Photo by Andrea Piacquadio
“Shun, as you would the plague, a cleric who from being poor has become wealthy, or who, from being nobody has become a celebrity.” — St. Jerome
It will happen, and today made me more aware of God’s timing. I can’t say much about what will happen, but the work of TWW may get an unexpected and surprising boost. It is major, but I can’t say more for now. You will understand when I’m allowed to explain. So why talk about it if I must be silent? I have known about the possibility for a couple of months. I was overwhelmed that this happened without me seeking it. For a time, I was anxious, wondering if this was the right thing. I consulted confidantes whose thoughts I respected. They suggested that this was something that might help some victims. It might also encourage others to consider caring about those who have experienced the pain of abuse. Nothing changes about this blog or what I do here, so don’t be alarmed.
In this, I see God’s timing. I have been committed to highlighting two stories: Joe Campbell and the ladies who have come forward about their abuse link, link, and link, as well as Melissa Hobson’s story. Behind the scenes, I have spoken with these women and prayed for a way to go forward. Their stories are much like the story of Cindy Cleminshire. Indeed, they came to TWW via that route. I am so grateful. The “thing” that is happening may allow me to highlight some of these stories.
Today, I had trouble proceeding with a different post, so I decided to share my reasons as much as possible.
Even before confirming “what is happening,” my longtime friend Wade Burleson boldly stepped into the stories of the Oklahoma women. Wade will be with them to provide support when they make their police reports, which will be invaluable. Also, he has one more trick up his sleeve, but that is for another day. Wade cares deeply for abuse victims and boldly spoke at SBC conventions, asking for a database.
All of the above gets tied up into a neat package due to what will happen this month. I have also been in touch with my church, which is willing to play a small part in this. I am so grateful to be in a church where I am supported. We may have some quiet visitors from that venue. I have made it a point for the last 9 years not to discuss my blog except when necessary with my pastors. Now, the cat is out of the bag, but I know that I am safe. They believe in the freedom of conscience even though they do not necessarily agree or disagree with me. They do agree that sex abuse is wrong and needs to be exposed.
I will be swamped this month, and Todd will step in to write a post. Please pray for the folks I mentioned. May unexpected good come out of this. TWW will be the first to be told what is going on.
As some may know, I spent a short time at Ed Young Jr.’s Fellowship Church in Dallas. It was not my thing, but I found a great home at Bent Tree Church. There is a firebrand named Nathan Apfel. This film producer will be releasing a film in Easter 2025 titled The Religion Business, and he was featured in The Roys Report. I was glad to see him highlighted because Nathan went to Ed’s church and held signs asking about Ed’s salary. Ed makes bank and has lived a luxurious lifestyle on the contributions of his faithful mega attendees. Why people donate their hard-earned bucks to support this nonsense is beyond me. Nathan got himself arrested and spent the night in jail. The mega-millionaires who run churches don’t want their wealth to get known. Apfel is going to shine a light on their lifestyle. I kind of like his style.
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“It is major, but I can’t say more for now.”
Good Lord, Dee! Are you going to start a megachurch?!
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Max,
You and I could start one and we should be in the $1-2 million range with 18 months.
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Dee-thank you for your willingness to help so many children who were abused.
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I want in! I love Ponzi schemes! Silly Mr. Ponzi, thinking postage stamps are where it’s at. Rank amateur. False religion is much more profitable, with numerous other legal advantages.
We could call it the Prophetic Restorationist Orthodox Free Independent Temple (PROFIT).
Let’s put Dee’s MBA to good use!
For clarity, I am being highly sarcastic.
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I gotcher’ mega-church right here…
— Joe Pesci —
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Amen & Amen!
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lol – Dee starting a mega church. If I promise to do better taking Bible verses out of context and quit encouraging people to read their Bible for themselves, can I be a pastor? I will only command 1/2 a million for my salary.
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Just to let you all know, I’m not planning to do anything major in the next wee while.
ION, the Second Test starts in (at the time of writing) 3 hours’ time in Wellington.
IHTIH.
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JJallday,
If you promise to look at some $10,000 espresso machines like they have at Fellowship church, you are in.
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and donuts … there must be donuts available in the foyer or I’m not coming
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I wish you great success with whatever it is!
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Oh, Dee! I can barely wait for more info, but whatever it is, I know it will be good.
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Nick Bulbeck,
Ohhhhhkayyyyy.
Nick, my Scottish and Irish ancestors set sail for North America between 1732 and 1754.
So, you’ll have to translate for me: How long is a “wee while”?
I don’t even know if a wee drink is a tablespoonful, a pint, or a gallon jug full. (Maybe it depends?…..)
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Nancy2(aka Kevlar),
Yeah, I was wondering about the measuring units myself.
Millimeters? Parsecs?
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Nancy2(aka Kevlar),
This is a fair question. The best comparison is perhaps with the Scots word “dram”, refering to a quantity of whisky determined by the generosity of the pourer. Hence “a wee dram”.
I’m working on my second book, aiming to finish that before June next year, though I’m hoping to get a version 1 of my website live before the end of this year. So that’s two wee’s.
IHTIH.
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As Nick is busy with linguistics, I shall sovereignly step in and do the cricket update Myself.
After an eventful first day of the Second Test, in which 15 wickets fell, England were all out for 280 – a score mostly due to Harry Brook (a fine 123 off 115) and Ollie Pope (66), with the two adding 174 for the fifth wicket. The tourists, having lost the toss and been put in by Tom Lathan, were on a rather shoogly peg when Jacob Bethell was caught behind off Smith to leave them on 43-4 before Brook and Pope steadied the ship.
New Zealand didn’t have things all their own way in reply, either, with Brydon Carse striking late in the day to remove danger-man Kane Williamson, as well as Daryl Mitchell, both caught behind. Night-watchmen Will O’Rourke played what may be an important cameo, seeing off 16 deliveries without getting off the mark.
So, England on top at the moment; but, as I’ve always said, it’s a funny old game…
Best regards,
God
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JJallday,
A mega run by Dee will not succeed unless Dee has some serious pathologies/perversions that we are not aware of….
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Perhaps if we dangle a couple mill and a private jet.
Jumbo shrimp?
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And, Nick Bulbeck, you commented in a later reply comment 🙂 :
I’m writing this early, hoping you’ll see this before you’re away for a little while 🙂 — I hope you have a Merry Christmas. 🙂
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an oxymoron, sorta like “Celebrity Pastor”
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I adore cotton candy and baked stuffed lobster
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I’m not going away – I’m just working on stuff here at home. But thank you for your kind words! Best wishes to you and yours, too, this Christmas.
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Max,
I want the ones with frosting sprinkles.
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Nick Bulbeck,
Nick Bulbeck,
You best lets us knw about your website and book! Good on you.
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Jumbo shrimp from the sea bed huh?
Ya know what them things eat don’tcha?
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God,
Whew, and I thought the Scottish spoke English! 🙂
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I’m just trying to figure out how to jump start this mega church cult thing.
The buffet seems important.
I think the sheep are supposed to eat what we serve, no matter what its suspicious origins.
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They speak Scots (unless they speak Gaelic).
As for the mega church thing, besides the doughnuts (and I suggest old fashioned), find a large niche audience that hasn’t been a target before. Perhaps pet lovers (will you be reunited with your dogs in heaven?).
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Sandy,
Shrimp are bottom-feeders that eat poo-poo from fish and critters above.
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Then I think we should entertain the shrimp as metaphors, and maybe not actually eat them, ourselves.
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Come and listen to a story ’bout a preacher named Jed.
Poor rural parson barely kept his family fed.
Then one day he went to Pastor’s School,
And when he returned, he was a Fundy tool.
(Gimmicks, that is. Proof texts. Lotsa rules.)
Well the next thing you know, the Mega Church looks great,
Buses everywhere throughout the Tri-State,
New Basement Bible College and Academy,
With just one man to rule so there is no anarchy.
(Dictatorship that is. Pastoral Authority. IFB heroes.)
Well, now its time to say goodbye to Jed and all his ilk.
Now that he is doing time his wife’s no more in silk.
You’re all invited to stop in on Thursday about noon
To commiserate with the former Fundy church tycoon.
(The Elm Street Embezzler. That’s what they call him now.
Property auction in two weeks. Ya’ll come bid now, ya hear!)
Beverly Hillbilliesguest post
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Today’s cricket news is back in mortal hands, but I’ll do my best.
At the close of day 2 in a very fast-moving Second Test, England are in a commanding position, having dismissed the hosts for 125 early in the day with Gus Atkinson becoming the 15th Englishman to take a Test hat-trick and the first since Moeen Ali 7 years ago.
England closed on 378-5, a lead of 533, with Jacob Bethell falling just 4 runs short of becoming the youngest Englishman to make a Test hundred in 85 years. In fact both he and Ben Duckett (92) fell in the Nervous Nineties. The tourists may yet see a second-innings century, as Root (73) and Stokes (35 from 26) were in at the close.
It remains, as God Himself said earlier, a funny old game. It’s still hard to see past an England win tomorrow, though, unless the weather intervenes (the forecast is dry, if windy, at the moment).
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You’ll have to beat my grandsons to them … donuts with sprinkles have as much chance around them as jelly beans near Ronald Reagan
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Dee,
I never cease to be amazed how the LORD has used you in remarkable ways. The thing I love about you most is your love for Jesus and His Kingdom, which supersedes everything else. The institutional religious abuse that you know occurs (more than most) is no negative reflection on your view of the true Kingdom of Jesus Christ. Your tenaciousness, empathy, but most of all, extraordinary ability to separate man-made religion from Christ-central faith makes me glad to call you (and your remarkable husband) eternal friends. I’m praying for you. I agree with your assessment. “What’s coming makes Wartburg Watch next level’ in the world terms,” but I also know you will always humbly recognize the greatest reward is Jesus saying, “Well done, My good and faithful servant.” Merry Christmas to you and yours.