For me, the most impressing aspect of Franklin's adult life was his boldness for the Gospel. It wasn't just him though; everyone around him lived what the Bible said. I'll talk about Dennis Agajanian first. Dennis' street preaching experience made a big impact on me. If you don't remember, Dennis was with Ruth Graham in town, and she incidentally parked in front of a porno store (the only space available). Before you could say "bluegrass" Dennis had his guitar out and was serenading the shop's customers with lyrics like "you're going to Hell" and "you need Jesus." We can discuss his methods of evangelism, but his motives were pure. He obviously felt God leading him to witness, and so he did. He wasn't the only one of Franklin's acquaintances who had "guts for Jesus" though.
Another story in this last third of the book that I especially liked was in the chapter titled "God Doesn't Love the Kurds." Some members of another missionary organization were with Franklin's crew when they surveyed the terrible condition of the Kurds. One of the members of the other organization quickly opened his Bible and began telling the devastated people about God's salvation. This is great example of the purpose behind God-centered humanitarian groups. When people are down and out, they come and meet their physical needs to earn the right to share Christ. The Christians in Rebel With A Cause have their priorities straight.
And then there's the rebel himself, our friend Franklin. I like Franklin because he knew what the Bible said and he did it. Though he hesitated at times, he still had faith to persevere. If something is uncomfortable or difficult, I often spend too much time deciding if I should do it. God calls us to act. Another part of Franklin's life that not only affected me deeply but also possibly emotionally scarred me was the chapter involving the horrific video tape. I won't try to jog your memory, it's not something easily forgotten. As I read the officer's words to Franklin about the unspeakable acts committed by the men in the tape, my blood boiled. Franklin admits the hatred he felt for those evil soldiers. Even in the midst of hearing that atrocity, though, Franklin remembered that Jesus died for those men as well as him. When the officer asked Franklin why those villains acted as they did, Franklin used it as an opportunity to witness. Then Franklin acted on his knowledge and proceeded to build a house of refuge for widows and victims of rape in a war-torn area.
This book challenged me. From "God room" to "Operation Desert Save" to Dennis Agajanian, this book is filled with Christ-honoring principles and people. It's inspired me, and I want to live like Franklin learned to live, with guts for Jesus.
"The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion" (Proverbs 28:1).
