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| RECRUITING FROM THE OPPOSITION |
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| successful prison rehabilitation programs. Then he went on to join the staff of Charles Colson's Prison Fellowship. When asked why he has been so effective in the failure-littered field of prison work, Erwin replies, "Maybe it's because I've been behind bars, like these prisoners. Most of them came from miserable homes also, and were abused by their parents. I understand what makes life so hard for them - and my story gives them hope. I don't give up on people. If God can change me, he can change them too." A Complete Turnaround Converts like John Erwin often make the best crusaders. Former alcoholics can convince others of drinking's dangers. Exiles from Communist countries, such as Alexander Solzhenisyn, often become the most vehement anti-Communists. And when the book of Acts introduces the most effective Christian missionary of all time, he turns out to be a former bounty hunter of Christians. How did a Jewish sect become the largest Gentile religion? How did an Asian faith become associated with European civilization? The answers trace back to the remarkable career of Paul, apostle to the Gentiles. Paul (formerly called Saul) made his first appearance in Acts (8:1), assisting at the brutal stoning of Stephen. Later, he led a gang of persecutors on a violent campaign against Christian believers. But then came a miraculous turnabout on the road to Damascus (9:1-19). A Courageous Career Acts is constructed like a drama that delays introducing the hero until the stage is finally set. Beginning in chapter 13, the spotlight in Acts moves from Peter to Paul and follows him throughout the rest of the book. Other Christians, |