Monday, December 26, 2011

LCG Wants To Know if You Are A "Peacemaker?"



LCG's Winnail sent out the following missive the other day:

Are You a Peacemaker?  As the world approaches the end of December, we will hear about “peace on earth” and the need for “peaceful relations” among the peoples of the world.  Yet, the Bible reveals that human beings do not know “the way of peace” (Isaiah 59:8).  In light of this crying need, it is not surprising that a fundamental aspect of Christianity involves learning how to be a peacemaker.  Jesus taught, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9).  The Apostle Paul advised Christians to “live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:17-21). Paul explained that we can become peacemakers by not seeking revenge, by not mistreating others when we are mistreated and by overcoming evil with good.  Solomon wisely observed, “A soft answerer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1).  Solomon also stated, “He who covers [overlooks and forgives] a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats [talks about and won’t let go of] a matter separates friends” (Proverbs 17:9).  Peter mentions that getting rid of pride and learning to work together with humility leads to peaceful relations with others.  Real peacemakers will go to their brother or sister when problems arise and talk things over in a spirit of meekness (Matthew 18:15; James 3:17-18).  The Bible reveals that the key to peace and peaceful relations with others is to love and follow the laws of God (Psalm 119:165).

Have a profitable Sabbath,
Douglas S. Winnail

Maybe we should ask Winnail if his boss is a "peacemaker."  Rod has a reputation of being anything but peaceful.  He was disruptive and spiteful when he was over the ministry. He was spiteful with Leona McNair which cost the church hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees and court judgments.  He broke up hundreds of relationships and marriages over the years. He was angry with HWA which caused him to be exiled to Hawaii.  He connived and was disruptive behind the scenes when Tkach was bringing the changes down the pipeline.  He conspired with various elders and deacons to form Global Church of God while he was still in the employ of WCG.  He had a non-peaceful meltdown when Global refused to let him have his way and then proceeded to take all of Global's money when he formed Living Church of God.  He was being anything but peaceful when he allowed Raymond and Eve McNair to grovel on their knees in front of him "with trembling lips" begging forgiveness for rebellion against him. His hate filled sermons lead one of his followers to murder five people in Wisconsin during a LCG Church service.

In light of all of that I can easily say that Living Church of God and Rod Meredith are anything but peaceful.
Nor, do I want anything to do with the "peace" they think they have to offer!

New Book By Former WCG Minister: "The People of the Sign"

 "What do divorce, alcoholism, kidnapping, radio evangelism, ancient prophecies, 
the collapse of the Soviet Union, church schism and the Stockholm Syndrome 
have in common with the music of the Beatles? 
The People of he Sign effortlessly weaves these together, 
proving once and for all that truth really is far, far stranger than fiction."

There is another book ready to be published about life in the Worldwide Church of God.

This one will be a little different from the previous books that have dealt with people exiting the cult. This book is by a former minister of the WCG, who jumped ship during the changes to UCG, then jumped ship to David Hulme's little group and then over to David Antion's group.

From his posts on Facebook and elsewhere he seems to be very unapologetic about his role as a minister and his stance on sabbath and other COG issues. 

It will be interesting to see how people react to his book.

This is what was on Facebook today:
Hi all - I'm a former full time WCG Minister (1989 - 1995) who was then a "local church elder" successively in UCG, David Hulme's COG aia and David Antion's COG SC. I also supported Leon Sexton's Legacy Institute, including several trips to India - and some memorable baptisms there.

I've written an autobiographical book about my journeys - called The People of the Sign. It's being published on 1.16.2012 (couple of tie-ins there - anyone want to venture a guess?)
 My personal experience withing the WCG was overwhelmingly positive, though in my book it is discussed - warts and all, and people from across the experience spectrum will find history to relate to and disagree with.
 It will list on Amazon.com and Barnes & Nobles for $19.95, but is available on pre-order direct from me for $10, which includes shipping.

Let me state, openly, I've worked over 4 years on this book, and I'm not ashamed to say I hope it more than pays for itself. A laborer is worthy of his hire.

Let me also say, one of the reasons for putting up with some of the heckling and attacks that I endured in WCG survivors is that I and the other ministers in WCG and its offshoots do have a lot to answer for. There is pain, hurt, disappointment, suffering, and sin to account for. Those in positions of leadership, such as myself during that time, are held to a higher divine standard than those who looked to us as "ministers".

My goal in participating in open discussions is reconciliation.
By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one for another. Cheers!
 Wade Frannson
People of the Sign