The Day After Jimmy Got Saved: Reflections On Growing Up Mennonite In Knoxville

A young boy grows up in a traditional Mennonite home, but in East Tennessee, far from a large Mennonite community. He wants to fit in, both into the culture of his birth and religious tradition and also in the culture of his surroundings, known as "the world." Growing up is by nature challenging. Added to the usual growing pains are the complexities of two cultures that clash, namely traditional Mennonite culture and the southern culture of East Tennessee. Underneath the humor, wry commentary, and creative memory, the discerning reader will appreciate the resiliency of a young boy coming of age in challenging circumstances.

Ken Yoder grew up in East Tennessee and was part of small Mennonite churches in Knoxville and Concord, Tennessee. In 1951 his family moved to University and 5th Avenue, where his father was superintendent of the Knoxville Mennonite Mission. From there the family moved to North Lonsdale where he attended grades 1-5 at Lonsdale Elementary School. In the summer of 1960, the family moved out west of Knoxville to Concord, and he attended grades 6-8 at Ball Camp Elementary School. His freshman and sophomore years were at Karnes High School, and graduated from a private Mennonite High School in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Other educational pursuits followed. Ken and his wife Kathy live quite happily in Quakertown PA, and long for retirement when they can return back home at least with in sight of those southern mountains.