Crackpot Prophet: Forest Fires Are God's Wrath Being Poured Out On The World

Herbert W. Armstrong had no idea how many absolute blithering idiots would emerge after his death, self-appointing themselves as God's great preservers of truth.

No one could have ever imagined that a disgraced church leader would try and bribe a uniformed officer of the law to not arrest him for public drunkenness, nor that he would traipse around the woods of Oregon looking for a dirty old rock, haul it back to Oklahoma, and claim Christ was returning to that said rock to establish His kingdom on Earth. No one could have ever imagined that the gospel message was really one that included Irish Dance as a witness to the world. No one could have imagined that this same moron would claim Jeremiah had buried the Ark of the Covenant in the Hill of Tara in Ireland and that this self-anointed righteous one's followers would be the ones to dig it up.

No one could have ever imagined that a Church of God leader would be sent to prison for tax fraud for a biblical time period of 3½ years, as an astute judge did. No one could have imagined that said church leader's wife was carrying diamonds around in her underwear and on her fingers so that when it came time to flee to Jerusalem, where he was to give a witness, they would have money to spend.

No one could have ever imagined that a COG leader would command his followers to give him every single dime they had, sell their homes and businesses, send in retirement account money, and spend countless years claiming Christ was returning in the next few weeks. No one could have ever imagined that Jesus would be returning to Wadsworth, Ohio, prior to His return to the world. Apparently, a shopping trip at Giant Eagle was needed.

No one could have ever imagined that a vain narcissistic man, REJECTED by three different COG organizations for ordination, would self-appoint himself as a COG leader. This know-it-all would appoint himself as the one true end-time church, with its basis in the dreams and nightmares of various individuals. No one could have ever imagined that this same leader would take his ministry to Africa because no Caucasian nation would put up with his crap. No one could have imagined how ignorant this said man would be about how church-hopping former SDA/COG/Sabbatarians would be using him for money, laptops, seeds, etc., while they committed adultery, ran for political office, and would have shamans in his group practicing witchcraft. No one could have ever imagined that this guy would proclaim himself as the authority on every topic imaginable, from the Mayans to church history, the Catholic Church, and forest fires. Ah, yes! Forest fires.

No one could have ever imagined the complete mental breakdown of COG leaders in our lifetimes, yet here we are today with the Great Bwana Bob Mzungu Thiel blathering on about forest fires.

Fires and God’s Wrath

There have been massive fires raging in the State of California. The size and devastation of one fire qualifies it as a world event–and looks to be one of the costliest disasters in US history. What might the Bible have to say about fires? Is it possible that there are Biblical ramifications of fires? Especially fires of this magnitude and destruction. If there are any Biblical ramifications, what is God trying to say? Is it possible that fires of this magnitude have any relationship to the warnings God gave ancient Israel and are having an impact on us today? If so, why would the warnings given to ancient Israel have any effect on us? What do we have to do with ancient Israel? Dr. Thiel shines the light of Bible prophecy on these questions. By quoting several scriptures that relate directly to the questions just presented, Dr. Thiel reveals the warnings God is giving humanity in these end times. Dr. Thiel shows us, through the word of God, that by obeying the words of God, we can stop the destruction. Even if we fail on a national level, we can still succeed on a personal level.

Sing Along With Jelly

Imagine being a child in UCG and having to listen to this crap! 

And, here we thought Big Beak was pathetic!

"When we began looking at other groups to see where Christ was working, we found no group. Christ began using me."

 

Samuel Kitchen writes:

Mr Armstrong had to separate himself from the payroll of the Oregon Conference, because they wanted him to preach false doctrines. He cooperated with them, but he didn’t receive wages from them. He continued to preach the truth of God.

I think Mr Dean should follow his example.

I spent most of my life observing my father as a servant of Christ, following Christ and Christ being with him.

When we began looking at other groups to see where Christ was working, we found no group.

Christ began using me.

How many times have we heard this exact same phrase made by almost every splinter group self-appointed leader? Jesus no more appointed Samuel than He did Bob Thiel to his position.

Samuel continues:

It would be easier for me to go to the UCG, or some other group and become a member of that group. Maybe I’d find a wife and have a family of my own. Maybe I wouldn’t have to struggle against persecution as much, and maybe I wouldn’t be such an outcast.

But what keeps me here, is the Word of God! I believe what it says! I gave myself to Jesus Christ! I have no other purpose in this life. I didn’t choose this, I was chosen.

I didn’t raise up the Worldwide Church of God. Christ did through His apostle.

I didn’t choose Aaron Dean and appoint him, Christ did through His apostle.

He’s like a Joshua getting ready to exit Babylon. He thinks he has to be a Daniel. But God already gave the marching orders, and how can the Temple be restored if the servants who were appointed give up and refuse to return?

It takes one voice, like the Barry Manillo song goes. Im trying to stand up and be encouraging. I might end up with more scars because of it but man , family means a lot to me. Why can’t I put value on the Family of God? You deserve to live, don’t ya?

I believe God’s Word that says the Worldwide Church of God will come back together.(Zechariah 2) The Philadelphia candlestick still exists and will be protected!

Christ intervenes and returns when He does for the Elects sake. He loves this Church!

Now i may be ridiculed and laughed at and scorned, for fighting for this family, this Worldwide Church of God, but im just following Jesus Christ.

What about you brothers and sisters?

I do get lonely sometimes, because I don’t have anyone here with me. But I do have God, Christ and my spiritual family.

And that’s encouraging.

The family is growing. I can’t wait to see who will be there.

UCG's Ex-President Rick Shabi Has Died

From a UCG source: 

After the Council of Elders unceremoniously dumped Shabi as our President, things quickly went downhill healthwise for Shabi:

On July 21 this was posted:

Uptodate news on the health of Rick Shabi:

Sent: Monday, July 21, 2025 at 04:45:59 PM CDT

Subject: Prayer Request Update - Rick Shabi

Prayer Request Update - Rick Shabi

From Richard Kennebeck, pastor, Orlando/Jacksonville, FL:

“Brethren, thank you all for your earnest prayers and concern at this time.

Rick remains in a medically induced state of rest and is intubated. This assists his breathing and helps give his body a chance to rest and heal. The doctors feel this is best for his recovery during the next few days. Please continue to pray to our great and merciful Father for Rick’s healing and strengthening of his heart, along with comfort and strength for the family.

It is a slow recovery right now, and we will update you when we can. Until then, we deeply appreciate your fervent prayers.”

UCG's new President, Tim Pebworth said this on July 21:

This letter from the Chairman of United Church of God in regards to the health of former President and current Pastor Rick Shabi, a well beloved disciple of God.

From: "Office of the Chairman" <chairman@ucg.org>

To: "Tim Pebworth" <tim_pebworth@UCG.org>

Sent: Sun, Jul 20, 2025 at 6:49 PM

Subject: Letter from Chairman Pebworth – July 20, 2025

Dear members and families of the Body of Christ,

I am writing to you on behalf of the Council of Elders and President John Elliott (who is currently enroute to Sri Lanka), and asking for your prayers for former Church president, Rick Shabi.

He and his wife, Debbie, have relocated back to their home in Florida. They recently returned from vacation and are being welcomed back to the Jacksonville and Orlando, Florida congregations. However, Mr. Shabi suffered a heart attack following Sabbath services yesterday in Jacksonville. We are grateful to report that Mr. Shabi received timely medical attention at the church hall and was subsequently taken to a local hospital where he is receiving treatment. 

Since information has appeared on several forums in varying degrees, we would encourage members to review official prayer request updates coming out from the home office. Mrs. Shabi is providing those updates for us. 

We respect the Shabi’s family privacy in this matter, and Mr. Elliott will provide additional details as appropriate. Below is the latest update from Mrs. Shabi as communicated by Richard Kennebeck, pastor of the Orlando and Jacksonville congregations.

“Thank you for your continued prayers and concern for Rick. After suffering a major heart attack yesterday, his heart remains very weak, and his kidneys are struggling to keep up. If his condition worsens, he may need to be transferred to another facility for more advanced care. Rick remains confident that God is in control and has full faith in the outcome. He and his family deeply appreciate your prayers, love, and concern.”

As we read in Hebrews 4:16, this is a time when we can confidently come before the throne of God in a time of urgent need. Our God is indeed a God of mercy and healing, and we thank you in advance for your prayers.

Tim Pebworth

Chairman 

Yesterday (August 12) there was this update:

Update on Rick Shabi, former President of United Church of God  

 

Dear Brethren, 

 

Patrick Shabi asked me to send out this updated prayer request (8/12/2025 - 5:50 PM ET):

Dear Brethren, 

 

We once again thank you all for the prayers, cards, support, and concern that have been shown for Rick and our family. Rick was able to recover from the cough that was affecting his breathing; however, other complications have presented themselves since then. As a result, Rick has made the decision to stop further medical treatments and to put the situation into God’s hands, so that His will can be done. We will provide another update once more is known. In the meantime, we ask that you please pray for comfort and strength for Rick and family during this time. 

 

Please continue to pray for Rick and the family as they go through this serious time.

(This can be shared)

In Christ’s service, 

Richard Kennebeck, pastor Orlando and Jacksonville 

Today there was this:

Sad news to report! According to Rick Shabi's son, Rick has passed away, and will be sleeping until the 1st Resurrection. Here is the post from his Son, please pray for his family and friends, Rick was well loved and was a very great person, was a honor to meet him and get to know him!

From Patrick Shabi

Hello everyone,

I had the chance to speak with my dad the last few days regarding things on his mind and things he wanted shared. I’m not sure why that was preempted with another message, but I wanted to share them.

Dear Brethren,

It is with great sorrow that we announce the death of Rick Shabi on August 13, 2025 at the age of 71. He lived what he believed and preached up to the very end, when he made the decision to stop all medical treatment and allow God to do His will.

We once again thank everyone for the cards, the support, and especially the prayers for Rick during this trial. Rick was aware of all the prayers and love that were shown for him and our family and said he was deeply humbled by that. He wanted everyone to know that he wasn’t fearful of death because he knew what awaited him and everyone else through the resurrections. He looks forward to that time, when he can serve under God and also with all of you as kings and priests in God’s Kingdom.

Further announcements will be made in the future. For now, we ask for prayers of comfort and time to mourn him, as he will be truly missed. It is at times like this that certain Bible verses, verses we’ve read or heard time and time again, begin to take on new meaning and importance.

O death, where is your victory?

O death, where is your sting?

We understand that this stings for many of you just as it stings us tremendously. However, like Rick demonstrated before he died, we know that the sting of this death is only temporary. We are assured of that through the hope we have through Jesus Christ’s resurrection and promise of His return. Rick is now at rest and asleep, awaiting this promise, like those that have come before him and those that will come after.

Like all of us, Rick was a stranger and exile on the Earth; however, that is no more. He now awaits his true homeland, that heavenly country in which he so strongly believed and for which he so strongly desired when he was alongside all of us.