The Write Stuff
Meredith Whitmore
Combine the desire to stay in touch with a
commitment to write, and you have the relationship that Navigator staff
representatives Ed Reis and Denny Repko say continually changes their
lives for the better.
In the early 1960s, Ed and Denny began a
round robin letter with six other men they knew from college and
Navigator ministry. Still making the rounds after 40 some years, the
writing group shows no sign of disbanding-they continue to write and
meet for a reunion every three years, coming in from foreign countries
and various U.S. cities.
The group's system works like this: Ed writes the first letter to one man, that man writes another letter and sends both to the next man, and so on. Sometimes their punctuality is off a bit, but they usually complete the cycle at least twice a year.
"Forty years ago it didn't seem very significant," Ed says of their correspondence, "but it was very significant because now I see the fruits of our labors. The letters made me realize that you don't have to be a perfect Christian-you have to be an honest, progressing Christian. We share our ups and downs, our concerns and struggles, and any spiritual questions we have. We keep each other accountable. I've gone through various disappointments and mistakes, but when the letters come they give me a chance to get out of my funk. The encouragement and love the letters have been is incalculable."
Denny has benefited equally and says, "It's hard to put into words what kind of 'iron sharpening iron' relationship with a few men, sustained over the years, means to a person. It is a precious gift, and as we age, the long-standing friendships become even more valuable.
These are the guys who knew me with all my foibles and immaturities in college. We still love each other. Incredible."
Ed has this advice for those wishing to start a round robin: "It's like Nike says. Just do it. It requires no formality, but it does require commitment. If your group isn't wholly committed from the very beginning, you won't stick together."
In our "high tech, low touch" age, consider what these men have to say about the value of the written word. Sending your friend or neighbor a note-or even starting a group-might be a significant step toward mutual encouragement and growth.
In the early 1960s, Ed and Denny began a
round robin letter with six other men they knew from college and
Navigator ministry. Still making the rounds after 40 some years, the
writing group shows no sign of disbanding-they continue to write and
meet for a reunion every three years, coming in from foreign countries
and various U.S. cities.The group's system works like this: Ed writes the first letter to one man, that man writes another letter and sends both to the next man, and so on. Sometimes their punctuality is off a bit, but they usually complete the cycle at least twice a year.
"Forty years ago it didn't seem very significant," Ed says of their correspondence, "but it was very significant because now I see the fruits of our labors. The letters made me realize that you don't have to be a perfect Christian-you have to be an honest, progressing Christian. We share our ups and downs, our concerns and struggles, and any spiritual questions we have. We keep each other accountable. I've gone through various disappointments and mistakes, but when the letters come they give me a chance to get out of my funk. The encouragement and love the letters have been is incalculable."
Denny has benefited equally and says, "It's hard to put into words what kind of 'iron sharpening iron' relationship with a few men, sustained over the years, means to a person. It is a precious gift, and as we age, the long-standing friendships become even more valuable.
These are the guys who knew me with all my foibles and immaturities in college. We still love each other. Incredible."
Ed has this advice for those wishing to start a round robin: "It's like Nike says. Just do it. It requires no formality, but it does require commitment. If your group isn't wholly committed from the very beginning, you won't stick together."
In our "high tech, low touch" age, consider what these men have to say about the value of the written word. Sending your friend or neighbor a note-or even starting a group-might be a significant step toward mutual encouragement and growth.
