Too Close for Comfort: NEWS LINK/COMMENTARY 93-Year-Old Michigan Veteran Frozen to Death When Utility Company Shut Off Power for Unpaid Bills

The story from the Associated Press:

BAY CITY, Mich. (AP) — A 93-year-old man froze to death inside his home just days after the municipal power company restricted his use of electricity because of unpaid bills, officials said.

Marvin E. Schur died "a slow, painful death," said Kanu Virani, Oakland County's deputy chief medical examiner, who performed the autopsy.

Neighbors discovered Schur's body on Jan. 17. They said the indoor temperature was below 32 degrees at the time, The Bay City Times reported Monday.

"Hypothermia shuts the whole system down, slowly," Virani said. "It's not easy to die from hypothermia without first realizing your fingers and toes feel like they're burning." ...

Read The Associated Press Story (here).

Also, from Wichita Falls [Texas] Times editorial:

Our Opinion: Heartless Power company shows no remorse at death of customer

No one gave Marvin E. Schur a second thought.

And someone should lose sleep — if not some freedom — over his death.

...

The company must file testimony in the case by Feb. 22, reported the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth, including what steps the company took to enroll senior citizens like Schur for shut-off protection.

Bay City Manager Robert Belleman told the Associated Press that the company’s policies would be reviewed but he didn’t think the case was handled incorrectly.

A man died, and the city manager doesn’t think the city did anything wrong?

In his infinite wisdom, the city manager did have one sound piece of advice:

“I’ve said this before and some of my colleagues have said this: Neighbors need to keep an eye on neighbors,” Belleman told the AP.

Customers are neighbors, too.

Read the entire editorial (here).

Having endured this form of torture several times, Marie is all too familiar with this kind of scenario -- with Southwest Baptist University and Missouri Baptist Convention officials applauding as Empire District Electrical Company (and their lawyers, who happened to be deacons/spiritual leaders at First Baptist Church of Bolivar and within the Southern Baptist Convention Boards) as well as the attorneys for the City of Bolivar, the County of Polk, Missouri ... and (of course) Southwest Baptist University permitted Marie's utilities to be disconnected on over a dozen occasions, the longest for 64 days.

Marie herself does not face electrical disconnection this winter -- which, however, is not due to any assistance from any federal, state, local or Christian organization, because she has still not received any assistance since this statement in 1996 (see here).

Nonetheless, we could not allow this incident to pass without some comment.

Update: COLD HOPE (here).

Too Close for Comfort: NEWS LINK/COMMENTARY - 93-Year-Old Michigan Veteran Frozen to Death When Utility Company Shut Off Power for Unpaid Bi

The story from the Associated Press:

BAY CITY, Mich. (AP) — A 93-year-old man froze to death inside his home just days after the municipal power company restricted his use of electricity because of unpaid bills, officials said.

Marvin E. Schur died "a slow, painful death," said Kanu Virani, Oakland County's deputy chief medical examiner, who performed the autopsy.

Neighbors discovered Schur's body on Jan. 17. They said the indoor temperature was below 32 degrees at the time, The Bay City Times reported Monday.

"Hypothermia shuts the whole system down, slowly," Virani said. "It's not easy to die from hypothermia without first realizing your fingers and toes feel like they're burning." ...

Read The Associated Press Story (here).

Also, from Wichita Falls [Texas] Times editorial:

Our Opinion: Heartless Power company shows no remorse at death of customer

No one gave Marvin E. Schur a second thought.

And someone should lose sleep — if not some freedom — over his death.

...

The company must file testimony in the case by Feb. 22, reported the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth, including what steps the company took to enroll senior citizens like Schur for shut-off protection.

Bay City Manager Robert Belleman told the Associated Press that the company’s policies would be reviewed but he didn’t think the case was handled incorrectly.

A man died, and the city manager doesn’t think the city did anything wrong?

In his infinite wisdom, the city manager did have one sound piece of advice:

“I’ve said this before and some of my colleagues have said this: Neighbors need to keep an eye on neighbors,” Belleman told the AP.

Customers are neighbors, too.

Read the entire editorial (here).

Having endured this form of torture several times, Marie is all too familiar with this kind of scenario -- with Southwest Baptist University and Missouri Baptist Convention officials applauding as Empire District Electrical Company (and their lawyers, who happened to be deacons/spiritual leaders at First Baptist Church of Bolivar and within the Southern Baptist Convention Boards) as well as the attorneys for the City of Bolivar, the County of Polk, Missouri ... and (of course) Southwest Baptist University permitted Marie's utilities to be disconnected on over a dozen occasions, the longest for 64 days.

Marie herself does not face electrical disconnection this winter -- which, however, is not due to any assistance from any federal, state, local or Christian organization, because she has still not received any assistance since this statement in 1996 (see here).

Nonetheless, we could not allow this incident to pass without some comment.

Further posting shortly.

UPDATE! Outta the Blue! Houston, We Have a Problem -- Communications Outage and Converging Timelines

While working to post (and etc.) earlier [on Sunday], we were hit with a communications outrage.

Though this has happened before, the phone company has no real explanation: "Computer switching error, perhaps?"

We are up and running again and will be posting soon.

However, what should have gotten done yesterday was delayed until today ... and some of today's "assignments" were tended to yesterday.

At some time today, though, the two timelines should converge and we will be back on schedule. We will keep you posted.

Welcome Back Southwest Baptist University Students!

Thank you for your patience.

The "All In The Family" Letters: A Call to Manly Action for Interim Missouri Baptist Convention Executive Director Dr. David Tolliver

As discussed in yesterday's post (see here), this week's Missouri Baptist Convention Pathway has confirmed (as Marie and others have suspected for nearly a year) that the nominee for the "new" Executive Director of the Missouri Baptist Convention will be the "old" Interim Director, Dr. David Tolliver.

Upon hearing the news, Marie incorporated this new development into the "Invitations to Reconciliation and Restorative Justice" Letters (Introductory letter here) to the First Baptist Church of Bolivar, MO.

Bypassing intermediate steps, Marie has addressed Dr. Tolliver directly in a letter to be faxed this weekend and delivered on Monday, January 26, 2009.

The "All In the Family" Letter urges immediate action on Dr. Tolliver's part to forestall complications and to accelerate the establishing of basic framework for resolving this dispute (before the scheduled election on February 3).

Dr. Tolliver's cooperation in founding of such a framework would eliminate the need for a full-scale, formal Investigation.

Otherwise, Marie acknowledges, such an Investigation would reveal elements of Dr. David Tolliver's "leadership style" that would imperil Dr. Tolliver's nomination.

However, Marie recognizes that Dr. Tolliver's behavior was due primarily to his adoration to his old friend and mentor, the late Dr. James Sells (former Southwest Baptist University CEO, chancellor and president), and forgives him for his lack of diligence and impartiality in discerning what is best for Southwest Baptist University and the Missouri Baptist Convention.

Nonetheless, Marie insists that she not be forced to suffer for his errors (and the mistakes of others in the past) and asks that Dr. Tolliver act swiftly, maturely and manfully -- with Southwest Baptist University and the First Baptist Church of Bolivar, MO -- in bringing the matter to a God-honoring conclusion.

Parts of the "All In the Family" Letter will be posted shortly.

Keeping It In "The Family": Missouri Baptist Convention to Consider Tolliver for Exec. Director Feb. 3 (with former Gov. Matt Blunt Joining Prayer)

The Missouri Baptist Convention Executive Board will consider Dr. David Tolliver for the position of Missouri Baptist Convention Executive Director during their February meeting (February 3):

(Missouri Baptist Convention Pathway) JEFFERSON CITY—David Tolliver, who has served as interim executive director for the Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC) since April 2007, will be recommended for the job permanently at a special called meeting of the MBC Executive Board Feb. 3.

The board is expected to discuss calling Tolliver to the position and vote, up or down, on his candidacy, according to James Freeman, chairman of the Executive Director Search Committee and a layman from Country Meadows Baptist Church, Independence. The meeting will take place at 11 a.m. at the Baptist Building.

Tolliver, 58, is well known throughout Missouri as a pastor who has stood in pulpits and shepherded flocks from St. Louis to Mid-Missouri to Kansas City. Those churches include: Calvary Baptist and Oak Hill Baptist in St. Louis (8½ years total after a merger); Friendship Baptist, California (5 years); and Pisgah Baptist, Excelsior Springs (6 years).

Over the last two decades he has worn multiple hats as both a Southern Baptist and Missouri Baptist leader, serving on several national and state boards and committees.

His work includes: Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) Executive Committee, 1992-2000; SBC Committee on Nominations, 1999; MBC president, 2004; MBC recording secretary, 2002; president of the Missouri Baptist Pastors’ Conference, 2000; MBC Agency Restoration Group since its inception in 2002; Southwest Baptist University trustee, 2002-2007; and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary trustee, 2002-2008).

... (see remainder of article in the MBC Pathway here).

Conveniently, Dr. David Tolliver is well acquainted with the various situations within the governance of the Missouri Baptist Convention.

~*~ALSO NOTED~*~

All political disagreements apparently forgiven, the contributions of former Missouri Governor Matt Blunt were warmly applauded by members of the Missouri Baptist Convention Executive Board:

(Missouri Baptist Convention Pathway) JEFFERSON CITY—Founders of the annual prayer service for Missouri government leaders at Concord Baptist Church have always said that the event is bigger than any one person, yet Jan. 7 was notable in that it ended the five-year run of a familiar friend—Gov. Matt Blunt.

Blunt, a Missouri Southern Baptist who worships at Second [Baptist Church of] Springfield, never missed a service after he attended the first one in 2005 as governor-elect.

His actions revealed his abiding belief that prayer works, and members of the three sponsoring entities—the Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC) Christian Life Commission (CLC), The Pathway, and the host church—came to appreciate his consistency.

It seemed inevitable that the 2009 service would have a warm moment. Five days before he was to leave office, the governor heard Michael Knight, prayer service master of ceremonies, pastor of First Baptist Church, Viburnum, and member of the MBC Executive Board, thank him for his faithful service while in office due to his good character.

Departing from tradition, many of the 200 or so attendees applauded a man, causing the governor to examine his shortcomings before a holy God.

“It was too kind,” Blunt said. “I’m a fallible person, and I’m aware of that, but it’s been a real privilege to attend this event through my years as governor... .”

Jay Nixon, a Democrat, has since succeeded Blunt, a Republican, as governor.

(See: Governor Provided Annual Reminder of Prayer’s Priority here.)

~~~*~~~
See Update:
The "All In The Family" Letters: A Call to Manly Action for Interim Missouri Baptist Executive Director Dr. David Tolliver

~~~*~~~

REAL JUSTICE for Southwest Baptist University, Missouri Baptist Convention & First Baptist of Bolivar

After reading the "Invitations to Reconciliation and Restorative Justice" (which have not yet been posted), a friend commented to Marie:

But I don't understand! Doesn't REAL Justice demand that those involved in unethical and even criminal conduct be dismissed -- both within the Southwest Baptist University Trustees and the Missouri Baptist Convention Executive Board?

Marie wrote in response:

If that is all that can be done, then, yes.

But, in light of all that has happened, that seems like a pathetically simplistic response.

Of course, my purpose in this (at least in part) is to deliver my own life out of their hands and to “restore”(if and where possible) the lives of those who aided me during these years.

If this reprehensible situation persists, sooner or later, individuals associated with Southwest Baptist University will be responsible for ending my life -- either through unmediated hostility, calculated, surrogate assault, or ongoing, contemptuous neglect.

At this point, I have a moral responsibility to act: My refusal to publicly confront these people -- who show so little concern for the lives of others (and for my life, in particular) -- would be the moral equivalent of suicide (or self-murder) and/or of being an accessory to the "murder" of the souls (if not the actual bodies) of others.

Regardless of their propaganda claims of excellence, these people have not acted in a "godly" -- or even "reasonable" or "good" -- manner.

REAL Justice is demanded in this case. Absolutely. But, Justice -- especially Restorative Justice -- is not simple or reflexive revenge. Always, Justice must be tempered and transformed by Mercy.

Jesus came not merely to fulfill Justice, but to teach, demonstrate, and embody Mercy.

His Sacrifice should be the Example we model, not the weak exculpations and excuses, which so permeate much of the modern Church.

Christ’s sacrificial Example was not (and is not) simple, cheap, or easy.

Jesus came to give Himself for the good of the Church and the World -- THAT should be OUR ultimate goal in this Sacrificial Justice.

This is the Mystery: Justice -- transformed by Mercy through Sacrifice -- brings True Restoration.

Indeed, both Sacrificial Justice and Restorative Mercy are desperately needed by Southwest Baptist University, the Missouri Baptist Convention, and the First Baptist Church of Bolivar -- whether they acknowledge it themselves or not.

... and THAT is what we ALL should seek.

~~~*~~~

The text of the
“Invitations to Reconciliation and Restorative Justice”
(details here)
will be posted shortly
and will be available to the congregation
and returning Southwest Baptist University students
at the First Baptist Church of Bolivar
before the Wednesday night service this week.

~~~*~~~

Missouri Baptist Heart of Integrity Questions Blog for Southwest Baptist University, Missouri Baptist Convention & First Baptist Church of Bolivar

SISTER BLOG:
Missouri Baptist Heart of Integrity Questions Blog
(http://heartofintegrity.blogspot.com),
which should prove relevant over the
next few days
as they consider the


"Invitations to Reconciliation and Restorative Justice"
(here)

Updates and new information this weekend ...

Invitation to First Baptist Church of Bolivar, Southwest Baptist University & Missouri Baptist Convention to Reconciliation & Restorative Justice

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Marie O’Hara
Mailing Address
Bolivar, MO 65613

Invitation to Reconciliation and the
Restorative Justice Process

Pastor Billy Russell, Former Pastor Ray Leininger,
and Interim Pastor Rodney Reeves
and the Staff, Trustees, Deacons and Congregants of
The First Baptist Church of Bolivar
316 North Main Street
Bolivar, MO 65613
Phone: (417) 326-2431 Fax: (417)-326-4706

Restoring a Brother

15 "If your brother sins against you, go and rebuke him in private. If he listens to you, you have won your brother.

16 But if he won't listen, take one or two more with you, so that by the testimony of two or three witnesses every fact may be established.

17 If he pays no attention to them, tell the church. But if he doesn't pay attention even to the church, let him be like an unbeliever and a tax collector to you.

--- Matthew 18 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

Dear Brothers and Sisters of First Baptist Church in Bolivar:

In the past several years, as you may be aware, I have repeatedly attempted to communicate with Southwest Baptist University, the Missouri Baptist Convention and (more recently) the First Baptist Church of Bolivar, Missouri concerning my outstanding claims against individuals and officials associated with Southwest Baptist University, the Missouri Baptist Convention, and former Pastor Ray Leininger, the Trustees, the Deacons, and the staff of First Baptist Church of Bolivar, Missouri.

As I explained in my November 11, 2007 letter to you:

Specifically, these claims involve: malicious slander and defamation; harassment; intimidation; retaliation; witness tampering; forgery; obstruction of justice; fraud; the conspiracy to defraud and harm in collaboration with city, county, and state officials; the conspiracy to defraud and harm in collaboration with Southwest Baptist University, Southern Baptist and Missouri Baptist Conventions and other church officials; the conspiracy to defraud and harm in collaboration with local business and community members; the intentional infliction of physical damage, pain and suffering; the intentional infliction of emotional distress and social, spiritual, and psychological anguish, pain and suffering; financial damage and losses; the invasion of privacy and violation of confidentiality; pastoral negligence and the abuse of pastoral privilege and authority, and various conspiracies to cause injury, humiliation, debasement, and harm.

As you can see, these claims are a serious, long-standing affront to Jesus Christ and His Church. Further, it is impossible to ignore the reality of the involvement of a sizable portion of the membership of your congregation.

In seeking a means of resolving these circumstances, I have studied the Holy Scripture, particularly the text of Matthew 18, which concerns the restoration of an errant brother. However, I was surprised to discover that I interpret this passage with a different emphasis than many scholars do.

As the process of restoration reaches its zenith in Verse 17, I believe that the intent in the command to “tell it to the church” is not to humiliate, shame, or exile the brother. Instead, I believe this is an admonition to notify the Church as a whole – as the Living Body of Christ – that there is an urgent need to initiate a more comprehensive and cooperative effort to rescue this straying brother by providing a mediating and buffering presence, lest the Church of Jesus Christ be disgraced by malfeasance and divided by internecine struggle.

My understanding of this passage, I am prayerfully convinced, is well in keeping with the character, identity, mission, and Spirit of Christ Jesus.

For this reason, I have written to request the intervention of the First Baptist Church of Bolivar, Missouri – both as individuals and as members of this congregation – in implementing a Process of Restorative Justice.

Restorative Justice: The Principles and Process

Restorative Justice?

Perhaps this terminology is completely unfamiliar to you. Or, has the concept been used (and abused) so imprecisely that its meaning is diluted or obscured?

In order to clarify the use of the term in this context, I request that you familiarize yourselves with the document, Statement Of Restorative Justice Principles As Applied in a School Setting (2nd Edition, 2005).

The Statement may be freely downloaded and printed from the United Kingdom Restorative Justice website at the URL address: http://www.restorativejustice.org.uk/Resources/pdf/Principles_Schools_2005_2nd_ed.pdf

So as to provide a common platform for communication, please review this publication, which enumerates, summarizes, and elucidates the lexicon and Principles of Restorative Justice.

As the Statement encapsulates, the Principles and Values of Restorative Justice:

... form the basis for restorative practices in all settings, using all models, where the primary aims are to repair harm and promote dialogue. ... Supporting this framework of Principles are the values encompassed by the Restorative Justice Process. Restorative practices are underpinned by a set of values, these include: Empowerment, Honesty, Respect, Engagement, Voluntarism, Healing, Restoration, Personal Accountability, Inclusiveness, Collaboration, and Problem-solving.

Although this exposition originates with a secular organization, these Principles of Restorative Justice harmonize with a distinctly Biblical and Christ-centered understanding of Justice.

Even with this qualification, this Statement Of Restorative Justice Principles As Applied in a School Setting (2nd Edition, 2005) will serve us well, I believe, as a pragmatic architecture upon which to construct a systematic accord of conduct.

Nevertheless, I will admit to my own arrière pensée, that is, an unstated doubt that prevents me from accepting this Statement wholeheartedly.

Restorative Justice: The Limitations

As vital and instructive as the Principles of Restorative Justice (as delineated in this Statement) may be, these Principles are, nevertheless, limited.

Although I will continue to refer to this process and procedure as Restorative Justice, this term may overstate my actual intent and approach.

Particularly since the death of my widowed sister and the orphaning of her four remaining children in June 2007, I recognize that what I have lost as a consequence of my interaction with First Baptist Church of Bolivar and her members cannot easily (or ever) be "restored."

In truth I tell you, I do not believe that you can “restore” to me what you do not possess yourselves.

Wouldn’t “true” Restorative Justice require a willingness to grapple with and engage the Holy Spirit in reclaiming -- for my benefit and on my behalf – that which has been lost?

Quite honestly, as the years have become decades and each wrong has multiplied scores and hundreds of times over, I have no real confidence that any of us could sustain the exploit and effort necessary to win such a Restorative Justice.

Nonetheless, my prayer is that through this process you may experience for yourselves – by the forgiveness and redemption of Christ Jesus – the re-visioning of your own souls, that you might more richly reflect the magnificence of the Ancient of Days.

And, therefore, since “true” Restorative Justice appears beyond our capacity, would it not be in all of our best interests to consider a viable alternative?

Restorative Justice: Keeping Competence and Confidentiality

This coming week, various individuals associated with this situation will be receiving – by fax, by mail and by delivery – “The Invitation to Reconciliation and Restorative Justice,” which I will hereafter refer to as “The Invitation.”

Within “The Invitation,” I have outlined a means by which we may communicate (and, hopefully, resolve) this situation.

To insure ordered and confidential communication, I respectfully petition that you contain your contact with me to those modalities specifically authorized and detailed in writing.

(To forestall misunderstanding, please note: My auxiliaries, those who aid me in errands, do not have the authority to speak for me. For this reason, please do not question them, as this may needlessly complicate or hinder this matter.)

Likewise, in order to minimize chaos, it would best serve our mutual interests if you were to designate in writing – through the process described in “The Invitation” – those individuals who are appointed to speak or act on your behalf.

Please honor my request to respond to this “The Invitation to Reconciliation and Restorative Justice,” – either to accept or decline – by Sunday, January 25, 2009.

I thank you for your consideration and cooperation.


Praying Wholeheartedly for Your Integrity,


Marie O’Hara

"Download" in Progress: Distribution of the "Invitations to Reconciliation" Should Conclude Thursday. RSVP by Sunday, January 25, 2009.

"Download" of Invitations in Progress

**RSVP by Sunday, January 25, 2009

**Répondez s'il vous plaît", a French phrase that translates to
"please respond" or literally "respond, if you please."

It is with this meaning that invitation cards
and similar documents are often marked with "R.S.V.P."

It is standard practice to reply to
an RSVP request whether
confirming attendance or declining.

(wiki)

~*~

Distribution Begins! A Long Wait Finally Shortened for A Vision Forward: "The Invitations to Reconciliation" and an Outline of the Trinity Contract

~*~
Distribution of the "Invitations to Reconciliation Begins
(and Will Continue for Several Days)
~*~

From the outside, it may have appeared
as though frustratingly little has been accomplished
toward resolving this situation --
especially over the last few months --
however,
the reality is entirely different.

In actuality,
several MAJOR and seemingly insurmountable issues
have been decisively resolved
behind the scenes.

These resolutions have cleared the way
for Marie's offer to resolve the remaining difficulties
through THE TRINITY CONTRACT.

Tuesday, January 13,
the "Invitations to Reconciliation"
will (finally) be posted on this blog and faxed
to the First Baptist Church of Bolivar, Missouri
and other recipients.

The Truth about Southwest Baptist University and Missouri Baptist Convention: Accepting A New Home, A New "Calling" and A New Alma Mater

And the Truth Shall Set You Free ...

After hesitating for months and years in the hope of achieving some form of reconciliation, Marie has finally accepted the Truth: that, given the cruel history of her treatment at Southwest Baptist University and among Missouri Baptists, there is no place for her -- as a now-disabled student -- at Southwest Baptist University or within the Southern Baptist Convention of churches.

Over the Twelve Days of Christmas, Marie has finally accepted a "calling" to a new university -- with an academic program specifically designed for chemically injured students, a gracious, tender-hearted faculty and administration, a knowledgeable and competent medical staff and generous health insurance benefits, and an eco-friendly campus.

It's a secular university and Marie will not be able to her honor her father's dying wish to complete her education at a Christian university. Citing the exemption in the in the Americans with Disabilities Act (which permits religious institutions to refuse to accommodate disabled students), no Christian university has accepted Marie.

Nonetheless, on the basis of Christ's call for social justice, the honoring and stewardship of all life, and the compassion for all people, Marie was also provisionally accepted and accommodated (after she completes her Bachelor's degree) into graduate school at a liberally caring seminary.

Answering this call will require that Marie relocates as soon as possible; thus, she has written to request that the First Baptist Church of Bolivar indicate their willingness to receive the Trinity Contract materials by this Monday, January 12, 2009.

This letter to the First Baptist Church of Bolivar will be posted shortly.

And They All Rolled Over!: Roy Blunt Would be "the Leading Candidate" to Replace Retiring Sen. Kit Bond in 2010, Says His Son, Outgoing Gov Matt Blunt

Excerpts from this morning's Springfield News Leader:

Jefferson City -- U.S. Rep. Roy Blunt would be "the leading candidate" to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Kit Bond in 2010, his son, outgoing Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt, told the News-Leader Thursday.

"I think he makes a lot of sense in a lot of different ways," Matt Blunt said in a telephone interview.

But there might be some other prominent Republicans who would take issue with the governor's comments. ...

Blunt said he had a brief conversation with his father about Bond's surprise announcement on Thursday, but had "no real strategic discussion or anything in the nature."

Roy Blunt has not made any comments to the media about his intentions, but issued a statement Thursday praising Bond for his nearly 40 years of public service.

"After almost four decades of service, the contributions Kit made are interwoven in the history of Missouri and our nation," Congressman Roy Blunt said in a statement. ...

Roy Blunt was elected to Congress in 1996 to represent Missouri's 7th District. In that time, he's served in House GOP leadership. Prior to that, he was Missouri Secretary of State, president of Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar and Greene County clerk. He lost a race for Republican primary for governor in 1992, so he has experience running statewide. ...

Matt Blunt, the outgoing Republican governor, said he was encouraged by some supporters to seek Bond's seat, but has decided to "try my hand at something else" other than politics.

"I'm really excited about some business opportunities that I'm about to launch off into," Blunt said.

Upon leaving office Monday, Matt Blunt will become senior advisor to a Boston-based private equity firm co-founded by the eldest son of former Massachusetts governor and presidential candidate Mitt Romney. ...

[Although a gubernatorial spokesman said Tuesday, December 31, 2008 that "... Blunt plans to continue living with his family in Springfield after leaving office. Blunt spokesman Rich Chrismer said it’s possible that Blunt will pursue other job opportunities as well." (see mid-article here.) ]

Craig Hosmer, chairman of the Missouri Democratic Party, said in a statement that Democrats are encouraging Secretary of State Robin Carnahan to run.

"Robin Carnahan spoke to the Governor-elect this morning," Hosmer said. "Robin would be a strong candidate and a great Senator and Democrats across the state hope she'll run."

Another Democratic source close to Carnahan says she is almost certain to enter the race.

As the daughter of the late Gov. Mel Carnahan [a former Southwest Baptist University Trustee] and former U.S. Sen. Jean Carnahan, her name recognition is as good as anybody's, political observers say.

When it comes to Missouri politics, the only name as well known as Carnahan is, of course, Blunt. ...

Remainder of article (here).

Could Southwest Baptist University Have Its Non-Profit (501c3) Status Revoked Due to its Campaign of Discrimination Against Women and the Disabled?

Could Southwest Baptist University -- due to its past record and ongoing campaign of discrimination against women and the disabled -- have its non-profit [501 (c) 3] status revoked?

Should it?

Could the Southwest Baptist University administration officials, because of their continuing support of unethical and criminal conduct within the institution, be immediately fired?

Should they?

Do the Southwest Baptist University Trustees, because of their refusal to deal with these matters, bear the burden of responsibility for neglecting to lead forthrightly?

As a matter of ethical principal, should they, too, be dismissed ... or offer their resignations?

Do the members of the Executive Board of the Missouri Baptist Convention owe any obligation to the students, parents, community and church supporters of Southwest Baptist University?

Or, will they, too, continue to ignore their duties and responsibilities?

These (and other) issues will be addressed during the early February meeting of the Missouri Baptist Convention in several weeks.

Additional information on will be posted today (Thursday) and Friday ...

Missouri Baptist Convention Asked to Intervene During the February Executive Meeting in Southwest Baptist University "Invitations to Reconciliation"

In a letter dated Thursday, January 8, 2009, Marie has asked the Missouri Baptist Convention to initiate emergency intervention and assistance in the formal investigation outlined in the "Invitations to Reconciliation."

During the next two weeks, the First Baptist Church of Bolivar and several others will have the opportunity to address these issues.

If they choose not to do so, Marie requests of each of the Missouri Baptist Convention Executive Board that they themselves intervene to provide the leadership in taking the necessary disciplinary actions.

The majority of the texts of these letters will be made available online.

Copies of the letters themselves are being delivered and sent to the Southwest Baptist University Student Government Association and the Southwest Baptist University Faculty Senate and Southwest Baptist University's accrediting agency.

Following the events of the last few months, Marie has relinquished much hope of any actual Biblical reconciliation.

More realistically, these "Invitations" are a means of allowing everyone to move on and prevent addition harm to Marie and others.

Please monitor this blog for further developments this week. ...

The names and contact information for each of the
Missouri Baptist Executive Board
officer follows:

2008-20o9 Missouri Baptist Convention
Executive Board Officers

President and Chairman of the Board
Dr. Bruce McCoy (Cindy)
5409 Baumgartner Road, St. Louis, MO 63129
Office: 314-487-1730; Home: 314-487-0821
Email: Bmccoy@CanaanBaptistStL.org

*
Vice President and Vice Chairman of the Board
Dr. John Marshall (Ruth)
3116 E. Impala Court, Springfield, MO 65804
Office: 417-887-3111; Home: 417-890-1975
Email: John316@secondbaptist.org

*
Recording Secretary and Secretary of the Board
Rev. Chadd Pendergraft (Chasity)
3670 Splitlog Rd., Goodman, MO 64843
Office: 417-364-7458; Home: 417-364-7984
Email: pastor@splitlogbaptist.org

Executive Board Members
Term Expiring 2008


Becky Almond (L) (Central) (Justin)
402 Renee Dr., Ashland, MO 65010
Cell Phone: 573-645-0992
Email: beckyalmond@yahoo.com


Kirk Baker (M) (West Central) (Kristi)
PO Box 66., Lawson, MO 64062
Office: 816-296-7002; Home: 660-352-7464
Email: pasatorKirk@Lawsonbaptist.org


James Bone (L) (East Central) (Dolores)
5219 Roth Drive, Imperial, MO 63052
Home: 636-464-2321
Email: jrbone1@juno.com


Monty Dunn (M) (Southwest) (Marilyn)
819 Highlands Dr., Spokane, MO 65754
Office: 417-581-7511 x-266; Home: 417-443-7016
Email: coramdeo@peoplepc.com


James Freeman (L) (West Central) (Suzanne)
624 NE Twin Brook Drive, Lee's Summit, MO 64086
Office: 816-842-6100; Home: 816-524-1630
Email: jffreeman@worldnet.att.net


Edward Hamilton (M) (South Central) (LaMoine)
1111 Augusta, Houston, MO 65483
Home: 417-967-2686
Email: edla@train.missouri.org


James McCullen (M) (Southeast) (Christa)
116 Magnolia, Piedmont, MO 63957
Office: 573-223-4423; Home: 573-223-3725
Email: drjim@preachhim.org


Darrell Payne (L) (Central) (Carol)
33125 Hwy U, Sedalia, MO 65301
Home: 660-826-8933
Email: payned@groupsurf.net


Jeff Purvis (M) (East Central) (Lucy)
966 Falcon Drive, Imperial, MO 63052
Office: 314-567-6007; Home: 636-464-2106
Email: jlnmj@sbcglobal.net


Jay Scribner (M) (Southwest) (Kay)
488 River Drive, Branson, MO 65616
Office: 417-294-2545; Home: 417-334-6267
Email: jay@hereshopeamerica.com


Jody Shelenhamer (L) (Southwest) (Robin)
PO Box 411, Bolivar, MO 65613
Office: 417-777-6245; Home: 417-326-4477
Email: shelenhamer@alltel.net


David Updegrave (M) (West Central) (Paula)
PO Box 316, Wellington, MO 64097
Office: 816-934-2560; Home: 816-934-2493
Email: pastordavid@embarqmail.com


Gordon Voss (L) (East Central) (Judy)
10420 Pike 331, Middletown, MO 63359
Office: 573-470-1547; Home: 573-669-5200
Email: glvoss@windstream.net


Aaron Weibel (M) (Southwest) (Cindy)
PO Box 731, Monett, MO 65708
Office: 417-235-6135
Email: awnewsite@mo-net.com


Term Expiring 2009

Jeff Anderson (M) (Northeast) (Betty)
4605 West Ely Rd., Hannibal, MO 63401
Office: 573-221-1404; Home: 573-231-0646
Email: janderson@cbchannibal.com


Vic Borden (M) (West Central) (Pam)
405 N. Madison, Raymore, MO 64083
Office: 816-761-1194; Home: 816-322-1842
Email: vicborden@msn.com


Jesse Cass (M) (Northwest) (Carol)
23887 Cedar Ave., Coffey, MO 64636
Office: 660-359-1281; Home: 660-533-4702
Email: brojesse@northmo.net


Robert D. Collins (M) (West Central) (Linda)
1500 SW Clark Rd., Blue Springs, MO 64015
Office: 816-229-4077; Home: 816-228-3469
Email: rcollins@plazaheights.org


Roy Dameron (L) (Central) (Irene)
111 Terra Bella, Jefferson City, MO 65109
Home: 573-893-5280
Email: irquincy@socket.net


Larry Fackler (M) (Central) (Mary Ann)
14474 Smith Creek Rd., Versailles, MO 65084
Office: 573-378-5420; Home: 573-378-6066
Email: larryfackler@hotmail.com


Bill Johnson (M) (Central) (Joanne)
10475 Hwy 52, Versailles, MO 65084
Office: 573-378-4798; Home: 573-378-5713
Email: drbilljohnson@yahoo.com


Tom Johnson (M) (Southeast) (Christy)
1540 Madison 530, Fredericktown, MO 63645
Office: 573-783-6322; Home: 573-783-8799
Email: PastorTom1999@Yahoo.com


Marshall Link (M) (Southeast) (Lois)
9505 County Road 250, Puxico, MO 63960
Office: 573-686-1115; Home: 573-222-9954
Email: ccsbadom@imsinternet.net


Denny Marr (M) (Southwest) (Dorothy)
PO Box 421, Republic, MO 65738
Office: 417-732-1405 ext. 202; Home: 417-732-1310
Email: dennymarr@sbcglobal.net


Mark McMullin (M) (Southeast) (Susie)
519 North 3rd St., Piedmont, MO 63957
Office: 573-223-7322; Home: 573-223-7066
Email: fbcpastormark34@windstream.net


Terry Moots (L) (South Central) (Shirley)
1910 Donna Circle, Lebanon, MO 65536
Office: 417-588-1320; Home 417-532-5213
Email: tmoots@webound.com


Justin Nelson (M) (Southwest) (Wendy)
7276 W. Farm Road 136, Springfield, MO 65802
Office: 417-832-9048; Home: 417-832-9048
Email: justandwend@aol.com


Kim Petty (L) (West Central) (John)
302 Hillcrest Drive, Smithville, MO 64089
Home: 816-532-0387
Email: kpetty6@peoplepc.com


Ralph Sawyer (M) (East Central) (Sherri)
653 N. Business Hwy 61, Wentzville, MO 63385
Office: 636-327-8696; Home: 636-639-1130
Email: ralph.sawyer@fbcwentzville.com


Guy Thomas (M) (Northwest) (Kathy)
702 N. Broadway, Princeton, MO 64673
Office: 660-748-3116; Home: 660-748-4680
Email: fbcp@grm.net


Ron Turnbull (L) (Northeast) (Yvonne)
6294 Hwy 54, Curryville, MO 63339
Office: 573-324-3948; Home: 573-324-5437
Email: turnbull@daffron.net

Jim Wells (M) (Southwest) (Judy)
3107 N. 30th St., Ozark, MO 65721
Office: 417-725-8825; Home: 417-581-9148
Email: tricountydom@yahoo.com


Term Expiring 2010


Larry Atkins (M) (South Central) (Jane Ann)
PO Box 98, Laquey, MO 65534
Phone: 573-765-3698
Email: atkins@advertisnet.com


Doug Austin (L) (Southeast) (Fran)
758 Woodbine Place, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
Home: 573-335-9209
Email: ldaustin1@charter.net


Steven Betts (L) (South Central) (Margene)
22951 Hwy. 63 South, Rolla, MO 65401
Home: 573-435-0777
Email: sbettsmshp@yahoo.com


Doug Bradley (M) (West Central) (Judy)
7905 E. 134th Terr., Grandview, MO 64030
Office: 816-763-2200
Email: pastorfbcgv@sbcglobal.net


Alice Chastain (L) (West Central) (Ray)
4286 SE Hazelview Rd., Kingston, MO 64650
Office: None; Home: 660-255-4488
Email: chastain@greenhills.net


Donald Denney (L) (East Central) (Dorene)
16591 Clayton Road, Ballwin, MO 63011
Office: 636-458-3885; Home: 636-458-4762
Email: ssteach@hotmail.com


Doug Ervin (L) (West Central)
PO Box 461, Kearney, MO 64060
Office: 816-564-3062; Home: 816-628-4311
Email: dervin@uniteone.net


Marty Finch (L) (East Central)
80 Neighbors Dr., Foley, MO 63347
Office: 636-368-2798; Home: 636-566-6551
Email: finchbuilders@yahoo.com


Richard Francis (L) (East Central) (Debra)
417 Cedar Oak Court, St. Peters, MO 63376
Work: 314-267-8705; Home: 636-240-7873
Email: rndfrancis@charter.net


Wesley Hammond (M) (Northeast) (Diana)
PO Box 89, Paris, MO 65275
Office: 660-327-4405; Home: 660-327-5381
Email: wesleyh@parismo.net


Wayne Karrick (L) (Southwest) (Elaine)
RR 1, Box 1832, Seligman, MO 65745
Office: 417-662-3863; Home: 417-662-3449
Email: None


Michael Knight (M) (Southeast) (Kim)
PO Box 585, Viburnum, MO 65566
Office: 573-244-5667; Home: 573-244-5565
Email: knight@misn.com


Kerry Messer (L) (East Central) (Lynn)
PO Box 1288, Festus, MO 63028
Office: 314-971-2477; Home: 573-483-2007
Email: mofamnet@ldd.net


Rebecca Nance (L) (Northwest) (Earl)
413 W. 10th, Trenton, MO 64683
Home: 660-359-3467
Email: ernance@gem.net


Harvey Parker (L) (Northwest) (Jean)
2626 Ashland Ave., St. Joseph, MO 64506
Home: 816-233-0442
Email: hlandjgp@stjoelive.com


Phil Rector (M) (Central) (Gail)
4300 Hwy. B, Bland, MO 6014
Office: 573-646-3454; Home: 573-646-3454
Email: p.w.rector@fmail.com


Don Rice (M) (Southwest) (Ruth)
PO Box 23, Hume, MO 64752
Home: 660-643-7137
Email: dandrrice@hotmail.com


Lynne Woods (L) (Northeast)
14924 Pike 276, Louisiana, MO 63353
Office: 573-324-9975, x-3901; Home: 573-754-5444
Email: lbwoods@bigriver.net


Please Note: This information is available
in full from the
Missouri Baptist Convention Website.

SONshine through the Clouds: Even in the Midst of Looming Darkness, New Options and Opportunities Arise

Even in the midst of the darkness, new opportunities have arisen -- which have little to do with Southwest Baptist University, the Missouri Baptist Convention or First Baptist Church of Bolivar.

As Marie reported to some friends:

"If were forced to depend on Baptists (or even Christians) alone, I do not know that I would have survived for long.

Instead, as one who strives to follow Christ Jesus, I have learned to depend on the Spirit, who is faithful always -- even when those who call themselves by His name are not faithful.

Since I only have several classes more to complete a degree, I had wanted to honor my father's dying wish and finish school at a Christian university. Apparently, that is not to be at Southwest Baptist University. God has, though, provided other options and other opportunities.

In Truth, after all that I have experienced at their hands, I am no longer even sure that Southwest Baptist University qualifies as a Christian university.

Though I deeply grieve the losses, nonetheless, I am jubilant that the Son (like the sun) finds a way to shine through the darkness."

Details to follow ...

UPDATE! Winter Rerun, One More Time: "Invitiations to Reconciliation" to Southwest Baptist University & Missouri Baptist Convention Online

After the attempt to handle this privately (as much as possible) was ignored or rebuked (see here), we will be presenting portions of the "Invitations to Reconciliation" letters online -- beginning this week.

It is our prayer that this will encourage the Missouri Baptist Convention and Southwest Baptist University officials to engage in the Process of Restorative Justice before the students begin returning for the Spring Semester in late January.

Welcome Southwest Baptist University students to JAN-Term!

Glimmer of Light: Stirring of the Missouri Baptist Convention and Southwest Baptist University Dragons Increases Threats, Harrassment and Intrigue

Unfortunately, the Dragons of the Dark Forest (see here, here, and here) could not be lulled back to sleep.

Now that they have, once again, been awakened, the task has become more difficult -- for their hunger is to steal and kill and destroy in the name of their dark warlords.

There is, however, a Glimmer of Light that hovers at the edge of the Dark Forest.

In the last several weeks, the increase in the intensity of the threats, harassment, and general intrigue have resulted in a need for greater security and more deliberate safety precautions.

As much as we would like to believe otherwise, these mindless "Dragons" are dangerous and would not hesitate to do harm for what they believe to be a righteous cause, regardless of the demonstrated facts.

We learned from brutal past experiences that there is no safe way to approach these Dragons now that they are "awakened"; their allegiance to their lords is irrational, blind and vicious.

Therefore, though we had hoped to lessen the ravenous fears of the Dragons by signaling well in advance that our intentions were peaceable and that there was no need for further abuses, the "Invitations to Reconciliation" will now (by necessity) be delivered (in a far less discrete or private manner) "en masse" (all together) by alternative means -- throughout this weekend and early in the week.

It is our belief that the metaphorical "Dragons" of life should be subdued by transformation through kindness, cooperation and common understanding.

In these circumstances, this Truth glistens more brightly!

Plainly, the individuals that we refer to as "Dragons" are not entirely to blame: they have, in fact, been misled by selfish and power-hungry lords of deception within Southwest Baptist University and the Missouri Baptist Convention.

As in a Medieval fantasy, these warlords have enslaved their Dragon followers -- as formidable as they may be -- deceiving them, as though they were witless beasts, into doing their bidding, using them mercilessly as pawns in a heartless strategy to win glory and gold for their lords.

How the warlords would tremble if the Light were to enter the Dark Forest, if the Light of Wisdom were to descend upon their Blind Dragons .. and if their Dragons, now Sighted and Seeing, were to behold the warlords as they truly are, to see the motivations of their Innermost Hearts.

Perhaps these once-glorious Dragons would remember themselves and turn again to behold their True Lord and Creator ... and understand how far they have fallen and how much they have lost.

It is more likely, unfortunately, that the warlords, no longer having use for such Dragons, will simply do away with these "beasts" ...

We, however, will continue to pray for
the transformation and the redemption of Dragons.

The "Invitations to Reconciliation" are being delivered this weekend and early this week.