Earnestly Contend For the Faith

A Biography of Eli D. Kramer (1899 – 1966)In every generation, God raises up men who make a difference. Because they fear God, they do not compromise truth for expediency.Eli D. Kramer, ordained a bishop in the Virginia Mennonite Conference in 1948, was such a man. His deepest desire was to know the mind of Christ. In his compassion, he often grieved for those who were turning away from the faith they once embraced. He saw dangerous changes in life and practice coming into the churches that to him were a certain prelude to apostasy. He vigorously preached against these trends, calling everyone under his care to stand true to the Scripture.In the conference churches, a downward spiral of apostasy continued until the time came when Brother Kramer could no longer remain in the conference. He and other conference leaders of similar convictions finally concluded that the only way to save themselves, their families, and those in their realm of influence was to form new congregations honoring Biblical principles. Time has shown that their concerns were valid.In this book, the author gives us glimpses into the life and times of Brother Kramer and into some of the events that surrounded the beginning of the Nationwide Fellowship churches.