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A Life of Transformation - World Evangelical Alliance

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A Festschrift for Colonel Doner<br />

Mark D. Siljander<br />

Former U.S. Congressman<br />

Washington, D.C.<br />

The Hon. Colonel Doner:<br />

I have known Colonel for many years. In 1981, he visited me as<br />

a new “wet behind the ears” member <strong>of</strong> the U.S. Congress. He was<br />

rather “wet” himself back then, but demonstrated an uncanny enthusiasm<br />

and commitment to his Christian conservative causes. He was<br />

convincing that I should be a standard-bearer for pro-family issues.<br />

His advice was accepted and it catapulted me into a social/<br />

political arena that consumed most <strong>of</strong> my three terms. While one<br />

always hopes to make a positive, “distinguished” impact on our<br />

society and world, it ultimately made me an “extinguished” career.<br />

However, the blessing <strong>of</strong> leaving the U.S. Congress (with the consent<br />

<strong>of</strong> my voters), was to come to know the Jesus <strong>of</strong> the Bible,<br />

rather than the one defined by our culture and, particularly, by the<br />

Christian political movement.<br />

Colonel has the ability to motivate and instruct those willing to<br />

listen. Being a prolific writer, his readers become engulfed in a systematic<br />

clarity <strong>of</strong> how to function as a follower <strong>of</strong> Jesus, superb husband,<br />

outstanding father, and being a manly man. Since reading his work,<br />

my wrists have strengthened greatly and my wife loves me all the more!<br />

Creative, compassionate, caring, entrepreneurial, and daring<br />

are but a few adjectives to describe the character <strong>of</strong> Colonel Doner.<br />

Anytime one needs advice, or direction on complicated personal,<br />

spiritual, or marketing issues, Colonel is the precise choice.<br />

I wish him and his wonderful and patient wife, Miriam, and<br />

his handsome son, C. J., the fullness <strong>of</strong> life and blessing <strong>of</strong> Christ.<br />

Now for Colonel: since he is a ripe old 50 and can get discounts at<br />

most restaurants and hotels, we should hang around with him more!<br />

Most Sincerely,<br />

The Hon. Mark D. Siljander<br />

The Honorable Mark Siljander served several terms in the Michigan Legislature<br />

and six years in the U.S. Congress before he was appointed by President<br />

Bush as a delegate to the United Nations with Ambassadorial rank. Currently<br />

he is a successful entrepreneur, “international ambassador for Christ,” and<br />

lobbyist, as well as a loving husband and father <strong>of</strong> four children.<br />

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