Not many have asked me this, but it may be in the back of people’s minds, why do I continue to discuss Randy Shankle and the Church in Marshall? Why do I get involved in these affairs?
1. Ever since I was very young, I was aware of my hatred of injustice. Whether this was a gift of God in me or whether it was the fact I did not harden my conscience as most youth did/do, I don’t know. But I have always despised injustice.
The injustice of the wrongs done to people by Randy and his administration bother me. And thus in today’s society more and more people are not being their brother’s keeper and will walk around the hurt and not help them just like in the parable of the good Samaritan. Some people may claim that this is a ruse and this is the only such manifestation in my life. Not true. A few years back when my 1st born was just a baby; me, my wife and my 1st born with some friends and their 1st born went to an Independence Day celebration. We brought a blanket and had the kids there and our food. Some teenager walks right across our blanket to go see the fireworks and I confronted him. My friend and his wife were both surprised I would do such a thing. But it’s actually a common trait of mine.
2. The Parable of the Good Samaritan. As noted above, this is a manner of life style that the Lord asks of His disciples. Thus it’s not just a gift in me, nor a blessing to not have my conscience seared, but is a part of discipleship.
3. My love for the sheep. Jesus also has said that part of discipleship is to love one another. I suppose this could be connected to the above. But it’s not simply an obeying to the Lord in helping those hurt (#2 above), but a genuine love of my brethren. The stories people have told me of the pains they have endured because of Randy or his administration have hurt my heart.
4. People have contacted me for help. It’s a simple fact that others have contacted me asking for help that has inspired me to continue to do what I am doing.
5. Fruit. The abundant fruit I have seen from this ministry has also inspired me to continue.
6. My love of God’s word. This is connected to #1, in that I desire Randy to obey God’s word, in justice and discipleship, because I love God’s word. It saddens me to see people expect less than what God says or wants and then expect me to follow suit. I know I am not perfect. I know I have sin in my life. But I do not excuse the sin. I want God’s will in my life. And I want it in Randy’s life as well.
There has been a small percentage of people mad at me, just because of this issue. They don’t want God’s best or have lost faith in such, that makes them think I should just leave all alone. Jesus is my Lord. And I try to obey Him in all things.
7. I almost forgot this one. Many would think this would be the primary or only reason: calling. Am I called to this? Am I ordained by God to do this ministry? This may pull some folks in the wrong direction. A person doesn’t have to have a calling to help the man on the side of the road in the Good Samaritan parable. A person doesn’t have to be ordained to read the Bible. A person doesn’t have to be called of God to pray. These are things we are supposed to do.
One pastor told me that if a person sees a need, then more than likely it is God showing them the need so they can take up the yoke.
Is this a “ministry”? Not in the classical sense. It’s the same as helping the poor or needy. It’s a ministry you see and notice.
8. Last but not least, is my concern for Randy and the administration. Believe it or not I do love them and desire God’s will for them. (see #6) Some say I am bitter or angry. Some say I have not forgiven them. This is not true.
When I left Marshall and moved back here, my family and friends could not understand how I could defend and appreciate CiM after what they had done to me. After only 2 weeks on the old ex-CiM member forum I was chased off because people didn’t want to hear me telling them to forgive Randy. And I use much of Randy’s teachings on my own website.
No, I love and appreciate Randy. I desire God’s best and God’s will for him. And as such, this is why this ministry continues.
The Church in Marshall still was the best church I have ever been a part of. But this does not allow or validate Randy’s current ministry.
