HISTORY OF ABC PRAYER CRUSADE

In the early 1950's a Seventh-day Adventist pastor named GA. Coon, became the Southern Union revivalist. After 20 years in pastoral-evangelism, he was convinced that bringing in NEW members, was not the church's only need. The existing membership needed to experience growth in grace. Coon, himself had learned this growth the hard way. Having. suffered severe case of "nervous exhaustion" a few years previously, he discovered that he must learn how to "cast all his cares upon the Lord. His book, "The ABC's of Prayer", (available at Adventist Book Centers), describes that discovery.

Upon official retirement in the late 1950's,Coon extended his traveling ministry. For the next 30 years he traveled throughout the United States, Southeast Asia, Europe and Australia, presenting the ABC's of Prayer and other revival topics.

In 1967 he appointed his school teacher son Glenn, to be director of correspondence (to answer his mail and prepare home study courses).

In 1971 this responsibility was broadened to include shipment of books. (During that decade, Coon's literary endeavors were to proliferate, until he had authored 20 books.)

In 1973 Coon incorporated the ABC Prayer Crusade, to take ownership of his book inventory, and to become the manager of his traveling ministry.

In 1986 he invited his son, Glenn to leave his current profession of pharmacy (Glenn had graduated from the Medical College of Virginia - now VCU -1n 1975) and travel with him.

In 1953 Glenn had earned a BA in theology at Southern Missionary College - now Southern Adventist University.

In 1959 he obtained an MA in Education from Andrews University.

He taught church schools for 18 years: 5 years in Georgia - at Rome and Moultrie , then 10 years at Beltsville MD, and three years at Shenandoah Valley Academy.

In 1972 he entered the Medical College of Virginia, graduated in 1975 and practiced pharmacy for 11 years - 3 years in Chattanooga TN with Eckerd Drugs, and seven years in private practice at Ridgewood Manor Nursing Home (****)in Dalton GA.

In February 1987 G A Coon suffered a severe stroke, which affected his speech. He and his wife Ethel then retired to live with their daughter Nita. His traveling ministry was carried on by his son Glenn, who for twelve years traveled to all parts of the United States, and also into Canada and Mexico, conducting ABC seminars.

In 1996 G A died at the age of 93, and his wife Ethel passed away a few years later.

But the ABC ministry continues under the direction of three families.

1. His daughter Nita handles the book and cassette tape orders, shipping either directly, or through local Adventist Book Centers. She also edits his current publications and prepares future books for publication.

2. His son Glenn is in charge of the official ABC website, which is continually adding new features: Book excerpts, Seminar handouts and other items of interest. He and his wife Marty are also available for weekend or one-day seminars in churches close to the Chattanooga area.

3. Ruben and Nancy Neuharth - long-time associates of G A - still travel occasionally, with video presentations of ABC crusades that were recorded in the 1970’s. They are also in the process of converting those tapes into DVD’s. The Path to the Heart DVD is currently available, and others will soon be.

To keep updated on the latest happenings,

check this web site periodically.