IT IS TRUE!!!

[Danny E]

I am writing my last post or one of my last posts.  I have stated where I stand and what I think needs to take place.  I cannot answer for other gatherings as they have not gone through what we have in San Luis Obispo.  We are seeking to make things right in this community and to seek to clear the reproach to the name of Christ due to our sins and arrogance.  This is taking place and WE have decided to;

1.   Seek the help of local leadership, mainly through Brian Stupar the pastor of Calvary Chapel in San Luis Obispo.  He has been a great blessing and a fair moderator.  He has agreed to hold US and Brent accountable for our agreements at that key meeting last Saturday.
2.   Show a token of goodwill and thanksgiving by our assembly worshiping with Calvary this Sunday, testifying to God’s Goodness and our commitment to serve and be one with all Christians in this community.  
3.   Continue to reach out to ones that have been offended or stumbled in this area.
4.   Remove all of George’s books, literature and cancel tape ministry.
5.   Speak at a San Luis Obispo pastors’ prayer breakfast and ask them for forgiveness for what I mentioned in the opening statement.
6.   We have been having open discussions for all that are meeting with us to discuss any and all topics, we are not making rash decisions, but are bringing these ideas to prayer and seeking the Lord for our future..
7.   Brent has the goal for his website to be shut down in the future or be so changed that it would not be recognizable from it’s former use, it already has changed a lot.  His goal was to expose the unfruitful works of darkness for which he has and it has brought about a tremendous humbling across the land.  
8.   His goal was also for Judy and Rachel to be reached out to and they are and will continue to be.

In conclusion, I don’t know who is reading this, but it is time to humble ourselves.  God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble.  A friend from Lincoln, Brian wrote me this “I believe that God has allowed this ministry to be sifted.  He has brought forth an exposing and judgment.  Now, however, I believe we are experiencing a window of grace and mercy to make things right... If we humble ourselves and get out of His way, He will do miracles.  I am seeing that happen in SLO and I'm half way across the country.  I pray He will do that every where”, I agree.  We are guilty of allowing a man too much power and influence, we have put George up on a pedestal and allowed him to boast of his exploits, tell of his greatness.  I know I have learned many great things of Christ over the years concerning His Cross, His Church and His Kingdom of which I will by  His grace hold forth until He comes.  But for all of the ways we allowed ‘the work’ to go on in it’s form and for George to have such control, as well to have an elitist attitude towards other Christians and groups, I repent and by His grace will never serve a system, but God only and Christ’s body and the perishing souls of the unsaved.  The verses the Lord gave me yesterday are from Acts 5:19-20 “But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.”

Lord bless all of you, Danny Edwards

If you want to contact me the best way is to email me at tosetfree@sbcglobal.net

[editor]

I need to weigh in on this one.

I have been accountable to Bryan Stupar and other pastors in this area since the inception of this website.  My problem was with pride creeping into a few of my writings.  My problem was not the website, nor was it my actions to expose the darkness in order to see many of you delivered.  That is my calling  and ministry, which is not over, but has changed.  I am not the problem, nor is the website.  In fact, the website has been an amazing blessing.  God has used, and continues to use this website.

I am not going to take it down, until it is time to do so.  It has, and will continue to change, as God leads.  Many people are finding help with their hurts and anger here, and that is as it should be.  Also, the people who perpetrated the abuse, the physical as well as the spiritual, are able to see, by reading here, just how devastating their actions have been.  This is a good thing.  Shine the Light, seek reconciliation, not excuses!


There is one other thing, that has come up a number of times lately, so I know I must address it:

My sin of words, is not to be compared to the sins of the ministry of George Geftakys.  The fact that we all followed a Jezebel, and her adulterous husband, and on top of that acted like we were superior to all other Christians, is a sin of such greater magnitude than that of sarcastic and prideful writing that it is ludicrous to compare the two.

Am I repenting of my repentance?  In no way. However, I am not going to let the focus change from the fact that we were all idolators in Georges house, propping up a thoroughly evil man, shift to the fact that I used biting and hurtful language at times.

I have learned through all of this, but the fact that I wasn't perfect does not discount the message I brought.  Remember, the Lord used a donkey at one time.  I am a sinner, saved by grace.

Don't let the focus shift.  I am dead serious about this.  Check yourselves, and stop and think about what you are saying.

Yes, I am accountable to my pastor, and was long before last Saturday.  However, let's keep things in perspective here.  The Assembly was dark.  So dark that George's close associates were actually surprised to find out that he was an evil man.  Why is it that others could see it so clearly?

That is the question that you should be asking, and pondering.  

Here's a new topic for discussion:  What is idolatry?

In His love,  Brent Tr0ckman

[BenJapheth]

Wonderful, Danny.   Very, very encouraging.  Lord Bless you Roberto, Ray & Jeff...

Chuck Vanasse
chuck@vanant.com

[BenJapheth]

Idolatry! Yes! ....The adoration of George was Idolatry.  

Brent, you hit the peg square on its head, my friend!

I don't think anyone in or out of the assembly would disagree with you - now.  George was put on a pedastal.  I would submit that from this.."idolatry".. 99% of all problems the assembly ever had flowed from that pitiful wretch.  May God have mercy on that man.

We should pray that now that God has exposed this man as the fraud that he is -  that the gatherings formerly under his authority, as Danny has affirmed for SLO, will throw off his ways!

"Ding-dong the witch is dead...Everything has turned to color!"

A new days has dawned people!

As these dear folks attempt to get right with God and men, let's receive them as we would hope to be received by them!

May God Have Mercy On Us All !

[jackhutchinson]

I know some have questioned me in light of bringing up the topics I have brought up on my thread called, "I'm waiting for answers".  This is my 3rd day looking at this website and the first posting.  My brain has been exploding and my tears have been gushing.  For 19 years I was being used by a selfish man, and now I am reading about all this darkness that was called "holiness", "unity" and "being the faithful remnant".  Maybe I haven't said everything right, but please understand what I'm going through.  I don't want to be in bondage again to the Geftakys culture.

As I stated before, I do not know exactly know what I will do in light of fellowship.  I really don't.  Everything's up in the air.

Jack

[freebird]

I like the point that Brent made.  Please don't make the mistake of shifting the focus of what really is going on right now.  Yes there is sarcasm on the BB.  But, yes there was alot more sarcasm within the lodges for many, many years.  Sarcasm that ripped on other churches, sarcasm that ripped on those that left, and sarcasm towards anyone that disagreed with the head.

The focus should be on finding real Christianity.  The focus should be on a humbling of self.  The lodge humbled me and nearly destroyed me.  Let's be real.  It is the lodge mentality that would knit-pick a minor point and miss the major one.  

Many of my posts have been attacked.  And I have heard report of people within the lodge complaining of too much sarcasm.  Let's be real.  Why look at what is not important?  Why not face reality?  

Idolatry is exactly right.  Many will read this and not understand at first.  Because they will not be able to see God without reference to the assembly.  Yes, there were some good things there!  Mainly because you had a Bible and there was love between brethren.  But the "system" was sick.  And the "system" failed.  And if we would be honest, the "system" was unfruitful.  

So many tried so hard to explain all that.  It is a shame that it had to come down to this present situation.  People that loved God's people cried out with many tears (I am one of them!) and tried to get someone to listen.  But those who opened their mouths with truth were rebuked, treated SARCASTICALLY, called "accusers of the brethren", and some even excommunicated.  And now those people are once again accused of too much sarcasm.  

Let's get real.  

[VinnieGalati]

Ecellent post, Mark.  This is a very serious consideration.  Just disassociatting from Geftakys and continuing with the pride and control is useless. What has been exposed is systemic. What will continue to be is worse if eyes are not truly opened from a doctrinal point of view. Thisis where our behavior and attitude flows from.  Will the LB's be of a different mind with the same mindset?  NO- May they erase everything they think they know and fall before Him on their faces. God teach me the Gospel all over again. That is what they all need. NOT just in SLO, but STL and all the assemblies.  God open Blind Eyes and obliterate the pride that stands between them and Your Mercy and Love.  (VPG)    
I'm a little concerned about the tone here since last night. Namely, that since three or four of the LBs at this one particular local assembly have repented (of what I'm hoping we'll find out later) that everything is going to be OK now.

This is not a San Luis Obispo issue. This is a Geftakys ministry issue. At the top of the list is accountability for the Geftakys clan, removal of them from the ministry, then for accountability and repentance of leadership across the country followed by sweeping reform of pattern and doctrine.

The things that happened in SLO were not only due to the particularly weak character of the Geftakyses, but to a flawed and dangerous doctrine propagated by a charismatic leader. That is more dangerous to more people than anything that happened in any one particular gathering.

The SLO repentance is important. And huge if true. But it is merely a step in a greater process.

Scott McCumber
formerly of Tuscola IL

[Arthur]

Couple of things:

1.  I'm not convinced that the problems were 99% from George.  There wouldn't be an assembly if it was just George, now would there be.  Where would George be if it weren't for the initial group of people that listened to him or the ones he hand-picked to be leaders.  "We are the Lord's servants" they said, "God put us in authority over you, you must listen to us."  See the articles by Steve Irons and others...oh sorry, I forgot, they're not on the website anymore.  Where would George be if it weren't for other men greedy for power rising through the ranks of doorkeeper, then leading brother, then elder?  After a few years in the Assembly, I came to realize that I probably would never be in leadership because I refused to give up my conscience and bow down to George like the leaders did.  (BTW, That is why these men must step down, if they truly are repentant.  Seeing as how they obtained their leadership by unjust means, and were not appointed by God, but by George!)
After I saw what a doorkeeper really was I wanted nothing to do with them.  

2.  Brent is right.  If one errs by going a bit overboard in speaking out against the assembly, its leaders, and its pracitses, that does not compare at all with sins of the assembly.  Maybe Noah got a little carried away when he was telling the wicked world at that time that they needed to repent.  Maybe he said, "You need to repent.  You're all wicked, and your dog too."  Ok, maybe the dog wasn't wicked.  Big deal.  The wicked world would have no leg to stand on before God saying, "He told us our dog was wicked too and we know that's not right, so that's why we wouldn't listen to him."  Um, no...and the flood came.

Arthur

[editor]

Arthur

All of the articles are available on request.  Don't say they aren't on the website.  The main page states that they are.  I'll send the whole package to anyone who asks.

Because of the recent display of grace, we are now able to deal mano y mano.  We do not have to "tell the church," to the same extent as before.

Do you think that Rachel and Judy's stories are too creampuff?  Careful my friend.

Brent

[Arthur]

kk, sorry about the articles comment, that was kinda low, forgive me bro.  I don't think every knows what articles were online, especially those who are just now leaving and who just now have the freedom to view the website.

Do you think that Rachel and Judy's stories are too creampuff?  Careful my friend.

I don't understand what you mean.  No, I think they are right on.  That's not what I was saying about the dog.  Is that what you are referring to?

Arthur

[dsjogren]

Chuck and Tom are right.  Let's save the doctrinal issues for later.  Please, let's keep our heads and guard our hearts.  Think about what has just happened.  A huge bomb has exploded this last weekend leaving body parts and blood.  As parametics will we now discuss with the wounded the fine doctrinal points of bomb making and what would have prevented this?  IT'S EXPLODED ALREADY !!!  There are dear brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ who desperately need help right now.  If we don't reconcile our relationships NOW there won't be anyone to discuss doctrine with.

Think about it,

Rob Kazarinoff

I have just begin looking at this site and I must say that I have found it to be very encouraging.  I am truelly thankful for the many people out there that have shown real love and compassion to not attack us when we are obviously going through so much.  The respect that I have for you guys and the love of God that you display is wonderful. I hope that the Lord continues to bring everything into the light and that like many of you said that there be continued reconcilation and repentance.  I don't know many of you nor what the assembly has done to you but I am grateful that you have stood and caused the many of us that were blinded inside to see the light.  I hope that many more people will come forward with the repentance and contrition that Danny has. Praise the Lord for Godly examples when they are really needed. I know that the assembly has done many things wrong but I believe that God is getting a sincere change and may it last. Lord bless you all and thanks for all your kind words.

[Heide]

Am I just terribly clueless in all of this? The leading men in the SLO assembly who have done so much to hurt and mislead are still in power? Oh yea, you are subjecting yourselves to Calvary Chapel but wouldn't the wiser thing be to step down. You men have sinned. What is happening with Roberto and Jeff? Let me remind you that both of these men knew what was going on with spousal abuse and where were the shepherds. These men are unfit to watch the fold. Until I see fruit, I don't buy this......

Heide C. Johnson

[freebird]

Heide,

I stand with you.  I think people need to remember that forgiveness is a must, but it doesn't mean you have to set yourself up for more abuse.  It wouldn't be wise to submit to them!

[Phil Strangman]

My name is Phil Strangman. I was born and raised in St. Louis, and grew up in the assembly, and still go, along with my parents and younger brother, which make up the rest of my family.

This is a little nerve-wracking for me to write here. I've seen some messages of real care and love, and I've seen some posts where people have just chewed others up. Whatever happens happens...

As this stuff has been coming down, I've felt betrayed. You all have to understand, I am an "AK", a "mat boy", whatever you'd like to call me. I grew up watching video seminars with br. George on the big screen and just about every year we'd make the big trek to Champaign, IL to listen to seven long messages. The George Geftakys I saw seemed to be a man who had served the LORD for a really long time, who was very wise, who understood the Bible well, and so on. For nineteen years (that's how old I am), that's what I thought he was. I went on two teen teams, and I had several scattered brief conversations with George. He seemed like a really good guy. Once when he was in St. Louis he gave me a promise in John 12: 26- "If any man serve me , let him follow me: and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour." I saw a George who would travel more than half of each year to places like Nigeria, Kenya, Hong Kong, England, France, recently Hungary, and others. That was my perspective for my whole life.

But now, 2003 sure kicks off with a bang alright!! Br. George...excommunicated, a hypocrite. This is almost like being raised Catholic and then being told when you're 19 that your priest or even archibishop or even pope has been molesting little kids! This is something that is still sinking in. This is tough. It's tough adjusting to somethin I should have known already, almost like X-Files, you can't trust any man completely beyond the shadow of a doubt. Only God. Only, only God. Let that be stamped into my skull. When it comes to older, wise Christians, yes they are my brothers, yes I will listen to what they have to say, but when it just comes to straight up blind faith and trust, only, only God.

So now, all these revelations are coming down the wire. Br. George, an excommunicated, unrepentant man. David G., an wife-beater. So and so, and so and so...rumours fly all around like gunfire in a battle. My world is somewhere between upside down and sideways.

What I am going to do now? (Why is your article so long, you're probably wondering.) I'm just going to say why I'm staying. Let the flaming begin! Let the "you're just a pawn in the hands of those scoundrels you foolish little assembly rat!!"s begin!

Of course, everyone must make up in his or her mind whether to stay or go. I'm not here to tell you all what to do. Of course I'd love to see everyone stay, no one wants to see friends that you've seen frequently throughout the week suddenly appear less frequently, but "let every man be convinced in his own mind." No problem! That's exactly what needs to be done, for people to think on their own and not just blindly go where they're told.

The past couple of weeks I've had to make up my own mind. I understand too that as time goes on and things change, my decision could change as well. For now, by the grace of God this is what I'm doing.

Yes this post is long. Almost done hopefully. It's simple really why I'm still here. First is the obvious. I've grown up with these people! They are God's children and they are also my friends! I don't want to leave.
Second, the more important one. There is love here in St. Louis. They say it used to not be this way. I don't remember that time, I guess I was too young. There have been people who have voluntarily taken people into their homes, letting them borrow their cars (in the winter!), and who are traveling down to a nursing home in the middle of a lower-class neighborhood and preaching to people who most of the time may not even understand a word they're saying, going almost every week! The love can be seen in other ways, but those come to my mind.

What causes that? George? No way! He preached, he didn't go on outreach on Sunday afternoons. I'm not saying that he had to, but he preached, he set a kind of example of how to be wise or whatever. I can't think of anyone else who causes this! Can you? Do the "leading brothers" engineer this kind of thing? They all work and I'm sure they're tired every day they come home from work like any normal person with a job would. Is this happening to appease Br. George? He's excommunicated right now!! Yet this still goes on. Tonight, we didn't have a Bible Study like we normally do on Thursday nights because it was incredibly cold. No problem! One fella who's been coming out, it was his birthday, so we celebrate his birthday at the "brother's house"! Did we cower under our beds saying, "Must be still-no Bible Study!!"? No!!

Sorry, I got carried away. What I want to end this on is this: I've been reading the message board a lot the past few days, and I've read posts from other people who've felt betrayed just like I have. I see that some people here are frustrated, I just hope that there's no bitterness. I know I haven't had many of the experiences that others here have, and my purpose was not to supplant the credibility or witness of those people. I just wanted to encourage the ones who are hanging in there with this "Assembly" because I'm sure trying to hang in there too. I also wanted those who have left to hear the point of view of someone who's still "in fellowship", who has some of the same complaints, sadness, and such as them, and who is sticking around because he loves the people he's with and knows that, just like in other churches in St. Louis, God and His love are still "floating" around, in homes, cars, and schools.  I hope we realize that we all need each other- "in fellowship" and "not in fellowship". I hope the bitterness and deceit never comes in to these simple (and getting simpler every day) gatherings.I hope br. George realizes that he was deceived and really repents. I hope all those "in leadership" guard their hearts and repent if they haven't and still need too. I hope all those who aren't (like me) watch their hearts also. I hope God has mercy on all of us frail human beings.

[Bob Sturnfield]

As one sister wrote to me:
"Let start from the beginning...which is that we are both free now.  Clean slate, new faces, new believers , new journey, new beginning, new thoughts, and a renewed mind, and restored soul.  Can we start from there?  I would really like that!"

One of the complaints against the Assemblies has been the "controlling attitude" of not letting people make their own decisions.  Be careful of falling back into that.

Yes, seek godly counsel, but you can not live your life based on what others think, rather you must do what you know is right.

Whether you leave or stay you need to always ask the Lord what to do.  Trying to please people is a trap anyway.

I also feel like my very foundation has been shaken, and I am glad the Lord has given me two immutable things, His word and His person, as an anchor for my soul to cling to.

Hebrews 12: 26  whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, "Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven."
27  Now this, "Yet once more," indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain.

Hebrews 6:17  Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath,
18  that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us.
19a  This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast