Up a tree: How Operation Mobilization got its Name

Had a life-changing time in South America! (Although I had lived 11 years in Africa and Asia, this was my first time to this continent.) Check out the updated itinerary. More to come; meanwhile:

Got this email from (my sister) Chrissie earlier this week:

A couple nights ago I met the guy who was with George from the beginning. His name is Mr. Malstead (can't remember his first name).

He said that one day George said they should go and spend time with the Lord. So, they did. While Mr. Malstead was sitting outside reading his Bible, he heard George yell from the top of a tree "Operation Mobilization!" He climbed down from the tree all excited with his revelation from the Lord. He said, "It doesn't just have to be the two of us spreading the gospel! We can get all kinds of young people to serve him too!" (something like that anyway).

And that is how OM got its name. - Chrissie

I thought the team here would get a kick out of this, so I forwarded it on to them. George responded:

So glad your sister met Roger malstead who is the guy who went with me to Russia in l961 and after pioneered our work in Turkey. Life long friend who lived near here [London] also for years. If you remember my story from Russia, he is the guy who told me to flush the Gospel of John down the toilet. But I had a better idea--throw it out the window--which led to our arrest. I was up a tree on a day of prayer after that big failure when God gave the name "Operation Mobilisation". Greet your sister for me and let her know a little more." - George