Politics and religion have a great affect on society, and both must be monitored to protect the people. He (the pastor) basically told us we would never work in ministry (volunteer or vocationally) because we didnt understand biblical authority. Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission. We aim to provide a wide range of injection molding services and products ranging from complete molding project management customized to your needs. As a former Muslim, I grew in my walk with GOD because Pastor James teachings from the GODs Word. Be very careful Azaelea. I just pray that Youll give them a merciful spirit, he said, choking up on his words. Yes, I was there for ex-communication video.

We left a church where the pastor specifically told me, I am in charge! He said this while glaring at me and enunciating each word. I never understood why they saw him the way they do. That night changed me. 4 0 obj Its so fitting that you likened the pain at Harvest to the pain of a divorce. Ive been where youre at, believing that its godly to keep trying to work it out, like family does. xYYo6~7Gi"E}Wj._!qeE&738 ==J*#Mlmz:O>OrmOaXo=2H*JSf4I7?x88x|8q0$8.{t~-|8g2y88!/P4adr\8iaY:7r|1#Qf"`D{ d4 <>/Metadata 3133 0 R/ViewerPreferences 3134 0 R>> I love you and our Lird. And I do want to state that MANY of us have made every effort to address the problems prior to leaving. see My Dream Church https://sites.google.com/site/mydreamchurch/. What she shared was the kindest message I have ever seen. I hope that the cleansing and purification will come to Davenport as well. Pray for all the lost and unsaved who are not hearing the Gospel and our testimonies right now from our lips because sin has been made the main thing. I sinned.. Theres a difference between stirring the pot and exposing false teachers as the Scriptures instruct us to do. We need to trust Him. Until recently, I thought I had escaped my fear by leaving Harvest, but I was still afraid. Gods Timing Is ALWAYS Perfect! I wont make that mistake again. Attempts to reconcile the situation failed due to the pastor believing he had done nothing wrong.

We are all human, myself included. An order entered in Tippecanoe County juvenile court indicates that investigators identified up to 15 children who suffered abuse at the hands of the boy in question, according to The Indianapolis Star. At my former church, I reached the point where I couldnt, in good conscience, stay because of the amount of bull-headed spiritual abuse that was going on combined with covering-up of sexual abuse. Thankful for the freedom you have found and are willing to speak up. I am ashamed to say that after being a member at Harvest for 8 years, that was the first real conversation I had had with an elder about the state of affairs of the church at that time. I dont know why, except that I just really wasnt getting the Word of God from the stage and I do mean stage. I left HBC Davenport 4 years ago because of the spiritual abuse that is happening there as well. The flock are the casualties in all of this. New Life Christian Church and World Outreach in Warsaw, Ind., says that Lowe, who confessed to adultery years ago with a teenager and publicly informed his congregation last weekend after church leaders confronted him, has resigned. Often it was the leadership that lost track and influenced the group. Now he is disillusioned and wants to go back to Catholicism. I should have left that week, but I was too afraid to cause damage to Jesus and His kingdom and the women I was leading at that time. Jesus calls us to be GOOD. Brave. Well said Lina. The reason why people are coming out now or again is because finally due to being outed on a National Radio program something is finally being done. I am airing on the side of no. Did you realize the pastors publicly said sorry last weekend? The practice of medicine is not an exact science; neither is navigating very tough and painful circumstances such as this. Or share it. When a person is afraid of the reaction of their pastor or preacher it is time to move on. You are loved. I too had been a part of HBC both as a staff member and member of the church and was there in total over 15 years. You are being bold and telling the truth and just wanted to encourage you.I always loved your passion for Gods Word and pray Gods blessing as you stand strong Him! People need to be accountable for their actions. Thank you Lina! Were just very grateful this morning for these truths that drive us and motivate us. Gods heart, over and over again, is for those who are oppressed. No one asked why I quit attending after 15 years. I was counted as one of the privileged ones and considered it a great honor to know James personally and even be considered as part of his inner circle at that time. It is finally the truth coming to light from his own actions and the people who protected him for years. Woah there Nellie! We give You thanks for doing it. Fear. We cant judge the HEART of others, we can judge their actions and behaviors. Leaders should have secular jobs: Why kick him and the church while their down Lina? Lina, to see how the Lord has blessed your ministry these past few years is absolutely amazing! Do you think God approves of pastors who deliberately scam their congregation for years, use his name for money and abuse people for the Almighty Dollar? Love my bible sisters. When someone lies with such ease , that is pathological, and they must be removed from their positions!! The small church that I and my family left was a textbook case in spiritual abuse. And the truth of many at Harvest. TV stations reported that the Kosciusko County prosecutor is investigating. Do you realize the elders are already choosing to step down? The New Testament model that churches should follow, says Every Believer is a Priest. The issue here is not TIMING or kicking someone when theyre down its about exposing ungodly, cowardly behavior and making people aware of its existence. May the God of all comfort minister his comfort to them. As of November, 2021, HBC is $34,000,000 in debt. And come together in prayer, fasting and humility before Jesus that He enables us to be the people He died for. Scripture does not say what the mark was, but it was a mark that man knew as a sign to not to kill Cain, as it would end his life, and end the judgement that God had given Cain to live out his life with. The surprise is not Harvest, but that you publicly hung them. I have found that churches built through a single persons vision are dangerous. But if they submit to the Healer, they will come out stronger. Harvest womans Tuesday bible study group has not studied a book of the Bible in a couple of years.

4ecv z s>8ud".Cz$r7uXy|B19rn=Ke.Slb2"]8{O)w'3;jMNB,z2TLrW&Y Lf Fear is what has been under all this, I would not be surprised if there is some fear in Jamess heart that is the root cause of his sins here. Our cold hearts lack love that shows the world we are His. I do not believe your timing should be questioned. You are open to correction, feeling hurt when it comes. She is not trying to kick him while he is down. To heal enough to communicate and receiving shaming comments like yours. I was mortified. Im glad I have stood firm. Show how we come together as one in the body of Christ! The kindest thing one can do is to cut out and expose the cancer to death. maybe its time for all of us to wake up. Jesus may be truly calling people to stay, and rebuild Harvest Bible Chapel. I still would like to read the blog on tattoos. =S,K>K9T1*S}M)_2tBp_PPnWPWx^pE%+E-xK3x=Fxhc It was both true in a sense and funny.

It is our deepest prayer and commitment to love, support, encourage and help her through a process of healing in any way in which we are able.. God has been known to use even a donkey and a false pagan prophet to speak His word. Will James not wake up and realize that the Church of Jesus Christ is not the organization or nonprofits we create, but the men and women that God calls and saves by the sacrifice of His Son? God is good and He will use those who make themselves available to Him. I was there when Ted launched. God is sovereign, He is the Healer, He is the Restorer, He is the Renewer, and He will continue to do what He is doing in order to bring about His will for His people. 1 Timothy 5:20: But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning.

Because she is helping expose evil and proving that is is deep and wide and on going. Looking back over my life I see how all things have led to today. Doesnt matter how long ago it happened either. 35The good man brings out of his good treasure what is good; and the evil man brings out of his evil treasure what is evil.

Will this tattoo be their mark of shame? Most of my friends as well.

Linas testimoney is encouraging.

She has admitted that she didnt speak up enough at the time. From your first speaking engagement at Harvest, I have watched your ministry(ies) and have see you be a strong fast speaking, outgoing woman, by ethnic background, yet a humble servant of Christ who feels deeply the impact of wrongfulness. Unfortunately I dont think the Harvest RM is the only Harvest with a culture of fear.

Leaving spiritual abuse is okay, you cant be expected to change it while youre in the midst of it. He claimed he would never return to Willow until things had changed and the time was right. Thats what happens to us as individuals and us as a collection of people. Addressing this following statement from you, By the time I left, I had discovered something dark about myself: I was a woman ruled by fear. If you have something to recommend I read that would help me in this area, Lina, I would appreciate it. I applaud you for your courage to leave the church and let the fall out damage by James to you as a person and your career ministry, to be in Gods hands. I pray that the sincere, Christ honoring followers humbly seek Him and His will for them individually in relation to this circumstance, in addition to His will for the church as a whole. Superior to whom? I am saddened by it. I too visited Harvest. Others had old wounds that had resurfaced and were hurting, having never felt closure to their stories, Abujamra, a Bible teacher and Moody Radio host, wrote on herblog. Im so sorry, and Im sorry for the comments here that are going to be painful for you. Thank you for coming forward! Youre building Your church. [], Lost me at the private jet shared with Bill Hibel.

A worship song says He gives and takes away, He gives and takes away, and still my heart will say Blessed be the name of the LORD!. Church members stood and applauded Lowe. While I have no say in the future of Harvest, it is ridiculous to think that any healthy future can take place until the cancer is removed. My first two books were scheduled to be released smack in the middle of that summer, and I didnt want to impact their potential not to mention that James had agreed to write the forward on my first book.. I so agree with your cancer analogy as it relates to Harvest.

These are the last days! I havent seen the video but abuse of power at any level is sickening!! Many people went to leaders and spoke up. It wasnt that we saw corruption in our church. Yes Nellie, we are called to bring light on the darkness. *For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart. Nellie, be very, very careful! Sometimes being good will require us to say harsh things. And for those that have not witnessed spiritual abuse, or worse yet experienced it personally, but are now hearing about it, this is your opportunity to ramp up your prayers for the Bride of Christ. If you know anything about abuse it can take years to come forward. Truth heals. Thanks for sharing Lina. Amen to that. Thank you for your honestly, I personally did not ask why you left, because we left approximately the same time for the same reasons. We are to find our faith and hope in the Message, not the messenger. Did you see the link to my web page. Im about to lead a teaching tomorrow night about the mark God placed on Cain after he killed his brother Abel. I cant imagine a culture in which you felt such fear. I dont take joy in this situation, but I rejoice in the truth. Why would we be any different? Authority? Faith is Christ living.

Please pray for all of the member/attendees who are struggling, as we are grieving a loss of our church base and have felt the wrath, unfortunately. I will remember to pray for you and the fallout of this situation each time I see somethyfrom you come across my in box. My experience was decades ago and in another state. I want to thank you for having the courage to add your testimony to the voices of those who have been abused by HBC. He spoke highly of you, and since then, I have occasionally prayed for you regarding your time and experience at HBC. I see Jesus in youfrom one member of the Body to another. All of it. Christ alone is to be worshipped. The problem definitely doesnt end with James. Same as your departure, not a single person reached out to see how I was doing once I left my job. How important it is to pray pray pray and check on our leaders also of their growth in Christ and what our church mission is and to stay biblical, not political but biblical. Wow. It was so hard not to be bitter, and it took a long time to want to be part of another church and not be so cautious. Others have gone before you in challenging HBC to help pave the way and have paid the consequences for their courage. By the time I left, I had discovered something dark about myself: I was a woman/person ruled by fear. You are Loved I think I am gonna throw up. Life goes on people repent and grace is for everyone. Again I dont blame James MacDonald. I pray that it would just be so clear where Your Hand is upon this process and guide us, we ask in the work of Your Spirit, he said. I didnt want to risk any negative impacts on my own growing ministry. Hi Lina. Now you can stop going to church altogether and free your mind from religious delusion. Anointing: Every believer is a priest in the new covenant. How long will we wait to begin the healing process within ourselves and between each other? Is it perfect? Letting you know about this is one of the most loving things that Lina can do at this time so that others dont experience the pain that she went through. Dont stop trusting or loving. 3 0 obj How about some GRACE !!! Although I do not want to be a part of this church any more, I strongly feel that God is directing me to continue to obey his direction in this scripture and take their disobedience to another level. It describes participative worship thats all the music you need. The Lord knows and he keeps the books. Walked out of that service. Eight victims from different families reported over- and under-clothes touching, oral-genital contact and penetration committed by a boy at church. U%$tOlcjCO0-d ^9kTuX'xHywMo!%5&U5rx[bx.Co(B&Fz_1GW-Xz3Tvx)d@sr wUdV"PFS*k~2mB[dC,yZpvS[`nr.E MfZ]d] At~o{ Oh Kristy, Thank you so much for expressing exactly what I am feelingsuch sorrow, such heartbreaking sorrow. Well said. 37For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned. I have had similar experiences at The Chapel . Even now, many years later, the enemy could still, if I let him, get me questioning my motives and trying to persuade me I was in the wrong not the shepherds. He clearly told me that they send out reminders to give. Others lied to me directly for selfish gain. Lina, a number of years ago I was reading one of your books while waiting for Gordon Z. to join me for lunch. Leaving without speaking up was still an act of cowardice and self-preservation. The preacher has no support system to fall back on but must find a new church before the new hireling moves in. Ive never been able to foster the same level of trust and thats the residual I wrestle with. But as every Christian knows, we walk and we live by grace. We are taught in Gods Word that it is Christs love that ought to control us. I have been looking for a church like this for years.

I really doubt theyre sending texts and emails asking for money. Everybody and anyone has an opinion about what should happen to and for Harvest whether this means the self-identified victims, or the buildings, or the leftover and future leadership well, everyone is entitled to an opinion about everyone and everything.

Leba and Sheila- Keep on being brave- it encourages me to do the same! James could have easily prayed, [] There are a couple of other reads that came to my attention this evening related to Harvest Bible Chapel that I wanted to make people aware. Seriously? My first two books were scheduled to be released smack in the middle of that summer, and I didnt want to impact their potential not to mention that James had agreed to write the forward on my first book. Count on it. The more I think about the demise of Harvest Bible Chapel and James MacDonald, the more I believe that fear is the cancer at the root of it all specifically the fear of James MacDonald. Also, for 2 years I felt my prayers didnt get past the ceiling. Like you, Lina, Ive listened to people wounded by sin, power grabs and wrongdoing by Church leaders. To judge a fellow brother and think you know if he is a believer is dangerous. While I am personally removed from the situation, my brother and sister-in-law attend a Harvest Church and there has been a lot of pain through all of this. =#Blnfz|:>z The newspaper adds that a judge found the juvenile to be delinquent on multiple felony charges of child molestation, and the child was sent to a residential facility. Some women were still in the middle of the trauma and were still currently attending Harvest. God bless. Yet a week ago I posted on FB an invitation to open my house to anyone who needed to talk about their pain as it related to what was happening at Harvest. I agree with Nellie. The fruit of people at Harvest coming to Christ belongs to the Holy Spirit, not to JM. Free of James fear. Then God led him to Harvest Bible Chapel. Opt out of mega church? Please click here to learn how. Thank you, Lina. Thank you for adding your voice to the now chorus of voices calling for a time of judgment and reform. In Jesus precious name. I met you when you spoke at Harvest Davenports womens ministry retreat and events many years ago and was challenged and inspired by your teaching. Horrified. The devil may win some battles, but we know God ultimately wins the war. They now have some big decisions to make regarding us, based on whats been done this week, he added. What 'separation of church and state' is really about, The new world order and the whiff of the apocalyptic, 6 good reasons you shouldnt badmouth your husband (or wife). Praise and Worship is congregational: But wait who is that lurking around the edges, his deeds the center of everyones interest in our church right now, salivating and gleeful that divisiveness and sin is healthy within the body of Christ? Ken de Jong, who serves as Immanuels provisional moderator, made the announcement. He is not being bullied. I am sorry for the pain. The Pastor started teaching on obeying your authority and not questioning authority etc. whos fault is this? When you are in a position where fear dictates the position you cannot speak out while under that. Others, too, could see the attitude. It seems to have so many cracks in the structure.

Do you remember that? Perhaps the Holy Spirit prompted Lina to share from the HEART. In Him, endobj Of course people can join in with instruments too. I assumed that you had simply moved on to bigger and better things. Others will be hurtit is a matter of time. My heart breaks for the ones who will walk away from church and walk away from God. Its ironic that you should post this today. Now that all MacDonald men are gone and the elder board has been cut down to 9 men until a brand spanking new group of men are approved of, I am curious to see where this train goes. Lina, Dont listen to haters.

This isI believewhy the American church has lost its effectiveness. And so, we trust You, Magill said to the Lord. Church is a small community. It, honestly, has been the biggest source of my own sin and self inflicted suffering. This is an extra difficult time for the members and regular attenders of Harvest Bible Chapel.

The fallout has only just begun. Were they unaware of what was happening behind the scenes? This problem is not isolated to Harvest. As with great confidence, we affirm what we heard this morning in that the King of a Christ will stand, he began. No one wins here-except our enemy. It isnt about timing. Its true, Anonymous, we have no right to predict the eternal destiny of even the worst of sinners, for God longs to show mercy and grant repentance to all. Dont you think this influences decisions made by the leaders, both now and before? He just got into the worlds standards for a preacher. The higher the leadership level was, the more protective of James they were. I have always wondered why? Olivetti and the session leaders were alleged to have tried to hide the allegations from church members and denominational leaders for roughly four months. He kept going back to you disobeyed the pastor so youre wrong (me in this case for talking to the youth and his mom about it after it happened). When we try to protect those in power instead of those who are hurting, we are not doing the work of God. Whatever is wrong in Gods eyes He will bring someone to reveal it. Praying for this church also that Gods Holy Spirit is cleaning/healing/humbling/teaching his people. But thats how it happens at Harvest, right? I love who you are and what you do. This is the right time as the judgment of God has come to his people. I cant imagine a person alive who couldnt look at their life and say the same thing in some area of their dealings with people. Indiana pastor, elders accused of covering up child sex abuse resign amid investigation, Do you want award-winning journalism with a, House approves bill codifying right to contraception into federal law, Biden tests positive for COVID-19, has very mild symptoms. I do have to laugh though.

Others have asked, but immediately defend the senior pastor and church. This man is a smooth deceiver and believes his own lies. He says he gave about $1K in these 6 months, and regrets it. I praise your decision to own your ministry outside of James. (AP) An Indiana pastor who confessed to adultery years ago with a teenager publicly informed his congregation last weekend after church leaders confronted him, the church said Tuesday. So long that lawyers all wonder why I waited so long- but trauma takes time to recover from. A book called the Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse really helped me and my wife to recover from our experience of confronting the pastor and then leaving the church. My faith has been shaken by the situation at another Christian organization. Yet Jesus minces no words when He tells us we ARE to judge teachers by their *fruits* and expose evildoers (and leads by examplesee His very public chastisement of the hypocritical Scribes and Pharisees in the Gospels). Im also going to sign up for LWP.

Both of us were involved in many forms of leadership and had invested for many years in the outreach of the church and all of its fellowship. But that does not matter. Yet Jesus was not the mission even though the pastor spoke of Jesus. I have great empathy and sensitivity toward them. She was obedient to Christ. it seems to me that people give more grace to the offender than the victim. You are courageous and your words bring healing. Dont find that in the Bible. You wrote a blog about how an increase in tattoos was in some way related to a decline in holiness and you were a leader in the church? I am so proud of Lina and she is speaking out the words that I would never say because I live in fear of that kind of authority. I regret my own weaknesses, my love for the approval of others. Our enemy loves this. `2(' It is a really strange thing when persecution comes from the pastor and elders. I have been attending Harvest and listening and learning from Pastor James sermons for almost 10 years; I have witnessed the sweet joy of my husband coming to Christ because of God using Pastor James mightily; and I have been blessed beyond measure by the positive impact Harvest, its ministries, and especially its PEOPLE have had upon my relationship with God, my Harvest friends and family, my life, and my marriage. As were you, we were grieving and had to pray for help finding that new church. If the church treated Lina this way, they will do it to you and others without a second thought. [], [] While only a handful showed up, the range of their pain was wide. Still, even I knew when enough was enough. chose to suffer. Not cool to kick people when they are down. These are the same elders that approved this same law suit to be dropped when James and co. knew that they would have to open all the books and all the dirt would come out! Thank you for your story Dr. Lina, and thank you for shedding light on your fears, and your full confidence in the Lord at the end of the day. Transparency in finances I thank you for your willingness to risk being misunderstood while offering your experience to help reduce the shame of others, who need a hand to hold, as they work through their own healing. Because these leaders will continue this false deceitful way of life that flows from them so seamlessly, so easily, and with such persuasiveness. Long story short he kicked my husband and I out of the church.

A friend sent me a link to sermon about this yesterday: https://radical.net/sermon/kingdom-community/. We just determined to treat the circumstances as a loving God giving us a different direction.

'Iec(JTFj3mEH[sI =.\>hj7# This is hardly a local issue in the Western church. Praying for you, many blessings for all you do.