In 1982, Howard F. Ahmanson Jr, journeyed to Mississippi to learn more about the ministry of John M. Perkins – the African-American Christina leader and activist. Throughout his life John had struggled, at great cost to his welfare and flesh, to alleviate poverty and bring the gospel and justice to the people in his home state of Mississippi. In return, those he challenged tortured and brutalised him, and murdered his brother.
Howard F. Ahmanson is the reclusive, only son of the man that California Business magazine wrote was the richest man in California.(1) In 1982 he was a supporter of Reconstructionism, usually portrayed as an ultraright Christian movement. Later in life, Time magazine listed him as one of the “25 Most Influential Evangelicals in America,” the Los Angeles Times described him as the one who “Bankrolls the Religious Right’s Agenda,” and Max Blumenthal in Salon labelled him “The Avenging Angel of the Christian Right”.(2)
When he met Howard in 1982 John Perkins spoke of God’s concern for those who were outcast and castigated, and those evangelicals who had forsaken the gospel’s command to work for the poor and downtrodden. Howard listened and with
(1). Scibilia “Welthiest Man,” 2.
(2). Frammolino, “Ahmanson Heir”; “25 Most Influential Evangelicals”; Blumenthal “Avenging Angel.”
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