Scott Simer

The Preacher Washed the Dishes

I met Clarence Jordan maybe 32 years ago, when he came to New Philadelphia, Ohio for a week of speaking. I had heard him speak before at Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) national conventions, and especially wanted him for that week ecumenically sponsored.

He was magic spoke to packed houses, and wherever he went, he made friends.

He was a great speaker. A very earthy, helpful, humble man. He gave great insights into the Bible and Christian life, due to his scholarship and Christian experiences at Koinonia. I frequently use the Cotton Patch version from the pulpit and find it to be loaded for the Holy Spirit.

By the time he left our town I half hoped and half feared what I would do if he asked me to join Koinonia. I certainly would have been mightily tempted to come.

His appearance was always fine only on after thought did I realize his suit was not "new" or "stylish". He was "plain."

And when he ate a meal in our home, he looked at and talked with our children as much as to my wife and me. Following the meal he just got up, and began washing the dinner dishes without a word and insisted on doing it even when we tried to dissuade him! What a man! And he had a great sense of humor!

About a year later we were going to Florida and stopped by Koinonia and spent the night. We saw and talked with Clarence and Mrs. Jordan, and a daughter, Jan. They too were special!

We all lost a lot when Clarence died, and I don't even know when it was. I wish he had gotten to complete the Cotton Patch version. He was one of the most interesting and Christian men I ever met. Even yet I "brag" on him. I love Clarence Jordan as a Christian brother.

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