John Allen Chau - Missionary, Martyr

“You guys might think I’m crazy in all this but I think it’s worth it to declare Jesus to these people.  Please do not be angry at them or at God if I get killed.”  

- John Allen Chau, 26 year old missionary who gave his life trying to reach a primitive tribe with the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

John Allen Chau was a missionary to several countries.  He recently went to a remote Indian island to tell a primitive tribe that he loved them, and so did Jesus.  The tribe apparently killed him and buried him in the sand. 

Many have since criticized Chau.  I beg to differ. 

Do not expect the secular media to understand or appreciate the concept of Christian Missions.  They usually don’t.  But in this case, even many Christians have condemned Chau. 

We do not know what was in this missionary’s heart.  But I’m inclined to believe the best, not the worst. 

Some may have considered Jonah a self-appointed missionary to Nineveh.  Or maybe a thrill seeker.  And he could have easily been tortured and killed.  Yet he was following God’s will. 

Virtually every one of Jesus’ 12 disciples eventually died as a result of their missionary work.  A missionary dying does not necessarily mean failure. 

Perhaps God calls some to go and die.  We should be careful to judge. 

Sometimes we are to hide from danger, or protect ourselves from danger; sometimes not. 

When a people are in danger of going to Hell, some are willing to take heroic measures to save them.  Reminds me of - Jesus. 

~

Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.  -John 12:24-25 NKJV

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.  -Romans 5:8

For More Information:

https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2018/november/missionary-killed-north-sentinel-isolated-island-tribe-chau.html

https://www.foxnews.com/world/american-missionary-wrote-god-i-dont-want-to-die-before-being-killed-by-remote-tribe-on-indian-island

Update:

Despite the need for effective entry methods to a people group, Eitel said, sometimes a missionary may be called to attempt bold evangelistic campaigns that imperil their lives.

"If you can't contact anybody" in the group you're trying to reach, Eitel said, "then try to only venture in when you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that even if it costs you your life, that this is what God wants you to do."

If God called Chau to make such a sacrifice, Eitel said, his death may inspire other missionaries to reach the Sentinelese and other uncontacted UUPGs for years to come.

http://www.bpnews.net/52019/crazy-or-called--missionarys-death-debated

-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, November 26, AD 2018. 

Can A Christian "Save" Others? Yes

"A Loving God Wouldn't Send Anyone To Hell"

Other Articles in lower right margin. 

Mildred McWhorter and the Rotten Watermelons

In the early1970s I had the opportunity to serve two summers as a summer missionary (aka volunteer, critter) at the Baptist Mission Centers in Houston, Texas.  The Director was Mildred McWhorter (AD 1930-2018).  My dad, Joe Brumbelow, was pastor of Doverside Baptist Church, 619 Berry Road in Houston.  Joe and Bonnie Brumbelow had a long friendship with Mildred McWhorter and their churches had occasionally provided meals for the summer missionaries, often around 30 or more. 

I began preaching in my teen years and Miss McWhorter inquired whether I would be interested in serving as a summer missionary.  She mentioned she usually did not allow summer missionaries to serve until they were out of high school, but because she personally knew me and my parents, she thought it might work out.  I felt the Lord leading and agreed.  I would live at home and just commute back and forth.  I was paid the whopping sum of $45 a week the first summer, and because of decreased available funds, $35 a week the next summer.  This was while I was a sophomore and junior at Sam Houston High School.  I learned a tremendous amount from Miss McWhorter, the other summer missionaries, and the ministry there. 

I heard of the time some classy ladies from an affluent church arrived and wanted to help for the day.  Dressed in their best, Miss McWhorter directed them to a large, overflowing closet that needed emptied, cleaned, and organized.  It was dirty, tough work.  It did not take them long to feel a calling elsewhere and to announce they could not stay any longer. 

Though there was mutual respect between my parents and Miss McWhorter, she did not go easy on me.  I don’t think she went easy on anyone.  It did not take her long to find out if a summer missionary was going to work out.  But she didn’t ask anyone to do work she was not willing to do herself. 

My very first day Miss McWhorter took me to a large garbage bin.  Not the kind we have that are picked up and emptied by a truck.  This large bin was made out of plywood.  She explained that a truckload of watermelons had been donated to the Fletcher Street Mission.  They had a watermelon party a week or two before and had thrown all the watermelon rinds in this outdoor garbage bin.  They were now rotten, mushy, and smelled terrible.  The garbage truck would not pick them up unless they were put in garbage bags.  She handed me a box of garbage bags.  A lot of garbage bags.  My first job as a missionary was to put the rotten watermelon rinds in garbage bags, tie them, and place them on the sidewalk for pickup.  No one else to help me, just me and the garbage bags.  Oh, and I had no gloves, though later I did get to wash my hands. 

It took a long, long while, but I bagged the rotten watermelon rinds without objection; my parents had raised me right.  After that first day, I think Miss McWhorter decided I would work out just fine. 

I later got to do other things, dirty and otherwise.  I got to teach, preach a little, and do all types of ministry.  On one occasion I was put in charge of teaching a group of about 55 or 60 kids in a two-week Vacation Bible School at the Mission Centers.  In all the work we did, we shared the gospel of Jesus Christ.  But I’ll always remember my first day and the rotten watermelons.  She had probably saved them a couple of weeks just for me. 

Compared to what Jesus did for us, rotten watermelon rinds are nothing.  If Jesus washed the disciples feet, if He died for the world, then no job should be beneath us. 

By the way, others called her Miss Mac.  I didn’t.  I was too scared.  I always called her Miss McWhorter. 

More on Miss Mildred McWhorter

-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, November 19, AD 2018. 

Articles:

Can A Christian "Save" Others? Yes

Adrian Rogers on Predestination, Calvinism

Adrian Rogers on "Wit & Wisdom of Pastor Joe Brumbelow"

 Alcohol Condemned in the Bible

Alcohol and the Holidays

 Other Articles in lower right margin. 

Obituary: Mildred McWhorter

Mildred McWhorter (AD 1930-2018) died June 17 in Franklin, Georgia at age 87.  A native of Georgia, she came to Texas in 1958 to do mission work in Port Arthur.  She then moved to Houston, TX in 1963.  She led the Baptist Mission Centers in Houston from 1963-1992.  The Baptist Mission Centers were a ministry of local Baptists as well as the Southern Baptist Home Mission Board (now North American Mission Board). 

At Centralhatchee Baptist Church, Centralhatchee, GA, Mildred was saved at 13 after learning John 3:16 and realizing the “whosoever” meant her.  She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Berry College, Rome, GA and studied at the Carver School of missions and Social Word at Louisville, KY.  Turned down by the Foreign Mission Board (IMB), she began work with the Home Mission Board. 

She became legendary in her work in lower income areas of inner-city Houston.  She loved the people and loved Jesus.  In meeting needs of food and clothing, she always shared the love and salvation found in Jesus Christ.  She ministered to drug addicts, prostitutes, gang members, and regular low-income folks.  Not all appreciated her ministry, she estimated the tires on her car had been slashed well over 100 times.  She coordinated the work of hundreds of volunteers, often college and seminary students.  David R. Brumbelow had the privilege of being one of her volunteers (Critters) for two summers while he was in High School (more about that in a future article). 

Miss McWhorter (Miss Mac) never married and felt she could not have accomplished what she did with the responsibilities of a husband and children.  She did adopt three boys after their mother died, Carl Guevara, Lloyd Lane, Terry Lane. 

She never lost her love of Georgia.  She would occasionally speak of going to the Holy Land.  Some thought she was taking a trip to Israel; she was speaking of Georgia.  Upon retirement, she returned to the Holy Land, Centralhatchee, Georgia. 

My parents, Joe and Bonnie Brumbelow, knew her well and thought the world of Miss McWhorter.  I remember in the late 1960s my church provided a meal for the critters at the Baptist Mission Centers.  Miss McWhorter told mom and dad (my dad was the pastor) she always looked forward to a meal from their church because they always did a first-class job.  By the way, when your church provides such a meal, make sure you do your best cooking and provide plenty of it; it can be a huge blessing. 

Miss McWhorter had a tremendous influence on the volunteers, as well as thousands in the communities of the Fletcher and Joy Mission Centers. 

For more about Mildred McWhorter:

https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Mildred-McWhorter-Houston-s-Mother-13015785.php

Always a Friend: The Story of Mildred McWhorter, by Jan Turrentine; 1988. 

New Houston mission center named for Mildred McWhorter

Mildred McWhorter and the Rotten Watermelons

-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, November 14, AD 2018. 

Small Texas Church Takes on a God-Sized Goal; Christmas Shoeboxes

13 Reasons Why Not to Commit Suicide

The Girl Who Saved His Ministry

11 Reasons to Not Drink Alcohol

Baptists and Eternal Security, or Once Saved Always Saved; Part 1 of 3

Paige Patterson Speaks; Janet Mefferd Live

Other Articles in lower right margin. 

Paige Patterson Speaks; Janet Mefferd Live

Hear Dr. Paige Patterson speak on the events of the last six months. 

Janet Mefferd Live

Dr. Paige Patterson and the #MeToo Movement

https://afr.net/podcasts/janet-mefferd-live/2018/october/dr-paige-patterson-and-the-metoo-movement/

-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, October 25, AD 2018. 

Candi Finch confirms termination by SWBTS

 Executive Committee Should Rescind Paige Patterson's Firing

Letter to Southern Baptists from Paige Patterson

 Deuteronomy 14:26 - Does it Commend Alcohol?

Adrian Rogers on "Wit & Wisdom of Pastor Joe Brumbelow"

Gosnell, and Other Pro-Life Movies

Other Articles (Labels) in lower right margin. 

Gosnell, and Other Pro-Life Movies

There are several pro-life movies you may find interesting.  The most current one is Gosnell: The Trial of America’s Biggest Serial Killer (rated PG-13). 

The national media, who claim to be balanced and unbiased, really show their one-sidedness on the issue of abortion.  When a pro-life issue like Gosnell comes along, they usually ignore it.  They also find it very difficult to say the word, “pro-life.”  Yet they have no problem using the preferred word, “pro-choice,” of those who are pro-abortion like Planned Parenthood.  When the subject of abortion comes up, the media usually asks tough questions of the pro-life side; almost never do they ask tough questions of the pro-choice side.  Hollywood is usually the same. 

During Gosnell’s trial, the media for the most part ignored it.  Now that the movie is out, Facebook and NPR (National Public Radio) have refused to run paid advertising for the movie Gosnell.  Kind of shows which side they are on. 

Pro-Life Movies

Gosnell: The Trial of America’s Biggest Serial Killer. 

Bella, the story of a young woman who decides against abortion through a friend's intervention

October Baby, the story of a young adult who learns she survived a failed abortion attempt as an infant. 

Crescendo, a short movie that tells how Beethoven nearly was aborted.  (see more at bpnews)

A couple of quotes by Cal Thomas and Baptist Press: 

“While not nearly as gruesome as the death camps Eisenhower saw, the film "Gosnell" forces viewers to confront what has been done to 60 million (so far) babies and women in America since abortion became legal in 1973. It's worth seeing with someone on the fence about abortion and even a pro-choice person who is honest enough to consider the counterargument affirming life at all stages.

According to the Pew Research Center, opinions on abortion between 1995 and 2017 have remained fairly stable with "57 percent say(ing) abortion should be legal in all or most cases, while 40 percent say it should be illegal in all or most cases."

"Gosnell" could move those numbers in a pro-life direction.”

-Cal Tomas

https://townhall.com/columnists/calthomas/2018/10/11/gosnell-the-movie-n2527184

“Facebook and NPR have refused to run paid advertising for Gosnell, and crowdsourcing website Kickstarter banned Gosnell's producers from using the platform to raise money, according to media reports.”

http://www.bpnews.net/51744/gosnell-helps-uncover-horrors-of-abortion

Many theaters are refusing to show Gosnell.  You may have to do a little research to find a place to see it.  If you can, support it and thank the theater for showing it. 

-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, October 22, AD 2018. 

Why Abortion Is Wrong

The Killing of Infants

13 Reasons Why Not to Commit Suicide

10 Reasons to Avoid Pornography

11 Reasons to Not Drink Alcohol

How to Get a Life When Ministry Drains it Out of You

Other Articles (Labels) in lower right margin. 

Inspiration of the Bible

There are a number of different views of the inspiration of the Bible.  In simple language, some of them are:

1.  Dictation

2.  Verbal, Plenary

3.  Dynamic

4.  Classical

Let me explain. 

1.  Dictation.  Sometimes called Mechanical Dictation.  God dictated His message, word for word, to the human authors.  Much like a boss would dictate a letter to a secretary. 

God definitely used this method on some occasions.  For example, when He directly told a prophet what to say (Exodus 34:27; Isaiah 38:4-5; etc.).  But I do not believe He used this method throughout the Bible. 

2.  Verbal, Plenary.  Verbal means word for word.  In other words, every word of the Bible is inspired by God.  Plenary means all.  Not just some words, but every word in all 66 books of the Bible are God’s inspired words.  This view is sometimes shortened to just, Verbal Inspiration. 

This view does not mean, as some falsely charge, that the entire Bible is mechanically dictated (that God simply dictated His words to the human writers).  Rather, God worked through the human writers and used their personalities.  The final product was truly the words of the human author, as well as the words of God.  And, the final product was word for word, the inspired, unerring word of God. 

If you believe in Verbal, Plenary Inspiration, you believe in the Inerrancy of the Bible. 

3.  Dynamic Inspiration.  The thoughts of the Bible are inspired by God.  But, it is not necessarily inspired word for word.  Like those who hold to Verbal Inspiration, they believe God worked through the personalities of the human writers. 

Those who hold to Verbal Inspiration sometimes counter, we don’t think in thoughts, but in words.  We don’t communicate in thoughts, but in words. 

Those who believe Dynamic Inspiration may, or may not, believe in the Inerrancy of the Bible. 

4.  Classical Inspiration.  The Bible is divinely inspired, just as other great works of literature and art are inspired. 

This is a theologically liberal or progressive view.  This view would hold that therefore, there are obviously human errors, as well as divine splendor, in the Bible.  They also get to pick and choose what is truth and what is error.  Instead of God’s Word judging them, they make themselves judges of Scripture. 

The Classical Inspiration view clearly does not hold to the Inerrancy of the Bible. 

It should be pointed out the first three views can be held by those who believe in Inerrancy.  Some also point out the important thing is not a theory of inspiration, but belief in the inerrancy of the Bible.  I certainly agree that inerrancy is crucial to correct biblical doctrine. 

I believe in the Verbal, Plenary Inspiration of the Bible.  The Inerrancy of the Bible is of vital importance, and Verbal Inspiration holds firmly to this view.  Verbal Inspiration also fits well with what the Bible says about its own inspiration. 

Scripture on Inspiration: 

For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.  -Matthew 5:18

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.  -2 Timothy 3:16

For the word of the Lord is right, and all His work is done in truth.  -Psalm 33:4

The entirety of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever.  -Psalm 119:160

Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.  -John 17:17

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  -Hebrews 4:12

Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.  -2 Peter 1:20-21

Baptist Faith and Message, 2000

The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is God's revelation of Himself to man. It is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter. Therefore, all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. It reveals the principles by which God judges us, and therefore is, and will remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and religious opinions should be tried. All Scripture is a testimony to Christ, who is Himself the focus of divine revelation.

Exodus 24:4; Deuteronomy 4:1-2; 17:19; Joshua 8:34; Psalms 19:7-10; 119:11,89,105,140; Isaiah 34:16; 40:8; Jeremiah 15:16; 36:1-32; Matthew 5:17-18; 22:29; Luke 21:33; 24:44-46; John 5:39;16:13-15; 17:17; Acts 2:16ff.; 17:11; Romans 15:4; 16:25-26; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Hebrews 1:1-2; 4:12; 1 Peter 1:25; 2 Peter 1:19-21.

The Baptist Faith and Message 2000 is the official doctrinal statement of the Southern Baptist Convention. 

Quotes:

“It has always been a matter of profound surprise to me that anybody should ever question the verbal inspiration of the Bible."  -B. H. Carroll (AD 1843-1914), Inspiration of the Bible.  Carroll was the founding president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

“Let me say further that only the original text of the books of the Bible is inspired, not the copy or the translation.”  -B. H. Carroll (AD 1843-1914). 

“I believe the Bible to be the infallible, inspired word of God written by men of old and new through the leadership of God’s power and Spirit.”  -Evangelist Dan Vestal (AD 1918-1980), Golden Hours in the Bible. 

“If there be any mistakes in the Bible, there may well be a thousand.  If there be one falsehood in that book, it did not come from the God of truth.”  -John Wesley (AD 1703-1791), Journal. 

(More quotes may be added.)

-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, July 25, AD 2018. 

Articles:

B. H. Carroll on Inspiration of Bible

The Girl Who Saved His Ministry

11 Reasons to Not Drink Alcohol

Differences Between the 1963 and 2000 Baptist Faith and Message

Executive Committee Should Rescind Paige Patterson's Firing

 More Articles in lower right margin. 

Executive Committee Should Rescind Paige Patterson's Firing

A Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (SWBTS) trustee has finally revealed (at the SBC, Dallas) why the Executive Committee (EC) rescinded the action of the full body of trustees and voted to fire Dr. Paige Patterson.  It is alleged he failed to attend some meetings, worked against a trustee, and Patterson’s lawyer questioned the previous decision of the trustees.  While grateful for the explanation, serious concerns remain. 

1.  The EC acted in haste.  Many such decisions take weeks or months.  Patience and slow deliberation is often wise. 

2.  They made this decision when Paige Patterson was out of the country preaching, and gave him no chance to defend himself.  We should always be willing to hear the other side (Proverbs 18:17; Matthew 18). 

3.  This decision to fire Patterson appears to be an angry reaction to what they consider his provocation. 

4.  All trustees are not in agreement with this verdict, and likely, more trustees will come to regret this hasty, harsh ruling. 

5.  The 12-member EC rescinded the decision of the full body of 40 trustees.  A decision made only one week before. 

6.  Some feel this gives the appearance that since the full body of trustees would not fire Patterson, the EC met later to do so. 

7.  This decision sets a terrible precedent.  Firing an entity leader should be an absolute last resort.  Also, should a precedent be set that an EC can nullify a decision of the full board? 

8.  The complaints of the EC are pretty well nonexistent if Dr. Patterson is President Emeritus rather than President.  The alleged charge that he missed trustee meetings, no longer matters.  Why not let past disagreements remain in the past? 

9.  Patterson’s attorney questioning the decision of the Trustees may have simply been for the sake of clarification.  Regardless, the Trustees can pretty well do what they want, as long as they follow their guidelines.  They do not have to be concerned with questions from a lawyer; just be transparent, answer the concerns, and move on. 

10.  There is the danger of appearing to bow to more extreme elements of the MeToo movement and social media.  Whatever their intentions, in the final analysis, the EC did exactly what the more extreme elements of the MeToo movement called for.  Despite the social media accusations, evidence now shows Paige Patterson followed proper procedure in dealing with sexual assault. 

11.  This action of the EC seems to have been done with malice and no grace.  Some have said the secular world treats their employees better.  Please allow Paige and Dorothy Patterson to retire with dignity. 

12.  Southwestern should keep the promises made to Paige and Dorothy Patterson in the previous, full trustee meeting. 

Paige Patterson is a preacher, pastor, evangelist, scholar, author, educator.  He and Dorothy have lived exemplary moral lives.  At great sacrifice, he was one of the leaders in the fight for inerrancy of Scripture in the SBC Conservative Resurgence.  He is not perfect, he can rub people the wrong way, but he certainly deserves better than being unceremoniously kicked out of SWBTS where he has faithfully served 15 years. 

Paige Patterson and his family have been devastated.  He has apologized for improper statements.  He has been humbled.  Perhaps it is now time for some trustees to humble themselves, and rescind the rushed decision of the SWBTS Executive Committee. 

PS – In my humble opinion, more people should be publicly speaking up for Paige Patterson. 

-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor; June 28, AD 2018. 

Updates:

SWBTS donors request investigative committee re: Patterson termination; suggest executive committee actions imperil academic accreditation
http://sbctoday.wpengine.com/swbts-donors-request-investigative-committee-re-patterson-termination-suggest-executive-committee-actions-imperil-academic-accreditation/

Donor Letter to SWBTS Trustees

https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4568645-Southwestern-Letter.html

Conservative Resurgence archives find home in Fort Worth

SWBTS’s Baptist Heritage Library will house historical documents and provide presidential apartment.

http://texanonline.net/archives/5920/

Articles:

Trustees Unfair Treatment of Dr. Paige Patterson

Letter to Southern Baptists from Paige Patterson

Brief History of the SBC Conservative Resurgence

11 Reasons to Not Drink Alcohol

Baptismal Regeneration; Is Baptism Necessary For Salvation? Part 1

Other Articles in lower right margin. 

Letter to Southern Baptists from Paige Patterson

Letter to Southern Baptists from Paige Patterson

Dear Southern Baptist Family:

On May 22 the trustees of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary met together in a board meeting called at my request.  At that meeting, in which I briefly participated, I was asked to assume the position of President Emeritus of Southwestern, and I accepted this reassignment. One week later, May 30, the executive committee of the board met, though this time I was not asked to participate and was unable to address or answer questions for committee members since I was in Germany for a preaching assignment. While in Germany, I received a phone call informing me I had been relieved of all responsibilities with and compensation from the Seminary effective immediately.

Since much has been reported and written about these matters in recent weeks, I wanted to address briefly a few points. It is not in my spirit or my heart to debate or revisit the decisions of the trustees to whom I was accountable as president of Southwestern, other than the brief comments that follow.

Recently, I have been accused, publicly and privately, of a number of things -- none of which I acknowledge as having done in the way portrayed, and others that I am confident I absolutely did not do. I'll just speak to several examples.

First, a poor choice of words has occurred, in and out of the pulpit, over decades of ministry. I regret each case in which my heart and message were not clearly presented.

On the other hand, I take exception to accusations that I ever knowingly ignored or failed to follow appropriate protocols in cases of reported abuse of women, students, or staff at any institution where I have served. Indeed, the Southwestern trustees confirmed as much in their public statement of May 23, 2018: "The board affirmed a motion stating evidence exists that Dr. Patterson has complied with reporting laws regarding assault and abuse."

For my words, demeanor, sentiments, or disposition to have been twisted to suggest the very antithesis to who I am and the biblical message I have presented over half a century not only is crushing to me and my family but also inevitably proves hurtful to others in the process. I have never sought to inflict hurt upon a woman or man.

For the last 43 years, through service in three institutions, I have attempted to prepare pastors and missionaries academically, evangelistically, and spiritually for kingdom endeavors. Today, on behalf of my sweetheart Dorothy, who has labored faithfully by my side through both sorrows and triumphs, and on behalf of my children and grandchildren, I want to express my gratitude to God for Southern Baptists. You have often encouraged our hearts. You have prayed for us in a multitude of ways. I would ask of no one of you more than you have given. What I have given back is a pittance compared to your kindness to me.

I wish further to thank the faculties and administrators who have held high my arms during both calm and raging waters. I love you all. To all of my students, including nearly 10,000 graduates whose diplomas I have personally signed, I thank you for your uncommon love for me, and more important, your unwavering devotion to our Lord.

To those who have ever opposed me or have embraced a different vision, I would be remiss if I did not thank you also. Your opposition kept me on my face before God, reminded me of just how very human I am, and outlined in tantalizing colors the mercies of God, which I have received in profusion from our Lord. I pray for heaven's kindness for each of you.

At age 75, while my occupation has changed, my calling and passion have not been disturbed. Soon Southwestern will have a new president. I am riding off into the setting sun -- but with a Bible in my hand and a witness from my heart until He comes for me individually or for us all in the air. I ask Southern Baptists to hold the new president of Southwestern before God in earnest prayer. He will be a great man, but the level of his attainment will be dependent to a large degree on your concert of prayer. I know that you will not fail in this endeavor.

In a few days, for the first time in 66 years I will not attend the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention -- having begun attending when I was nine. As many of you know, I was elected in 2017 to deliver the 2018 annual convention sermon, but I have now respectfully requested to be released from this high privilege because I do not want my role as a preacher to detract in any way from the important business of our convention and because my desire is to work toward biblical harmony at our annual meeting. Many messengers have implored me to carry out this assignment, but this convention is not about me, and I have every confidence that this decision is best and right.

Now, may I just leave you with a challenge? I have with stumbling step, limited ability, and stuttering tongue desired to bequeath to the world an orthodox denomination with a heart and message for a world of lost people. My part is small in the amazing history of the people we call Baptists. But as insignificant as it may be, I will be praying every day that you will cling to the whole Bible as the Word of the living God and at the same moment give that Word to every lost person on this globe, knowing that Christ died for all and that every man, woman, boy, and girl who comes to the Lord Jesus in saving faith will be saved. Would you join me in that endeavor? Please link your hearts with Dorothy and me in expressing thanksgiving to our Lord for His abundant mercies to us all.

-Dr. Paige Patterson, June 8, AD 2018. 

http://bpnews.net/51039/patterson-denies-mishandling-reported-abuse

For more information: 

http://bpnews.net/51010/updated-patterson-attorney-claims-misrepresentation

-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, June 24, AD 2018. 

Other Articles in lower right margin.  

Trustees Unfair Treatment of Dr. Paige Patterson

Several things deeply concern me about the Trustees firing Dr. Paige Patterson. 

1.  Why was Dr. Patterson not given more time to present his answers and his case on May 22, 2018?

 

2.  Why was he apparently not even consulted, or allowed to defend himself, on May 30 when he was fired? 

3.  Why was this done when Patterson was out of the country? 

4.  Why was he fired by a sub-group, rather than all of the Trustees? 

5.  Why so much disrespect, distain, toward Patterson? 

6.  Why has SWBTS and BP not allowed detailed evidence in Patterson’s favor to be presented and made public? 

7.  Why has negative evidence been presented in detail, but not positive evidence? 

8.  Why have you not allowed the evidence of Sharayah Colter to be revealed to Trustees and the public?

9.  Have you attempted or asked to get relevant documents publicly released? 

The first one to plead his cause seems right, until his neighbor comes and examines him.  -Proverbs 18:17, NKJV

Dr. Norman Geisler’s Statement on Paige Patterson

“He [Dr. Paige Patterson] did nothing worthy of being fired.  No biblical grounds were given, let alone seriously considered. There are numerous Christian leaders who have committed sins worthy of discipline. Patterson is not one of them; he hasn’t committed any such sins. On the contrary, he has done many things worthy of exaltation.”

“Many who opposed Dr. Patterson were apparently caught up in winds of the #MeToo movement of the day.  But no doctrinal or moral charges were even offered, let alone proven by two or more credible witnesses against him.  Rather, personal opinions about isolated cases were offered.”   

-Norman Geisler, May 28, AD 2018. 

http://normangeisler.com/why-firing-paige-patterson-was-a-mistake/

Defense of Paige Patterson, by Sharayah Colter

http://normangeisler.com/the-untold-truth-about-paige-patterson/

Update, From Baptist Press

"No reasonable reading of” correspondence from Patterson's personal archives suggested Lively "reported a rape to Dr. Patterson" in 2003 when he was Southeastern's president "and certainly not that he ignored" such a report, "as is alleged."

"Dr. Patterson first learned of the charges that he allegedly did not report a rape at SEBTS during the May 22 board meeting" of Southwestern's trustees. "Dr. Patterson's response was that he had no recollection of a rape being reported to him."

Sharpe told BP Patterson didn't "remember a lady reporting a rape" while he was at Southeastern, so he called Allan Moseley, Southeastern's dean of students in 2003. "Dr. Moseley said, 'I don't recall the lady telling me that.' And then the lady who became [Lively's] accountability partner" said, when she was queried May 22, "I don't ever remember this student telling me that."

http://bpnews.net/51010/patterson-attorney-claims-misrepresentation

Last, pray earnestly for the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention.  It meets June 12-13, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. 

-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, June 5, AD 2018.

Articles:

Open Letter to SWBTS Trustees Concerning Paige Patterson

Ken Hemphill, Nominee for SBC President

11 Reasons to Not Drink Alcohol

Other Articles in lower right margin.