by Doug Bing, Washington Conference president
Melvin Kaminsky was a combat engineer during World War II. One of his main jobs was to deactivate enemy mines. It was a very high-stress job. Born in Brooklyn to Jewish parents, he lost his father when he was two years old. Growing up without a father affected him, but he persevered. Before he could finish college, he was drafted into the army.
He reflected on his job assignment as a combat engineer by saying that it was the two things he hated: combat and engineering. He saw combat in the Battle of the Bulge toward the end of the war. It was during this battle that Melvin countered the German offensive with something other than bullets.
The Germans had loudspeakers that they were blasting toward the Allied lines, sharing Nazi propaganda. Melvin decided to counter that. He rigged up his own loudspeaker system and played music by a Jewish musician. It was reported that the Germans turned their loudspeakers off and, in fact, applauded after the song—which was, of course, ironic, since it was a song by a Jewish person.
After the war, Melvin Kaminsky became a stand-up comedian and then started writing television shows. He also changed his name to Mel Brooks and went on to win awards in the film and stage industry.
Reflecting on this story, I wonder what we are broadcasting into the world that is constantly aiming its loudspeakers toward us. Are we broadcasting the good and simple news of the gospel of Jesus all the time, or just when we think people are watching? Are we broadcasting when we are on the front lines, or just when we are in the comfort of our churches? Are we broadcasting the love of Jesus when we experience terrible customer service and are frustrated to no end?
The gospel to the entire world (Matthew 28:19, 20) starts with each of us broadcasting to those around us the alternatives that God offers instead of all the things being broadcast to them from the world.