Way Corp group(s) I was in
Second
Where I live
Columbus, Ohio
Married or Single
Married
About Me
I have been blessed to have enjoyed a rich and wonderfully diverse life with a variety of focal points, some of which start with the letter "P." I have been a PHARMACIST, POET, PROFESSOR, PASTOR, and PUBLISHER, among a number of other careers.
My Interests
My passion for the Word of God burns more intensely than ever. I continue to write and teach. I have traveled to Dakar, Senegal and Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, where I made some most satisfying connections with fellow believers.From September, 2007 to June, 2008 I served as Dean of Middle School at Sonshine Christian Academy in Columbus, Ohio, where I also taught 7th and 8th grade science and 6th and 8th grade language arts. Without a doubt it was the most challenging year of my more than 25 years in academe. Within a week at the end of the school year, I was on a two-week short term mission trip in Los Cabos, Mexico where I ministered at a bilingual Christian school. While there, the entire previous year made sense, as I recognized that all things work together for the good, to those who love God to those who are the called according to His purpose.
"Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good."
Employment or Career
During my stint as a draftee in the US Army in 1967, in the thick of the Viet Nam conflict, I was not only introduced to The Way International but I also experienced the joys of classroom teaching when I taught pharmacy technicians at the Medical Field Service School in San Antonio, TX. Nine years later as an adjunct instructor at The Way College of Emporia, I taught New Testament History among other courses which gave me a taste of teaching on the collegiate level, and after earning my doctorate in English, I have continued to teach on the university level for more than thirty years. Here is a link to an article published in the National Education Association Journal in which I discuss my journey into academe via a most intriguing route.
http://www.nea.org/assets/img/PubThoughtAndAction/TAA_03_06.pdf
Music I Like
I enjoy all kinds of music, from opera to jazz and blues, not to mention gospel and contemporary praise and worship. I even like Country Music, in small doses, however. I like it all. Indeed, as the Poet (C'est Moi) says:
"All music seems to mirror me,
Express all of my innermost hopes and joys.
My soulful melancholody
ennobled by the rich chords' counterpoise."
Books I Like
Aside from the Bible, which still brings me untold joy, particularly the Psalms, I enjoy reading, teaching, researching and writing in the area of African American literature. One of the most moving book I have ever read is a novel by Ernest J. Gaines, A LESSON BEFORE DYING. Another work which had a similar kind of profoud impact upon me was WILD AT HEART by John Eldredge whose non-fiction work had a similar theme as the novel by Gaines. Unfortunately I don't have as much opportunity to read for pleasure as I would like, but I still love to read.
Television I like
I seldom watch television.
Movies I like
Movies that I have particularly enjoyed were The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe" along with "Akeelah and the Bee", one of my all-time favorites. There was a HBO version of "A Lesson Before Dying" which was disappointing in light of how moving the novel was.
Sports Teams I like
I'm not into sports to that degree that I have favorite teams. I enjoy watching basketball and other team sports, especially OSU and some of the other Big Ten Schools.
My Email Address:
ljohns10@insight.rr.com
Comments
You know I still have the proposal we developed for the Word in Fine Arts Seminar we did with Elaine Whiteside and Beth Lowder. I still remember meeting at the Cultural Center in New Bremen. Please say hello to Brenda for me. What have you been up too?
Richie DiBartolo
One Christmas I copied your Good News Day a bunch of times (in my very best writing with a shiny ink pen) framed them and gave them as gifts to my parents and family. I love that poem..and I love you...I used to have your book, but have lost it in the shuffle of life. What is the title?
I like all your Professions with P's! Thinking about you and writing you, and remembering you makes me feel good, Lonnell. I'm happy for all your success!
Love,
Patti
You are a big reason I ever joined the ministry. You taught the word in Annapolis, Easter Sunday, 1974 at a community center with a screen door and I was there. Thank you and I love you.
Mark Jones
I LOVE it!
I'll have to look into your collection as well.
God bless you big!
Bernie Smith
So many times I have recalled your poem, "It's a Good News Day" but all I know is the first couple of lines.
Would you be willing to write it for me?
Thanks!
Bernie Smith
Your book stays near to the desk of Rob after all these years. I am blessed by it and some things you taught me and displayed from the Word. You and Brenda showed me grace, dignity and tenderness so many times.
Cheryl and I send our love and God's best to you.
Rob
God bless you in the name of Jesus Christ! I am blessed to see you on this site. Say Dorothy just made a CD called "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" in her classic style. Drop us a line.
Nolan Yogi