|
By Peter Biggs
LAST August, charismatic evangelist Todd Bentley
resigned from Abbotsford-based Fresh Fire Ministries – in the midst
of his controversial work with the phenomenon in Florida described as the
‘Lakeland Outpouring.’
News of his resignation was confirmed by a Fresh Fire
news release, which asserted that the married Bentley had “entered
into an unhealthy relationship on an emotional level, with a female member
of his staff.”
The ministry further stated that Bentley “has
agreed . . . to refrain from all public ministry for a season, to receive
counsel in his personal life.”
Bentley grew up on B.C.’s Sunshine Coast –
where, according to the Fresh Fire website, he was involved in
“criminal activity, youth prisons, drugs, sex, satanic music and
bondage.”
In his late teens, he turned to Christ after someone
handed him a Bible.
Since his resignation, the path has evidently been a
tortuous one for Bentley and his family.
Some critics claim he has not stopped public ministry,
citing a FaceBook website featuring his comments; some online
commentators, however, question whether the site is actually being operated
by Bentley himself.
Supporters contend Bentley has submitted himself to a
restoration process – and, to that end, has been living with well
known charismatic leader and author Rick Joyner in the U.S.
BCCN reached
Bentley’s parents, David and Darcia Bentley, for an update. David
asserted that Joyner “will be putting out a letter” on
Todd’s progress.
Continue article >>
|
He also said that, although his son’s MySpace
page does contain a couple of articles on the topic of
‘restoration,’ the articles are descriptive of the process Todd
himself is in. “[Previous] web teachings and writings are all
down,” he said.
The elder Bentley, who has had an itinerant ministry
himself, was candid when asked how the recent months have affected him and
his wife.
“It’s been tough. We get hate mail –
probably two a day, always from ‘Christians.’ Most contain
anger, swearing and condemnation. We do get some positive ones, mostly from
overseas – England, Australia and New Zealand.”
Asked how many harsh email messages they have received
altogether in recent months, David responds: “50 to 100 at least
– along with occasional phone calls.”
The Bentleys made it clear they are not exonerating
their son’s behaviour.
“Todd will say that he is 100 percent at
fault,” David said. They also maintained that he is indeed undergoing
restoration.
February 2009
|
Stop discussing errors and help restore.... be like Jesus. Thats what he'd want :)
I am sure we all know the story of Job, how his friends judged. Let us give this family respect ad not point fingers. Hindsight is really 20-20 and we do not know the exact details of Todd's case, or that matter his heart. ONLY GOD KNOWS
However, God is still in control, and I pray that He will be merciful to Todd Bentley, and send solid, Bible-based Christians to minister to him, according to God's will.
Bud Press, Director
Christian Research Service USA
www.christianresearchservice.com
Sharon. Where were you when the news media was calling for ANY verifiable healings?
IF, you suddenly have some gold teeth, surely your dentist would verify this.
(Unless you are lying)
For the record: NOT ONE so called healing has been verified. NOT ONE.
I challenge your words Sharon.
May I strongly suggest you get the facts, and then write an intelligent, accurate, and informative article.
Zero points for your errors.
Where do I begin?
As for the error filled article, by Peter Biggs,
what a shame to all Christians.
What a mockery of truth,
and intelligent reporting.
It is that bad!
Mr. Biggs: If you are half the reporter you hope to be,
then go to Morningstar ministries in Charolette, NC and get the truth for yourself
(Oh, and read some blogs. They know more and are more accurate than what you attempted.)
Comment by Dumb & Dumberer | February 12, 2009
http://endtimespropheticwords.wordpress.com/2009/02/12/the-deception-of-lee-grady-charisma-magazine/#comment-35702
Someone should tell Todd God hates divorce, and a true Christian will always not only love what God loves, but because they love The Lord, will also hate what God hates, including so called preachers dumping their wives like a sack of rubbish and taking off with another one.
Once Christian Marriage Means Nothing
http://www.moriel.org/articles/sermons/once_christian_marriage_means_nothing.htm
There is real evidence that Todd Bentley has started any restoration process!
And Revival Alliance leaders or liars have in reality done nothing for Todd or his wife or family? And that is why they are silent even though they said they would do much!
I can appreciate your information is dated, it's the nature of the business.:^)
Would you tell me when you interviewed Dave Bentley?
Dave, do you remember when Peter interviewed you for this piece?
Peter, you quote Dave B:
"Asked how many harsh email messages they have received altogether in recent months, David responds: “50 to 100 at least..."
Did you ask to see any of these emails?
Dave, did you provide Peter with proof of these emails?
Dave: I'm not understanding something: why is Todd's material being sold at 50% off at Sound of Fire and being sold at Freedom Fire (your site) at regular price?
You offer 3 of your son's teaching for free at Sound of Fire as well.
Your claim is contradictory, bear with me here.
Dave you say:
“[Previous] web teachings and writings are all down.”
Sound of Fire. Fresh Fire. Freedom Fire. Morningstar. Your son's product is available. As of today 3 free teachings are on Sound of Fire. Also on Sound of Fire, you offer your son's products as of Feb 1/09 at 59% off. Can you explain?
Last time I was at Sound of Fire Dave, there were 58 comments under your two fatherly updates - there are now 44.
Can you explain what happened to the ones which are gone?
Peter -you wrote: "Supporters contend Bentley has submitted himself to a restoration process – and, to that end, has been living with well known charismatic leader and author Rick Joyner in the U.S."
Then you quote:
"BCCN reached Bentley’s parents, David and Darcia Bentley, for an update. David asserted that Joyner “will be putting out a letter” on Todd’s progress."
Okay.
Peter:
Did you ask Dave or Morningstar when this living arrangement, restoration and contact began?
Did you verify from more than one source there actually is contact (other than the January Bentley emails) and have you asked how often?
Thank you for your time.