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.

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! ...

~~~*~~~