To whom does Jerusalem belong? Not a hard question to answer if you know your Bible.
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Mark 3:5 “And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts…”
WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO MAKE YOU ANGRY?
What makes you angry? For example, does the knowledge of a missionary doctor abusing a twelve year old missionary kid for two years stir just a little righteous anger within? Does the fact that the mission agency that this doctor worked under hid his pedophilia for years stir just a little ? Does the fact that this missionary doctor’s sending church was NEVER told the doctor had to leave the field for pedophilia stir just a little bit of anger within? Does the fact that this doctor was allowed to return to the states and pick up his medical practice as though nothing happened cause just a little anger to foam within your breast?
DO AN INTERNET SEARCH!
Well if it does then you need to do a search of the internet and read about how the Association of Baptists for World Evangelism (ABWE) mishandled this adulterer, pedophile missionary doctor. In the search you will discover that Dr. Donn Ketcham was a friend of both ABWE’s Far East administrator, Russ Ebersole, which included Bangladesh and the now deceased president of ABWE, Wendell Kempton. One wonders why these two men sought to protect this pedophile! For example Russ Ebersole, the Far East administrator, wrote Ketcham’s churches in a letter dated September 18, 1989 “In consideration for Mrs. Ketcham, and at your discretion, we suggest that support be continued through November to allow this couple to become settled, find employment and begin counseling. Our medical team at the Memorial Christian Hospital, as you can imagine, has suffered a great blow in the loss of Dr. Ketcham. We are working presently with a ‘skeleton crew’ and many medical services have been curtailed. We are trying our best to locate short term doctors who can fill in some of the gaps.”
MORE CONCERN FOR THE ABUSER THAN THE ABUSED!
NOTE, EBERSOLE WRITES IN CONSIDERATION OF THE PEDOPHILE’S FAMILY BUT where is the concern for a fourteen year old girl molested by this man!? Where is the concern for the family of this girl? Ebersole tells the churches that this pedophile needs to get settled back into life in the states and find employment. WAIT, this doctor has been a pedophile and this mission agency is allowing him to go back into society and practice medicine! The callousness of this man and ABWE is beyond comprehension. There is no concern for the girl, her family or those with whom this medical doctor pedophile will be now practicing medicine on!
Support is asked to continue for the pedophile’s family BUT what about the poor family whose daughter had suffered under this predator for two years!? THE SHAME OF ALL THIS IS THAT ALMOST NARY A CHURCH HAS RESPONDED TO THIS PEDOPHILE COVER-UP!
In your search you will read that the abuse of this adulterer pedophile was made known to ABWE’s president Michael Loftis in early 2002 by some former MK’s abused by Ketcham. NOW, hearing this, one would think action would have been taken immediately! Well, think again! Nothing was done until 2011! It wasn’t until May 2011 that ABWE hired G.R.A.C.E to investigate the Donn Ketcham pedophile case. However, G.R.A.C.E was only hired due to the persistence of these former MK girls! ABWE would not have done anything if these girls had not begun their blog.
MICHAEL LOFTIS RESIGNS
Then in June of that same year, 2011, Michael Loftis resigns from ABWE. Note I said “resign”. However, later ABWE says they terminated Loftis. Whether he resigned or was terminated it wasn’t any too soon for his incompetence but what about the others who were guilty in this cover-up for over twenty years? They do not resign or get terminated until later.
SELF PRESERVATION MODE AGAIN
NOW CONSIDER THIS, in early 2013, less than ONE month before G.R.A.C.E. was to turn their report over to ABWE THEIR investigation into the Donn Ketcham’s pedophilia, ABWE replaces G.R.A.C.E. with another agency. WHY DID ABWE DO THIS? DID ABWE STOP AND THINK WHAT THIS LOOKS LIKE? Is it self-preservation? I personally believe it is. The missionary girls abused by this man believe so as well. “At this date, Feb. 13, 2013, ABWE refuses to guarantee us the original terms of the GRACE investigation. A devastating blow to any chance of justice for the abused MKs who–as a result–are no longer guaranteed:
Public access to the final report
Equal footing on a committee to determine final outcomes of the report
And any sense that ABWE’s claims of wanting to experience ‘truth and reconciliation’ are genuine.”
This whole sordid affair smacks of a GOOD OLE BOY’S CLUB. This time it is not just a cover-up of those involved but for ABWE’s own preservation. Oh, ABWE does CARE for children for “As part of ABWE’s on-going commitment to training all of our staff in the best practices in child safety, the mission held an intensive training for missionaries from around the world.” Just think of the money that is spent on something that SHOULD NOT BE A PROBLEM!!!! Mission agencies are like the government, they exist because others contribute their substance to keep them going. What is this mission agency, ABWE, all about?!
NO CREDIBILITY
From 1989 to 2012 ABWE allowed Russ Ebersole to continue as an administrator over other missionaries. These administrator postions are another whole story in themselves. Here is a man who was an accomplice in all this pedophile cover-up and it was not until “October 12, 2012 – ABWE announces that they have let Don Davis and Russ Ebersole go. Admits for the first time that Michael Loftis resignation was impacted by ABWE abuse scandal, citing “leadership failure” for the first time publicly–and incidentally directly contrary to statements regarding Loftis by Church Relations VP Tony Beckett (who had nothing but ‘love and appreciation’ for Loftis) and former Chairman of the Board Ron Berrus (who stated Loftis had ‘unquestioned moral and financial integrity, giftedness, and a great passion for the cause of Christ worldwide’) in 2011.” Before all this broke Loftis was the best thing since sliced bread but when the rock is removed and light hits the mud it is another story. What makes men do and say the things they do and this is a supposedly Christian organization!
LET US BACK UP FOR A LITTLE HISTORY
Let me back up to March 30, 2011 when ABWE stated “Concerns regarding Donn Ketcham’s repeated inappropriate behavior with the opposite sex on the field could have resulted in his termination as early as 1975, but continued indiscretions should have resulted in dismissal no later than 1985. Regrettably, we did not terminate him as a missionary but rather gave repeated opportunities for counseling and remediation which allowed him time and opportunity to sin against you. Please, please forgive us.”
1975 – 1985
STOP AND LOOK AT THOSE YEARS AGAIN, 1975 and 1985! TEN YEARS! WHY? If this man had been dealt with earlier by ABWE he would not have had opportunity to molest this twelve year old girl! Oh no, this doctor was a buddy with the other “big” shots at ABWE and one supposes he was considered untouchable due to the fact he was a medical doctor and the son of a notable figure who had once led the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches. Now you think about it, for I do not believe those men in the ABWE home office were ever thinking that this sordid affair would ever come out from beneath the rock for all to see! In fact this pedophile, one year before his pedophilia crime was reported, spoke at Cedarville College’s 1988 Missions Conference “challenging students with his stories of faith and love”! Does this remind you of 1Timothy 4:2 “Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron”?
HOW DID THIS MAN CONTINUE ON THE FIELD!?
ABWE did not terminate this adulterous pedophile until 1989 and then only because a 14 year old girl told her pastor what Ketcham was doing to her. Note also that ABWE uses the words “inappropriate behavior” in the statement quoted earlier rather than adultery or pedophilia! From the beginning ABWE has been elusive and in self-preservation mode.
Without going into a lot of material already covered by others and myself, it IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE this medical doctor had committed adultery even before he had reached the mission field. Also Ketcham after he was caught in pedophilia, admitted to having had three to five adulterous relationships while in Bangladesh! WHERE are the safe guards mission agenices are supposedly there for? How did this all take place on a mission compound? Were the other ABWE missionaries BLIND, DEAF AND DUMB when it came to this sin in the ABWE camp?
As one searches this sordid and foul affair you begin to wonder about things and questions come to mind such as where were the other missionaries? Where were those who should have been discerning that something was not right with this man? How did this take place on a mission compound and no one suspected anything? Will the new regulations and a new paid position protect the ABWE children? Again it sounds like the government. Something goes wrong so we will make another rule, another law, spend more money, hire more personnel and things will get better. NOT!
This medical doctor was allowed to go back and start a medical practice in Michigan without ABWE reporting his pedophila to the Michigan medical board. How could any organization let alone a supposedly Christian organization do this? Is it because ABWE is a GOOD OLE BOY’S CLUB? Not until “March 20, 2012 – ABWE announces that Ketcham pleaded no-contest to allegations of a ‘violation of general duty’ and ‘lack of good moral character’ by the State of Michigan Medical Board of Review after their investigation, which was begun in mid-2011. Ketcham surrenders his medical license once and for all.” Not until the lid is blown off the sewer does ABWE report this man to the Michigan medical board. No one can tell a discerning person that there was not and still is cover-up and self-preservation in this whole messy situation. No wonder Loftis fled when he did.
This man, Donn Ketcham, is well past retirement age so surrendering his license twenty some years later doesn’t really hurt his back pocket. He has had over twenty years to plan and prepare for retirement through a medical practice that probably earned more money in one year than he earned in ten as a missionary. If this sin and unlawful act of pedophilia had occurred in the USA he would not have been practicing medicine but would have been in jail!
PEDOPHILE VISITS ABWE MISSION FIELDS
This pedophile has even visited Bangladesh again but according to a statement by ABWE they “…refused to permit him to serve on the board of an ABWE subsidiary. If Dr. Ketcham visited ABWE ministry locations, it was at the invitation of friends and family, not in any official capacity. ABWE has never denied or withheld information about his crime when asked.”
Was that not good of ABWE to refuse Ketcham from serving on “the board of an ABWE subsidiary”. My question is why was Ketcham’s name even brought forward for nomination to any board ABWE was associated with? Is it because he was never identified as a pedophile! But even if he wasn’t he was an known adulterer and still he is brought forward to serve on a board of an ABWE subsidiary! UNBELIEVABLE! IT LOOKS as though the Good Ole Boy’s Club is alive and well even if one is an adulterer and/or pedophile. Again I say UNBELIEVABLE! This doesn’t go well for ABWE even though they seem to think they did SO MUCH!
WHERE TO FROM HERE?
As stated earlier ABWE had released G.R.A.C.E from their task and ABWE has now hired IPP, Professional Investigators International. Of course all of this was done smothered with much prayer so ABWE says.
ABWE is accustom to using typical Christian jargon like “As members of the body of Christ, we know the value of truth, honesty and transparency — and we are continually learning how to exemplify those characteristics in our actions and words (emphasis added).” Really? If this is true why did ABWE release G.R.A.C.E. only weeks from submitting their report? If these three qualities are true of ABWE they are only recently acquired. As a former missionary with ABWE I was told that I was treated worse than Donn Ketcham. Now after the revelation of this septic pedophile situation it can be seen how true that statement was. Where is the truth, honesty and transparency of which ABWE so easily speaks? Releasing G.R.A.C.E. is just another indication of what ABWE really is not and that is truthful, honest or transparent!
As a former ABWE missionary, my wife and I were interviewed via Skype by G.R.A.C.E and we found nothing untoward in that interview. They were professional, objective and sought to only know the truth and only the truth. They were honest with us and some days after the interview they sent us a transcript for our approval.
DON’T QUIT GIRLS
Hopefully the girls who began this will not stop due to ABWE’s obstinance and seemingly self-preservation methods. These girls need the backing of all Christian believers and churches that truly care for real truth, honesty and transparency!
There is just too much of this going on within the Baptists both Independent and SBC. The Bible is true but there are false professors of that truth.
I had to do some more searching after viewing this video but after finding out he had taught at Hyles Anderson I began to believe the story.
Whatyareckon?
EXCERPTS FROM CHAPTER ONE
OF
CHRIST IN THE CAMP
This book was purchased in 1994 when we were visiting the Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park while travelling in the Eastern part of the United States. The copy of the book which I have was printed by Sprinkle Publications, P. O. Box 1094, Harrisonburg, VA 22801. The book contains photos of men such as Robert E. Lee, “Stonewall” Jackson and Jefferson Davis and others which make the events even more real and enjoyable. Hopefully, these short excerpts will whet your appetite for more. A downloadable pdf of this book may be obtained at http://openlibrary.org/books/OL6918752M/Christ_in_the_camp. Sadly the pdf does not have the photos.
The book was written by J. William Jones, former Chaplin in Army of Northern Virginia. J. William Jones was an ordained Baptist minister who was preparing to leave for China when the Civil War broke out. He enlisted as a private in the Confederate Army but in a year he began serving as a chaplain. Christ in the Camp is the result of Jones’ reports of the ongoing revival that he had witnessed among the Confederate troops.
The first Copyright was 1887, by B. F. Johnson & Co. In the Preface the author writes “It may be proper to add that, while the book is written by an ardent Confederate, who does not pretend to conceal warm Confederate sympathies, everything has been scrupulously avoided which could reasonably give offense from either sectional or sectarian bias.” Having said that he goes on to state that he sends forth the book “with the earnest hope that it may prove acceptable to many at the North as well as the South, with the fervent prayer that it may be useful in leading men to Christ and in strengthening the faith and brightening the hope of true children of our loving Father, who, behind the ‘frowning providence’ of war, hid ‘a smiling face’ for those who trusted Him even in the storm.” The book is full of stories relating the preaching of the Gospel and conversions to Christ as Saviour during a time of war.
There are thirteen chapters in total and it is from these that I will draw some excerpts which I trust will help you appreciate what the Lord accomplished through men during this conflict between brother and brother. In the Introduction J. C. Cranberry, former Chaplin in the Army of Northern Virginia wrote “The only triumphs the author records are the triumphs of the cross. That so many soldiers were saved by the power of the Gospel to the praise of the riches of God’s grace is the facts in which he desires all Christians to rejoice.”
Throughout these excerpts the emphasis will be that of this editor. Page 28 begins A LETTER TO A SON IN CAMP. This is a letter from a father to his son and the father outlines his letter in six points. The father’s third point is “Try to maintain your Christian profession among your comrades. I need not caution you against strong drink as useless and hurtful, nor against profanity, so common among soldiers. Both these practices you abhor. Aim to take at once a decided stand for God. If practicable, have prayers regularly in your tent, or unite with your fellow-disciples in prayer meetings in the camp. Should preaching be accessible, always be a hearer. Let the world know that you are a Christian. Read a chapter in the New Testament which your mother gave you, every morning and evening when you can, and engage in secret prayer to God for his Holy Spirit to guide and sustain you. I would rather hear of your death than of the shipwreck of your faith and good conscience.” Oh, how America and Australia need fathers such as this TODAY! What a concern this father had for his boy who was facing death each and every day. This father’s wish was not that his boy becomes a man through fulfilling worldly passions but rather his boy keeps his heart and life right before man and God!
In point four this godly father wrote his son to “…make special associates of those whose influence on your character is felt to be good.” Proverbs 27:17 “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” The father wrote “Some men love to tell extravagant stories, to indulge in vulgar wit, to exult in a swaggering carriage, to pride themselves on their coarse manners, to boast of their heroism, and to give utterance to feelings of revenge against their enemy. All of this is injurious to young and impressionable minds. If you admire such things, you will insensibly imitate them, and imitation will work gradual but certain detriment to your character. Other men are refined without being affected. They can relax into occasional pleasantries, without violating modesty. They can be loyal to their governments without indulging private hatred against her foes. They can be cool and brave in battle, and not be braggarts in the absence of danger. Above all, they can be humble, spiritual, and active Christians, and yet mingle in the stirring and perilous duties of soldier life. Let these be your companions and models. You will thus return from the dangers of camp without a blemish on your name.” Oh, to be such a wise and godly father to give such counsel to your son who is living daily in such close quarters among the unsaved and at any moment might be going into the heat of battle.
The father’s sixth point was that “Providence has placed you in the midst of thoughtless and unpardoned men. What a beautiful thing it would be if you could win some of them to the Saviour! Will you not try? You will have many opportunities of speaking a word in season.”
May we who are fathers and grand-fathers read the above words and take them to heart. As the world turns whether it is war or everyday living our sons and grandsons will be facing the wiles of the devil. We ought to be deep enough in the Word and close enough to the Saviour to give such godly and wise advice!
On page 35 we read “We have plenty of men to fight, but not half enough to pray.” 2Timothy 2:3, 4 “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.”
On page 36 this wonderful testimony is given. “Rev. Mr. Hopkins, of Martinsburg, Virginia, sends $5.00 to be appropriated to the purchase of tracts for Captain Robert White’s company, Thirteenth Regiment Virginia Volunteers. It is a thank-offering from a widowed mother, whose son died of fever at Winchester, contracted at Manassas. Up to the time of leaving home he had not made a profession of faith in Christ, although she had long dedicated him to God’s service in the ministry. But her cause of gratitude now is, that during his camp life he evinced so much devotion to reading his Bible, and for some time before his sickness had shown signs of piety, and died acknowledging his love to the Saviour, and supported by this love now ‘sleeps in Jesus.’ – Central Presbyterian.”
On page 38 we read these words “The darker the conflict the brighter the transition.” On the same page and page 38 we read “I lay both my good deeds and my evil deeds together, and flee from them to my Saviour.”
As we finish Chapter One may we purpose to be true and loyal soldiers of the cross so we too will “return from the dangers of the camp without a blemish” on our name or His!
No one can say the shooting that recently took place in the state of Connecticut, USA is not a sad, sad tragedy. What was going through the mind of this young man that he would kill his own mother and then innocent children in a school?! Is it time for more government intervention on guns? Many would say, yes!!
Think about what makes someone do what this young man did? Yes, I am going to get religious and go to the Bible. Most people remember Cain and Abel. Here is what the Bible says about the FIRST MURDERER. Genesis 4:3 – 10 “And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. 4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: 5 But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. 6 And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? 7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him. 8 And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. 9 And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper? 10 And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto me from the ground.”
Here we have a brother murdering his own brother! This is a parent’s worse nightmare. Why did Cain do it? Firstly, Cain murdered Abel because Cain was mad at God. Cain had brought his offering but God refused it and Cain knew it. Secondly, Cain couldn’t really take it out on God for God was God so Cain turned his hatred toward his brother.
How did Cain kill Abel? It wasn’t with a gun; we know that. Murder can be committed in many ways for all it takes is the murderer to perform the act. Cain was not an atheist, agnostic or an evolutionist. No, Cain knew God in a very personal way for the Bible says God spoke to Cain and Cain spoke to God. However, it is easy to see that Cain did not have faith in God as his brother did for we read in Hebrews 11:4 “By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.” Abel was right with God but Cain was not.
The Bible declares in Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” and in Romans 5:12 “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned”. Sin was Cain’s problem and so it is with all men for all are born into this world hating God just as Cain.
It isn’t the gun but the man! Yes, the gun was used to murder these innocents but it was THE MAN that pulled the trigger! What is it that made really this man? What was his life composed of? Was he from a home that was composed of a loving mother and father? From the news he was from a home that had suffered a divorce. This is known to make life harder for children.
Then it needs to be considered whether he was a man that had partaken of drugs that are known to have an adverse effect on the mind? Was he man that was in the habit of evil thinking? Was he watching movies that would motivate him to such an action? Was he playing some of the video games that are now being produced that promotes killing? Was he a man that believed he was just a product of chance?
There are many other areas that must be considered but in the end it was not the GUN BUT the MAN! This whole incident isn’t just about the right to bear arms BUT it goes deeper than that. What had this man been taught about God, the world, man, life, death and eternity to name just a few!
The day in the United States is coming very quickly when the right to bear arms will be no more. However, it will not stop murder for as stated earlier it is NOT THE GUN BUT THE MAN! The man must be changed; 2Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
David van Gend wrote in The Australian September 14, 2012 that GAY MARRIAGE IS NOT THE CURE. In his article van Gend referred to Jim Wallace, who is the head of the Australian Christian Lobby, and Wallace’s remarks concerning the homosexual’s push for same sex marriage. Of course the leftist media and certain politicians screamed Wallace and those who agreed with him were simply prejudice and homophobic!
It may be Bible bashing to the politically correct media or politician but the Bible is clear when it states in Romans 1:27 that when man leaves the natural use of the woman and burns in his lust for another man, it is unseemly. Woman was designed by the Creator for man! Paul had said earlier in verse 26 that “For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature.” This lesbian and homosexual lifestyle is consumed with disgraceful passion and is against natural reproduction!
No matter how one cuts it the Bible speaks negatively concerning the homosexual lifestyle but even secular health officials give warning on the matter. “Men who have sex with men are at increased risk of contracting HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, as well as other sexually transmitted infections, including gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis.”[1] NOTE THE WORD “INCREASED RISK”.
This lifestyle which politicians and others are promoting brings with it INCREASED RISK of multiple mental and health issues! This is not being homophobic but truthful! However, God the Creator has told man and woman His PLAN and same sex is not in that PLAN nor are the increased risks that are associated with the homosexual lifestyle!
Whatyareckon?
REMEMBER PATERNO’S STATUE!
Proverbs 22:1 “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches…”
Almost anyone who follows American football or surfs the internet knows the name Joe Paterno. Paterno, now deceased, was accused of burying child sex abuse allegations against the retired assistant coach[1], Jerry Sandusky. It is unthinkable the sexual abuse Sandusky committed against at least ten young boys over fifteen years[2].
According to one report at least two times Sandusky was seen by others; once having anal sex with a young boy and another time he was seen performing oral sex on another young boy. Both of these instances were reported but nothing happened. That is where Paterno comes in; there was a cover-up!
In spite of the evidence against him Paterno does have his supporters who say “He was a good man. It wasn’t that he was an evil person. He made a mistake.” This is the Balance Theory which says if a person’s good deeds outweighs their bad deeds (or mistakes) then forget the bad no matter who was hurt.
However, in spite of his great sporting legacy and some continued support Paterno’s statue has been removed from the Penn State football stadium. This may only be a save face act for Penn State but at least they are aware others are looking on.
So what can Christian organizations learn from the Paterno affair and the removal of Paterno’s statute? The first is, in spite of the evidence some Christians whose sins are found out will still have their supporters. These supporters generally work on the Balance Theory. The second thing Christian organizations can learn is not to build statues or name buildings after anyone within the organization who has been involved in the cover-up of a pedophile. Of whom may this be referring to, Wendell Kempton of course. REMEMBER PATERNO’S STATUE.
Wendell Kempton was the president of the Association of Baptists for World Evangelism (ABWE) during the time missionary doctor Donn Ketcham was having adulterous relationships with nurses and then turned his eye to a twelve year old girl.[3] Did the churches know any of this? Ketcham’s pedophilia was his demise for it wasn’t an adult who reported Ketcham’s sin but the girl herself.[4] REMEMBER PATERNO’S STATUE!
Let it be known that nothing occurred in ABWE land without Wendell Kempton’s knowledge or approval and Donn Ketcham’s adultery, pedophilia and cover-up was no exception! Wendell Kempton had to know! Nevertheless, in spite of this cover-up during Kempton’s presidency, ABWE is asking for funds (5.5 million) to build the Wendell Kempton Medical and Ministry Center.[5] Now, this is not to say a medical center is not needed but it is to say it should not bear the name of a man who was complicit in the cover-up of a pedophile under his leadership. There should be a name change in this medical center! REMEMBER PATERNO’S STATUE!
The honoring of Wendell Kempton with concrete memorials doesn’t stop with ABWE. Wendell Kempton was involved for many many years with Baptist Bible College (BBC) of Pennsylvania. Kempton was an “alumnus, athletic director, administrator and trustee” of BBC.[6] He graduated from BBC in 1957 and returned in 1961 where he continued until 1971 when he accepted the presidency of ABWE.
However, he may have left BBC but he was not forgotten and in 1976 he was elected as a trustee. It was during Kempton’s time as president of ABWE (1971 – 2001) and that as a BBC trustee that ABWE missionary Donn Ketcham had several adulterous relationships with nurses. For one of these he was sent home for counseling and for the other he was moved temporarily to another location in Bangladesh. Did any of the churches know about this? STOP AND THINK, ALL of this occurred under the leadership or lack of leadership of Wendell Kempton.
Undoubtedly Wendell Kempton and BBC had a long amicable history and therefore it is not a strange thing that BBC would name a new structure, “Kempton Athletic Center”[7] in his honor. As the web site for the Kempton Athletic Center says BBC believes Wendell Kempton left “…a legacy of service and leadership”[8]. But did he? Did he leave a fine legacy of leadership? Do those in the high places of BBC really believe this or will Wendell Kempton’s name bring in the money? REMEMBER PATERNO’S STATUE.
Surely those in high places at BBC would know of the Donn Ketcham pedophilia affair by now! Those in leadership at BBC are not so cloistered they have not read or heard somewhere concerning this terrible travesty. Wendell Kempton was the Boss over Russ Ebersole and it was Ebersole who with counselor Russ Lloyd who physically so mishandled the sad saga of Donn Ketcham’s pedophilia. In fact it would have been Russ Ebersole along with Wendell Kempton’s advice or knowledge that allowed Ketcham to have at least two adulterous relationships while on the mission field and continue as a missionary before his pedophilia! Remember we are talking about a Christian organization here. REMEMBER PATERNO’S STATUE!
It was Ebersole who was the field administrator over Bangladesh but he was always answerable to Kempton. There was a chain of command in ABWE and Kempton was at the top. One would have to be very very naïve to think Ebersole was dealing with a pedophile incident in Bangladesh and Kempton not know it!!
What kind of leadership covers up a missionary having at least two adulterous relationships with missionary nurses? What kind of leadership covers up a fifty some year old man having sex with a twelve year old girl? What kind of leadership allows a fifty some year old man to sexually abuse a twelve year old and then allows him to return back to the states to begin a new medical career? How many others may have been abused by this man after his departure from Bangladesh because of the lack of Christian honesty, character and leadership in ABWE under Kempton! REMEMBER PATERNO’S STATUE!
It should go without question that those in authority at BBC and ABWE must recognize they are a Christian institution whereas Penn State is not and doesn’t claim to be. THEREFORE THE BBC AND ABWE LEADERSHIP MUST REMEMBER PATERNO’S STATUE and do the Christian thing!
THE BALANCE THEORY
It seems that many Christians today will over look sin in the camp as long as the Gospel is preached and decisions for “Jesus” are made. This sounds like what my wise wife calls the BALANCE THEORY.
Now, what is the BALANCE THEORY? THE BALANCE THEORY says if the good outweighs the bad, overlook the bad and promote the good. Kind of sounds like “the end justifies the means” doesn’t it? Whatyareckon?
The first Amendment of the United States Constitution says “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
However, “A Wisconsin man who wants to hand out Bibles at the 40th Annual Twin Cities Pride festival in Loring Park this month will have to confine himself to a booth just outside of the event.
Chief U.S. District Judge Michael Davis issued a 41-page order Monday denying Brian Johnson’s request for an injunction that would force the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board to allow him unfettered access to the festival grounds, reasoning that his constitutional challenge was unlikely to succeed.”
The Judge went on to say “Courts therefore recognize that, when the government seeks to regulate the time, place or manner of speech in a public forum and does so in a content-neutral manner, its actions are constitutional so long as they are narrowly tailored to serve a significant interest and allow alternative channels of communication (Emphasis added)”.
Whatyareckon?
The entire article may be read at; http://www.startribune.com/local/minneapolis/158501815.html .
whatyareckon 