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	<title>Bene Diction Blogs On &#187; General</title>
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	<lastBuildDate>Sat, 11 Feb 2012 09:15:34 +0000</lastBuildDate>
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		<title>NC dad shoots laptop on YouTube, daughter is doing fine</title>
		<link>http://www.benedictionblogson.com/2012/02/11/nc-dad-shoots-laptop-on-youtube-daughter-is-doing-fine/</link>
		<comments>http://www.benedictionblogson.com/2012/02/11/nc-dad-shoots-laptop-on-youtube-daughter-is-doing-fine/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 11 Feb 2012 08:30:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Bene Diction</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.benedictionblogson.com/?p=12080</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[North Carolina father Tommy Jordan, who works in IT, was not impressed with a FB posting by his 15 year old, and responded with a video which has had over 6.5 million hits in 3 days. Dad posted this yesterday &#8230; <a href="http://www.benedictionblogson.com/2012/02/11/nc-dad-shoots-laptop-on-youtube-daughter-is-doing-fine/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>North Carolina father Tommy Jordan, who works in IT, was not impressed with a FB posting by his 15 year old, and responded with a video which has had over 6.5 million hits in 3 days.</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/kl1ujzRidmU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>Dad posted this yesterday afternoon on his FB page.</p>
<blockquote><p>
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/tommyjordaniii/posts/10150522677640846">Tommy Jordan</a></p>
<p>For those that wondered, commented, criticized, and just in general wanted to know:<br />
My daughter came through it fine.</p>
<p>Yes, she&#8217;s in trouble, and yes she&#8217;s grounded, but that doesn&#8217;t mean every moment of her life has to be miserable. She&#8217;s going to come to terms with the changes that will be present for a while; no TV privileges, no Internet, etc.</p>
<p>In the meantime, once the initial anger passed, she sat with me reviewing some of the comments that have come in via Facebook and YouTube. One person even suggested collecting the shell casings and auctioning them on eBay. I said I’d do it if it would help contribute to her college fund! When I told her about it, she thought a minute, got a funny calculating expression on her face and said, “in that case you should shoot my phone too. We can use more bullets and I’ll go half-sies with ya on it! It’s not like I’m going to need it any time soon. And I can use the money we get to buy a new one.”</p>
<p>While the whole point of this story isn’t funny, what is funny to me is how weak some people out there think kids are. Our kids are as strong as we help them to be. My daughter took a horrible day in her life, had her crying fit, then got over it, accepted her punishment, and hasn’t let it (or people’s comments) destroy her strength. I don’t get any credit for that. She’s strong and able to overcome almost anything life throws at her.</p>
<p>Since this unsuspectingly threw her into the limelight much more strongly than either of us intended, I asked her if she wanted to make her own response video, and told her I’d let her do it if she wanted to. She doesn’t like being in front of the camera, so she declined, but I’ve told her if she wants to write a response or post a video response, I’d be OK with it. It’s only fair considering the viral nature of the whole thing. So far she’s not really interested. Quite frankly it seems she’s gotten bored of it much faster than the general public has. If that changes I’ll post it here.
</p></blockquote>
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		<title>When churches turn a blind eye</title>
		<link>http://www.benedictionblogson.com/2012/02/10/when-churches-turn-a-blind-eye/</link>
		<comments>http://www.benedictionblogson.com/2012/02/10/when-churches-turn-a-blind-eye/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 11 Feb 2012 03:06:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Bene Diction</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.benedictionblogson.com/?p=12072</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Spiritual abusers take the authority given to them as gospel ministers that is to be used to help people grow closer to God, and they pervert that authority into power used to lord over people, to coerce, manipulate, and swindle &#8230; <a href="http://www.benedictionblogson.com/2012/02/10/when-churches-turn-a-blind-eye/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<blockquote><p>Spiritual abusers take the authority given to them as gospel ministers that is to be used to help people grow closer to God, and they pervert that authority into power used to lord over people, to coerce, manipulate, and swindle them in order to punish, or to convince them to do what the spiritual abuser wants them to do under the auspices of it being &#8220;God&#8217;s will&#8221;.</p>
<p>This is how sexual deviants like Gilyard operate in churches. Gilyard needs access to the hearts and minds of young women, wives, and little girls to gain their trust and establish his &#8220;spiritual authority&#8221; over them as the &#8220;man of God&#8221;. Then, it is only a matter of time until Gilyard will misuse this authority, gain the trust of the most gullible, and then ultimately use his power to get women to do the sexual favors that he desires.</p></blockquote>
<p><a href="http://fbcjaxwatchdog.blogspot.com/2012/02/unbelievable-gilyards-church-is-now.html">FBC Jax Watchdog</a> on a Florida church hiring convicted sex offender Darryl Gilyard</p>
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		<title>Trinity Broadcasting Network board accused of diverting millions of dollars</title>
		<link>http://www.benedictionblogson.com/2012/02/10/trinity-broadcasting-network-board-accused-of-diverting-millions-of-dollars/</link>
		<comments>http://www.benedictionblogson.com/2012/02/10/trinity-broadcasting-network-board-accused-of-diverting-millions-of-dollars/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:59:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Bene Diction</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Trinity Broadcasting Network]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.benedictionblogson.com/?p=12047</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In October, Paul Crouch Jr. abruptly left Trinity Broadcasting Corporation. The explanation given was vague. This may have been the reason why; his daughter, Brittany Koper, former TBN CFO, is accusing the world&#8217;s largest religious broadcaster of diverting over 50 &#8230; <a href="http://www.benedictionblogson.com/2012/02/10/trinity-broadcasting-network-board-accused-of-diverting-millions-of-dollars/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.benedictionblogson.com/2012/02/10/trinity-broadcasting-network-board-accused-of-diverting-millions-of-dollars/tbn/" rel="attachment wp-att-12048"><img class="size-medium wp-image-12048 alignleft" title="TBN" src="http://www.benedictionblogson.com/wp-content/uploads/TBN-300x88.png" alt="" width="300" height="88" /></a>In October, Paul Crouch Jr.<a href="http://www.benedictionblogson.com/2011/10/13/paul-crouch-jr-abruptly-leaves-trinity-broadcasting-network/"> abruptly left</a> Trinity Broadcasting Corporation. The explanation given was vague.</p>
<p>This may have been the reason why; his daughter, Brittany Koper, former TBN CFO, is <a href="http://taxdollars.ocregister.com/2012/02/09/suit-tbn-board-diverted-millions-from-charitable-assets/148251/">accusing </a>the world&#8217;s largest religious broadcaster of diverting over 50 million dollars from charitable assets to the company’s directors.</p>
<blockquote><p>The charges are leveled in a federal lawsuit filed by Crouch granddaughter Brittany Koper (far left) last week against her former lawyers, who also do legal work for TBN.</p>
<p>“Observers have often wondered how the Crouches can afford multiple mansions on both coasts, a $50 million jet and chauffeurs,” said Tymothy MacLeod, Koper’s attorney. “And finally, with the CFO coming forward, we have answers to those questions.”</p>
<p>Koper had served as chief financial officer, director of finance, corporate treasurer and director of human resources for Trinity Christian Center of Santa Ana, which does business as Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), according to the suit. Koper’s complaint is not directed against her grandparents or TBN — but against the two attorneys who handle some TNB legal work, and who once worked for Koper herself. She accuses them of professional negligence, breach of fiduciary duty and other transgressions in the suit.</p>
<p>Koper was using these attorneys for her personal affairs, and she went to them with her suspicions over the legality of the payments to TBN’s directors, only to be told to shut up, return everything she had earned through TBN to the company, and be gone, according to the suit.</p>
<p>Douglass S. Davert of Davert &amp; Loe in Long Beach is one of the attorneys targeted in Koper’s suit. ”Her assertions are outright fiction and wholly without merit,” he said. ”The allegations are defamatory and to the extent they get printed we are going to defend ourselves vigorously.”</p>
<p>Davert said he couldn’t comment fully on pending litigation, but that there’s a great deal more going on here.</p></blockquote>
<p>The two attorneys filed a suit against Brittany Koper and her husband in October (the month Paul Crouch Jr left) accusing them of misappropriating funds and forging documents to the tune of four hundred thousand dollars.  The suit was dismissed in January.</p>
<p>Koper is being represented by Tymothy MacLeod, who got a successful settlement for former employee Brian Dugger, who claimed he was harassed and discriminated against because he was gay.</p>
<blockquote><p>TBN, a nonprofit, reported revenues of $175.6 million<strong>, </strong>expenses of$193.7 million, and net assets of $827.6 million at the end of 2010, according to its tax returns. Its highest-paid officer was Paul Crouch, with compensation of $400,000.Its directors included Paul and Jan Crouch, Paul Crouch Jr., Matthew Crouch, Koper and her husband, among others, according to TBN’s most recent tax returns.</p>
<p>MacLeod said that Koper is readying documentation regarding her charges and will submit a package to the Internal Revenue Service for its review.</p></blockquote>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>The survivors are weary &#8211; an interview with Linda Fossen</title>
		<link>http://www.benedictionblogson.com/2012/02/04/the-survivors-are-weary-an-interview-with-linda-fossen/</link>
		<comments>http://www.benedictionblogson.com/2012/02/04/the-survivors-are-weary-an-interview-with-linda-fossen/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 04 Feb 2012 18:19:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Bene Diction</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Prairie Bible Institute]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.benedictionblogson.com/?p=12039</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9 NIV This past week, abuse survivors who attended PBI were threatened with a lawsuit &#8230; <a href="http://www.benedictionblogson.com/2012/02/04/the-survivors-are-weary-an-interview-with-linda-fossen/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<blockquote><p>Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9 NIV</p></blockquote>
<p>This past week, abuse survivors who attended PBI were threatened with a lawsuit by another former alumni. The letter of intent to sue and the response - <a title="Permalink to PBI alumnist, North Carolina minister threatens to sue PBI abuse survivors" href="http://www.benedictionblogson.com/2012/01/31/pbi-alumnist-north-carolina-minister-threatens-to-sue-pbi-abuse-survivors/" rel="bookmark">PBI alumnist, North Carolina minister threatens to sue PBI abuse survivors</a>.</p>
<p>Background and the latest, including an interview with Linda Fossen, spokesperson for the Facebook group, We were Prairie bible school kids &#8211; <a href="http://www.benedictionblogson.com/2012/02/03/when-communication-breaks-down-pbi-abuse-survivors-alumni-and-the-online-dance/">When communication breaks down PBI abuse survivors and the online dance</a></p>
<blockquote><p> I think to the broader question, there still are many alumni who view the survivors as being “sent by satan to destroy the school” and as such, they feel justified in fighting against us. Let me make it very clear, the survivors do not seek to destroy the school. We actually want to save her from herself! We want hold those who have abused children accountable and help Prairie take steps to ensure that no other child has to suffer like we did.</p>
<p><em>6) How is this escalation affecting other abuse survivors?</em></p>
<p>The survivors are weary. They have basically been under attack from the beginning. The continued hostility hurts them deeply and we continue to have issues with those from the outside wanting to sabotage our group.</p></blockquote>
<p><em>Update:</em> To sue or not to sue &#8211; maybe, no, yes, if, when, or else&#8230;from a friend of North Carolina minister Fred Whaples. <a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/2220955063/">Prairie Bible College Alumni and Current Students</a> Facebook entry:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.benedictionblogson.com/2012/02/04/the-survivors-are-weary-an-interview-with-linda-fossen/f-whaples/" rel="attachment wp-att-12061"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-12061" title="F. Whaples" src="http://www.benedictionblogson.com/wp-content/uploads/F.-Whaples.png" alt="" width="519" height="467" /></a></p>
<p>Linda Fossen thanks Dr. John Synder for attempting to mediate. Posted by someone else because she is banned from the open FB group:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.benedictionblogson.com/2012/02/04/the-survivors-are-weary-an-interview-with-linda-fossen/fossen-response-to-whaples-mediation/" rel="attachment wp-att-12074"><img src="http://www.benedictionblogson.com/wp-content/uploads/Fossen-Response-to-Whaples-mediation.png" alt="" title="Fossen Response to Whaples mediation" width="342" height="160" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-12074" /></a><br />
<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/MvpjxfWrjzY" frameborder="0" width="420" height="315"></iframe></p>
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		<title>When communication breaks down &#8211; PBI abuse survivors, alumni and the online dance</title>
		<link>http://www.benedictionblogson.com/2012/02/03/when-communication-breaks-down-pbi-abuse-survivors-alumni-and-the-online-dance/</link>
		<comments>http://www.benedictionblogson.com/2012/02/03/when-communication-breaks-down-pbi-abuse-survivors-alumni-and-the-online-dance/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 04 Feb 2012 07:13:27 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Bene Diction</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Prairie Bible Institute]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.benedictionblogson.com/?p=12009</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I would like to commend Prairie Bible Institute alumni who have been urged to give the public the names of the Survivor Fund Project team. The Survivor Fund Project, which is being funded by money donated by alumni to PBI, &#8230; <a href="http://www.benedictionblogson.com/2012/02/03/when-communication-breaks-down-pbi-abuse-survivors-alumni-and-the-online-dance/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I would like to commend Prairie Bible Institute alumni who have been urged to give the public the names of the <a href="http://www.benedictionblogson.com/2012/01/11/the-survivor-fund-project-prairie-bible-institute-speaks-for-rcmp-and-independent-third-party-again/">Survivor Fund Project</a> team. <a href="http://www.benedictionblogson.com/2012/01/13/the-prairie-bible-institute-survivor-fund-project-jim-crites-explains/">The Survivor Fund Project</a>, which is being funded by money donated by alumni to PBI, was announced in December by PBI President Mark Maxwell. The members of The Survivor Fund Project were announced on the FB group Prairie Bible College Alumni and Current Students tonight. They are:</p>
<p>John Kepler (PHS ’71, PBC ’75)<br />
Jim Crites (PHS ’78, PBC ’82)<br />
Mim Carlson Phibbs (PHS ’59, PBC ’63)<br />
Brenda Boytim Morrison (PHS ’74, PBC ’78)<br />
Priscilla Virts Johnson (PHS ’72)</p>
<p>A step forward.<br />
There have been a few steps back this week.</p>
<div>
<p>Social networking is powerful, but it is like any other community with ingroups, outgroups, miscommunication, scattered communication, and for interested parties participating in conversations, various emotions, and sometimes, high drama.</p>
<p>When Prairie Bible Institute <a href="http://www.prairie.edu/page.aspx?pid=559">went public</a> with information about alleged abuse in November 2011, media all over the world took notice.  As with any story in any given news cycle,  some of the coverage was speculative, incorrect and misinterpreted. A few bloggers posted, a few discussion groups noticed, most reactions occurred  in various Prairie groups on Facebook. The timeline is tortuous. Under anger  fear, pain and loss often lurk.  Previously unknown groups such as the We were prairie bible school kids came under intense scrutiny, and some strong verbal attack from anxious and angry alumni. <a href="http://www.benedictionblogson.com/2011/12/15/when-loyalty-is-confused-for-love/">Loyalty is confused for love</a>, and sides are taken.</p>
<p>PBI President Mark Maxwell became the spokesperson for PBI, Linda Fossen became the designated spokesperson for the abuse survivors FB group, Jim Crites became the spokesperson for The Survivor Fund Project; and as yet  no one has publicly spoken for Calgary Centre Street Church, the designated independent 3rd party announced in December by Maxwell.<br />
None of these spokespeople are pros, none are pr experts, they are ordinary people who find themselves in the unenviable spokesperson role, and have done the best they can while conversations, questions and criticisms land in their FB groups, IM&#8217;s, emails and peripheral vision.</p>
<p>There have been some encouraging steps forward. Shawn Anderson, a Baptist minister and PBI alumni  blogged about one step in his post, <a href="http://atomicspirituality.wordpress.com/2012/02/03/wheres-alice-cooper-when-you-need-him/">Where&#8217;s Alice Cooper when you need him?</a></p>
<blockquote><p>Let me start moving towards my point. I have been trying to stay current with the whole PBI thing without letting it consume my life right now. I recently had a chance to be present at a meeting with Mark Maxwell, and I have to say this. I was sorely tempted to go into that meeting with guns drawn and Bible in my hand, ready to call down fire and brimstone on his head. But a couple of people whose judgement and wisdom I trust completely told me “Mark Maxwell is a good guy – give him a chance”. So I did. While I still don’t want to trust Maxwell, I am willing to believe that he is committed to finding justice in the situation at PBI. Since then I have seen both Mark Maxwell and Linda Fossen take sincere steps toward a peaceful resolution of the conflict between “survivors” and “administration”, and I think they should both be commended for their efforts so far.</p>
<p>However, Facebook has shown me that not everyone who has an opinion in this mess has the same commitment to peaceful resolution that Mark and Linda have demonstrated to me.</p>
<p>&#8230;You have been calling down condemnation on Linda and her associates for quite some time now. Some even refer to her and her friends as “bitches”. Where is Jesus in that? (Answer? Nowhere.)</p></blockquote>
<p>Good post. Go read it. I&#8217;ll wait. Back? Okay.  Tentative steps forward by hesitant people went south fast. It&#8217;s a shame,  there are so many earnest kind alumni who want to say the right thing, offer comfort and care, and tread new ground. Tonight I logged into an open FB Prairie group to find this: (settle in and follow below the fold)<span id="more-12009"></span></p>
<p><a href="http://www.benedictionblogson.com/2012/02/03/when-communication-breaks-down-pbi-abuse-survivors-alumni-and-the-online-dance/linda-fossen-banned/" rel="attachment wp-att-12012"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-12012" title="Linda Fossen banned" src="http://www.benedictionblogson.com/wp-content/uploads/Linda-Fossen-banned.png" alt="" width="391" height="352" /></a></p>
</div>
<p><a href="http://www.benedictionblogson.com/2012/02/03/when-communication-breaks-down-pbi-abuse-survivors-alumni-and-the-online-dance/linda-fossen-banned-again/" rel="attachment wp-att-12013"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-12013" title="Linda Fossen banned again" src="http://www.benedictionblogson.com/wp-content/uploads/Linda-Fossen-banned-again.png" alt="" width="416" height="167" /></a>My heart sank to see confusion, hurt, frustration and questions from alumni about why a spokesperson for abuse survivors who reached out, told alumni about talking with the PBI president after weeks of impasse, who metaphorically shook the hands of friendship offered. A invested group has every reason to wonder why a spokesperson gets banned from an open group where people were inching forward and finding grace.  Fossen had done a great deal at this FB page to clear up misconceptions about the abuse survivors she speaks for, she allayed fears about lawsuits (while facing one) and talking openly of the stress she has faced and the tears she has shed.</p>
<p>And like that, a moderator for Prairie Bible College Alumni and Current Students sends  spokesperson Linda Fossen into  pixeland. Banned. Banished. Out of there. Gone.  No explanation. Then I saw this in comments under a link to Shawn Anderson&#8217;s post I sent you off to read:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.benedictionblogson.com/2012/02/03/when-communication-breaks-down-pbi-abuse-survivors-alumni-and-the-online-dance/fred-whaples-2/" rel="attachment wp-att-12014"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-12014" title="Fred Whaples" src="http://www.benedictionblogson.com/wp-content/uploads/Fred-Whaples.png" alt="" width="401" height="355" /></a></p>
<p>If you are not aware of alumnist Fred Whaples letter to abuse survivors  of his intent to sue, <a href="http://www.benedictionblogson.com/2012/01/31/pbi-alumnist-north-carolina-minister-threatens-to-sue-pbi-abuse-survivors/">it&#8217;s here</a>. I&#8217;ll wait. What looks like a step forward for Whaples is not when this comment is placed in context.  It&#8217;s an escalation. What may have been an independent decision by a moderator to ban, takes on a gut knotting chill for people chatting on FB and for observers driving by. Conversations and motives become threatening, confusing and unsafe.</p>
<p>A step back.<br />
I emailed Linda Fossen with a few questions about how this banishment and Whaples comment affects her and her beleagured group of survivors.<br />
I think these latest events is about more than a FB spat, and more about the ongoing pattern of step forward/ step back in a long and difficult journey for PBI survivors of abuse, PBI and alumni. <del>I&#8217;ll post here when I get a response.</del></p>
<p><em>1) You&#8217;ve had an opportunity to post at a PBI alumni FB page.</em></p>
<p>Yes I have. It was an open group that several survivors have joined recently.</p>
<p><em>How did that go?</em></p>
<p>Well, at first it was awkward with the usual conflicts that go along with the inevitable clash between those who are very loyal to PBI and those who aren’t. We survivors tend to fit into the latter group for some strange reason.<br />
The conversation turned toward abuse and there was a lot of consternation with the alumni reminding us that if we wanted to discuss abuse we should talk about it somewhere else but not on their group wall.<br />
There were very rough patches in the initial conversation but what eventually emerged was a very open dialogue between people of different viewpoints who shared a sense of community. Survivors felt empowered and began to speak their truth. There was mixed reception to this. We had some alumni who sincerely seemed to care and want to help and<br />
then those who would just as soon not know if anyone was abused at PBI because it was all in the past.<br />
Overall, it was a good conversation – a lot of give and take. I went to sleep last night encouraged that even though we still had our major differences, perhaps we alumni might be beginning to find some common ground.</p>
<p><em>2) Something changed yesterday. What happened?</em></p>
<p>It sure did. I woke up to discover that I had been kicked out of the alumni group without any warning or explanation! I was stunned, especially after I had poured out my heart and had even gone so far as to talk about a major step I had taken of ending the stalemate between President Mark Maxwell and me by contacting him and telling him my story. Telling my story to Mark Maxwell was very difficult and painful - especially when I described the shame that had been pounded into me at Prairie. I can remember so vividly as a young girl sitting in the Prairie Tabernacle and feeling such immense shame as L.E. Maxwell pounded his fists on the pulpit and hollered about how much God demanded holiness.<br />
I remember thinking how much God must hate me because I knew I could never be holy. I was damaged. It was very painful and empowering to be able to tell the grandson of L.E. Maxwell how much this hurt.</p>
<p>Prior to all of this on January 30th without any advanced notice I received a letter of intent to sue from Pastor Fred Whaples, an alumni of the school. The letter stated that I would be sued for comments made on a private Facebook group that I administer along with others. Fred had at one time been a member of the group until we removed him.</p>
<p><em>3) After you received the letter of intent from Fred Whaples, what did you do?</em></p>
<p>I read it to my husband and we both decided that it was very poorly written. It did not sound like it came from an attorney at all. I contacted attorneys and we talked about the letter that Fred sent me. I was not at all upset, in my opinion it was just another attempt by Pastor Whaples to try to intimidate and silence us survivors.<br />
He had threatened lawsuits to others before me so hearing about a lawsuit was nothing new. Following through to this point was.</p>
<p><em>4) This has to be unsettling. Fred Whaples has told you he is coming to Florida and you&#8217;d better meet with him or he is going to the Sheriff. Are you concerned for your safety?</em></p>
<p>When I read this portion of the document, I began to feel concern. There was no way in the world I was going to meet with Fred Whaples – and for sure not by myself! I have been on the receiving end of his belligerence before and I was not about to be there again. There was no possible way that I would agree to meet with him.</p>
<p><em>5) Why do you think you are being threatened?</em></p>
<p>Fred Whaples has been a source of contention with the survivors I represent since day one. He was in our group several months back and regularly disrupted it by preaching at us and throwing scriptures in our faces and being brazen. I think most of the survivors would agree that Fred has been quite abusive to us. Why he is doing this is anyone’s guess. All I know is that he is not welcome in our group. I think to the broader question, there still are many alumni who view the survivors as being “sent by satan to destroy the school” and as such, they feel justified in fighting against us. Let me make it very clear, the survivors do not seek to destroy the school. We actually want to save her from herself! We want hold those who have abused children accountable and help Prairie take steps to ensure that no other child has to suffer like we did.</p>
<p><em>6) How is this escalation affecting other abuse survivors?</em></p>
<p>The survivors are weary. They have basically been under attack from the beginning. The continued hostility hurts them deeply and we continue to have issues with those from the outside wanting to sabotage our group. They contact our members to intimidate them or get information about our group that they can pass along.<br />
Fred Whaples claims to get inside information from people who “cut and paste” from our private Facebook group. This is not only unethical but it is very cruel.<br />
The basis for this letter of intent from Fred Whaples claims to have recent documentation off our group wall. If this is so, then this information was designated to have been private and inaccessible to Fred in the first place.</p>
<p><em>7) What can people do to help?</em></p>
<p>I am calling on all alumni of the school to get involved. Everyone needs to acknowledge that children were abused at Prairie and realize that it is no longer necessary to deny<br />
this fact. The best thing alumni can do is to show compassion, and kindness to the survivors. Many of these survivors have endured life-long consequences from their abuse and may have gone through traumatic changes in their belief systems. And they are alumni of the school and as such deserve to be heard and acknowledged. All of us need to realize that we are in this together and when one of us suffers, we all suffer.</p>
<p><em> <img src='http://www.benedictionblogson.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_cool.gif' alt='8)' class='wp-smiley' /> Anything else you&#8217;d like to say?</em></p>
<p>I am calling on Mark Maxwell to encourage the alumni to support all the survivors regardless of whether they are willing to reconcile with the school or not. All of the<br />
survivors deserve our love and support and there should be no distinction in our treatment of the survivors by who is loyal to PBI and who is not. These are precious hurting people who need us!</p>
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		<title>Afshin Javid, Vancouver Christian Fellowship and sexualizing</title>
		<link>http://www.benedictionblogson.com/2012/02/03/afshin-javid-vancouver-christian-fellowship-and-sexualizing/</link>
		<comments>http://www.benedictionblogson.com/2012/02/03/afshin-javid-vancouver-christian-fellowship-and-sexualizing/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:45:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Bene Diction</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.benedictionblogson.com/?p=11993</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In the post below about Afshin Javid, one of the questions commenters are asking is why women who experienced inappropriate sexual contact by this former Vancouver Christian Fellowship staff member have not gone to police. Again, this is a situation &#8230; <a href="http://www.benedictionblogson.com/2012/02/03/afshin-javid-vancouver-christian-fellowship-and-sexualizing/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.benedictionblogson.com/2012/02/01/the-truth-about-afshin-javid/afshinjavid/" rel="attachment wp-att-11979"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-11979" title="Afshin Javid" src="http://www.benedictionblogson.com/wp-content/uploads/afshinjavid.jpg" alt="" width="165" height="200" /></a>In <a href="http://www.benedictionblogson.com/2012/02/01/the-truth-about-afshin-javid/">the post below</a> about Afshin Javid, one of the questions commenters are asking is why women who experienced inappropriate sexual contact by this former Vancouver Christian Fellowship staff member have not gone to police.</p>
<p>Again, this is a situation where Canadian Christians are doing the right things, helping victims, notifying the ministerial association ( <a href="http://www.canadacma.org/">Christian Ministers Association</a>) contacting a <a href="http://www.valleychurch.ca/">BC church</a> Javid supposedly represented himself as a staff member of, warning media and parachurch conferences where Javid is scheduled to participate, pleading with Javid&#8217;s current church (<a href="http://www.churchofzion.org/">Church of Zion</a>) to keep him out of ministry, and going to law enforcement.</p>
<p>Rev. Nick Osborne <del>is a youth minister of  an SBC affiliated church in Kettering BC (First Baptist)</del> Who went to police. (<em>correction &#8211; not this Rev. Osborne! my bad &#8211; BD)</em> He is a former minister and former co-pastor with Javid.  From <a href="http://www.2peter2.blogspot.com/2012/02/description-of-vcf-culture-why-victims.html">The Truth about Afshin Javid</a>:</p>
<blockquote><p>In fact, the police were notified immediately when the women came forward by Rev Nick Osborne. As I recall, his wife had a relative who was an RCMP member. According to Nick the police acknowledged that this was a breach of trust but because the women were not minors, they had to file the complaint themselves. In the summer of 2011, another former VCF member phoned the police also and messaged the bulk of the VCF adherents on Facebook to say that he had done so.</p></blockquote>
<p>In Canada <a href="http://www.sexassault.ca/statistics.htm">the statistics </a> of sexual assault reporting is sobering.</p>
<ul>
<li>Of every 100 incidents of sexual assault, only 6 are reported to the police</li>
<li>1 &#8211; 2% of &#8220;date rape&#8221; sexual assaults are reported to the police</li>
<li>1 in 4 North American women will be sexually assaulted during their lifetime</li>
<li>Only 2 &#8211; 4% of all sexual assaults reported are false reports</li>
</ul>
<p>Sexual assault is about power and control, shame and fear are emotional and soul wounds which take time, support and professional help to overcome. Trauma cripples. Christians can do a great deal to stop the blame and shame game. In Canada the <a href="http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-46/page-124.html#h-83">criminal code </a>definition of assault also applies to sexual assault.</p>
<blockquote><p><strong><a id="s-265.">265.</a></strong> (1) A person commits an assault when</p>
<ul>
<li>(<em>a</em>) without the consent of another person, he applies force intentionally to that other person, directly or indirectly;</li>
<li>(<em>b</em>) he attempts or threatens, by an act or a gesture, to apply force to another person, if he has, or causes that other person to believe on reasonable grounds that he has, present ability to effect his purpose; or</li>
<li>(<em>c</em>) while openly wearing or carrying a weapon or an imitation thereof, he accosts or impedes another person or begs.</li>
</ul>
<aside>Application </aside>
<p>(2) This section applies to all forms of assault, including sexual assault, sexual assault with a weapon, threats to a third party or causing bodily harm and aggravated sexual assault.</p>
<aside>Consent</aside>
<p>(3) For the purposes of this section, no consent is obtained where the complainant submits or does not resist by reason of</p>
<ul>
<li>(<em>a</em>) the application of force to the complainant or to a person other than the complainant;</li>
<li>(<em>b</em>) threats or fear of the application of force to the complainant or to a person other than the complainant;</li>
<li>(<em>c</em>) fraud; or</li>
<li>(<em>d</em>) the exercise of authority.</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<p>There is no time limit in British Columbia on when a sexual assault can be reported to police.  So why aren&#8217;t alleged sexual assault victims of Afshin Javid going to police?</p>
<p><a href="http://www.2peter2.blogspot.com/2012/02/description-of-vcf-culture-why-victims.html">Dr. Daniel Holmes</a> left a comment here at BDBO  which will help people understand why it is such a difficult journey for these young adults to reclaim and regain their emotional, social and spiritual power.</p>
<blockquote>
<div>The women are in a very complex situation. Let me explain:</div>
<div></div>
<div>1. Exclusivity<br />
You have to understand the cult mentality that existed in VCF. Once brought into VCF, friendships were redirected so that they were nearly exclusively within the group. This was fostered by a strange kind of superiority and narcissism that this was the “real church” and this as the “real faith” described in Acts 2.:44 whereas people in other churches were second rate. So there was a sense of privilege for being “one of the chosen ones” – there was a lot of flattery too. The whole thing played into the narcissistic tendencies that exist in all of us – and I include myself in this. There was a tremendous pressure to be at Afshin’s all of the time. Afshin’s house was always open. This was presented as an act of generosity but in fact, it was employed as a Trojan Horse. This would allow people to be there late into the night when they were emotionally vulnerable. You get the picture.</div>
<div></div>
<div>2. Isolation<br />
As the attention of the young people who attended was gradually focussed inward into the group, their outside relationships tended to diminish. This was particularly true for kids who decided to go live at the house. This offer was always on the table it seemed. Once people were living at the house, there was an opportunity to develop what my friend Faith (pseudonym) called “the new normal”, that is, “the adjusted moral calibrator”. Afshin would gradually adjust the tone of discussions group and private to encompass sexual matters. It started with joking and then it would proceed (recall: out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks).</div>
<div></div>
<div>3. Prophetic Leader<br />
The third and most potent part of the deception was that Afshin unequivocally assumed the role of prophet. This was predicated on the theophany (ie vision of Christ) he claims in his book. He would sometimes say, “Well, I am the one who looked into Jesus’ eyes” – that is “I know what Jesus is like [and you don't]“. After the vision of Christ, he claimed to be given this prophetic gift. He did not say explicitly that he was a prophet but he claimed to be able to look into anyone’s life and see in an instant the state of their soul. He would convey this “state” with a drawing, that is, a picture metaphor. Some people were very moved by what he had to say to them. He would always start by saying, “I have a gift, a spiritual gift, Jesus gave to me”. He would sometimes say, “Let’s have some fun with this. What do you want to know?” Then there would be a drawing and a little bit of back and forth where he would ask the recipient if the picture made sense. If the picture resonated with the person, that was it. They were hooked. Afshin’s picture drawings were generically referred to as “Afshin’s gift” – everyone knew this meant the picture drawings.</div>
<div>On the matter of prophecy, Afshin’s dreams played an important role in control of the group. He would have dreams that were obviously self-serving (like Mohammad – see Surah 33 for example). One fine example was the attempt to poach my friend’s motorcycle. “Don (pseudonym), I had a dream that you gave me your motorcycle”. That is, “Don, you are going to give me your motorcycle in the future”. I know, it’s laughable, but people would believe it. After all, people believed Mohammad when he said that he was allowed to take Zaynab (the wife of his adopted son) as his own wife, because Allah had given special dispensation.</div>
<div></div>
<div>4.Obedience<br />
Over the course of a short period, say weeks, the devotion obtained with the picture drawing would lead to more sessions and gradual control. He would frame obedience to himself personally as a prerequisite for staying in the group. Any challenge to his authority was really framed as disobedience to God. He repeatedly talked about his “army mentality” – “As I submit to my elders, so you also should submit to me” – except whenever he was asked to submit to his elders, he refused. In fact, his refusal to submit to any authority is why he kept migrating accountability.</div>
<div></div>
<div>5. Shunning and Shaming:<br />
People who left the group were characterized as disobedient to God and were shamed and shunned – and I mean shunned. At MissionsFest this w/e I was told by an ex-VCF female that when I broke contact with Afshin, she was not allowed to call me and ask why. She was only told “it was his issue not ours”. She was forced to join in the shunning. Shaming and shunning were a big part of the control. And here is the kicker, if you crossed the leader, you would be shunned and then you would lose your entire support structure all in one shot. Fortunately for me, I was not a VCF member per se… I just came to the house from time to time. I still got shunned – thank the LORD. There was a pervasive fear of rebuke from Afshin because it was understood that he was the one who had the prophetic gift. When he spoke, for some of them, it was as if God was speaking.</div>
<div>6. Compromise<br />
Wearing down of previously established moral barriers was a big part of the VCF technique. This was accomplished by framing personal codes of ethics as “spirits of religiosity”. So, for example, exhorting Afshin not to make off colour jokes or swear might be framed as “a religious spirit”. By the systematic application of this technique over the course of months, you could take a clean living kid and get them to think it’s OK that the pastor is massaging topless women in his living room. I know that seems patently ridiculous but it worked. Kids who came from upright homes were suddenly participating in things that would have struck them as entirely repugnant 6 months earlier.</div>
<div></div>
<div>7. And most confusingly<br />
Through all of this, great worship sessions were maintained as were really powerful sessions of prayer among the adherents. It seemed that God still came and met with those gathered in his name.</div>
<div>So, I think that the reader understands when you love bomb, isolate, create devotion and obedience to a prophet, you can basically get anyone to do anything. This is why Amir Darius Javid, Afshin’s brother, said to me on the phone that Afshin had “A Mohammad complex”. That is, he did the same things to exercise control that Mohammad did… and Joseph Smith… and Jim Jones… I used to think only a half-wit could fall into a cult. Now I know that any passionate person with a deep desire for growth, if they end up in the wrong place, can be a spiritual victim.</div>
<div></div>
<div>Back to the original point: the women feel ashamed for having fell for something so stupid and they are genuinely afraid of Afshin – I mean very afraid. I have talked to them. But as John said, “We do not have a spirit of fear.”</div>
<div></div>
<div>Lord Jesus, would you glorify your Father in this? Please help your servants clean up this mess by your grace and power. Restore your glory LORD.</div>
</blockquote>
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		<title>The truth about Afshin Javid</title>
		<link>http://www.benedictionblogson.com/2012/02/01/the-truth-about-afshin-javid/</link>
		<comments>http://www.benedictionblogson.com/2012/02/01/the-truth-about-afshin-javid/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 02 Feb 2012 04:22:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Bene Diction</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.benedictionblogson.com/?p=11977</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When the ghost writer of a book goes public with steps he has taken to warn Christians about the conduct of the named author of the book, and provides a list of ministers who are willing to corroborate , the church &#8230; <a href="http://www.benedictionblogson.com/2012/02/01/the-truth-about-afshin-javid/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>When the <a href="http://www.2peter2.blogspot.com/2012/01/truth-about-afshin-javid-and-vancouver.html">ghost writer</a> of a book goes public with steps he has taken to warn Christians about the conduct of the named author of the book, and provides a list of ministers who are willing to corroborate , the church needs to heed.</p>
<blockquote>
<div> I am the ghost author of Afshin&#8217;s (Javid) autobiography, <a href="https://www.winepressbooks.com/As-Easy-as-Drinking-Water/products/2981/9781606150382">“As Easy as Drinking Water</a>” (WinePress Publishing, Enumclaw, WA). I wrote the entire text of this book based on approximately 13 hours of audio dictation provided to me by Afshin. The writing, revision and proofing of the book took place between November 2009 and May 2010.</div>
<div></div>
<div>By September 2010, I had seen enough unethical conduct on Afshin&#8217;s part and had found sufficient irreconcilable discrepancies in his testimonial account that I saw it necessary to part ways with him. In October of 2010, I informed Missions Fest Vancouver that he was an ill-advised choice of speaker and that he represented a liability to that organization.</div>
</blockquote>
<p>Javid&#8217;s credentials were yanked by his credentialing association, which has not posted a public statement (<a href="http://truthforalltohear.wordpress.com/2011/09/20/afshin-javid-and-christian-ministers-association/">an announcement was apparently made</a> in an annual meeting) and even The Christian Broadcasting Network (Pat Robertson) cancelled a 700 Club appearance by Javid.</p>
<p>This is a case where Canadian Christians have stepped forward and done the appropriate and right thing. Ministers do not investigate, sanction and warn one of their own without credible evidence. However, a church in Vancouver has not heeded the reports of sexual misconduct, twisted scripture and financial impropriety.</p>
<blockquote><p>By this time Afshin, evidenced by his actions, was no longer under the umbrella of Dr. Safarian or the North Shore Pastors Group. He had negotiated to come under Zion Church leaders Albert Zehr and Gideon Chiu (<a href="http://www.churchofzion.org/">www.churchofzion.org</a>) with David Demian having been brought into many discussions prior to this.</p>
<p>In January of 2012, with full knowledge and ascent of Zion Church leadership, Afshin went to Denmark for a number of speaking engagements and he has indicated that he will be speaking in a number of large events overseas in the winter of 2012.</p></blockquote>
<p><a href="http://www.benedictionblogson.com/2012/02/01/the-truth-about-afshin-javid/afshinjavid/" rel="attachment wp-att-11979"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-11979" title="Afshin Javid" src="http://www.benedictionblogson.com/wp-content/uploads/afshinjavid.jpg" alt="" width="165" height="200" /></a>David Demian, who attends Church of Zion, is well known in Canadian charismatic circles, and runs an organization called Watchmen for the Nations. (<a href="http://www.watchmen.org/">the website </a>is down) Why he would  sanction the continued ministry of Afshin Javid after knowledge of sexual misconduct is something only he can address.</p>
<p>If a list of well known and concerned Christian leaders in Vancouver and a credentialing association aren&#8217;t sufficient for David Demian  and Church of Zion to re-consider their support, what is?</p>
<p>Afshin Javid has an <a href="http://www.afshinjavid.com/">operating website</a> and a<a href="http://www.facebook.com/afshin.javid"> Facebook page</a>.</p>
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		<title>Disgraced New Birth leader Eddie Long crowned king of his church</title>
		<link>http://www.benedictionblogson.com/2012/02/01/disgraced-new-birth-leader-eddie-long-crowned-king-of-his-church/</link>
		<comments>http://www.benedictionblogson.com/2012/02/01/disgraced-new-birth-leader-eddie-long-crowned-king-of-his-church/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 01 Feb 2012 23:20:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Bene Diction</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.benedictionblogson.com/?p=11969</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Divorced, divorcing, accused of being a sexual predator, being sued for bringing an alleged financial scam into his church, self-appointed, wealthy prosperity preacher&#8230; This January 29th spectacle at New Birth Missionary Church in Atlanta is not going over well in &#8230; <a href="http://www.benedictionblogson.com/2012/02/01/disgraced-new-birth-leader-eddie-long-crowned-king-of-his-church/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/AVkoQHCXSK8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>Divorced, divorcing, accused of being a sexual predator, being sued for bringing an alleged financial scam into his church, self-appointed, wealthy prosperity preacher&#8230;</p>
<p>This January 29th spectacle at New Birth Missionary Church in Atlanta is not going over well in charismatic circles online, which tend to tolerate excess. It is chilling to hear Eddie Long fans cheering and clapping and to see church members jumping up and down.<br />
God will not be mocked.</p>
<p><em>Update:</em>Ralph Messer, the Christian in a kippah (he is not a rabbi, but a prosperity preacher in the Hebrew Roots movement from Colorado) who has been mocked and condemned for this show, <a href="http://tinyurl.com/83xpgz6">attempts</a> to defend himself.</p>
<p>There is no defense. </p>
<p>I&#8217;m bringing this up from the comments &#8211; Rev. Wil Gafney, Associate Professor of Biblical Hebrew and Jewish and Christian Scripture <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rev-wil-gafney-phd/a-biblical-scholar-rebuts-claims-eddie-long-coronation-video_b_1249602.html">dismantles</a> the Long/Messer ceremony. </p>
<p><em>Update:</em> Eddie Long <a href="http://www.ajc.com/news/dekalb/bishop-eddie-long-apologizes-1333271.html">has written</a> a letter of apology to a branch of Anti-Defamation League, saying  the ceremony wasn&#8217;t his idea.</p>
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		<title>NAR founder C. Peter Wagner says State of Delaware paid him tribute</title>
		<link>http://www.benedictionblogson.com/2012/02/01/nar-founder-c-peter-wagner-says-state-of-delaware-paid-him-tribute/</link>
		<comments>http://www.benedictionblogson.com/2012/02/01/nar-founder-c-peter-wagner-says-state-of-delaware-paid-him-tribute/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:07:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Bene Diction</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.benedictionblogson.com/?p=11967</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[NAR founder C.  Peter Wagner says he has been given a tribute by the State of Delaware. Richard Bartholomew has the details. We&#8217;ll have to take C. Pete&#8217;s word for it, there is nothing on the State of Delaware General Assembly &#8230; <a href="http://www.benedictionblogson.com/2012/02/01/nar-founder-c-peter-wagner-says-state-of-delaware-paid-him-tribute/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>NAR founder C.  Peter Wagner says he has been given a tribute by the State of Delaware.</p>
<p>Richard Bartholomew <a href="http://barthsnotes.com/2012/01/31/delaware-house-of-reps-recognizes-dr-c-peter-wagner-as-an-apostle-for-the-occasion-of-commissioning-apostles/">has the details.</a> We&#8217;ll have to take C. Pete&#8217;s word for it, there is nothing on the State of Delaware <a href="http://legis.delaware.gov/legislature.nsf/?open">General Assembly</a> site. There is nothing from anyone except C. Pete. Either he was given a tribute, he was hoodwinked, or he is doing some hoodwinking. Given this supposedly happened January 19th, I would think an official copy of an official tribute would have been put up on some official State of Delaware website by now. This is after all supposedly from the state House of Representatives and it&#8217;s a far cry from a mayor handing Wagner a key to the city of Seaford. The city website  has no mention of tributes and keys being handed out January 19th, nor is there any mention in council meeting agendas for January.  There is nothing on <a href="http://www.delawarestatehouse.com/index.cfm?ref=27025&amp;ref5=29">sponsor </a>Daniel Shorts website.There is nothing in the religious news section of WBOC, nothing at WMDT, nothing in community or religion in the two Seaford newspapers&#8230;</p>
<p>Here is Wagner&#8217;s <a href="http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=iscjkybab&amp;v=001yqHNAgdI3XgyfA3hSuNjeQ_M4u4lYQFD4XJCGVArp8Trf849jEm-jtNGg5zXPga_zJVA500ap5qxuHJPDoawY8vKyis6gEX77XLVHRkUnYa8c8qEX5bQmQ%3D%3D">report</a> of the Apostolic Government in Delaware.</p>
<blockquote><p>As part of the ceremony, I was officially welcomed as an apostle and authorized to help commission apostles to the state. The mayor of Seaford (a committed believer) read the Commendation from his office and presented me with the key to the city. This was followed by a Tribute complete with the seal of the Sussex County Council, a Tribute with the seal of the Senate of the State of Delaware, and a Tribute from the House of Representatives of the State of Delaware read personally by the <a href="http://www.sussexcountyde.gov/dept/council/">representative of the district</a>.</p>
<p>State of Delaware House of Representatives. Tribute. Be it known to all that the House of Representatives recognizes Dr. C. Peter Wagner As an Apostle For the Occasion of Commissioning Apostles in the State of Delaware.   On this special day of the Commissioning Service, we honor Dr. C. Peter Wagner for his many years of faithful service to the Lord of Heaven and Earth, and the advancement of His Kingdom. &#8216;These things says He who is holy, He who is true, He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens: I know your works. See I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it.&#8221; Rev. 3:7.&#8217; The House of Representatives extends its sincere congratulations and directs this tribute to be presented on this 19<sup>th</sup> day of January 2012. (Signed) Robert F. Gilligan, Speaker of the House; Richard L. Puffer, Chief Clerk of the House, Representative Daniel B., Short, Sponsor.&#8221;</p></blockquote>
<p><em>Update:</em> Rachel Tabachnick, an outstanding researcher at Talk2Action <a href="http://www.talk2action.org/story/2012/2/1/122257/4414/Front_Page/Wagner_Recognized_by_Delaware_House_for_Commissioning_Apostles_Copy_of_Tribute_Included_">has confirmed</a> what the State of Delaware has done. This goes far beyond a Republican, Democrat issue and I think the call to educate people about the New Apostolic Reformation is a wise one. via: <a href="http://pjmiller.wordpress.com/">Sola Dei Gloria</a><br />
<a href="http://www.rightwingwatch.org/content/confirmed-wagner-honored-delaware-legislature">Full Statement</a> from the Delaware House Democratic Caucus</p>
<blockquote><p>To be clear, in no way does a tribute represent nor should it be interpreted as an endorsement by the Delaware House of Representatives. The House does not vote on tributes. They are requested and sponsored by a specific Representative or Representatives.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, Dr. Wagner seemingly has mischaracterized the intent of this tribute to be an endorsement by the Delaware House of Representatives. We want to be absolutely clear that the House of Representatives does not endorse Dr. Wagner or his organization.</p></blockquote>
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		<title>How Pastors get rich</title>
		<link>http://www.benedictionblogson.com/2012/01/31/how-pastors-get-rich/</link>
		<comments>http://www.benedictionblogson.com/2012/01/31/how-pastors-get-rich/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:39:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Bene Diction</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[15 ways to be exact. Mark Vrankovich at Cultwatch: How Pastors get rich. Rick just put a post up on Todd Bentley&#8217;s latest begging &#8211; Australia banned me. Please send money.  Bentley isn&#8217;t a pastor so he has to send out &#8230; <a href="http://www.benedictionblogson.com/2012/01/31/how-pastors-get-rich/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>15 ways to be exact. Mark Vrankovich at Cultwatch: <em><a href="http://www.cultwatch.com/HowPastorsGetRich.html">How Pastors get rich.</a></em></p>
<p>Rick just put a post up on Todd Bentley&#8217;s latest begging &#8211; <em><a href="http://www.benedictionblogson.com/2012/01/30/australia-banned-me-please-send-money/">Australia banned me. Please send money</a></em>.  Bentley isn&#8217;t a pastor so he has to send out emails to supporters and pass the plate at his <del>sideshow</del> meetings. (not that pastors don&#8217;t:^)</p>
<p>via: <a href="http://tallskinnykiwi.typepad.com/tallskinnykiwi/">Tall Skinny Kiwi</a></p>
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