Kirk Appeals to George for Direction, April 26, 2001

"Today is the day of Salvation...it is the acceptable time."
"Rebuke not an elder but entreat him as a father..."

April 26, 2001

Dear George,

This letter is an attempt to appeal to you as a son would his father. I am sure that this attempt is fraught with neediness and lack but I am begging your mercy that you would consider its appeal without offence. In such a dilemma I must trust that, in your maturity, you will be able to see thru the letter of this attempt to its spirit.

I have recently resigned in my contribution of leadership here in San Obispo. I have in various exercises been in leadership for almost eighteen years. I believe this step to be God’s will at this time in my life, this resignation has not been casually considered. I stated as part of the reason for my resignation "With the recent failure of brethren from our midst and the swirling accusations that have followed I have been broken hearted and grieved with bearing these burdens. This fatigue has wrought heavily upon me and I have been brought to this point that requires this - my resignation to you." Another of the reasons for this step was to be able to communicate with brethren, such as yourself, in this way without there being a reflection upon the other leaders of the flock in San Luis Obispo. I would be simply a member of the Assembly here not someone representing the leadership.

I have wanted to write you since your visit here in January. For various reasons this communique has been delayed until now. I believe that during this time after David and Judy’s failure certain questions should be raised. These questions are raised in an attempt to seek healing and recovery and not to blame.

I am hopeful that the whole episode be brought to the light. You mentioned, during your visit that you believe that a lack of forgiveness is the root of the problem here. I believe this to be an accurate assessment. I also believe that if Judy and David are lacking in forgiveness the question to be asked is, "To whom should they be extending this forgiveness?" Many accusations have been raised, false or otherwise I do not know, but it appears to me the question to ask is "do I bear any responsibility in Judy’s offence? Does Betty bear any of the guilt of David and Judy’s failure?" Judy is bitter in regards to this ministry, in which she spent so many years of service. Yes, she needs to repent of her bitterness, but "Why is she bitter and what can this ministry do to reach out to her in humility?"

George, there is no doubt that you and Betty have seriously offended your daughter-in-law by real or imagined offences. Mark and Dan are good counselors and men of stature but it remains that this is your family and it is bitterness that you and Betty are accused of creating. The Lord admonishes to "as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men" and "follow peace with all men" another verse that comes to mind is " Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberst that thy brother hath ought against thee; leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift".

David and Judy are responsible for the mess they have created but this does not mean that there are no lessons for us. George, I have had to fend off accusations and answer hard questions ever since this mess occurred but I have heard nothing from yourself to help me in this present need. What is the course of action? I do not pretend to know. I am hopeful that real reconciling efforts will occur and that the saints here in SLO will have confidence that this grief has been dealt with in faithfulness.

Attached, please see my summary of a scriptural accounting, illustrative of the dilemma before us. Thank you for your consideration and mercy.

Sincerely your brother,

Kirk C.

P.S. If you have any questions, comments or concerns please call me.