[Split topic] How long... will they keep going, and going...

[Penny]

Can someone please explain why it is over on the other site they keep linking Tommy's trials with 3ABN? I haven't seen or even heard mutterings that the allegations against Tommy occurred at 3ABN or when he was employed at 3ABN.

[proffaberf451]

Can someone please explain why it is over on the other site they keep linking Tommy's trials with 3ABN? I haven't seen or even heard mutterings that the allegations against Tommy occurred at 3ABN or when he was employed at 3ABN.

A good question with a rather simple explanation. That theory (or rumor, whichever works best) has been continually floated by Duane Clem (the spurned 19+ year old who had an alleged quasi-relationship with Tommy), but has never been substantiated, verified, or even really entered into the discussion because the evidence of such allegations does not exist. Sister, too, has tried to beat that drum but only when it serves her purpose of trying to stir the pot. Duane is a terribly angry individual who has not dealt with issues in his life. One need only read his postings on the Topix forum to see that he is willing - even anxious - to get into a physical altercation with someone. He tries to cover by claiming to only be calling them out to prove they are weak, or in his words, a pansy. The truth is, his behavior is clearly that of a bully and that has led many to wonder why any parent at his church would want their children under his care or tutelage. We know bully's behave as they do because they were bullied in life. This is sad and he needs our prayers that he will allow the Holy Spirit to remove his anger and pain so that he can find the "peace that passes understanding."

The reason it still surfaces at times is that there are those who want to see 3ABN become extinct (beginning with the Devil) and they have to find ways to paint 3ABN with a brush that will taint it enough to drive donors and church leadership away. If you notice, there are even those amongst the AT faithful who obviously would like to see the demise of the Seventh-day Adventist Church - that should tell readers there exactly what they need to know about the motives of those posting against 3ABN. If they can manufacture a believable red-herring, they feel they can get people to stop supporting 3ABN. Notice how they have also begun to attack (and by doing so insinuate a decayed spiritual foundation) church leaders, pastors, evangelists, and others who continue to support and work with 3ABN.

What people are seeing, that they (at AT) can not control at all, are the many individuals who are led to the truth and enter the doors of a church each Sabbath, having been led to the truth through the undiluted message that is being preached daily, hourly, on 3ABN. The Devil hates the truth - except when he can subtly blend it with error and use it to deceive (ala the methods of Robert Pickle). The Devil will use the unsuspecting and allow them to think they are doing the will of God as long as they continue to the Devils business - wolf in sheep's clothing. All Satan needs is a mind that is filled with anger toward some aspect of the church. We know that Robert Pickle has been refused consideration as a pastor in numerous conferences, no Seventh-day Adventist Publishing house has agreed to print his expose on Mrs. White, ASI refused him membership. It has been obvious in his postings that there is animosity toward the church (not the faith) because of these things. Could the Devil use that as an avenue in to encourage someone to do his biding - the Bible says, Yes. Before he began this work, there were people who respected the work Robert Pickle had done in defending the prophetic integrity of Mrs. White's work. However, where there once was respect, there is now significant doubt because of what he has done to people, the church, and the Lord's work over the past few years. Recently, there was a discussion about the motive for his writing about the works of Mrs. White and as a result of the way in which he has treated his fellow Christian brothers during the time he has been attacking 3ABN, significant questions are arising. There was no doubt among those discussing that there is a personal jealousy of Danny Shelton and that it is obvious that Robert will use any means necessary to hurt and harm him - even to the extent of destroying the lives of his family members. This has been evidenced by his scorched-earth, the-end-justifies-the-means methods. The discussion concluded with prayers that he would return his heart to the Master and seek forgiveness, from God and those he has harmed, for all he has done.

In general those at AT attacking the Lord's work are all hurting people (as are the significant masses of the citizens of earth) who will only find the peace they seek - not in destroying other people and claiming victory or vindication - but in humbling their hearts before the One who can remove the jealousy, pain, anger, and can soften their hearts. The simple explanation, Penny, is, they have not accepted (or after having done so, now rejected) the peace that God offers those who will join Him in His work to reach a dying world with a love that removes all pain in its many forms.

[Penny]

Thank you for your explanatory reply.

I have noticed that the core group of regulars posting over at the other site seem to consider themselves to be the harbingers of all God's truth...at least by the way, as you have stated, they have thoroughly criticized the church and every single church organization, church related or church supporting entity.

The posts on Topix seem to disappear rather quickly, so I haven't read the rants and raves of Mr Clem over there. But what he posts over on the AT site are, to me, evidence of hatred and viciousness that are inconsistent with a man who is supposedly a youth pastor. But who knows, maybe that's the way pastors behave these days.

Can someone please explain why it is over on the other site they keep linking Tommy's trials with 3ABN? I haven't seen or even heard mutterings that the allegations against Tommy occurred at 3ABN or when he was employed at 3ABN.

A good question with a rather simple explanation. That theory (or rumor, whichever works best) has been continually floated by Duane Clem (the spurned 19+ year old who had an alleged quasi-relationship with Tommy), but has never been substantiated, verified, or even really entered into the discussion because the evidence of such allegations does not exist. Sister, too, has tried to beat that drum but only when it serves her purpose of trying to stir the pot. Duane is a terribly angry individual who has not dealt with issues in his life. One need only read his postings on the Topix forum to see that he is willing - even anxious - to get into a physical altercation with someone. He tries to cover by claiming to only be calling them out to prove they are weak, or in his words, a pansy. The truth is, his behavior is clearly that of a bully and that has led many to wonder why any parent at his church would want their children under his care or tutelage. We know bully's behave as they do because they were bullied in life. This is sad and he needs our prayers that he will allow the Holy Spirit to remove his anger and pain so that he can find the "peace that passes understanding."

The reason it still surfaces at times is that there are those who want to see 3ABN become extinct (beginning with the Devil) and they have to find ways to paint 3ABN with a brush that will taint it enough to drive donors and church leadership away. If you notice, there are even those amongst the AT faithful who obviously would like to see the demise of the Seventh-day Adventist Church - that should tell readers there exactly what they need to know about the motives of those posting against 3ABN. If they can manufacture a believable red-herring, they feel they can get people to stop supporting 3ABN. Notice how they have also begun to attack (and by doing so insinuate a decayed spiritual foundation) church leaders, pastors, evangelists, and others who continue to support and work with 3ABN.

What people are seeing, that they (at AT) can not control at all, are the many individuals who are led to the truth and enter the doors of a church each Sabbath, having been led to the truth through the undiluted message that is being preached daily, hourly, on 3ABN. The Devil hates the truth - except when he can subtly blend it with error and use it to deceive (ala the methods of Robert Pickle). The Devil will use the unsuspecting and allow them to think they are doing the will of God as long as they continue to the Devils business - wolf in sheep's clothing. All Satan needs is a mind that is filled with anger toward some aspect of the church. We know that Robert Pickle has been refused consideration as a pastor in numerous conferences, no Seventh-day Adventist Publishing house has agreed to print his expose on Mrs. White, ASI refused him membership. It has been obvious in his postings that there is animosity toward the church (not the faith) because of these things. Could the Devil use that as an avenue in to encourage someone to do his biding - the Bible says, Yes. Before he began this work, there were people who respected the work Robert Pickle had done in defending the prophetic integrity of Mrs. White's work. However, where there once was respect, there is now significant doubt because of what he has done to people, the church, and the Lord's work over the past few years. Recently, there was a discussion about the motive for his writing about the works of Mrs. White and as a result of the way in which he has treated his fellow Christian brothers during the time he has been attacking 3ABN, significant questions are arising. There was no doubt among those discussing that there is a personal jealousy of Danny Shelton and that it is obvious that Robert will use any means necessary to hurt and harm him - even to the extent of destroying the lives of his family members. This has been evidenced by his scorched-earth, the-end-justifies-the-means methods. The discussion concluded with prayers that he would return his heart to the Master and seek forgiveness, from God and those he has harmed, for all he has done.

In general those at AT attacking the Lord's work are all hurting people (as are the significant masses of the citizens of earth) who will only find the peace they seek - not in destroying other people and claiming victory or vindication - but in humbling their hearts before the One who can remove the jealousy, pain, anger, and can soften their hearts. The simple explanation, Penny, is, they have not accepted (or after having done so, now rejected) the peace that God offers those who will join Him in His work to reach a dying world with a love that removes all pain in its many forms.

[proffaberf451]

Posted for reference purposes. The letter is also posted at save-3abn.com, but there is no way of knowing if this is the email in its entirety.

Pastor Duane Clem's written statement

-------- Original Message --------
From: Duane Clem
Subject: My statement
Date: Sat, 20 Jan 2007 04:37:27 +0000

Gentlemen,

Here is the long awaited statement. You have my OK to use it in whatever way you feel necessary, and you may include my name. This has been extremely hard to do, but I think it had to be done.

--- statement follows ---

It has taken me a long time to get to the point where I felt I could write this. In light of recent events and allegations brought forth by other parties, I feel it has become necessary to compose this statement.

Let me begin by saying that I am not writing out of a spirit of vengeance or animosity. I had never planned on sharing what happened with anyone else. I was prepared to take this to my grave. I had forgotten, or at least pushed back, the feelings of shame and resentment I had about this situation, but in recent days a lot of that has been brought back. I do not, however, blame anyone who has been DIRECTLY affected by this for coming forward.

Tommy Shelton was my pastor for many years at the Ezra Church of God in West Frankfort, IL. I began attending with my mother, sister and two brothers around 1974 or so, and my father became a Christian and began coming with us shortly after I graduated from high school in 1984. Tommy and I were never really close until I began attending the Christian school our church operated. Over the next few years, we would spend a lot of time talking, as I was dealing with depression issues and he was counseling me.

When the General Assembly of the Church of God in Illinois decided to suspend Tommy's ministerial credentials in 1985, I was one of several who wrote a letter in his defense. I was also questioned by a detective at the West Frankfort Police Department. I had been on a few overnight trips with him, and gave testimony that nothing had happened that would substantiate the allegations being made against him. At the time, this was true. It was, unfortunately, about to change.

Sometime in late 1985 or early 1986, Tommy came to me and said he had an unusual medical problem and asked for my help. I was shocked. I had previously been told by two other young men that he had said the same thing to them, but I could not believe that they were telling me the truth, even though they told me identical stories at two different times. Now I was hearing these words from my pastor. I felt trapped. I wanted to say something right then, but I didn't. I had vigorously defended him against allegations in the past, and had even lost friends because of it. I had written a letter saying nothing had happened to me. I had told the police nothing happened. Now, here I was, 19 years old, with NO ONE I felt I could talk to about it.

Over the next few months, Tommy and I would meet at his house, the church, the original 3ABN building, and even one night on a back country road, anywhere he thought no one would see us. There was a lot of inappropriate touching, but nothing further. He wanted much more out of it, but I couldn't let it happen because in my heart I knew it wasn't right. I was wrestling with thoughts like "What if someone finds out? What will happen to the church ... his family ... my family? Who would believe me anyway?"

Whenever he would be touching me, I would get muscle spasms in my back. I guess it was because I was so tense. More than once he sensed that I was in pain, and a couple of times he even accused me of "faking it" because I didn't care or didn't want to help him. I really started questioning if I was in the wrong. It was constant mental and emotional turmoil.

On one occasion, I had been hired by a television and appliance rent-to-own company as an assistant manager, and was to travel to the main office about an hour away for two days of training. The company said they would get me a motel room so I wouldn't have to drive back and forth. When Tommy found this out, he decided that it would be a good opportunity for him to come down to my room and no one would ever know the difference. I paid very little attention to my training all day long because I was dreading what was going to happen that night. Finally, as the supervisor was going to reserve the room, I told him that "something had come up" and I was going to have to drive back home, so I wouldn't need the room after all. I lied. I don't remember what excuse I gave Tommy for not staying the night down there, but I know I lied to him also. I really didn't want to drive back and forth, but I hated the thought of another "meeting" worse. I loved my pastor and didn't want to hurt him, but I didn't know how much longer I could keep this up. I was now lying to try to avoid it.

Finally, he said he realized that I was uncomfortable and decided we shouldn't be doing this. It was like a thousand pound weight was gone. I felt free. The problem is that I felt such a release that I didn't consider the fact that this had already happened before, or so I had been told. I never told anyone. It is because of my silence, I feel, that others have been harmed. That is one of my big regrets and I will carry that guilt for the rest of my days. There is nothing I can ever do to change that. I only hope that in some way, speaking out now will help put an end to it once and for all.

I am happy to say that God has been with me through it all. I am still attending church faithfully, and have been working with teens at church for the past 10-12 years. I was ordained as a General Baptist minister in September of 2005, and have served as a youth pastor and Sunday School teacher at churches I have attended previously. I am pleased to be able to say that I do NOT have any homosexual desires or tendencies as a result of my experience. If anything, it has made me abhor and detest it even more than I ever did before. In addition, it is very possible that I will be dealing with a young person in the future facing similar issues, and God may have allowed me to go through this so I would know how to help them. All things DO work together for good to those who love God!

In conclusion, I want to say that I do NOT hate Tommy Shelton, nor do I want to see him or his family destroyed. I grew up with the Shelton kids. They're almost like family to me. I hope that my coming forward doesn't end our friendships, although I'm sure it will never be the same from this point forward.

I ask all who read this to please pray for all those who have been directly involved, our families, our churches and yes, for Tommy Shelton also. It is my opinion that he needs to be out of the ministry right now, but he also needs the Lord's leadership as he deals with past issues. Our God is a God of judgment, but He is also a God of forgiveness and restoration. I want that restoration for Tommy and everyone else who has been affected by this. Snide remarks and hateful comments won't solve anything or bring healing to anyone. Only God's touch can do that.

Thank you for your prayers and thoughts as we all try to put this behind us. God bless.

Duane Clem

[Cynthia]

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