Quote:
Originally Posted by djohnson
My understanding of the Mr. Rapoport incidents in the LCS is that he was a doer and Lee also being a doer was attracted to that in him. While those Lee had surrounded himself up until then were good men they were mostly concerned with the inner life and bible teaching and they were quite passive. Rapoport was more of an evangelist and focused on outreach..
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Yes, MR was a doer. WL had subdued the brothers around him and was always critical regarding whatever they did, putting them down and making a point to put down co-workers from the past. Thus it was very natural for the brothers around him to become somewhat fearful and passive.
Once the migration from LA occurred in 1969-71, Elden Hall was a place of little life and increase in spite of having WL. MR came along and gave WL an explanation. He needed to move to Orange County where young people were and get away from the oldness. Also MR declared that the other churches needed to focus on preaching the gospel rather than bringing in existing Christians.
I believe both WL and MR were carried away with their thought of a great religious movement. Neither had small ideas. It was pretty awesome to realize the summer training had gone from 70 full time in 1966 to nearly 2,000 full time by 1972. Not only WL & MR, but many of us thought that the LC was destined to be a large prevailing movement. The Texas area had gone from 70 or so in 1969 to over 500 by 1974 and the growth continued for several more years. By 1983, Dallas, counting children had over 500 plus churches in Denton, Arlington, and Ft. Worth had been established as well as brothers and sisters going to places outside the Texas area and the sink hole of Irving sucking some away, many never to be seen again.
Dear Finallyprettyok
I am very sorry if the mention of MR hurts you. I can certainly understand. But MR in many ways was like WL. There were many facets of their character and actions.
WL was very nice to me at all times. He treated me with honor and respect and had I stayed and gone along with the program I could have enjoyed a successful career with the LSM. PL also liked me and never tried to undermine what I was doing. But Thank God, my conscience was eventually too strongly attached to the Lord Jesus, the Word of God and to the love for the children of the Lord. WL violated my conscience in these areas and I had to leave his work.
MR also loved the Lord and was a big help in pushing saints and churches to be proactive in the gospel. Eventually there was a rivalry between he and WL. Both desired to head up the movement and there was only room for one leader. It was a mess. I came down on the side of WL. I am sure that MR has little use for me as a result and I would not blame him. I am so sorry I came down on anyone's side. Our loyalty should be to Christ alone.
I am glad that MR and SR have been a help and inspiration to you. I understand how it must hurt to hear or learn of any problems involving them. It is like the dear ones in the LC who are hurt when anyone is not complementary to their dear Brother Lee.
Please bear with me as I attempt to tell the story of the LC without prejudice. This is no easy matter and I do not desire to hurt anyone. I have seen enough of that.
In Christ Jesus there is hope for us all,
Hope, Don Rutledge