What was the Most Significant Lesson to you from Stanley Jones & From Ashram to Action - John Roddam

As a broadcaster it's one of my favorite questions because it helps us get right to the story... In all of your experiences with Stanley Jones, his books, his lessons, and has many teachings... What was the MSL?

Here are some stories from Pastor John Roddam

From Ashram to Action: How E. Stanley Jones Shaped a Life of Living Faith

*An inspiring journey of faith, family, and divine appointments from the voice of John Roddam*

When retired Anglican priest John Roddam sat down for a conversation on the Stanley Jones Radio School for Fully Alive Living, he brought more than a story—he brought a testimony. A testimony forged in the heart of Nova Scotia’s ashram movement and inspired by the writings and witness of missionary statesman E. Stanley Jones.

Hosted by Stan Hustad, the half-hour radio program took listeners on a storytelling journey through decades of spiritual formation, personal transformation, and joyful mission. And yes, there were laughs—because joy, as Roddam reminded us, is one of the requirements for sainthood.

The Ashram Awakening

John Roddam’s life turned a divine corner in 1978, when he came to faith and shortly afterward attended his first ashram. That gathering, rooted in the ecumenical and Christ-centered teachings of E. Stanley Jones, would set the trajectory for his ministry and family life.

Roddam described the Nova Scotia ashram as nothing short of extraordinary: a thousand registered participants, swelling to 1,500 on healing nights. Towering trees, spirited prayer vigils, and gospel teaching from the likes of Tommy Tyson and Terry Fulham became the soil in which his spiritual roots grew deep.

A Family Transformed

Roddam's connection to the ashram wasn’t limited to his own journey. His wife and four children experienced its spiritual legacy as well. One story stood out: his young daughter Lori, just four or five years old at the time, told her dad she had a need during a healing service. “I need to ask Jesus into my heart,” she said. That night, Lori began a journey that would lead her to dedicate her life to missions and travel to over 60 countries through Youth With A Mission (YWAM).

A Simple, Living Gospel

Throughout the program, Roddam echoed a consistent message from Stanley Jones: the gospel is not complicated. “It’s not rocket science,” he said. “It’s a relationship. It’s knowing Jesus personally, not just believing in Him, but belonging to Him.”

Humor, Humility, and Holiness

Roddam brought not just insight but delight to the conversation. Whether comparing barefoot clergy in Myanmar to the Flintstones or riffing on being a "peculiar people with a particular power," his humor flowed with the joy of someone who’s lived what he preached.

Key Takeaways from John Roddam’s Journey

- You don’t just believe in Jesus—you belong to Him. That shift changes everything.

- The power of prayer and presence—a few days at the ashram shaped a lifetime.

- Family legacy matters. Transformative faith often starts at home and flows outward.

- You are a divine appointment. Don’t wait for the moment—be the moment.

- God often speaks at right angles. Stay open. Stay humble. Stay ready.

Final Words: A Call to Fully Alive Living

The conversation between Hustad and Roddam wasn’t just a stroll down memory lane—it was a call forward. A call to center your life not on performance, but on presence. Not just on religious habits, but on a living relationship with Jesus.

E. Stanley Jones once said, “The kingdom of God is not something you die into—it’s something you live into.” John Roddam’s story shows us exactly how that happens.

Connect & Learn More:

John Roddam can be reached through his ministry website at www.roddam.ca.

Take Action Today

- Share this story with someone who needs encouragement

- Read something by E. Stanley Jones

- Ask Jesus, “What’s the deal here?” and really listen

- And remember: You don’t retire. You retread.  And perhaps you think about joining the Encore Zone