|
Post by Darrel Rundus on Apr 6, 2006 15:08:50 GMT -5
Please forgive me again, I posted the original and not the corrected version:
GNN Seed Sowers, Local Leaders and supporters of OAO,
Let me first offer you all and OAO a heart felt, sincere and humble apology. We still feel that we should make a clear cut distinction between the approach to the lost that God has clearly shown us and other ministries which are extremely confrontational, and are trying "to clean the fish before they catch them" however, the way we did it and some of the things that we said were wrong.
The first mistake I made was not sending these letters to the two people I trust the most when it comes to biblical and godly counsel. It is a wise man who seeks the counsel of godly men (Proverbs 12:15). Perhaps if I would have first sought out their counsel much of the negative and divisive things that have come out of our actions would have been avoided.
Instead of publicly pointing out the things we felt that were wrong, we should have remained focused on what we stand for, what we believe is biblical preaching and sound doctrine and not got caught up in what another ministry is doing wrong. We also should have stayed away from comments like “Bad morals corrupt good company.” Additionally, for us to tell people not to support their ministry financially or otherwise, was wrong and it came off as a spirit of control and we sincerely regret doing that. As I stated in my previous letter, our motive wasn’t to create a witch-hunt for OAO, to destroy or harm their reputation, their ministry or to create division between brothers and sisters. We simply were concerned about some of the things we see them doing and wanted give a word of caution to our GNN members. While our intentions and motive may have been acceptable, the way we went about communicating it to all of you wasn’t. We should have just left all that in the hands of God and let you decide what ministry you want to support, endorse or associate with. We beg your forgiveness.
GNN is not a church and I am not your Shepard. I misspoke when referring to myself as your Shepard and you as my flock. However, as the Spiritual leader of the GNN army of evangelists that God has entrusted me with, and as someone who deeply cares about his troops, I was zealous in my effort to try to protect the troops. I didn’t want you harmed in any way and I was trying to steer you clear from what I felt where obvious and present dangers. It was wrong for me to take authority over you as a pastor would for God has neither called me to be your pastor nor given me the authority over you as your pastor. Please forgive me.
In closing, let me once again reiterate that we should have just simply said we love Jesse, Miles and OAO, believe in their cause, but have some serious differences about theology, operating procedures and doctrine that have led us to go in a different direction. You have my commitment that from today forward, we won’t be telling you who to fellowship with, support financially, or avoid. That’s between you and God. We are firmly committed to doing what we feel is biblical and we’ll continue to do our best to clearly communicate what we feel is the most biblical and anointed way to seek and save the lost. We will continue to provide all of you with tools and try to equip you in an effort to guide you biblically in this battle. We will endeavor to honor God with everything we think, do, say, and feel and to lead you by our own example.
You will not receive any more e-mails from GNN regarding our two previous letters stating public position and decision to distance ourselves from Open Air Outreach (OAO). As far as we are concerned this is a closed book and we will not continue to discuss the matter until such time as God brings back true reconciliation between GNN and OAO. We respectful request you to pray that God will lead this army to become as one, just as we are one in Christ and may he use all of us collectively to defeat the enemy and exalt the Lord Jesus Christ.
In Christ,
Darrel Rundus GNN Founder
|
|
|
Post by tonyholland on Apr 6, 2006 15:24:16 GMT -5
Say what you want, but that took a great deal of humilty and was certainly written in the spirit of Christ.
Awesome,,,,just awesome.
|
|
|
Post by evanschaible on Apr 6, 2006 17:23:13 GMT -5
We Love you Darrell, with all we have rambled on, dont forget that.
|
|
|
Post by Bryan Acred on Apr 6, 2006 17:41:37 GMT -5
Rodgers,
You need to look at both sides friend. Here is a recent apology written by Darrell to the GNN seed sowers.
""Instead of publicly pointing out the things we felt that were wrong, we should have remained focused on what we stand for, what we believe is biblical preaching and sound doctrine and not got caught up in what another ministry is doing wrong. We also should have stayed away from comments like Bad morals corrupt good company. Additionally, for us to tell people not to support their ministry financially or otherwise, was wrong and it came off as a spirit of control and we sincerely regret doing that. As I stated in my previous letter, our motive wasnt to create a witch-hunt for OAO, to destroy or harm their reputation, their ministry or to create division between brothers and sisters. We simply were concerned about some of the things we see them doing and wanted give a word of caution to our GNN members. While our intentions and motive may have been acceptable, the way we went about communicating it to all of you wasnt. We should have just left all that in the hand! s of God and let you decide what ministry you want to support, endorse or associate with. We beg your forgiveness.""
Please get both sides of the story before passing judgement brother.
While I may or may not agree with some practices, I will continue to pray for both ministries and for reconciliation.
Thanks, Bryan Acred <><
|
|
|
Post by evanschaible on Apr 6, 2006 18:03:22 GMT -5
Bryan, what was the purpose in your post?
|
|
|
Post by Kerrigan on Apr 6, 2006 19:16:43 GMT -5
Thanks for being humble Darrel and being Godly enough to admit your wrongs. I thank GOd for you! I guess that means I'm baaaacccckkkk.... ;D
|
|
|
Post by Bryan Acred on Apr 6, 2006 19:40:09 GMT -5
Hi Evan,
It just seemed that Rodgers was judging GNN without all the information. I am not trying to start anything if that is what you're asking. I love Darrell and Jessee and pray that both will reconcile.
His initial posts seemed more hateful than anything and as christians, there is no room for that here.
Let's love the brethern and go and give glory to Christ.
Thanks for asking bro,
Bryan <><
|
|
|
Post by Jesse Morrell on Apr 6, 2006 20:07:39 GMT -5
I accept.
Thank you.
I am very glad that this is all over and we can all focus on seeking and saving the lost.
And I am very glad that Rev K is back!
|
|
|
Post by Josef Urban on Apr 6, 2006 21:03:06 GMT -5
Brothers Jesse and Miles,
I love you guys in the Lord and I've been behind your ministry all the way. Not many are willing to forsake ALL to follow Christ (like He commanded) and I truly respect you guys for that. I've been bragging about your faithfulness to fellow believers so I hope that's OK. I really love you guys and I praise God for the great sermons and articles that OAO produces. They have definately been a blessing to me.
I can't tell you how much this whole thing just seems ridiculous to me. But just know I see nowhere where you guys are in the wrong and I will stand with you guys regardless of who tries to come against you. If you ever need ANY THING that I have the ability to help with please don't ever hesitate to ask.
Miles, I love you bro and look forward to fighting the good fight by your side again one day soon God willing. You've been an encouragement to me since the time I first talked to you so keep up the fight of faith! By the way, when are you going to start sending out your newsletters?
Keep seeking the Lord like I know you are but I tell you NOW IS THE TIME to press through for the breakthrough!!! God is doing something! I see things getting shaken up everywhere I turn! Keep breaking up the fallow ground! Things are being shaken up and I see the intensity of this war getting heated at every turn! God bless you all! And thank you for not slandering one another but being gentle in love and the fruit of the Spirit.
By the way, if Open Air Outreach is looking for more Campus preachers I was considering this upcoming school year in 06-07. What would I need to do?
(By the way, I'm totally with you guys on the NECCESITY of preaching COMPLETE REPENTANCE)
Thank you for the godly example and may the Lord get all the glory in the end.
|
|
|
Post by Miles Lewis on Apr 6, 2006 21:34:45 GMT -5
Josef Urban wrote: I do look forward to fighting by your side again as well... Bro, you said it. Brother, you just did what it takes to join the ranks. I had been praying about who would be "the other brother" that I would travel with once Jesse and Jeff were married. In prayer some time ago your name immediately came to mind. I had had other confirmations to you being that guy including your posts on your blog that I stumbled across. I was just talking to the other brothers here on the team about you, hoping that you would contact me first about traveling together. I asked the Lord to confirm that you are indeed that brother in that way. Today that prayer has been answered and I need no further confirmation. Brother, welcome aboard. There is a chance that we will be in Ohio in May and perhaps you will be able to travel around then for a short while. I would then plan on getting together to travel full time in the fall. I have a couple weddings to go to in the fall , but we will work out those details in short order. I'm just praising God right now! Glory to God! Miles
|
|
|
Post by jackjackson on Apr 6, 2006 22:57:46 GMT -5
I am very thankful that God is in control! I want to thank Darrel and GNN for seeing that this matter is strickly based on a doctrinal difference. Some may agree, others may not,but the gospel can now go forward either way.
I pray that we can all now feel lead to do as the Lord leads each of us, as it is supposed to be.
The Lord is Good!
|
|
|
Post by Juli on Apr 6, 2006 23:06:45 GMT -5
Miles...should we be praying for others to be raised up to go out on campuses as part of OAO? Have you guys thought about doing any training specifically for college campuses - they are so different than other venues I now realize after seeing you guys preach in Texas. Just wondering what the vision, if any, is.
Praise God for reconciliation - now let's go preach it up!
|
|
|
Post by Jesse Morrell on Apr 6, 2006 23:12:03 GMT -5
Yes the number of full time Open Air Outreach preachers will continue to grow.
Right now it is one team: Jeff, Miles, and myself.
Next year it will be two teams: Miles and Josef; Jeff and Myself.
Through personal mentorship the plan is to continue to duplicate and grow.
Eventually we are hoping to start a 3 month mentorship school for open air preaching. Recently we started looking into a building for the school.
The overall vision is to have a campus preacher on every major campus in the United States every single school day who is earnestly contending for the faith, refuting the devils lies and proclaiming the truth of God.
|
|
|
Post by Juli on Apr 6, 2006 23:31:20 GMT -5
awesome! I will be praying....
|
|
|
Post by Adam on Apr 6, 2006 23:50:34 GMT -5
PrideUntil we are completely emptied of self, our pride will forever reside within this broken vessel and be at war with the likeness of Christ in our character which God so earnestly longs to birth in us. Proverbs 13:1010Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom. Pride is the one thing present in every contention and offense between people. We take offence when our pride is injured. Offences will be the rod which abruptly awakens this monster out its deep slumber to manifest itself in our life that would otherwise have happily slept and lied dormant when all is well. The Christian is now horrified and weeps bitterly when the freighting roar of pride is let loose awakening the Spirit to the flesh which is yet crucified. Come to cross God calls us! Come to the cross! Humble ServantLuke 17:1-101Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! 2It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. 3Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. 4And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him. 5And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. 6And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you. 7But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? 8And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink? 9Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. 10So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do. We set Christ’s standard of Christian character as the measure others should live up to when in relationship with us. However, our carnal mind mistaking places our own righteousness and self worth as the law giver and the standard which this law presides. Then we further mistake our selves as the executors of justice and authority by which we rule to give defense for our reaction to wrong doing when this standard of character is violated. The humble servant broken of self is more than content, being engulfed with the endless grace of God’s love displayed for him at the cross of Calvary. Being redeemed from the torments of Hell, he can’t see how he can possibly be deserving of the unspeakable gift of salvation which God in mercy bestowed upon him. The endless riches of His grace cause him to weep bitterly and give God all glory, for His mercy endures forever. Any momentary token of kindness bestowed upon him in life causes further tears to flow, breaking him prostrate before the throne at God’s love, for he can’t possibly see how he could deserve such momentary blessing when he deserved such an endless Hell. When wronged he is reminded of the fallen character man and the sin from whence he was redeemed. The blood … the cross…the crucified flesh…the example left by the one who did no wrong yet suffered. Ahhhhh… the example of Christ himself, the lawgiver, the one who established the character by which we judge others to live up to and yet have still not personally obtained. The humble servant groans in his Spirit and cries out to his brother in love. Brother you have not wronged me for I am not the lawgiver nor do I deserve any better than Hell itself and yet by mercy will I never obtain such suffering but have tasted the unspeakable blessings of God. However, your character was not fitting for a servant of Christ and the offense which my flesh now wars against was brought by you. Come let us reconcile. The stumbled brother, fallen, broken, in weakness brought the offence, which was hoped by Satan to destroy the covenant relationship of the members of Christ with one another. The beloved bond between brothers can be healed. He cries out, “Come help me carry this cross for it is too heavy for me too bear”. The humble servants now carry the cross to Calvary where they will die together. Let us die at this place where the blood was shed and the Lamb was slain. Let us have faith for He is faithful for He raises such that come to Him from the dead and we may be risen with Christ, for He said “I am the resurrection and the life”, He makes all thing new. Let us die at this place, put on Christ and make no provision for the flesh. The offense which was once hoped by Satan to destroy has now been crucified by Christ. The battle is won and covenant between members of the body is now strengthened. If perfect, having done all that was commanded him, the humble servant overlooks being thanked, honored, or acknowledged, for to be a servant of God is enough. If perfect he knows to obtain profitability is still not, and can never merit the blessing that is bestowed upon him by the merciful Lord in making him His slave. How much less does the servant expect when he has yet obtained the perfection to which he was called. The servant can not cease from his tears in that beholding his master, his own Lord is more humble than he, taking part in his infirmities and seeks to call Himself his friend. Even more so the servant is further broken by the Master’s own servant hood serving and teaching him patiently when offenses come by way of the servant. For such the Master delights to restore!
|
|
|
Post by victorialewis on Apr 7, 2006 9:32:05 GMT -5
Praise God for His faithfulness, and answered prayer! What a mighty God we serve, amen??
Wow, Miles, I never realized you'd not said anything to Josef first. What an exciting thing this is....
Welcome aboard, Josef!
|
|
|
Post by josefurban on Apr 7, 2006 15:12:50 GMT -5
Josef Urban wrote: Brother, you just did what it takes to join the ranks. I had been praying about who would be "the other brother" that I would travel with once Jesse and Jeff were married. In prayer some time ago your name immediately came to mind. I had had other confirmations to you being that guy including your posts on your blog that I stumbled across. I was just talking to the other brothers here on the team about you, hoping that you would contact me first about traveling together. I asked the Lord to confirm that you are indeed that brother in that way. Today that prayer has been answered and I need no further confirmation. Brother, welcome aboard. There is a chance that we will be in Ohio in May and perhaps you will be able to travel around then for a short while. I would then plan on getting together to travel full time in the fall. I have a couple weddings to go to in the fall , but we will work out those details in short order. I'm just praising God right now! Glory to God! Miles OH Man what did I get myself into??!! I don't know what to say. The Lord never ceases to amaze me. Well, contact me brother and let me know what's going on. As long as God provides, I accept.
|
|
|
Post by Miles Lewis on Apr 7, 2006 18:09:16 GMT -5
Praise God! I guess I never really thought in that post to ask you and make sure that you were serious. I know that you are serious and that this is of the Lord, I was just confident in the Lord's leading on this matter. I'll be talking to you soon.
Miles
|
|
|
Post by Juli on Apr 7, 2006 18:34:09 GMT -5
Josef, will be in prayer for you as you prepare for the future with OAO. Jesse, maybe you should write another one of your stirring and oh so encouraging "get ready" letter for Josef? Man, talk about laying it down as it is: you're gonna be persecuted, but oh so blessed! I will be praying for boldness, protection, and peace of mind as you four break into two teams. Sounds like the whole Paul/Silas/Mark/Barnabas trips - double the trouble, double the power, double the glory to God....amen!
|
|
|
Post by Jesse Morrell on Apr 7, 2006 19:34:58 GMT -5
The more prayers the better! As we continue to grow and take the gospel where it belongs, the devil will continue to hit us hard. We need the covering of prayer. God is doing a mighty work.
|
|
|
Post by tomah on Apr 7, 2006 19:46:54 GMT -5
Yes the number of full time Open Air Outreach preachers will continue to grow. Right now it is one team: Jeff, Miles, and myself. Next year it will be two teams: Miles and Josef; Jeff and Myself. Through personal mentorship the plan is to continue to duplicate and grow. Eventually we are hoping to start a 3 month mentorship school for open air preaching. Recently we started looking into a building for the school. The overall vision is to have a campus preacher on every major campus in the United States every single school day who is earnestly contending for the faith, refuting the devils lies and proclaiming the truth of God. As I have said before, we may not agree fully on the finer points of theology, but what a desire you have! May God drive it to fruition!!
|
|
|
Post by repentcanada on Apr 8, 2006 10:16:19 GMT -5
God bless y'all at Open Air Outreach and The Great News Network. We have lost souls dying by the thousands everyday in America and Canada, let alone the rest of the world - we have no time to cause division amongst the body of Christ.
|
|
|
Post by josefurban on Apr 8, 2006 15:11:33 GMT -5
I sincerely appreciate all the prayer I can get. I am very much looking forward to this and I just pray it all works out. This truly could be history in the making. But that is conditional upon perfect and wholehearted obedience to God.
We can't let that which is good keep us from that which is perfect. I felt led to say that. But looking forward to this...This reminds me of the days of John Wesley. Oh, praise God!
|
|
|
Post by Jesse Morrell on Apr 10, 2006 23:05:17 GMT -5
Josef,
My only advice is simple, NEVER hold back.
|
|
|
Post by josefurban on Apr 11, 2006 6:56:40 GMT -5
Josef, My only advice is simple, NEVER hold back. Amen bro. Advice well taken.
|
|
|
Post by victorialewis on Apr 11, 2006 11:21:31 GMT -5
Josef, I shared the vision by Patrick Ersig on true and false revival with some of my sisters and brothers in Christ. I was so stirred by it, and wept....have you thought about posting it on this mb???
I'm in fervant prayer for all of you soldiers of the Lord...and praying for God to make me a good soldier, too.
|
|
|
Post by josefurban on Apr 11, 2006 15:27:21 GMT -5
Josef, I shared the vision by Patrick Ersig on true and false revival with some of my sisters and brothers in Christ. I was so stirred by it, and wept....have you thought about posting it on this mb??? I'll give brother Patrick a call later on and see if it's OK. If it is, then I'll definately post it. When I first heard about this vision over a month ago, it was total confirmation of what the Lord had shown me previously. The Lord had already put in my heart to see a remnant of holy revolutionaries raised up as a radical revival army fighting for truth in the midst of darkness. This vision was strong confirmation.
|
|