Claude Van Ness

Arguably, a slave is “free” the moment he escapes from his captor’s grasp. However, at this point, the likelihood that he’ll be recaptured and returned to the service of this master is very high, in fact probable. In order to be truly free, he must make it safely to a whole new place where he can live a fulfilling and abundant life, with no fear of returning, because he’s been purchased anew by a loving master. I’m not sure I would ever have been able to make it, if Brother Blair hadn’t carved out the path between the two, blazing every landmark, setting up safe houses, employing trusted helpers and watchman along the way, like a modern day underground railroad prepared for the most desperate slaves to sin. Having escaped, I became a part of a holy city, this community of freedmen in a safe refuge, serving one another in self sacrificial love. I know it’s my new master Jesus who set me free, and I know only I could determine to risk everything to break and run, but even with all of the guideposts and support that Brother Blair established and maintained, it was difficult for me. So, I do not believe I could have done it on my own. I am forever indebted to him for his pioneering faith in action. I will miss his constant humility and clear vision. Let it fall to others in even greater measure, if that is possible.
With Love,