A Future and a Hope - Epilogue

[UntoHim]

Hello Friends,

The last portion of the book A Future and a Hope is now available.

This is the Epilogue, a parting personal note from me before we close the book. Thank you for making this journey together with me and for your patience and support through these years.

In Christ,
John Myer

http://assemblylife.com/

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[alwayslearning]

I'm glad he wrote this epilogue after he was ousted from Titus Chu's work in the Midwest. It allows the reader to see how Anaheim and Cleveland more or less operate the same: we run the show and you will follow along or get out. It has always been so and now John provides another vivid example of what it looks like.

Via experience he has also discovered something else of interest: if you leave the LC with others (as a group) and want to do something completely different than the LC system it will be extremely difficult i.e. transitioning intact from an LC to a community evangelical church format is not gonna happen - too much baggage. In the end John with maybe a few others others had to start from scratch to launch a new church without the LC trappings. And when he did so the LC coworkers wanted nothing more to do with him - they divided from him he didn't divide from them.

In the end the Anaheim Politburo brand and the Titus Chu brand of the LC system are essentially the same and have the same arrogant attitude: we are right and you are wrong on essentials and non-essentials therefore you will accept this or we won't work with you. Now hopefully John has shed this kind of thinking and attitude and his work will never reflect this small minded prideful Laodicean mentality and practice. Time will tell.

[Ohio]

Epilogue pp. 4-5

It came as no surprise then, when I was called to Cleveland one day, accompanied by a Columbus elder. We both knew what would probably take place -- I would be questioned and found guilty. The ride up north was by no means quiet. The elder expressed all sorts of sentiments supportive to me. But as we gathered in that room with Titus Chu and an extremely supportive loyal Cleveland elder, the big talk noticeably disappeared. My Columbus elder friend put his head down as if he were a puppy spanked with a newspaper.

I hope no one reading this brief account looks upon John's close friend with anything less than heartfelt sympathy. Few can understand the immense intimidation confronting these brothers in Cleveland. I was reminded of many a brother during the dark ages who, when facing the inquisitors, fainted at their first trial. The interrogation seemed to fog the brain, with growing fear gripping it.

Only a brother willing to lose it all for Christ can remain sober-minded in these circumstances, and stand fast in our liberty. The seasoned Apostle Paul said, "watch, stand firm in the faith, be a man, be strong!" So much easier said than done. As one who was often seized up with "stage fright," I am more than understanding here. I can also add that just recently this dear brother and his wife have also departed from the Titus Chu system to pursue the Lord. Thank the Lord for this. May the Lord bless them.

Looking back at the whole situation, one stronghold that held this dear brother was the thought that "we are Titus' fruit, we belong to him, he raised us up." He mentioned this on occasion to others. Let me say loudly to all -- we belong only to the Lord Jesus and His Father! He alone paid the ultimate price for our liberty and our redemption. We are the Lord's, and His alone. The Apostle Paul said, "Was I crucified for you? Were you baptized into my name? What then is Paul? Just a minister thru whom you believed. I planted, but God made to grow!"

It is a tragedy of epic proportions that ministers like Witness Lee and Titus Chu use their God-given gifts to render positive spiritual help to the believers on the one hand, and then hold them in lifelong bondage because of that spiritual help. Proper ministers demand no such allegiance from their students.

[TLFisher]

Originally Posted by Ohio

I hope no one reading this brief account looks upon John's close friend with anything less than heartfelt sympathy. Few can understand the immense intimidation confronting these brothers in Cleveland.

You can reinsert Cleveland with any locality and the outcome is the same. Although I have never been in the predicament I have the sense it would be as walking into a no-win situation; a kangaroo court. You can try to speak, but any attempt would be interrupted. Perhaps the best written example is what sister Jane expressed in The Thread of Gold.
I don't have sympathy for John Myers friend, but I do have empathy. I would not have wanted to trade places with him. Knowing what is to be expected. I only know one brother who was able to walk into such an unsettling meeting and leave with dignity.

[Ohio]

Originally Posted by Terry

I don't have sympathy for John Myers friend, but I do have empathy. I would not have wanted to trade places with him.

Terry, thanks for improving my post. Empathy is a better word.

I have testified before that I was part of the team of saints which migrated in 1977 to begin the churchlife in Columbus. That thriving, joyful, fruitful church was nearly decimated in the early 80's by the harsh abuse and damages inflicted upon Phil Comfort by Titus Chu. Years ago most of us just did not understand how abusive and manipulative Titus Chu could be towards other workers, elders, and churches. There is absolutely no justification in the scriptures for the "management style" which he exhibits over the GLA. Where is one verse which promotes his public shaming? Where is one verse which permits the mistreatment other brothers are forced to endure?

The church in Columbus was thriving for years under the leadership of John Myer. The blessings they enjoyed were envied and copied around the GLA. For example, John Myer read The Purpose Driven Church by Rich Warren, and soon the whole GLA was reading the book. After what has transpired in recent years, one can easily see that the exact same spirit of intolerance and manipulation exhibited by Anaheim can be seen in Cleveland. As John has written, "I will be questioned and found guilty," and in the end it is the church that suffers. Just a repeat of history in the church in Columbus.

Let me speak plainly for those who still wonder what happened. Neither Phil Comfort nor John Myer have ever been accused of anything even remotely bordering on inappropriate behavior. Nothing at all, nothing whatsoever. Ironically they both lived in the same meager ranch house on church property. Though separated in time by some 20+ years, both were well-loved and appreciated by the saints in Columbus. Both had a jovial, personal disposition which well-respected the brothers around them. Both were dedicated workers which gave out much more than they took in. Both were passionate in their ministry and had a positive impact upon the saints.

Thus they both had the same problem. They posed a serious risk to the prevailing power structure in Cleveland headquarters, and hence they needed to "know their place," which can only be accomplished by being beat down in front of others. Titus Chu would never share his glory with anyone, at least not within the limits of his reach. Saints can suffer loss, churches can be devastated, and workers can be disposed of, just as long as every brother pays the necessary homage to "the brother who raised us up."

[alwayslearning]

Originally Posted by Ohio

Thus they both had the same problem. They posed a serious risk to the prevailing power structure in Cleveland headquarters, and hence they needed to "know their place," which can only be accomplished by being beat down in front of others. Titus Chu would never share his glory with anyone, at least not within the limits of his reach. Saints can suffer loss, churches can be devastated, and workers can be disposed of, just as long as every brother pays the necessary homage to "the brother who raised us up."

IMHO there were 3 coworkers in the GLA that did not fit the "mold" of the typical LC system worker: Phil Comfort, Chuck Debelak and John Myer. They each had unique giftedness that was not in keeping with the usual repeat and follow whatever Witness Lee or Titus Chu says. They are the type of workers who could flourish anywhere and didn't need the hassle of working with abusive bullies.

Phil went on to become a professor and world renown bible scholar. John has started a church and is an author and evangelist. I'm not sure what Chuck's current status is in terms of his relationship with Titus Chu but my guess is it is probably strained at some level. Anyway he is a well respected educator with a top rated private school he runs with his wife.

They were gifts to a LC system that didn't know what to do with them. In the long run there was no place for them to grow their ministries to fullness because they were conceived as "competitors" once they became manifest. In other words like Witness Lee Titus Chu does not want peers he want's obedient worker bees who will labor to build up his work under his authority and direction.

[aron]

Originally Posted by Ohio

There is absolutely no justification in the scriptures for the "management style" which he [Chu] exhibits over the GLA. Where is one verse which promotes his public shaming? Where is one verse which permits the mistreatment other brothers are forced to endure?

I remember watching a meeting where Lee was putting the latest tweak on the "God-ordained way". There was some practice in the Bible which, Lee was saying, we were all supposed to emulate in our local churches. Suddenly, Lee stopped speaking, turned to his left, and said, "Brother Titus, is this what you are doing out there in Cleveland?"

Titus Chu stood up slowly, stiffly, and gravely. With his head down he said, "I am ashamed to admit that in Cleveland we are not yet doing this." Then he sat down, and Lee turned back to the audience and continued with his "We must all do this" harangue.

Chu allowed Lee to use him as his public whipping boy. Why shouldn't he then expect to reciprocate this dynamic with those under him? Clearly the apple didn't fall far from the tree in this case.