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Post by Scott Ross on Oct 11, 2010 14:00:38 GMT -5
Thought I would copy this from another thread to the main board. Perhaps it will get some attention from the workers that read here. Thought I would pass on what I am hearing from some of the friends. Seems many
in Vic/Tas including some of their workers are desperate for overseas help to
get a replacement overseer who isn't tarnished by the culture that has crept
amongst the workers over long years. They are crying out for fresh hope and an
overseer to follow the servant example of Christ. Some of the Vic/Tas workers
are saying that a clean sweep is needed.
If there are workers in a position to perhaps help out that are reading here,
maybe they could consider helping find a replacement overseer to go and take
charge while things are being investigated there. Even if they were only an
interim overseer, it would probably help with the situation during the
investigation that is going on.
Maybe they have already heard this from some of the workers and friends that are
asking for help. I know that in the past, workers from outside a troubled area
have been called upon to take charge when problems have surfaced that needed
taken care of.
For those who don't know the situation, John Robinson who has been the overseer
there suffered a stroke which has led to his being physically unable to lead the
church in that area. These professing folks and workers are asking for help, so
I would think that this would receive some consideration from other overseers
that are concerned about the church.
Scott  |
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Post by ronhall on Oct 11, 2010 14:15:04 GMT -5
Has the situation in Australia been allowed to deteriorate to the point that there is no worker in the area who is able to step up to fill the gap? . . . . . and now the friends of the area are put in the position that they must advertise for an overseer applicant?
I believe there is a misunderstanding somewhere in all this.
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Post by Linford Bledsoe on Oct 11, 2010 14:19:18 GMT -5
It's a joke Ronhall. I can tell you for fact this is not true.
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Post by emy on Oct 11, 2010 16:48:38 GMT -5
It's a joke Ronhall. I can tell you for fact this is not true. I was wondering who is currently acting as overseer there? |
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Post by Scott Ross on Oct 11, 2010 16:57:31 GMT -5
It's a joke Ronhall. I can tell you for fact this is not true. I altered the original post a bit. I don't think it will change the two responses though. Lin, these are almost the exact words I have heard coming from friends there who are living in that area. I don't doubt that your friends that you are in contact with are seeing things from a different angle than the elders and other professing folks who have passed messages my way. I know that not everything has been shared openly with all the friends that are over there, and I am sure that there are many that are doubting the seriousness of the situation as it now is. I would rather imagine that things will become apparent as time goes on once the investigations that are underway are completed. This could take quite some time. I have no desire to post more than is verifiable at this point. Verifiable would be that a senior worker has confessed to multiple counts of CSA and is under investigation, The overseer is unable to continue due to health issues, and another worker announced his 'retirement' suddenly. There is a need for an overseer to take charge who is willing to deal with the problems. Perhaps you can ask your friends if they can verify the above information, and then we will have at least that much verified through separate sources. OR.... perhaps your friends will refute that, and give you different information. If so, please post that here. I have no desire to post erroneous facts, so if there are others from Vic/Tas that could perhaps post on this thread and let us know what they have heard about all this then we will be able to understand what is happening. They can also email me or send me a PM if they prefer to not post here. Here is where people can report to if they have information to share concerning the ongoing investigation: Leigh LAMBERT
Det.Sen.Constable 29449
Warragul CIU
PH: 56 227153
FAX: 56 227155
leigh.lambert@police.vic.gov.auScott |
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Post by sharonw on Oct 11, 2010 18:07:35 GMT -5
It does sound quite serious with a worker suddenly announcing his retirement....sounds like things are quite in the "quick" down there. I think prayers should be consistently with the folks that are involved in such a turmoil! Bless their hearts, seems that some are feeling quite left up in the air.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 11, 2010 18:15:50 GMT -5
"are desperate for .. help"
'tarnished by the culture "
"are crying out for fresh hope"
"overseer to follow the servant example of Christ"
"clean sweep is needed."
"concerned about the church"
Actually, senior Workers retire all the time. Some die on the job. I think this is a tad overblown.
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Post by sharonw on Oct 11, 2010 18:27:21 GMT -5
"are desperate for .. help" 'tarnished by the culture " "are crying out for fresh hope" "overseer to follow the servant example of Christ" "clean sweep is needed." "concerned about the church" Actually, senior Workers retire all the time. Some die on the job. I think this is a tad overblown. Bert, I don't think it would be overblown IF YOU WERE in the big middle of it and left hanging! |
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Post by kiwi on Oct 12, 2010 1:13:20 GMT -5
"are desperate for .. help" 'tarnished by the culture " "are crying out for fresh hope" "overseer to follow the servant example of Christ" "clean sweep is needed." "concerned about the church" Actually, senior Workers retire all the time. Some die on the job. I think this is a tad overblown. Bert, I don't think it would be overblown IF YOU WERE in the big middle of it and left hanging! Oh very dramatic ;D |
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Post by jimmy on Oct 12, 2010 3:00:45 GMT -5
As someone who lives in the Vic/Tas region, as much as it pains me to say it, this is the plea that is coming from some of the friends and workers here. It is a plea for help for the good of the kingdom.
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Post by DumSpiroSpero on Oct 12, 2010 3:17:16 GMT -5
As someone who lives in the Vic/Tas region, as much as it pains me to say it, this is the plea that is coming from some of the friends and workers here. It is a plea for help for the good of the kingdom. If you ask, the Holy Spirit will give you the strength and guidance you need, jimmy. Thoughts and prayers are with you and with the victims and other innocent friends. God Bless |
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Post by Linford Bledsoe on Oct 12, 2010 6:34:13 GMT -5
As someone who lives in the Vic/Tas region, as much as it pains me to say it, this is the plea that is coming from some of the friends and workers here. It is a plea for help for the good of the kingdom. Sorry folks but I see this so called plea as a desire to divide and cause fear. I can assure you that this is not the way it works. The work is not designed that overseers just retire and there is nobody to step into their shoes. These men have others already that they look to for guidance. |
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Post by sharonw on Oct 12, 2010 6:35:28 GMT -5
Bert, I don't think it would be overblown IF YOU WERE in the big middle of it and left hanging! Oh very dramatic ;D There is nothing dramatic about it, Kiwi, you're coming off as an uncaring brother to your compatriots down there that are suffering...so is Bert! If you don't believe the letter, why don't you just pray for those who are caught up in a situation that is fast becoming something that even you wouldn't want to go through. Where's the compassion....there is NOTHING dramatic about having compassion...it is a vital component of "loving our neighbor"! |
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Post by jimmy on Oct 12, 2010 7:09:34 GMT -5
As someone who lives in the Vic/Tas region, as much as it pains me to say it, this is the plea that is coming from some of the friends and workers here. It is a plea for help for the good of the kingdom. Sorry folks but I see this so called plea as a desire to divide and cause fear. I can assure you that this is not the way it works. The work is not designed that overseers just retire and there is nobody to step into their shoes. These men have others already that they look to for guidance. Hi linford and others, Unfortunately the way things have been in Vic/Tas is that there is no one who has been preparing to step into the role of overseer over the last few years. It has been a one man show to a large degree where JR did not accept the help of any other workers, and most certainly did not look to them for guidance. I have utmost respect for JR, but his style of overseership has not been with consideration for the day when he could no longer fill the role. I have absolute respect for those that are trying to fill this role reluctantly in horendous times, but a number of these men will possibly only be able to handle the pressure for a limited time - particularly given the current circumstances. |
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Post by sharonw on Oct 12, 2010 7:19:44 GMT -5
Sorry folks but I see this so called plea as a desire to divide and cause fear. I can assure you that this is not the way it works. The work is not designed that overseers just retire and there is nobody to step into their shoes. These men have others already that they look to for guidance. Hi linford and others, Unfortunately the way things have been in Vic/Tas is that there is no one who has been preparing to step into the role of overseer over the last few years. It has been a one man show to a large degree where JR did not accept the help of any other workers, and most certainly did not look to them for guidance. I have utmost respect for JR, but his style of overseership has not been with consideration for the day when he could no longer fill the role. I have absolute respect for those that are trying to fill this role reluctantly in horendous times, but a number of these men will possibly only be able to handle the pressure for a limited time - particularly given the current circumstances. Some of us will keep the present workers in our prayers too, that they can endure with the help from God...bless THEIR hearts. Sounds like pain is felt all around in that area! |
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Post by Scott Ross on Oct 12, 2010 8:12:42 GMT -5
As someone who lives in the Vic/Tas region, as much as it pains me to say it, this is the plea that is coming from some of the friends and workers here. It is a plea for help for the good of the kingdom. Sorry folks but I see this so called plea as a desire to divide and cause fear. I can assure you that this is not the way it works. The work is not designed that overseers just retire and there is nobody to step into their shoes. These men have others already that they look to for guidance. Lin, You are accusing the friends (and some workers) of having a desire to 'divide and cause fear'. What I posted (and what Jimmy affirmed) is coming from professing folks. Peter has his own field that he is overseer of, and my understanding is that when he went back to it, he left a younger worker there to fill the position of overseer in the interim period until a new overseer could be appointed/found. I know that you are in contact with some of the professing folks there, so could you share their views on this situation with us? As I have previously mentioned: Perhaps you can ask your friends if they can verify the above information, and then we will have at least that much verified through separate sources.
OR.... perhaps your friends will refute that, and give you different information. If so, please post that here.
I have no desire to post erroneous facts, so if there are others from Vic/Tas that could perhaps post on this thread and let us know what they have heard about all this then we will be able to understand what is happening. They can also email me or send me a PM if they prefer to not post here. If there are professing folks seeing this situation from a different perspective, then it would be good to hear what they think of this situation. Your views and thoughts as well as my views and thoughts aren't what are important in regard to the Vic/Tas situation. It is the views of the friends and workers that are dealing with this that are important. Again, I have no desire to post erroneous information here, and am only passing on what I have heard from the professing folks that are in contact with me. Thanks for trying to help us understand what is happening there, and please share what the professing folks you are in contact with are telling you about this. Scott |
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Post by Linford Bledsoe on Oct 12, 2010 8:40:21 GMT -5
If the true desire is to not post erroneous information,and I believe you,you must verify your sources and their motive in supplying you with info.So far much of the info has not either come about or is not true. This younger worker could do the job. I'm sure the friends there know how to serve God. Take some time and figure out how old some of the early workers were when they came to this country. I will not post what I know,as I have been asked not to.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 12, 2010 9:46:28 GMT -5
If the true desire is to not post erroneous information,and I believe you,you must verify your sources and their motive in supplying you with info.So far much of the info has not either come about or is not true. This younger worker could do the job. I'm sure the friends there know how to serve God. Take some time and figure out how old some of the early workers were when they came to this country. I will not post what I know,as I have been asked not to. So it's ok for Scott to post confidential sources but it's not ok for you to post it? What's good for the goose Lin should also be good for the gander. You went right ahead posting contrary information without the backing that you insist that Scott provides. |
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Post by Deleted on Oct 12, 2010 9:50:25 GMT -5
FWIW, I have a number of professing friends in Victoria who tell me that the culture in Victoria is the most repressive and backward of anywhere in Australia.
I personally encountered a very backward and dangerous approach to CSA in Victoria. I still can't believe that workers there would place known CSA offender in a fellowship meeting with small children.......unreal. And to the defenders of the system: no this is not rumour, it is not hearsay, this is my first hand experience from all the parents involved and the meeting itself.
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Post by Scott Ross on Oct 12, 2010 9:51:38 GMT -5
If the true desire is to not post erroneous information,and I believe you,you must verify your sources and their motive in supplying you with info.So far much of the info has not either come about or is not true. This younger worker could do the job. I'm sure the friends there know how to serve God. Take some time and figure out how old some of the early workers were when they came to this country. I will not post what I know,as I have been asked not to. Fair enough. However I HAVE been asked to post 'what I know', and since my sources are also professing folks then I guess we will have to go with what I am told and what our Aussie posters share with us here on the board. So far much of the info has not either come about or is not true.Again, as I have been pointing out: I have no desire to post more than is verifiable at this point. Verifiable would be that a senior worker has confessed to multiple counts of CSA and is under investigation, The overseer is unable to continue due to health issues, and another worker announced his 'retirement' suddenly. There is a need for an overseer to take charge who is willing to deal with the problems. Can you share with us that which 'is not true' that has been posted here? And I can certainly agree that not much of the info has come out. Scott |
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Post by Linford Bledsoe on Oct 12, 2010 11:30:08 GMT -5
Scott: I'm in no way being rude. I am not hiding information ,but what I know of this situation the best place to discuss it is not on a forum like this. Rather in the secret of your own room between you and God. That takes away all fear of posting anything we don't know. This may not suit the rumormongers,but so be it. I do appreciate your sincerity.
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Post by sharonw on Oct 12, 2010 16:25:28 GMT -5
Lin, you sound just exactly like all the workers that have had the opportunity to have done something with these perps for many, many years..."Let God take care of it." Well looks like God IS taking care of it....the TRUTH will always come out...it does not hide, it doesn't have to fear! AND IF it divides, then that says that those who fall away from the TRUTH of the matter ARE NOT BEING HONEST, TRUTHFUL! Sounds much like status quo from you!
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Post by Linford Bledsoe on Oct 12, 2010 16:44:38 GMT -5
Sounds like you are very capable Sharon,have a go at it. See what you can do. I haven't seen anything this far except a lot of criticism and talk.
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Post by ronhall on Oct 12, 2010 17:02:37 GMT -5
No point in 'shooting the messenger' bearing ill tidings.
No point in attempting to muffle the truth coming out on a public forum, either.
It is deeply shameful to me to hear that no one within our fellowship took action to root out this problem early on, but allowed the cries for help and mercy to fall on deaf ears to the point that an outside agency has had to step in. Unfortunately it appears that it was the pressure brought upon the situation by the internet rumormongers that finally turned the tide.
Is one supposed to roll over dead in the secret of his own room?
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Post by Scott Ross on Oct 12, 2010 17:19:37 GMT -5
Thank you for that post ronhall.  |
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Post by Deleted on Oct 12, 2010 17:44:29 GMT -5
No point in 'shooting the messenger' bearing ill tidings. No point in attempting to muffle the truth coming out on a public forum, either. It is deeply shameful to me to hear that no one within our fellowship took action to root out this problem early on, but allowed the cries for help and mercy to fall on deaf ears to the point that an outside agency has had to step in. Unfortunately it appears that it was the pressure brought upon the situation by the internet rumormongers that finally turned the tide. Is one supposed to roll over dead in the secret of his own room? I agree, great post ronhall. My only concern is that while the tide may have turned somewhat, early indications is that the bare minimum will be done and what will be done will be to protect the workers from false accusation and legal jeopardy from not reporting. The end result may be a greater false sense of security than ever. |
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Post by Linford Bledsoe on Oct 12, 2010 19:16:06 GMT -5
As someone who lives in the Vic/Tas region, as much as it pains me to say it, this is the plea that is coming from some of the friends and workers here. It is a plea for help for the good of the kingdom. Plea for help or posturing? |
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Post by sharonw on Oct 12, 2010 19:32:09 GMT -5
Thank you for that post ronhall. Yes, thank you very much. |
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