And how shall they
preach, except they
be sent?

~ Romans 10:15

A modern-day Saul of Tarsus, John Stemen now toiled for truth with far greater zeal than ever he persecuted it. Much to the distress of his parents, siblings and Mennonite leaders, he now witnessed of the message God sent at every opportunity and to any person, frequently pairing with his brother-in-law, Sam. They preached or handed out books on the streets and in stores. When there was not ready opportunity, they created it. A favorite ploy was to split up at a controlled intersection and witness to the bewildered occupants of cars stopped at the red light.

For quite some time, there was no specific ministry in the area although Bro. John was counted a leader and often called upon for counseling. They played tapes and held prayer meetings at various homes, the YMCA, and eventually in a warehouse owned by Tom Brown, Gladys Dauch’s grandson. At times, Bro. Ed Byskal came to preach and exhort the Saints. Eventually, the growing body of believers was able to construct a church building where they could gather regularly.

One Saturday evening while in prayer Sis. Diana felt within her heart that Bro. John was being called to minister in Florida. That same night he heard a knocking sound and the words, “Feed my sheep!”. Come Monday, he again heard the unexplainable knocking sound. When he shared with his wife, she disclosed the feeling she’d had and they decided to visit Florida. While there, Bro. John felt more and more convinced the Lord was calling him to minister. But first they’d need to sell their home. Not surprisingly, soon after their return a stranger came to the door offering to purchase.

Bro. John told his wife and the Lord, both, he would willingly go anywhere in Florida. Except Pinecraft, a Sarasota neighborhood populated by many Amish and Mennonite families and scene of countless hours spent criticizing his wife’s faith for several years in the late 1960’s. He understandably wanted no part of the memories or recrimination. But, the house he and Sis. Diana sought to purchase fell through at the last minute. After employing every possible means to seek a place to live, only one house could be found, having been vacated only hours before. And so, they moved into 1060 Graber Avenue - right in the heart of Pinecraft.

As an adamant harder than flint have I made thy forehead

~ Ezekial 3:9

1977 - As God would have it, their new landlord was familiar with William Branham, having once zealously preached the restored Bible truths he’d heard brought forth. Healing and other gifts were manifest in his ministry. But, he yielded to opposition and was silenced when told to either stop or be ousted from the Mennonite church. Contrarily, his new tenant preached that same truth on the streets at every opportunity and visited many churches, seizing every chance to testify.

The quiet neighborhood was quite shaken for he was boldly unashamed of the truth, He frequently opened conversations with the subject of adultery in the garden of Eden and the seed of the serpent. His zealousness was backed by a heart of gold and consecrated life of true holiness. His unflinching stand on the Word of God compelled men and women to search their Bibles and their souls. Almost every evening people came to the house to ask questions or listen to tapes. Some even came secretly in the middle of the night to ask for prayer and counsel.

Eventually, nine ministers compelled Bro. John to meet with them. They forcibly argued he must quit speaking and passing out reading material for he was causing the people to doubt their salvation. They sought out the landlord hoping to find fault that could be leveraged against him. Unable to speak a negative word, the man could only bemoan his discomfort at hearing Bro. Branham’s voice continually coming through the windows of the house. John Stemen left the meeting undeterred. Efforts at intimidation and calls for a return to tradition were fruitless. But the work of Christ brought forth!

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