Going home…Military Ministry Founder Col. John Mills Fain, 1910-2006

Colonel John Mills “Jack” Fain, who became a Christian at 37 after service in World War II and later founded Campus Crusade’s Military Ministry, died Sept. 29, 2006. He was 96.

“Jack’s impact will last for all generations,” Military Ministry’s executive director told the Standard Bearer. “When he passed away, his pathbreaking ministry had already resulted in thousands of new believers and disciplemakers,” MG Bob Dees, U.S. Army (Retired) said.A decorated Air Force veteran with 35 years of active and reserve service, Col. Fain founded the Fain Realty and Insurance Company in Atlanta in 1949. Atop his building, a three-sided sign proclaimed “Jesus saves.” Many changed lives resulted from seeing the sign and visiting the company’s office. Most of the second floor became a prayer room, complete with pews and an altar.

Known for a “playboy” past, word spread fast when Jack Fain “got religion.” Church leaders, military chaplains and civic groups invited him to speak about his conversion. His life had taken an “about face,” and he shared this with everyone. Jack’s wife Barbara and daughter Jackie (later a Christian musician) joined his ministry efforts. They actively participated in the first Billy Graham crusade held in Atlanta in 1950. By 1964, Col. Fain had developed a close friendship with Campus Crusade founder Bill Bright, who asked him to start a ministry to military personnel.

Jack’s slogan became “Now here this ! A man or woman in uniform, bearing arms, and subject to enemy action deserves first priority to hear the Gospel of Christ at this time.”

The slogan inspires Military Ministry to this day. In September 2005, Military Ministry honored Col. Fain for his many years of faithful service. Now, to commemorate his passing into eternity, Military Ministry is establishing the “Col. Jack Fain Rapid Response Center” in our new offices in Newport News, Virginia. Like the prayer room at his Atlanta office, the Rapid Response Center, due to open in 2007, will extend the love of Christ to those who contact Military Ministry for information and inspiration.

Contributions in Col. Fain’s honor can be sent to: Rapid Response Center, Military Ministry , PO BOX 120124, Newport News, VA 23612-0124. Donations can also be dedicated by calling 1-800-444-6006.

Barbara Fain, whose 62-year marriage to Jack was itself an inspiration, and daughter Jackie rejoice in Col. Fain’s ongoing legacy, especially through the new center. Please keep them in your prayers.

Perhaps no Scripture so aptly sums up Jack’s life and ministry as I Corinthians 2:9…”No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.”

“Now here this! a man or woman in uniform, bearing arms, and subject to enemy action deserves first priority to hear the Gospel of Christ at this time.”