A Generation Of Vipers by Albert Anderson, Drake W. Travis (Foreword by), Aimee Anderson
Before I get to the report, I might note that during this process and in the report, even this man was accused of having a bad attitude. Imagine, a 'bad' attitude/anger/hopelessness coming through in his writing after seeing his legitimate complaints of evil behavior by those claiming the title of 'pastor.' Oh the shame of it all!
On the contrary, I applaud him for having such an attitude. In fact if he didn't, I would think him to be sorely lacking in compassion for those oppressed by the false teachers he has confronted and continues to confront.
The only issue I would raise is that I think the Sinner/Saint issue is probably beside the point when things get this bad. This would be something that could be disagreed upon, depending how you define it. Definitions have gotten so confused these days. But even so, this issue is nothing compared to the blatant sinful behavior in which this pastor was regularly partaking and the blasphemous abusive way he was running the church. I think the sinner/saint issue was a confusion of definitions of terms. For example, I do sin every day, and even when I am unaware of it I am sure. But I am also one of the saints. I don't know how anyone can think they don't sin every day. Now, I don't go out speaking profanity and vulgarity and abusing my brothers and sisters in Christ as Tim Owen apparently does/did. But like all of us, I have those 'respectable' sins (worry, doubt, anger, impatience, unforgiveness, vanity, everything which makes me 'not perfect' as my father in heaven is perfect!) which also would condemn me to hell, were it not for the blood of Christ covering them. A Saint is just a forgiven sinner. However I think we had two different incorrect definitions of 'sinner' going on here and that just added to the confusion. If Owen had actually been a pastor rather than an unregenerate teenage boy, he may have actually sat down and worked this out with people so they could come to a unity in the truth on this issue.
I'm also appalled at the letter from David Wright, which ends by basically saying that the person who tried to expose evil is unsaved and needs to GET saved. "Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!" (Is 5:20) Travis, Aimee, and Albert, welcome to Club 'Kicked Out Of The Camp' - the place where Jesus is.
I removed any personal residence contact info. I did not remove corporate mailing addresses for the denomination and contact info for the denomination.
Without any further ado, here is the testimony. I will not blockquote anything, to save space. Everything from here on out is a quote of what was sent to me:
CHRISTIAN AND MISSIONARY ALLIANCE CHURCH REPORTED HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF A FEMALE STAFF MEMBER
The following events and letters depict how a member and employee of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church reported human rights abuses and sexual harassment of a female staff member. This resulted in a collaboration and coverup and co-conspiracy of retaliation against the informant (Drake Travis) by Jerry Mapstone, Asst to the Vice and Donald Wiggens, President Division of Church Ministries, Kelvin Gardiner, Pacific Northwest District Superintendent, andTim Owen (the abuser), Pastor of Ellensburg, Washington Christian and Missionary Alliance Church (now promoted to DS for Rocky Mountain District of the CMA). Blame the victim(s) and promote the perpetrator!
Quotes from one of Drake Travis' , Member and Employee of Ellensburg,Washington Christian & Missionary Alliance Church
Letters as read in the book, A GENERATION OF VIPERS, by Albert E. and Aimee D. Anderson- permission given to James Sundquist to quote.
Letter from Drake Travis to Christian and Missionary Alliance Headquarters:
Date November 25, 2000:
"Things about Tim Owen that do not reflect well of a Pastor, a minister of the Gospel, and the Christian and Missionary Alliance as a whole or its leadership at any level:
~He knew Drake took a stand for abstinence preaching to the collegians of the Salt Co. Ministry. In a conversation once regarding this, Tim commented, “ah, the kids are f---ing each other anyway. They may as well put on a condom. I don’t want to pay for all the diseases they spread.”
~Tim tells us on staff about service one receives at a hair salon here in town. “They put oil on your head and massage your scalp. I usually get an er------, “ha ha ha.” . . . Speaking for myself, I never knew what to do when he carried on like this.
~Tim, in his struggle with acceptance among other people takes the “initiative” to pepper his conversation with profanity. In that way if you are going to reject him as a person this will help you hurry up and get on with it. (I’ve heard him give this explanation verbatim in 1992, 1993, 1997.) If your friendship passes this test of his, then one can be Tim’s friend. If not, then you are a prude. “Yeah, our righteousness is b---s—,” says Tim.
~1994 or ‘95 we (with Tim) are going through resumes for hiring a new secretary. In a staff meeting, he yucks it up with the guys saying, “We’ll probably hire whoever has the biggest b--bs.” [We were all supposed to laugh.]
~When we purchased a new bus ‘for a song,’ the time came for the inaugural drive around town. The staff settled in to plush seats with footrests, head-rests, etc. It was an exciting experience to buy a $120,000 bus for $4,000! Then came Tim’s comment, “Hey, does anyone have an er------?” What do we do when the Senior “pastor” talks like this regularly?
~He once went on in a Sunday sermon about a trip he took to Vegas: playing the slots, shucking quarters, blowing money, winning money. I sat there at a loss wondering what in the world his purpose was. I mean there are those in the congregation who hear one anecdote and off they go. Their defense is, “well, Pastor does it.”
~It always made me uneasy about our staff gathering each morning having nothing to do with God: nothing. I did cut in once when we were having “staff ‘prayer’ time” and suggested that we didn’t need to go on another senseless, godless, brainless escapade through idiotville talking about everything from soup to nuts to NBA egos. I drew the horse’s laugh from staff and a look from Tim that bellowed, “Gimme a break, you goody two shoes!” From then on, CMA Church always felt like an unsafe place for one’s heart, spirit, and soul to grow. Believe me, if Salt wasn’t growing 75% annually, I would have packed my things in a moment. The atmosphere with Tim behind closed doors was often tiresome, sometimes sickening. And when one crossed him, it was humiliating. Sanctification is not one of his concerns in life.
~[1993] Drake was trying to reconcile with a top notch musician on the worship team. There was a minor tiff from an honest mistake that Drake had made. The musician’s attitude still concerned me. I don’t like provoking people and I still felt regret, even three days later. Tim tries to console me with, “Hey, don’t worry about that guy. He’s an a-- hole”. Uh, excuse me! The man donates hundreds of hours to Ellensburg CMA and I personally love him (the “a–hole”) and his family to this day.
~In nearly nine years of knowing Tim Owen, the following was the worst: Staff meeting ca. 98 Trish got a thrashing from Tim: We were circled up: Tim Owen, Greg Phelps, Dwayne Smithgall, Drake Travis, Trish Dick, and intern (I think it was Eric Byers). Trish was having some personal struggles of being devalued (so she fessed up later). But, at the time, she did not feel like talking about it. She said she just needed some time to “process” a few things and didn’t feel right about sharing it yet. They bantered a bit. Then Tim became angry at what he perceived to be insubordination. He leaned into her face and demanded, “Trish, you are going to talk and you are going to talk now! I want staff unity and openness around here. Now what’s going on with you!” She still didn’t feel it was right yet and meekly confessed, “Tim, please, I can’t talk about it yet. I need to process my feelings first.” Trish could not share and Tim was enraged. He leaned back in his chair and sighed loudly, “I am sure not glad I hired you, a woman. I am going to think real long and hard before I ever hire another woman!”
[Are you hearing this?]
The staff, myself included, sat there shocked and distressed at such abysmal treatment of our sister. I, Drake Travis, thought it was disgusting to see a colleague and dear friend treated like a worm, to be slammed and insulted like that for her feelings and her gender -- something God did, not man. It seemed equally intriguing that Trish suffered such words from someone who touts himself as a champion for women in ministry.
In retrospect, did I speak up in Trish’s defense? No, I could not; so I thought. I had been under Tim for five to six years by now and was becoming dispirited over getting reprimanded for checking him. I was not up for a squall. I regret that to this day.
TESTIMONY OF TWO ELDERS IN THE FAITH WHO CORROBORATED DRAKE TRAVIS TESTIMONY
November 25, 2000
Rev. Donald Wiggins, V. P. Division of Church Ministries
CHRISTIAN and MISSIONARY ALLIANCE
8595 Explorer Drive
P.O. Box 35000
Colorado Springs,CO 80935-3500
Colorado Springs,CO 80935-3500
Rev. Jerry Mapstone, Assistant Vice President
CHRISTIAN and MISSIONARY ALLIANCE
8595 Explorer Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80920
Dear Brethren:
Greetings in the name of our Wonderful Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ! With mixed emotions and heavy hearts, we are sending this communication to the respective names above. At the outset, allow us the opportunity to briefly identify ourselves. I (Albert) was a credentialed minister with the ASSEMBLIES OF GOD for more than forty-six years.
Due to our involvement in bringing to light certain illegal and unchristian activities and refusing to stop, I was dismissed from the A/G in 1996. [It should be noted that the issues just referred to are presently part of a criminal Federal Grand Jury case. Unfortunately Federal cases often do not move swiftly; thus we are still involved, though not privy to details.] Upon my dismissal from the A/G, I immediately joined another Evangelical organization of which I am presently a credentialed member.
Approximately four years ago my wife Aimee and I with our youngest son began attending the Ellensburg CMA church where Tim Owen is pastor. Shortly thereafter, our oldest daughter Deborah with her husband and their two children also began attending. My wife Aimee and I have helped with the Senior Adults, where I have ministered God’s Word and Aimee and I ministered in music. Also, both of us have periodically read the Scripture in the 11:00 a.m. service, as well as on a regular monthly basis helping serve Communion. Our youngest son, Jonathan, has also read Scripture and has helped serve Communion, as well. On occasion I (Albert) have taught an Adult Sunday School class that we regularly attend.
Though encouraged to become members, we have not done so to date. One of the reasons for membership was that this was necessary to become eligible for a possible Elder position that I was asked to consider, obviously with Pastor Tim’s approval. Our daughter and her husband are involved in the youth department, as well as she and their daughter in choir, piano, and vocal ministry. We have regularly contributed tithes and offerings.
We have learned to love many people in the church and especially those in our Sunday School class. We have taken a quiet back seat in the church, only wanting to be a blessing to Tim and those around us.
Many times we have felt inspired to write Pastor Tim an encouragement note on Sunday morning, thanking him for proclaiming the Word of God and telling him, “We are praying for you.” Also, different times in conversation, we have expressed our deep appreciation for him.
Other times we have left the church with a very disturbed and sad heart because some of what he said in his message (in our understanding) did not line up with the Word of God. A few weeks ago Tim told the congregation, “Turn to your neighbor and tell them, ‘I am a sinner.’” We took great exception to this because the Bible tells us that after we accept Christ as our Saviour and Lord, we are heirs and joint heirs with Christ. No longer does sin have dominion over us. “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid.” Then again this November 19, Tim said, “ Turn to your neighbor and say, ‘I am a saint.’” He told the congregation that they were sinners and saints at the same time. Also, he said, “I think we are rather mixed up.” Yes, we believe anyone who does not know the great difference between SINNER and SAINT is very mixed up. The book of Revelation tells the CHURCH that they are to be either HOT or COLD or God will spue them out of His mouth.
One time I, Aimee, phoned and asked Tim if he was going to continue having dancers perform on the platform. He answered, “I sure hope so.” On November 12, the school of dance (maybe ten or more females in bright red outfits) came in and performed before Tim brought the Sunday morning message. One Sunday morning when the female dancer came down and performed at Pastor Tim’s feet, it reminded me of the King who had the female dancers come and perform their sensual dance for the King’s pleasure. (We are not against a truly spiritual, spontaneous Holy-Spirit inspired dance unto the Lord.) One lady told Aimee that she cried on the way home and told her husband she was not going to go back into the auditorium again unless her husband forced her to. She called it a “sensuous dance.” Later she told me, “When you find a good church, let us know.”
God has given both of us a compassionate heart for the down-trodden and for years our ears and hearts have been open to their cries for help. Recently, we have had different ones come to us and share some of their heartaches and deep concerns about Pastor Tim’s conduct, including his language and how he has treated them. Thus, after counsel from Jerry Mapstone, our letter and the other letters contained herein are being sent to you for your prayerful consideration and investigation of the charges contained in each of the letters enclosed.
November 22, 2000, Pastor Tim phoned and asked Aimee if he could speak with her husband Albert. Tim told Albert that he had heard from Robert Martin that Drake Travis had told him that Tim was under investigation and that Drake gave Martin our phone number. Tim asked Albert if he had anything to say about that. Albert told him he did not know Robert Martin, but did say that Drake had come to us and talked and we had prayed with him. Albert then said, “I would like to tell you Tim that I have been thinking about writing a letter to you. About two weeks ago you said, Turn to your neighbor and say, ‘I am a sinner.’ Then this last Sunday you said, Turn to your neighbor and say, ‘I am a saint.’ I disagree with that. I feel sorry for the young people.”
Tim quickly responded with. “Well, maybe you should go to another church. That is why there are lots of churches in town. I’m the PASTOR and if you don’t agree, you can go to another church. He also informed Albert that he would be telling the Board. Our discussion ended.
Needless to say, after this cold conversation Albert and Aimee were devastated. Now they understood the people that have shared with them. “Tim can’t stand it when anybody disagrees with him.”
November 23, Thanksgiving morning, David Wright phoned and told Aimee that Pastor Tim asked him to phone us to see if he (David Wright and Mike Milligan - two Elders in the CMA church) could come to our (Albert and Aimee) home tomorrow and talk to us. Aimee questioned him several times about the reason or motive for Tim wanting David and Mike to talk to us. I told him I would discuss it with my husband and phone him back. David was very thoughtful, kind, and understanding as I told him that Tim phoned November 22 and asked to speak with my husband Albert. I related the details of Tim’s phone conversation to David.
After talking to Albert about Tim’s request through David for a meeting, Aimee phoned David back about an hour later and told him we needed some time to pray. Neither one of us felt up to another confrontation so soon after Tim’s unkind dismissal.
November 24, Pastor Tim phoned and asked Aimee if he could talk to Albert. Because of Albert’s health, Aimee was protective and asked, “What would you like to talk to him about?” Tim answered, I want to apologize to Albert.” Aimee said, “Tim I want you to know I am going to be on the phone.” After the conversation, we realized it wasn’t much of an apology because immediately Tim asked if we were cooperating with what Drake was doing. We were noncommittal. He told Albert and Aimee, “If you come back to church, I will take it to mean that you are not part of what Drake is doing.” We said we wanted to pray about it. We talked a little bit about the dancing and also about the “sinner and saint” issue. He indicated it would be better if we found another church if we did not agree with him but we could sit down sometime and discuss it. Aimee said, “Tim, I do not sin every day.” Tim immediately responded, “I do!” Aimee asked, “How do you sin every day?” Tim did not respond to this question. This question to Tim from Aimee was in reference to one Sunday morning in the 11:00 a.m. service Pastor Tim said in his sermon “I have never gone a day without needing to ask for forgiveness of sin” and then again when he said, “Turn to your neighbor and say, ‘I am a sinner.’”
This letter is written with love and prayers for God’s very best for all concerned. Thank you for your prayerful consideration.
Because of Jesus,
Albert E and Aimee D. Anderson
(street #, street name removed)
(city, state, zip removed)
Phone: ***-***-**** - Fax: ***-***-****
E-mail: (userid)@(domainremoved).com
cc: Rev. Kelvin Gardiner, District Superintendent
==================================
December 21, 2000
Rev. Kelvin Gardiner,
CHRISTIAN & MISSIONARY ALLIANCE
P.O. Box 1030
(street #, street name removed)
Canby, Oregon 97013
Dear Brother Gardiner:
Please find enclosed our eight-page statement that Aimee read at the Ellensburg CMA Elder’s board meeting, as well as the two page statement that Larry Fookes read at the same board meeting.
There were nine Elders present at the board meeting last night and seventeen other involved people (including both of us), a total of 26 altogether. As you will read in Larry’s statement, Larry Fookes and Bob Greene have agreed to co-chair the protest group. We are very thankful for their prayers and support in this difficult time, as well as the other people who have been praying.
Larry Fookes chaired the meeting for the protest group. Albert Anderson opened with prayer, asking God for His Divine Wisdom and help. Then Larry read his two-page enclosed statement, after which Aimee read her eight-page enclosed statement. Following the two readings Larry opened up the floor to anyone else present who wanted to express their concerns. Seven other people, besides Larry and Aimee, spoke up with heart-wrenching stories.
The Elder Board Chairman, David Wright, announced the next Board meeting for January 3, 2001. We do not know what action they will take. Hopefully, they will be contacting you as soon as possible.
Having fulfilled the requirement of meeting with the Elder board members last night as you requested, we trust that you will quickly be able to complete the process. At the appropriate time, we believe individuals with confidential letters will release their contents when they are confident you are going to enforce positive and strong disciplinary action to take care of Pastor Tim and the issues involved. Please feel free to phone Larry Fookes (Phone 509 ---—) and Bob Greene, (Phone 509 — ----), both former Elder Board Members. They are the contact persons representing the protest group. Also, we are available and can be reached at 509-962-9011.
Thank you for your prayers and support in this difficult time. Also, thanks for giving us permission by phone on Monday, December 18, 2000, for others involved to attend the meeting with us. Their presence was very helpful.
Thank you!
Respectfully,
Albert E. & Aimee D. Anderson
(street #, Street name removed)
(City, state zip removed) - FAX: ***-***-****
=================================
CHRISTIAN MISSIONARY ALLIANCE NATIONAL OFFICE OF VICE PRESIDENT
February 15, 2001
Mrs. Albert Anderson
(street #, street name removed)
(City, State, Zip removed)
Dear Brother Gardiner:
Please find enclosed our eight-page statement that Aimee read at the Ellensburg CMA Elder’s board meeting, as well as the two page statement that Larry Fookes read at the same board meeting.
There were nine Elders present at the board meeting last night and seventeen other involved people (including both of us), a total of 26 altogether. As you will read in Larry’s statement, Larry Fookes and Bob Greene have agreed to co-chair the protest group. We are very thankful for their prayers and support in this difficult time, as well as the other people who have been praying.
Larry Fookes chaired the meeting for the protest group. Albert Anderson opened with prayer, asking God for His Divine Wisdom and help. Then Larry read his two-page enclosed statement, after which Aimee read her eight-page enclosed statement. Following the two readings Larry opened up the floor to anyone else present who wanted to express their concerns. Seven other people, besides Larry and Aimee, spoke up with heart-wrenching stories.
The Elder Board Chairman, David Wright, announced the next Board meeting for January 3, 2001. We do not know what action they will take. Hopefully, they will be contacting you as soon as possible.
Having fulfilled the requirement of meeting with the Elder board members last night as you requested, we trust that you will quickly be able to complete the process. At the appropriate time, we believe individuals with confidential letters will release their contents when they are confident you are going to enforce positive and strong disciplinary action to take care of Pastor Tim and the issues involved. Please feel free to phone Larry Fookes (Phone 509 ---—) and Bob Greene, (Phone 509 — ----), both former Elder Board Members. They are the contact persons representing the protest group. Also, we are available and can be reached at 509-962-9011.
Thank you for your prayers and support in this difficult time. Also, thanks for giving us permission by phone on Monday, December 18, 2000, for others involved to attend the meeting with us. Their presence was very helpful.
Thank you!
Respectfully,
Albert E. & Aimee D. Anderson
(street #, Street name removed)
(City, state zip removed) - FAX: ***-***-****
=================================
CHRISTIAN MISSIONARY ALLIANCE NATIONAL OFFICE OF VICE PRESIDENT
February 15, 2001
Mrs. Albert Anderson
(street #, street name removed)
(City, State, Zip removed)
Dear Mrs. Anderson:
Greetings from the C & MA National Office.
You discussed your concerns about Rev. Tim Owen with my assistant Mary Johnson on Monday, February 12, 2001. I have reviewed her notes and have also briefly reviewed the packet of letters and other printed documents that you sent me.
Thank you for expressing your concerns and your desire to see appropriate action taken. Matters of the kind that you reported are taken seriously and are followed up. There is no one who accepts Alliance credentials who does not come under the policies that pertain to licensed official workers.
The Elders in their letter indicated that “most of the issues that you raise are matters of personality, interpretation and perspective” and that the accusations were not brought in a scriptural manner. Nevertheless, their review found the specific charges to be unsubstantiated.
I believe that the elders of the church and the District Superintendent Rev. Kelvin Gardner have acted responsibly by listening and investigating the allegations that were presented to them. I have no basis on which to recommend that they overturn the conclusion stated in their January 7, 2001, letter to you and Albert.
If you have additional charges that have not been dealt with, the procedure is to put them in writing and submit them to the Elder Board. Be assured of my ongoing interest and prayer that all parties involved will glorify God by their actions and their attitudes.
Cordially,
Donald A. Wiggins
National Church Ministries
DAW/mhj
CC: Gardiner
THE RETALIATION FOR EXPOSING CMA PASTOR TIM OWEN, ELLENSBURG CMA CHURCH
January 8, 2001
Drake Travis (Membership Termination)
(Street #, Street name removed)
(City, state, ZIP removed)
Drake,
We have reviewed your letters –- one addressed to us, not dated but received by Committee Chairman, David Wright, on or about Friday, December 29, 2000. The letter addressed to PNW District Superintendent Kelvin Gardner, dated December 20, 2000, was enclosed with your letter to us and was also reviewed.
We are saddened that your letters have a strong tone of hopelessness in them. It sounds as though the enemy (satan) has taken you to a level where you feel that you must attack us and the district superintendent with a strong rage. Your letter and actions over the past year and a half seem to indicate that by seeking and successfully achieving revenge against us and Senior Pastor Tim Owen for all that you’ve lost in the last couple of years, all will instantly be restored to you and your control. Drake, it is not going to happen that way. You must repent!
The Apostle John records Christ’s instructions to the Church in Ephesus in Revelation 2:4-6: “Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first.” Please use your energies to bring glory and honor to the name of Jesus Christ and his church as you did when you first entered the ministry in Ellensburg. Do not attempt to destroy the church, its leadership, nor yourself by denying the love God expresses for you, your family, and us through the life, death, and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ, for some vain perception of revenge. Your actions are against what we are commanded to do in these times.
“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.” (Psalm l) “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!” (Psalm 1:33) “I appeal to you, brother, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.” I Corinthians l:10 “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love; But the greatest of these is love.” I Corinthians 13:13 Recognizing the contributions that you made to this church early in your ministry here and the power of the Holy Spirit in you when you were walking in the Spirit, we are all committed to continue to love you and hold you, Marlene, and your children in prayer before God.
However, because of your actions, especially over the last six or seven months, the purpose of this letter is to inform you that, effective immediately, your membership in the Ellensburg Christian & Missionary Alliance Church is terminated. This action was unanimously approved by members of the Elders Committee, in attendance at the January 3, 2001, meeting following a presentation and discussion of your recent (and renewed) efforts to undermine the leadership and disrupt the unity of the Ellensburg Christian and Missionary Alliance Church.
This action is in accordance with church’s bylaws (revised January 2000), Article 1: Membership, Section G: Membership: Termination, Sub-section 4:
“Membership may terminate by dismissal for heresy, willful persistence in sin, or disorderly conduct: A member who avows a clearly heretical doctrine, who persists in a flagrant sin without repentance, or who flagrantly and habitually disrupts the harmony of the congregation may be dismissed from membership. (Galations 1:8-9; I Corinthians 5:9-13; II Thessalonians 3:6". (Emphasis added:)
“A dismissed member may be readmitted only upon showing satisfactory evidence of genuine repentance and amendment of life.”
We also cite the Statement of Standards for Membership drafted and adopted by the Elders’ Committee on or about May 22, 1996:
Minimum Standard for Membership: Sections 2,3, & 4.
Ideal Standard for Membership: Section 9
A copy of the statement is attached and considered a part of this notice.
The Apostle Paul’s letter to Titus gives us very clear and direct instructions for dealing with your willful disobedience to our previous correspondence (both written and verbal) concerning your slanderous attitude towards the leadership of the church.
“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.” (Chapter 3, verses 1 & 2 - NIV) As an additional sanction to your dismissal from membership, we are directing you to not be on church property unescorted by less than two members of the Elders Committee. Should you desire to be on the property for any reason, you must notify the Committee Chairman David L. Wright with the purpose of your visit and the telephone number and mailing address where you may be reached for response to your request. Your request will be considered by a quorum of committee members and you will be notified of their decision. You should plan on a minimum of seven calendar days for a decision, but not more than fourteen calendar days.
Should you violate this sanction, we will notify the Ellensburg Police Department that you are trespassing. Ellensburg Police Captain Bob Richey has advised us that they will respond to such a complaint in the event that it becomes necessary. We have also been advised by legal counsel to prepare and provide this letter to you. We individually and corporately regret having to take this action against you. However, your continued attempts to disrupt and divide this congregation have left us no choice.
We will continue to pray for you and your salvation in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth states: “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Cor. 5:20-21 - NIV)
Drake, we implore you, please be reconciled to God. Again, be the righteousness of God that we believe you were called to be. We desire to cancel these sanctions and welcome you back into fellowship in the strong name of Jesus. We reaffirm our love for you as a child of God.
Regrettably,
David L. Wright Eric Anthony Bill Hunt, Sr. Chairman Vice-Chair
Member
Gordon Kelly Mike Milligan Gary Nystedt
Secretary Member Member
Perry L. Rowe James Rowles John Simon
Member Member Member
Enclosure: Statement of Membership, May 22, 1996
Copy to: Kelvin Gardiner, District Superintendent
Jerry Mapstone, National Office C & MA
Bob Richey, Ellensburg Police Department
======================================
DRAKE TRAVIS’ - - PARTING WORDS
Dave Wright:
I have been dealing with you people on the Board for 8+ years now. This is my last correspondence. The saga between us must end.
I want you to know that:
~I have failed in my responsibility to my God to speak and be a man as He has quickened me by His Holy Spirit. This syndrome began nearly six years ago in February 1995. It won’t happen again.
~I have failed by not leaving your church, with my family, when I first realized that there is no safe place at your church.
~I failed by cooperating with the lie that working 60+ hours a week will appease Tim and bring salvation. I did that instead of ministering to my family first and then to others.
~I failed because I bowed to threats and was more concerned with what Tim demanded than what God commanded.
~I failed because I did not move through the chaos and confront as obligated by my call; I surrendered and became a victim...no more. These are my failings. I am responsible for them. I am suffering the consequences. However, you have had a responsibility in this relationship also. You affirm the resignation of Drake Travis. In rereading your firing letter from June 17, 1999, it is interesting that Drake was not allowed to speak to you –- the board. Proverbs 18:17 asserts, “The first to give his story seems right - until another comes forward and questions him.” You never heard my story, nor did you want to. Amazing that the tone from the June 17,2000, letter is so similar to the recent letters wherein Andersons were dismissed. Larry Fookes was threatened and Drake was ejected. There was no search for facts from those who’ve been injured -- only selfjustification.
It must be easier to call the police. It was all so very Timothean. And you are his elder.
The origin of the recent grievances was serendipity. It was no ones’s plan. You, an elder, don’t know the story. Though dozens of others do.
As for your pastor, he is to do as Psalm 23 says: “...to make them lie down in green pastures, to lead them beside quiet waters and restore souls.” This doesn’t happen at Ellensburg CMA.
Tim pressures the congregation to obey and behave. The elder board is so blinded (as Israel often was) that control is masqueraded as “unity,” and you affirm his version of “unity.”
As I read the Bible, persons have roles. Adam was to garden. Noah was to preserve man and animal. Abraham was to start a nation. Jacob was to name that nation. Joseph rescued it from famine. Moses liberated it. Joshua took it to The Promised Land. Samson judged. Samuel had a message to receive. David expanded borders in geography and literature. Solomon built the Temple. Jeremiah had a message to deliver. Each had a role with God as the Rule.
My experience at Ellensburg Alliance is that there are no checks and balances. Tim thinks he is the Founder and President. Tim is the CEO. Tim is Chairman of the Boards. Tim is head legislator of every committee. Tim is CFO (financial controller). Tim heads up quality control. Tim is the preacher and the teacher. Tim is head of personnel and supervisor. Tim is sergeant-of-arms. Tim is Human Resource manager. Tim is judge. Tim is the jury. And if anyone crosses him, Tim is executioner. Tim is King. And just like in the Middle Ages, there is neither freedom to petition nor assemble. And there is no freedom of speech at Ellensburg CMA either. Cyndi Hart comes to mind!
Gentlemen, the system screams for an overhaul. You are elders. Though the essence of sin is: (I am in control). You are an elder and this is OK with you.
Tim’s worst fear is being discovered. And he’s built an elaborate political system to prevent that from happening. Tim’s primary concerns are his power and his pleasure. It is fascinating that on December 20, 2000, Larry was right on every account laid before you. It is all true.
And you are an elder. I grieve for the sheep.
I am through striving with you. Farewell.
May the truth prevail,
Drake W. Travis
The origin of the recent grievances was serendipity. It was no ones’s plan. You, an elder, don’t know the story. Though dozens of others do.
As for your pastor, he is to do as Psalm 23 says: “...to make them lie down in green pastures, to lead them beside quiet waters and restore souls.” This doesn’t happen at Ellensburg CMA.
Tim pressures the congregation to obey and behave. The elder board is so blinded (as Israel often was) that control is masqueraded as “unity,” and you affirm his version of “unity.”
As I read the Bible, persons have roles. Adam was to garden. Noah was to preserve man and animal. Abraham was to start a nation. Jacob was to name that nation. Joseph rescued it from famine. Moses liberated it. Joshua took it to The Promised Land. Samson judged. Samuel had a message to receive. David expanded borders in geography and literature. Solomon built the Temple. Jeremiah had a message to deliver. Each had a role with God as the Rule.
My experience at Ellensburg Alliance is that there are no checks and balances. Tim thinks he is the Founder and President. Tim is the CEO. Tim is Chairman of the Boards. Tim is head legislator of every committee. Tim is CFO (financial controller). Tim heads up quality control. Tim is the preacher and the teacher. Tim is head of personnel and supervisor. Tim is sergeant-of-arms. Tim is Human Resource manager. Tim is judge. Tim is the jury. And if anyone crosses him, Tim is executioner. Tim is King. And just like in the Middle Ages, there is neither freedom to petition nor assemble. And there is no freedom of speech at Ellensburg CMA either. Cyndi Hart comes to mind!
Gentlemen, the system screams for an overhaul. You are elders. Though the essence of sin is: (I am in control). You are an elder and this is OK with you.
Tim’s worst fear is being discovered. And he’s built an elaborate political system to prevent that from happening. Tim’s primary concerns are his power and his pleasure. It is fascinating that on December 20, 2000, Larry was right on every account laid before you. It is all true.
And you are an elder. I grieve for the sheep.
I am through striving with you. Farewell.
May the truth prevail,
Drake W. Travis
