Dragons Welcome Here! A Favorite Christmas Tradition: The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at King's College (via BBC)

The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols is the Christmas Eve choir service held in the beautiful King's College Chapel in Cambridge, England (info here).

First introduced in 1918 as a more creative, celebratory service, the Festival, which features a traditional sequence of choral music and a newly-commissioned carol each year, highlights a panorama of the Scriptures illustrating the Gospel -- using both the Old and New Testaments.

Since its first broadcast in 1928, the Festival has become a tradition which is now broadcast around the world (and over the Internet) by the BBC.

You may listen to it freely on BBC Radio (here).

The Festival is known to be a sure remedy for Dragons ... and what ails them.

No One Home: Twas the Week after Christmas, and All Thru the Church, No Creature Was Stirring ... Well, Except for the Dragons

'Twas the week after Christmas
and all through the church,
Not a Creature was stirring

... Well, except for the Dragons,
who were likely to stamp and thrash
and snarl and breathe
howling imprecations and maledictions,

All of which would be very tedious
... and not much fun at Christmas.

(And, besides, all that stamping and thrashing
is extremely hard on the furniture.)

~~~*~~~

The entire staff of First Baptist Church of Bolivar is on Christmas vacation.
(All of 'em? Yeah, we were stunned, too.)

But, rather than leave these documents and materials in the ah, ... talons of dragons, we will wait until some portion of the staff returns on Friday, January 2, 2009.

However, we will be posting the initial letters and opening the accompanying website on Thursday, January 1, 2009.

~~~*~~~

The Trinity Correspondence:
"The Invitations to Reconciliation"


The first letter, which will be waiting for their return
from Christmas vacation on January 2,
is addressed to:

Current Pastor Billy Russell, Former Pastor Ray Leininger,
and Former Interim Pastor Rodney Reeves and the Staff,
Trustees, Deacons of the First Baptist Church of Bolivar

and
and will, subsequently, be delivered to:
the Southwest Baptist University Trustees
and Administration

and the Missouri Baptist Convention
Executive Board and Administration

This initial letter is be supported by correspondence to:

Pastor Gary Ankrom
and the
First Assembly of God of Bolivar

and
the Student Government Association
of Southwest Baptist University

and the Faculty Senate
of Southwest Baptist University


~~~*~~~

A Christmas Message: Dancing with the Dragons of the Royal House of Blunt, the Unholy Baptist Empire ... and their Beasts

~*~UPDATED~*~

Even during Christmas, the Dragons do not sleep . . .

It seems that in our wandering speculations over the last few weeks, we have run afoul of the local Dragons -- those who serve and worship (or so they, at least, apparently believe) the Royal Houses of outgoing Missouri Governor Matt Blunt and Roy Blunt, the current Congressman of Missouri Seventh District and (what some locals refer to as) the Unholy Baptist Empire, which is most ardently represented in Bolivar by Southwest Baptist University.

This is not new: while trudging through in the Political Dark Forest and slogging through its treacherous Miry Morass and Black Swamps, we have previously encountered these fearsome and foul beasts ... and were much the worse for it.

As everyone knows, Dark Dragons are unnatural beasts, who, having no hearts, slaughter and devour the Innocent for sport.

They are best left to their own devious devises ... when possible.

To accommodate your fears, Dark Dragons, we have adjusted our course to avoid the Dragons' Lairs.

Be assured, gentle Dragons, unless you demand it be so, our Journey to the far distant Shining Mountains does not tread upon your Dragons' Domains.

Fear not, dear Dragons, if you are clever, calm and patient, you will not be wakened from your slumber.

~*~For UPDATE see here~*~

Gov. Matt Blunt Heading to Southwest Baptist University?: Does E-Mail Deletion Settlement Pave the Way?

As noted in previous blog entries (here and here), the unsubstantiated rumor has been circulating in local eateries and among Christmas shoppers that Matt Blunt, the outgoing Missouri governor, will soon follow in the footsteps of his father (Congressman Roy Blunt) and assume a position in the administration of Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri.

One obstacle remained -- the e-mail deletion litigation -- which, as the Columbia Missourian reported on Tuesday, has now been overcome:

JEFFERSON CITY — The governor’s office will provide free copies of e-mails to investigators to settle a lawsuit that accused Gov. Matt Blunt and other officials of “knowingly and purposely” violating the state’s open-records law by denying access to the documents.

Under the deal announced in Cole County Circuit Court on Tuesday, the Republican governor admitted no wrongdoing, while his office agreed to hand over tens of thousands of pages of e-mails from Aug. 17 through Oct. 31, 2007, and allowed investigators appointed by Democratic Attorney General Jay Nixon to inspect the office. The settlement also means that the lawsuit cannot be refiled against Blunt.

In a joint statement released after Tuesday’s hearing, the court-appointed attorneys and a lawyer representing Blunt said the agreement is a “comprehensive settlement of all the issues pertaining to the governor and his office.”

Remainder of article (here).

Updates to follow ...

PROBLEM & SOLUTION: Extreme Weather Delays; "Invitations to Reconciliation" (for SBU, MBC, First Baptist of Bolivar) Posted Online on Christmas Day!

PROBLEM:
Extreme weather is causing mail delivery delays and problems (mail has been taking up to four days to travel thirty miles, in some cases, and ending up damaged in other instances).

This will obviously disrupt distribution of some of the the "Invitations to Reconciliation" (details here), which are being delivered to individuals and officials associated with Southwest Baptist University, Missouri Baptist Convention and the First Baptist Church of Bolivar, Missouri.

SOLUTION:
The "Invitations to Reconciliation" -- with some revisions -- will be posted on a new blog on Christmas Day.

Please take some time this Christmas to review these letters, which will be LINKED TO THIS BLOG on Christmas.

The mailed letters will arrive shortly thereafter.

Updates to follow ...

Extreme Weather Slows Delivery of "Invitations to Reconciliation" to Southwest Baptist University, Missouri Baptist Convention & First Baptist-Bolivar

The extreme weather has slowed the delivery of the "Invitations to Reconciliation" (details here) to Southwest Baptist University, Missouri Baptist Convention and First Baptist Church of Bolivar officials and other individuals.

Nonetheless, the "Invitations" should arrive by Christmas Eve!

(RSVP still expected by Christmas Day.)

Updates to follow ...

The "Invitations to Reconciliation" Are Being Delivered to Southwest Baptist University, Missouri Baptist Convention & First Baptist of Bolivar

The "Invitations to Reconciliation"
are being delivered by mail and fax,
today, tomorrow and (some few) Monday.

(RSVP By Christmas)

The invitations will remain open until Christmas Day.

If there is no response to the invitation,
it will be assumed that other options are necessary.

If accepted, arrangements will be made over
the Twelve Days following Christmas Day
to implement a
Restorative Justice Process.

The revelations of the last few weeks
have brought into clear perspective the reality
that true reconciliation
is likely impossible and, accordingly,
Marie has accepted a far less comprehensive
(and far briefer)
model of "restoration,"
which would be completed before Spring classes
begin at Southwest Baptist University
on January 26, 2009.

Details on this process will be posted throughout the day
.. and this weekend.

An Invitation to Reconciliation (RSVP by Christmas) & Drowning Puppies and Other Christmas Pastimes (Posting Friday after SBU Fall Graduation)

An Invitation to Reconciliation
(RSVP By Christmas)
will be posted later today,
after the Southwest Baptist University Fall Graduation Ceremony.

The Decision: The Worms at the Core of the Apple & Drowning Puppies and Other Christmas Pastimes ...

In speaking of the seemingly endless frustration of communicating with the officials of the Missouri Baptist Convention and Southwest Baptist University, Marie commented, yesterday:

The difficulty in addressing these issues is that the worms are at the core of the apple; it is almost impossible to deal with the worms without destroying the integrity of the apple.

Many of those with whom I am compelled to communicate are apathetic to this fact and do not exercise the most basic care for anything or anyone that does not serve their personal, social, financial, or political interests.

This is why I have repeatedly questioned their Christian commitment: How can they be of Christ, of His Kin and of His Spirit when the love of God for others is not in them?

I do not mean this as an accusation: It is simply a statement of observable fact, yes, but more importantly, of Truth.

These officials operate under a different code of ethics than I do.

Whereas, I don't have the "luxury" of calloused indifference to the harm that my actions or inaction may potentially cause others, these officials manifestly have no such qualms of conscience.

After some prayer and discussion, the decision was made: With some modification, we will continue with the presentation of the Trinity Contract.

The Decision: Drowning Puppies and Other Christmas Pastimes is to be posted Thursday (Dec. 17).

Sorry, for the delay(s). The reasons will become evident when you see the posts.

Good luck with finals,
Southwest Baptist University students
(and others)!

The Problem Hides the Solution: Stunning New Information on Malfeasance by Missouri Baptist Convention and Southwest Baptist University Officials

So much has been brought to light over the last few hours and days.

In all honesty, we are at a loss as to what information should be made public. However, we are preparing new posts for this evening and tomorrow.

Posting MAJOR NEWS before Christmas!

Disappointing Failure: Communications with the Missouri Baptist Convention Executive Board Unsuccessful; Fresh Misconduct Uncovered

In spite of hopeful signs, the planned attempts at less public and more civil communications (here) with the Missouri Baptist Convention Executive Board during their Dec. 8 and 9 meeting were unsuccessful.

In fact, before our efforts could be fully implemented, more discouraging evidence of misconduct by various individuals associated with Southwest Baptist University and the Missouri Baptist Convention was uncovered.

"Frankly," Marie sighed, holding back tears of disappointment, again:

I don't WANT to know and to have to be burdened with any more information about how these individuals violate the trust of students, townspeople, and church members; I do my best to interact with them as little as possible.

Although Marie had hoped that a more direct confrontation would provide a more private forum, it is not to be.

We were already prepared, though -- and the more public communications are already underway.

Stay tuned: it's time to move on. ...

Clean Christmas?: Missouri Baptist Convention To Turn Over Evidence of Unethical/Criminal Conduct of SBU Legal Team, Admin, Faculty to Missouri Bar

Will the Missouri Baptist Convention Executive Board
Come Clean for Christmas?

Marie O'Hara has filed a request with the Missouri Baptist Convention Executive Board (who are meeting today and tomorrow) that "the Missouri Baptist Convention and its affiliated agencies" turn over to the Missouri Bar Association evidence and testimony concerning the "strongly suspected, known and openly acknowledged" unethical and criminal conduct of the Southwest Baptist University legal team, administration, and faculty.

Although Marie offers an alternative option for an In-House Investigation and Restorative Justice process, she expresses concern for herself and other witnesses and asks that the situation be substantially resolved by no later than January 7, 2009, thereby lessening future peril to herself and other witnesses.

The majority of text of this letter will be posted shortly.

The letter -- with additional details -- has also been sent to the Southwest Baptist University Student Government Association, the Southwest Baptist University Faculty Senate and The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), which is Southwest Baptist University's accreditation agency.

Developing ... More details to follow.

Filed with Southwest Baptist Univ Accreditation Agency: Long-Delayed Complaint Detailing "Abusive, Fraudulent, Slanderous, Discriminatory" Conduct

Yes, it's going to be a busy week.

Your prayers for Marie's safety (and that of all witnesses) are sincerely appreciated.

Southwest Baptist Univ Student Gov Assoc (SGA) & Faculty Senate Asked to Act Against Unethical/Illegal Admin Conduct Before Spring Semester Begins

Additional information to follow later this week.

Matt Blunt Still Seeking Helm of Southwest Baptist University -- Even After Taking Board Position in ...Vehicle Salvage?

Yes, you read that right: "vehicle salvage" ... as in used cars, very used cars.

However, please note the highlighted portion of the following St. Louis Dispatch coverage, From the Governor's Mansion to Vehicle Salvage:

Copart announced the appointment today. Blunt also joins the company's nominating and governance committee. The appointments are effective Jan. 13.

"Gov. Blunt will add tremendous value to Copart's board with his experience in public policy and fiscal management," Copart's president, Jay Adair, said in a statement. "We are looking forward to the unique perspective he will bring to the board with his public service background."

The company's annual revenue was reportedly $785 million.

No word on what Blunt will be paid.

According to the company's proxy statement, board directors at Copart get $50,000 plus stock options. When two new directors joined the board in September 2007, they each got options to buy 20,000 shares. For this, the company recorded compensation expenses of $88,849, bringing their total compensation in 2007 to $138,849 each.

Blunt's salary as governor was $133,800.

Blunt spokesman Rich Chrismer this morning confirmed Blunt's appointment to Copart but indicated that Blunt isn't stopping there.

"It is my understanding this is not the only position he will hold and he is exploring a number of options with different employers and this board position is one of them," Chrismer said.

Copart, based in Fairfield, Calif., was founded in 1982. It provides vehicle sellers -- primarily insurance companies -- with what the company calls "remarketing services." Copart sells vehicles through Internet sales on behalf of insurance companies, banks, finance companies, fleet operators and others. ...

(Read rest of article here.)

In addition, Governor Matt Blunt has other worries at the moment as chronicled in the Columbia Missourian this week:
Special prosecutors file lawsuit against Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt.

This lawsuit concerns the alleged abuse of e-mail correspondence and the Sunshine Laws during Matt Blunt's administration, as detailed here.

Does any of this preclude Matt Blunt's seeking an administrative position at Southwest Baptist University?

Not. At. All.

As events unfold at the Missouri Baptist Convention Executive Board meeting this coming Monday and Tuesday (Dec. 8 and 9), the rest of the story will become apparent.

SEE UPDATE HERE!

Soon-to-be Ex-Governor Matt Blunt To Helm Southwest Baptist University, following in His Father's (Congressman Roy Blunt) Footsteps?

Though, at the moment, this is an unconfirmed, small-town rumor, there are substantial reasons to speculate that a deal is in the works.

Developing ...

EXTENSIVE UPDATED INFORMATION THIS FRIDAY (Dec. 5).

**SEE UPDATE HERE**

Can He Do This?: The "Verdict" on Dr. Ray Leininger and the Trinity (the Missouri Baptist Convention, SBU and the First Baptist of Bolivar)

For some time, Marie had planned on asking Dr. Ray Leininger to play a key part in the process of Restorative Justice and the Trinity Contract -- primarily because he has played such a major role in the devastating events that lead to Marie's disability and the subsequent abuse.

But, the question was: Can he handle the demands of the assignment?

This morning, as we were listening to his guest sermon at the First Baptist Church of Bolivar, Missouri, Marie asked us to evaluate THREE criteria:

1. Can Dr. Leininger handle the physical demands of the task?

Some difficult but necessary background information:

In November 2007, Marie initiated contact through the First Baptist Church of Bolivar with the intention of requesting that a church member and Sunday School teacher, Dr. James Sells, accept the challenge of undertaking the task of Restorative Justice in this situation.

[Dr. James Sells was the retired president and CEO of Southwest Baptist University and a consultant for the Missouri Baptist Convention. Like Dr. Leininger, he was deeply embroiled in this controversy.]

Even after sending the initial "demand letter" to First Baptist Church of Bolivar, Marie hesitated in making the secondary request for Dr. Sells' personal intervention, fearing that the project would be too much for him.

Marie's trepidation was well-founded: Within two weeks after the initial contact, Dr. Sells died of a sudden heart attack.

Even though Marie did not directly contact Dr. Sells, the experience of his shocking passing was profoundly grievous to us, especially Marie.

We wish avoid any similar experience during this restorative process.

Therefore, the question stands:

1. Can Dr. Leininger handle the physical demands of the task?

Our response was unanimous: YES.

THE VERDICT:

He's strong as a horse ... and still blustering like a bear.
To echo a recent slogan: YES HE CAN!

2. Would Dr. Leininger be able to deal responsibly with the labyrinth of sociopolitical, legal, and religious factions, agendas, and infrastructure involved in this situation?

Dr. Leininger's topic was "intercultural worship," which he handled reasonably well, with obvious and admitted signs of growth in comprehension and wisdom.

Our Assessment: Still a slight hint of misogynist snarl ... but, generally, he showed considerable depth of insight and cultural understanding.

THE VERDICT:
Again, no guarantees,
but if he chooses to do so,
he is certainly able: YES HE CAN!

3. Has Dr. Ray Leininger progressed and matured enough emotionally, spiritually, socially, culturally, and intellectually to handle this assignment -- without incurring more harm (or worse consequences)
to himself and others?

This was more complicated: Initially, there was agitation, discomfort, flat-out disbelief and dissent, which was wholeheartedly punctuated and documented by renditions of past events (here).

Eventually, we came to a consensus ...

This is as it should be.

THE VERDICT:

THUMBS UP!
DR. RAY LEININGER, YOU'RE THE DUDE!
You can handle this assignment ... and triumph.

MARIE WILL BE CONTACTING YOU THIS WEEK --
before the Missouri Baptist Convention Meeting
and the "Trinity Convergence"
on December 8 and 9.

Complete details will be posted tonight and throughout this week.

An Early Christmas for Dr. Ray Leininger: "We'll See What He Has to Say This Morning"

In the previous post, we mentioned Marie's letter to Dr. Ray Leininger, which concerns the Trinity Contract and the next meeting of the Missouri Baptist Convention Executive Board on December 8 - 9.

In order to offer Dr. Leininger every opportunity to live within the grace and glory of God, Marie requested that we not post the Trinity Letter until after Dr. Leininger has spoken this morning -- so that any adjustments can be made before presenting it to the Missouri Baptist Convention.

We will honor Marie's request; we will, though, be posting other material throughout the day.

It's snowing (sorta) in Bolivar!

Happy early Christmas, Dr. Leininger! It seems Marie still believes that you have a good heart.

CLEAN CHRISTMAS?: Dr. Ray Leininger (Retired Pastor, Former SBU and MBC Trustee) Will Preach at First Baptist Church-Bolivar this Sunday (Nov. 30)

CLEAN CHRISTMAS?:
PRAYING FOR CHANGING HEARTS ...

After a long absence from the pulpit, Dr. Ray Leininger -- the former pastor (retired 2004) of First Baptist Church of Bolivar, MO; a current "Virtual Strategy Coordinator for Russia" for the Southern Baptist Convention, and a former member of both the Southwest Baptist University the Missouri Baptist Convention Board of Trustees -- will return as guest speaker during the (second) Sunday Morning Worship service of the First Baptist Church of Bolivar, Missouri.

Since his retirement, Dr. Ray Leininger:

"has tapped into the need for teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) in Tomsk; he also established a partnership between Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Mo., and the university in Tomsk [Russia]." (see here).

Rev. Billy Russell, the current pastor of First Baptist Church of Bolivar and SBU alumnus and newly-appointed Southwest Baptist University Trustee, will be on holiday with his wife's family in Texas.

The service will be broadcast live beginning at 10:45 am (CST) on KYOO radio (1200 AM or 99.1 FM).

A letter from Marie O'Hara to Dr. Ray Leininger will be posted shortly.

Details to follow ...

Update! - Missouri Baptist Convention Battles Over Windermere: Appeal Set for Nov. 25; Judge Recuses Himself

These legal proceedings (here) involving Windermere Baptist Conference Center are part of the seven-year-long battle contesting the "ownership" claims between the current (conservative) Missouri Baptist Convention Executive Board and the five "rogue" (more moderate/ liberal) MBC agencies -- who have renounced MBC control by determining to appoint their own Trustees (rather than permitting the Missouri Baptist Convention to do so).

The outcome of this litigation will help to define the "ownership" of another Missouri Baptist Convention agency -- Southwest Baptist University.

*Update*

The hearing was held on the morning of November 25; both sides were heard briefly and the panel of judges directed several questions to the lawyers for both parties.

The Appeals Court may rule as early as the end of January 2009.

Updates to follow...

From Now Through Thanksgiving Weekend!: We Are Adding New Links and Blog/Website Features - Reopening Nov. 26 - 30

THANKSGIVING! The Trinity Contract: Correspondence with Southwest Baptist University, Missouri Baptist Convention & First Baptist of Bolivar, MO

Marie has corresponded with Southwest Baptist University,
the Missouri Baptist Convention,
and the First Baptist Church of Bolivar, MO.

UPDATE!
Over the last several weeks, we have encountered ...
unusual events and ... strange tales.

THE TRINITY CONTRACT is being presented -- CAUTIOUSLY --
during the THANKSGIVING BREAK! ...

~~~*~~~

The Circumstances "on the Ground" Have Changed; Adjustments and Re-Scheduling in Progress!

In the past several weeks, the circumstances "on the ground" have changed, requiring some delays and rescheduling of THE EVENTS CALENDAR.

However, adjustments have been made and re-scheduling is in progress.

Stay tuned!

Missouri Baptist Convention and Southwest Baptist University HEART OF INTEGRITY QUESTIONS CALENDAR of EVENTS for October/November 2008

~~~*~~~~~~*~~~~~~*~~~~~~*~~~
MISSOURI BAPTIST CONVENTION
and
SOUTHWEST BAPTIST UNIVERSITY
and
First Baptist Church of Bolivar, Missouri
HEART OF INTEGRITY Questions

CALENDAR OF EVENTS
for OCTOBER and NOVEMBER 2008

~~~*~~~~~~*~~~~~~*~~~~~~*~~~
Update for MONDAY (October 6, 2008)
Last Update Monday, October 6, 2008 about 9:40 pm
(Links to MBC Annual Meeting information now operative.)
Major changes made to schedule
~~~*~~~~~~*~~~~~~*~~~~~~*~~~

After discussions with friends in the last several weeks,
Marie requested
some changes be made to the schedule.

After speaking with several friends in the media,
Marie has requested that the
PRESS RELEASES
not be posted until
WEDNESDAY, October 22 --
following the
Southwest Baptist University Trustee meeting.

However, Marie felt it best to release
at least some information
to others throughout this week (October 6-12).

_________________________________________________________________________

| MONDAY-SUNDAY October 6 - 12 |
_________________________________________________________________________

New Beginnings:
Letters to
Rev. Gary Ankrom and the First Assembly of God Church
in Bolivar, MO
to be delivered and posted this week.

~~~*~~~

A DIFFERENT
COMMUNICATIONS FACILITATOR
will be made available to
First Baptist Church of Bolivar this week
(October 6 -12)

See blog for additional details this week!

~~~*~~~

_________________________________________________________________________

| MONDAY-FRIDAY October 13 - 17 |
_________________________________________________________________________

DELAYED UNTIL OCTOBER 12-17!

A Revised Version of the
Alternative Histories and Divergent Paths
Commitment and Pledge
packet to be delivered to
First Baptist Church of Bolivar
(see here)

See blog for additional details this week!

~~~*~~~

"Letters of Distinction"
arrive throughout the week of October 13-17

Individuals of Distinction: Billy Russell, Rodney Reeves,
Ray Leinginger,
Fred Pike, Larry Stehr, Bill Hooper,
Mark Tappmeyer, Jodie Shelenhamer

See blog for additional details this week!

~~~*~~~

_________________________________________________________________________

| MONDAY and TUESDAY October 20 -21 |
_________________________________________________________________________


The Fall Meeting of the
SOUTHWEST BAPTIST UNIVERSITY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
October 20 - 21

~~~*~~~
_________________________________________________________________________

| WEDNESDAY and THURSDAY October 23 - 24 |
_________________________________________________________________________

Press Releases (plural):
Requesting an Emergency Meeting
of the
Missouri Baptist Convention
Executive Board

(described here)

In addition to the initial request,
there are more substantial calls for immediate action.

An outline of these press releases will be posted shortly.

See blog for additional details this week!

~~~*~~~

_________________________________________________________________________

| MONDAY and TUESDAY October 27 - 29 |
_________________________________________________________________________

MISSOURI BAPTIST CONVENTION
2008 Annual Meeting
174th Annual Session, October 27–29, 2008

Millennium Hotel
(www.millenniumhotels.com)
St. Louis, Missouri

2008 Fact Sheet (pdf)
Provisional Program (pdf)

Officers:
Dr. Gerald R. Davidson, President
Dr. Bruce McCoy, First Vice President
Dr. John Marshall, Second Vice President
Rev. Chadd Pendergraft, Recording Secretary

John Francis, Music Coordinator

Overall Theme:
Restoring Fellowship – Reaching People,
John 17:20-23

~~~*~~~
_________________________________________________________________________

A Gift and a Kindness: Strength after Life- Threatening Health Crisis

Following a series of life-threatening incidents, Marie is recovering strongly now. She has been encouraged by the kindnesses of friends and by practical gifts of organic food and supplies ... including a gift of organic, free-range eggs, which have been strengthening to her.

Today, Monday, October 6, 2008, we will be posting a new Tentative Calendar of Events for October - November 2008.

Happy Rosh Hashanah! - Posting Resumes on Sunday (October 5).

Happy Rosh Hashanah (wiki):

Rosh Hashanah is the first of the High Holidays
or Yamim Noraim ("Days of Awe"),
or Asseret Yemei Teshuva (The Ten Days of Repentance)
which are days specifically set aside
to focus on repentance
that conclude with the holiday of Yom Kippur.


Posting to resume on Sunday (October 5)..

Life ... and Dreams Lost: "Celebrating" a Satanic Miracle - 20th Anniversary of First Acute Pesticide Poisoning at Southwest Baptist University

Today is the 20th (twentieth) anniversary of
Marie O'Hara’s first acute pesticide poisoning
at Southwest Baptist University on
September 26, 1988.

(Guess their Get Well card is still in the mail, ya think?)

For the large majority of that twenty years,
Marie has lived without any income (see here) *
or assistance from local, state, or federal agencies,
due to illegal harassment and injury by SBU associates.

And, this marks a satanic miracle --
in twenty years, Marie has not received
a penny of assistance
from any of the Southwest Baptist University family
or any church or church-related organization.

And yet, apparently,
none of the titans of Baptist ethical leadership at
Southwest Baptist University
or the Missouri Baptist Convention
seem to believe that anything is
wrong with this picture?

Because, as we all know,
if the Southwest Baptist University family
felt that something, anything
was amiss in the way that Marie has been treated,
they would let nothing stop them from doing something --
something good --
to correct the situation, wouldn't they?

Wouldn't they?

~*~

* Since this document was filed in 1996, Marie has received no local, state, federal, church or church-related assistance.

(More postings to follow later THIS WEEK.)

~*~

Slow, Steady Recovery and GOING PUBLIC: Finally, THIS WEEK! ... First, Letters to Rev. Gary Ankrom and the First Assembly of God Church in Bolivar

Over the past week or so, Marie has been making a slow but steady and encouraging recovery from a severe health crisis.

In a series of posts beginning this week, Marie will finally be making public much of what has been happening for the past several years.

First, will be:
Letters to Rev. Gary Ankrom and
the First Assembly of God Church in Bolivar, MO

to be posted shortly.

More Bullying Baptists? A Threat to Marie's Survival ... Again!

Due to changes in her home environment
over the next two weeks,
Marie is facing the imminent threat of further
injury, disability or death.

Although her concerns have been detailed in writing,
it appears the threat and harm are purposeful
and intended to cause distress and injury.

Marie continues to hope that reason will prevail.

Just an accident?

A misunderstanding?

Crossed communication?

Maybe. Hopefully.

But, most of us realize that --
because those involved in these changes
are Southern Baptists --
it seems unlikely that reason will prevail
and far more likely that
Marie will be injured ... or worse.

~*~

If Marie does not survive,
she has given her permission to allow
the publication of her story,
so that others may be warned.

~*~

We will keep posting ...


~*~

New Beginnings: Marie's Letter to Rev. Gary Ankrom and the First Assembly of God in Bolivar, MO to be Kept Private for One Week

Marie has heeded a request to keep
New Beginnings: The Letter(s) to
Rev. Gary Ankrom and the First Assembly of God Church
in Bolivar, MO
PRIVATE for a period of one week.

Therefore, these letters will not be posted today or
this week.

Others letters, however, will be posted shortly.

Some Disturbing News ... and THIS WEEK: Presentation of the "Restorative Project"

This weekend, Marie received some disturbing news, which -- if true -- will necessarily and sadly alter some arrangements.

However, this week, Marie will be presenting "The Restorative Project" to about twenty individuals and entities -- NOT ALL of whom are associated with the Missouri Baptist Convention.

Postings to follow late tonight (Monday) ...

The Restorative Project: Letters to the First Baptist Church of Bolivar and the Missouri Baptist Convention will be Nearly 100 Pages!

"The Restorative Project" (letters to the First Baptist Church of Bolivar and the Missouri Baptist Convention) will be nearly 100 pages long!

Marie has requested help from friends to print this "small book" this weekend; it will be presented to the First Baptist Church of Bolivar and the Missouri Baptist Convention early this week -- hopefully Monday!

Oh, and, major portions of it will be published on the new blog!

The Julian Standard: Should 12 - 20 Southwest Baptist University Staff and as Many as Half of the Trustees Be Fired for the Harm Done to a Student?

"Yes."

That's the decision that Marie has reached
over the last few days.

"Yes, they should be dismissed, if their actions or neglect
meet the Julian Standard,
which the SBU Trustees and Administration themselves
set for others."

The Julian Standard:
Should 12 - 20 Southwest Baptist University Staff and
as Many as Half of the Trustees Be Fired
for the Harm Done to a Student?
to be posted this weekend night
(Sorry for delay. More info has been added.) --

along with
the REVISED LETTERS to
the Missouri Baptist Convention,

the Southwest Baptist University
Student Government Association

and SBU Faculty Senate

and the
First Baptist Church of Bolivar.

A No-Go?: Proposed PUBLIC APOLOGY by First Baptist Church of Bolivar, Missouri Baptist Convention and Southwest Baptist University

The proposed PUBLIC ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND APOLOGY -- which was described yesterday (here) -- may be a NO-GO.

As soon as yesterday's post was published, Marie begun to hear that, in spite of what was being said informally, those involved were (as is the unfortunate custom at Southwest Baptist University) taking advantage of Marie's noble and tender-hearted concern for SBU students and others.

In actuality, they had NO intention of cooperating with an acknowledgement and a carefully-worded apology. In fact, their pleas appear to be nothing more than an effort to stall the Internal Investigation.

To safeguard against this ploy, Marie has integrated two former proposals -- allowing the OPTION of a PUBLIC APOLOGY and participation in the Restorative Justice process and, otherwise, REQUIRING the initiation of the Internal Investigation, which is to be monitored weekly by the officials of the Missouri Baptist Convention until the October 2008 meeting of the Missouri Baptist Convention.

Details to be posted later today ...

PUBLIC APOLOGY to be Given by First Baptist Church of Bolivar, Missouri Baptist Convention and Southwest Baptist University on KYOO Sun, Sept 7 or 14

In lieu of the Preliminary Agreement that was to be finalized by August 31, 2008, Marie has allowed for a carefully-worded PUBLIC APOLOGY.

In light of concerns that Marie's request for an investigation could easily lead to the dismissal of 12 to 20 Southwest Baptist University administrators, faculty and staff and (at least) one third of the Southwest Baptist University Board of Trustees (as well as some within the Southern Baptist and Missouri Baptist Convention leadership) [see details here], Marie has revised her letter to the First Baptist Church of Bolivar, Missouri.

Instead of the Preliminary Agreement, which was to have been signed on August 31, 2008, Marie is requesting a carefully-worded and brief ACKNOWLEDGEMENT and PUBLIC APOLOGY, which will be:

• delivered during the second morning service of the First Baptist Church of Bolivar Sunday morning service
• broadcast on KYOO radio (1200 AM and 99.1 FM)
  
• between 10:45 and noon
  
• on Sunday, September 7, 2008 and/or Sunday 14, 2008.

The nature of this APOLOGY is discussed in the REVISED letter to the First Baptist Church of Bolivar, which is to be HAND-DELIVERED and partially posted on this week to the First Baptist Church of Bolivar.