeks or a month or so at time. Among these were Fuschia Pickett, Loren Cunningham, Joy Dawson, and others I can no longer recall. (Although, between writing the article and posting this at our site, I have remembered Dick Mills, Maxwell Whyte, Joe Poppell, and even an interesting “visit” from a once-child preacher/evangelist, Marjoe Goitner, who was filming a sort of “exposé” of Evangelical Christianity...)

I know Leonard Ravenhill came, and the younger students greatly respected and feared him -- being both awed and overwhelmed by his teaching. Many were afraid of Brother Ravenhill, because he spoke some very hard things that actually “scared” some of the younger students. I know this, for I heard them speaking of his teaching with fear, trembling and even bewilderment. But, along with the older, more mature Christians, there were those among our youthful group who knew instinctively in their hearts that the words this dear saint spoke were to urge us on to a “higher place”, and to convince us and even “convict” us into a righteous, holy relationship with the Lord, whom this man loved and served dearly.

So, as “difficult” as it was for young hearts (still grasping onto fleshly things) to hear and accept Brother Ravenhill’s words, they were words that I know many were happy to have heard spoken. For these were words spoken with grace; words spoken with love; words spoken honestly, openly and for the intent of building and encouraging the Body of Christ. I would not learn the truth of that concept for some years to come. There were times I would look back, wishing I’d “only known that then”. Much of life would have been so much simpler, but that is true of all of us, I’m sure.

The students of that first year class were exposed to every kind of teacher there was, I suppose. The “good, the bad and the ugly”, so to speak -- to borrow a phrase that the world knows well. The “good” ones were enjoyable, fun and truly easy to listen to, and we were “learning things” without our knowing it. I have heard it said that when many teachers use humor, it is like the anesthesiologist, who “puts you to sleep” before the surgeon does his work.

The “bad” ones I mentioned were not really “bad”, in the classical sense of the word -- except to the flesh of the young, unlearned Christians -- because the spoken Word “broke through” our rebellious hearts and tough, resistant exteriors. It is not unlike spiritual castor oil...not very easy to swallow, but good for the Body. Perhaps it was God’s way of causing us to “hear” truths that would one day be a real matter of life and death, and I’m not speaking metaphorically here. Even the bad or “hard-to-swallow” teachers were good, in that they taught and led us into much needed truth. One of the hardest and “least fun” classes we had that first year was the History of the Kings -- studying through the books of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles. Many said that it was “boring”, but that class has stayed with me all of these years, and I am very appreciative of it now (thank you, Dr. Solom). To this day, I honestly and thoroughly enjoy reading and studying that portion of Israel’s history.

Now then, that brings us to the “ugly ones”...but I’m just kidding here, for there is nothing but beauty when it comes to those who teach the Word of God. As Romans 10:15 tells us: “And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the Gospel of Peace, and bring glad tidings of good things’!” I used this phrase (the “ugly ones”) to make a very important point, so if you’d allow me to be serious and honest, here is that point: One thing I learned early on in my walk with the Lord was that we must never judge a man or woman by how they look, what they wear or even how they present themselves. It is the heart that matters, and that which flows forth from it. And, as I learned later, at another Bible School: “It is not so much what you say, as it is the platform from which you say it”. We not only learned this from, but saw this in so many teachers that first year, and thus we were taught a very important lesson: Learning to discern the content of the heart and not the outer shell. Or to put it another way. “To recognize and hear the message, without being distracted by the messenger”. This, especially to young Christians, is an extremely important lesson to learn.

I’ve said this many times to friends and even at our web site, but let me say it here: My two favorite teachers that first year were Gordon Lindsay and Charles Duncombe, and I do not say this to gain favor with anyone. I say this because it is very simply the truth, and because both of these men had such a profound impact upon my life, as well as the lives of many other students. A little further down, I’ve noted one student’s recent words to me in an e-mail she sent, regarding one of Brother Duncombe’s “disciplines of life”. But the best thing about Brother Duncombe was that he was so greatly in love with the Lord and with His Word, and he showed that to us, each and every day. His love for the Lord was infectious. Of course, it didn’t hurt any that he had this wonderful, lilting British accent.

One of the other great and refreshing things about this man of God was that he had a real joy, and he loved to sing. I think he told us he knew three chords, but nearly every day he would sit at the piano and teach us a new little song or some sweet chorus (or “spiritual ditties”, as I called them). He was not the best singer I’ve ever heard, but the sound from his heart was one that still touches me to this day. I thank the Lord that one such as him graced our lives, not only in sharing the Word, but in sharing his heart, his love and his joy as well.

Brother Lindsay also greatly loved the Lord and His Word, but more than that (and so important to us) he loved each and every student, and it showed. It showed in the way he taught us, as well as in the way he treated us. Many were the times that dear Sister Lindsay would have to come “disengage” her husband from a lengthy “side-bar conference” he would be having with students, long after class had ended. Brother Lindsay loved sharing with us, in whatever capacity that might be. He told us of great men of God he’d known, of the wonders he had seen, but he also warned us that some of these men had gotten “side-tracked” and forsook their true callings and ministries. Two such great men he told us about had been “called home” prematurely, as he put it, because of sin in their lives. I am thankful for his honesty and frankness, for these kinds of stories have “stayed with me” all these years. (“Wherefore let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he fall” -- 1st Cor. 10:12) It is not unkind or unwise to let young Christians know that none of us are “above” certain principles and truths in the Kingdom of God. All of us should heed that warning.

Brother Lindsay enjoyed telling stories of people, places and things, and he had one of the most wonderful and purest senses of humor I’ve ever known. He did like telling funny stories, but not once did he say anything “off color”, nor did he speak anything that could have been “misconstrued”. He was not a man of the “double-entendre”, as is the custom with some ministers I have known. Gordon Lindsay had a pure heart. And a pure love. Many speak of his great praying abilities, and how he would pray for long hours, but I remember his quick and gentle smile, his wonderful laugh, and the way he would begin to chuckle -- sometimes in mid-thought -- as if he suddenly remembered something funny. He was unpretentious, he was a great teacher, a wonderful end-time scholar, and a gifted minister, but I also recall that he never seemed impatient, even though he was given the charge of so many young souls. He respected us and took time with us, especially the young students, and I will always remember and treasure that in my heart.

That first year, all of the teachers were wonderful and special, but -- as with many things in life -- some people and some things mean “just a little bit more” to us. These two saints will always have a very special place in my heart, and I am very thankful to have been a part of that first graduating class. I am thankful to have been touched by the lives of all the teachers and ministers during that year, but I am especially grateful for these two men that loved the Lord and were not afraid to show it and share it, even in the small and insignificant ways. I learned from them, far beyond the scriptural principles each of them placed into our hearts; far above the spiritual heights to which they took us...I learned how to love the Body of Jesus Christ, how to be compassionate and how to be patient -- and even how to “enjoy” life as a Christian. Hopefully, I can be just a small reflection of what these two wonderful teachers invested in our lives that first year.

In looking back, one can easily see a tremendous difference in the songs “then” and the songs “now”. While music is one of my great joys, and even though I have much I could say about music, I will carefully refrain from that topic here. In thinking about this article, I have asked other students for help in recalling the songs we sang that first year, but so far (even though it may seem like a lot) I have only come up with these (and many of these were “taught” to us during Brother Duncombe’s impromptu singing sessions). Here are some of the songs:

I’ve Got Peace Like a River; Nothing is Impossible; We Are One in the Spirit (They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love); Oh, How I love Jesus; Have You Got Any Rivers (You Think Are Uncrossable?); Fill My Cup, Lord; He Touched Me; God Is So Good; Victory In Jesus; Seek Ye First; Sweet Holy Spirit; Not by Might (This Mountain Shall be Removed); I Have Decided to Follow Jesus; Come, Holy Spirit; Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus; There Is a River; Something Beautiful (I think, but I could be wrong about this one...); His Name Is Wonderful.

We also sang The Lord Is My Light, and some of the 1st year students went down to Waco, TX, for a youth rally, where we would meet the young author of this song. Another song, Set My Spirit Free, was unique, in that my wife and I later attended another Bible School, where we met the author of that song, Charlotte Baker. We sat under her teaching for about a year -- and it was a most wonderful year. There are many more songs, but this is enough to give current students an idea of our worship back then. Some of these songs I miss, and, as I think of them now, I recall the power they had upon our hearts, but God moves on, and so must we. I just think, as God “moves on”, He is sometimes desirous to carry some of these wonderful and beautiful songs with Him...but that’s a purely biased opinion.

Now then...if you cannot recall any of these songs, you are very, very young indeed, but this is some of what we experienced that first special year. It was not “special” because we were the first year students, nor is the Class of 2000 “special” because they are the Millenium Class -- we are “special” because God comes to us, revealing new Truths, carrying us to new Heights, declaring unto our hearts a new Freedom, so that we, in turn, can go forth “preaching the Gospel of Peace, and bringing glad tidings of good things!”

I am constantly made aware of new things, new areas of Truth, and new places in which God desires to minister to my heart. But I am also aware of this very real fact: Those things which the Lord “invested” in my heart and life (and, indeed, in all of our lives) during those nine months -- from September 1970 to June of 1971 -- have always been a “part” of me. I find myself using phrases, or quoting teachers from that year, or I find myself still being encouraged by words spoken into my heart so long ago. Just recently Gaye Ratcliff, a first-year student, sent us an e-mail, and she shared this little quote she recalled from that first year: “No Bible...no breakfast!”

This, we believe, was one of Charles Duncombe’s “disciplines of life” that he shared with us -- he would not eat “worldly food” until he had eaten of the “Heavenly Food”. Another thing he shared with us, privately after class one day, was that he daily took communion, so that he would have to keep his heart and spirit right and clean before God, lest he eat unworthily and bring harm to his body. Many such little “seeds” were planted into our hearts. Even the new students of today (or tomorrow), please let me encourage you: Do not worry or fret, if you feel as though you are not “getting it all”. For God has a wonderful way of “planting” something in your heart and spirit which will one day sprout and blossom and bring forth fruit, when you might least expect it.

That is God’s Great Impact -- His ability to teach us and “grow us”, even without our knowing it. He plants much and invests greatly into our lives, one day realizing and bringing forth His Investment. So be patient and do not worry, if you feel you aren’t grasping everything as well as everyone else, for Jesus said in John 14:26: “But the Comforter, Who is the Holy Spirit -- Whom the Father will send in My Name -- He shall teach you all things, and He will bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you”. While we do need to study, to show ourselves “approved unto God... rightly dividing the word of truth”, we do not need to fret that somehow we are the only ones “not learning” all that we must or as quickly as we should! Do study well, do listen intently to those teaching you, but most importantly: Lean hard upon the Lord (for He is there with you, even while attending Bible school!). And trust, trust, trust...and when fretting or doubt or even anxious moments come your way, trust some more. Our God is More Than Able, and He has not failed to keep one soul who clings upon His Arm and trusts in His Wonderful Name.

Beyond God’s Wonderful Grace and Wisdom, I would like to thank several people for helping with this article: Suzanne Ridner, of the Alumni office, has been more than gracious in helping, encouraging and giving advice...thanks so much, Suzanne, for your patience. And thanks to Carol Lawson (formerly Carol Rose), a first year student who (along with her husband, Bill) has remained a dear, dear friend all of the years since we graduated. In talking with her, she has not only reminded me of many wonderful things of that first year, but she has “stirred me up” and been an inspiration and an encouragement to my heart, in more ways than one. Thank you, Carol and Bill, for touching my life.

I hope you have enjoyed this little “look back”, and if you have questions, comments, or you just want to reminisce, please E-mail us at:

You may print this for further study or to share with friends. “Whosoever will, let him freely take of the Water of Life” (Revelation 22:17b)

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However, please do not change it, charge for it, or omit this paragraph. “Freely you have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8b)