September 3, 1998

Pastor Dan Gayman

Church of Israel

Schell City, MO 64783

Dear Pastor Dan:

I received some very sad news from [name withheld] two nights ago. The news that he will not be allowed to attend the Feast of Tabernacles 1998 saddens me. In fact, I have had a pit in my stomach ever since he told me. I had hoped these feelings would go away. They have not gone away yet. I must therefore unburden my thoughts, and make this appeal to you personally.

There is no need for either of us to go into the nature of [name withheld's] past sins and civil offenses. These are well known, admitted to, repented of as far as I know, and under the blood of Christ. [Name withheld] has paid all fines levied by all civil authorities, and is therefore clear of any current debts with the state, as far as I know. If you know otherwise, then you have information I am not privy to. He made public confession before he moved away, as best he could. He has signed and notarized papers denying the "child abuse" charge. He has long been in full fellowship with the Church of Israel here and everywhere except the Schell City congregation. You and your wife have personally received [name withheld] in full fellowship here on at least two occasions. I know you love [name withheld] and care for him greatly. The issue I want to raise is, What is the Biblical grounds for keeping him away now? It is a question that demands an answer, if not to me, certainly to God.

I am sure [name withheld] would be upset with me if he knew I were writing this, but I feel some necessity. [Name withheld] told me that you told him he could not come to the Feast, due to accusations of "child abuse," in the divorce/child custody battle between [another couple, name withheld], and that "things are still too hot, and it is too soon for me to come back." [Name withheld] accepts your decision fully. The false accusation of "child abuse" originated to my knowledge by the former president of the Senior Council, which he made to me personally and perhaps to others. That old false charge seems to be cropping up again, in the [another couple, name withheld] court battle.

Under such conditions, what is the Church of Israel to do? You have opted to keep [name withheld] away, hoping the whole issue will eventually die, which of course may never happen. Each ensuing Feast day can bring it’s own reasons to conclude "not now." I believe any decision outside of strict Biblical grounds will certainly limit the grace of God on the church and the Feast, and perhaps even call down His wrath. I hope you will consider that issue carefully, if you have not already done so.

Personal disappointments both [name withheld] and I feel will disappear amidst the clutter of daily distractions. But the Word of God will never go away. I understand the pressurized situation, but what are the Biblical grounds for keeping [name withheld] away now? False accusation is Biblical grounds for stoning the accuser, not for punishing the victim. Once again, on what grounds can God’s ministers bring up what God has cast away "as far as the east is from the west?" I do not suggest you personally have not forgiven [name withheld], but others in the congregation have not, unless there has been a change of heart since Passover. I believe that God will judge any leadership of a church that fails to handle matters of such import with the utmost of strict Biblical authority, and take whatever the consequences man may impose. What feels good, what appeases, what sweeps under the rug, what avoids confrontation may not be Biblical. And I know above all you are a man who wants to do the Biblical thing. I know you will consider my suggestions carefully, and I believe you above all want to do what is right, not just what is expedient.

Is there any less an opportunity in this present matter to stand on what is right, the Word of God, than in the matters of Shadrach, Meshech and Abednego vs the fiery furnace? Daniel vs lions? David vs. Goliath? Elijah vs. Ahab/Jezebel? I am simply trying to point out that had any of the above Bible heroes taken a path of least resistance, of appeasement, of avoiding confrontation, results would have been far different than we read in the Bible. What glory is there to God to keep [name withheld] away now?

Is the current matter greatly different than matters cited above? In all cases, including this current case, the question is, How do God’s servants uphold the integrity of His word? Under the present decision, it seems clear enough that a repentant sinner can be kept away from the Church of Israel by a disgruntled former member willing to make public false accusations. Perhaps there are other unstated issues, such as pressure from unconverted local members, family, etc. Regardless of whether there are any such unspoken influences which affected the decision, I appeal to your better judgment, based strictly on the Bible, that you please reconsider the decision. I remind you that some of the largest local families, with many daughters, have welcomed [name withheld] with open arms. How can that be, if there is still offense? How does fear of consequences enter into the equation? Would [Pharisee, name withheld] and/or others boycott the Feast if [name withheld] is there? You as a minister above all must protect the flock of God. But how? By keeping the repentant sinner away, or by standing strictly on the Word of God, and trusting Him to defend the Church of Israel? Surely He can protect the Church of Israel against all the "what if" situations posed by the unconverted Pharisaical fear mongers among the church body. Perhaps a bold stand on scripture alone would sort out some problems of unconversion in the congregation. Just a thought.

I would appreciate hearing your conclusions after you have had time to read this and think about it further, if you have time to write. If not, then I will see you, God willing, at Tabernacles.

Your friend and brother,

 

 

Jerry