The day I met David Mainse, founder of Crossroads

David Mainse

All this week I tuned in to the Christian TV show 100 Huntley Street as it celebrated the 50th anniversary of its producer, Crossroads Christian Communications. Founded by David Mainse in 1962, Crossroads is Canada's leading producer of Christian-friendly programming. It also does a lot of missionary work around the world, publishes books, runs summer camps, and assists in the production of faith-based documentaries and films.

I had the pleasure of meeting David Mainse in 1988. I remember feeling a bit apprehensive at first, because this was around the time that Christian televangelists were getting a bad name. This was when televangelists like Jim Bakker and Jimmy Swaggart were embroiled in sordid scandals that tarnished their Christian images.

Mainse came over to where my family and I were living at the time to pick up something for a neighbour who was friends with his wife. When I met him, he came across as being very warm and genuine. He didn't promote his ministry or take up a collection. I felt very happy talking to him for those few minutes.

I learned more about him this week, and it confirmed the good vibes I felt when I met him all those years ago. The man talks the talk, and walks the walk. I realized afterwards that it was foolish of me to judge him before meeting him.

Please note that when I met him I hadn't given my life over to Christ. It would take me a good decade and a half before I started living the Christian life. Now that I'm a confirmed Christian, I strive to follow the positive example that people like David Mainse has put into practice.