Comments on: Arkansas Minister Charged with Rape

By: Kevin Shimp

Kevin Shimp — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 20:42:06 +0000

Presumed innocent until proven guilty. God knows the heart of this man – as He knew the heart of David. We must be aware of sin in the camp (i.e. Achen) in order to act accordingly. Please pray for all men to seek purity in every action. Would you want that type of prayer said on your behalf?

By: John Staiger

John Staiger — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 09:12:37 +0000

The problem with such news stories is that a person is assumed guilty until proven innocent. This is understandably an extremely emotive subject, thus extreme care should be taken at all times when considering publication.

By: adam

adam — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 14:48:44 +0000

i am a youth minister at a church in benton, ar… and I am constantly aware of some of the under-privaledged children that we bring to church… they will tell a fib to get something they want.

I am in no way saying that this is the case… as I know nothing about this story other than what I’ve read.

I only mention it because the elders have spoken to me at great length concerning the necessity of having a woman present at all gatherings of children in the youth program.

I believe that we have a responsibility to do everything we can to ensure that the children are secure in the environment we provide for them to learn about Our Lord and fellowship with others.

By: Steve Preston

Steve Preston — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 17:37:27 +0000

I agree that news of this nature needs to be reported but only if the man was convicted. Numerous men and women have been falsely accused of horrendous crimes by others, including our Lord Jesus, without any basis in fact. It is not news that someone has been accused; it is only gossip until it is proved. There is a man, that I know, who was convicted of child molestation simply because his youngest son claimed, at the prompting of others, that he had be molested. A child’s word was taken as sufficient proof to ruin a man’s life for 10 years. Proof is not only what the world should require, it is exactly what God demands.

By: Jim Cherry

Jim Cherry — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 16:48:54 +0000

I think that you have a responsibility to report the incident in question so that we can “mark” this person (ref. to Pauls admonition Phil. 3:17-19) and know his evil works.

God’s word is unique in that it tells both the good that men do and the evil. King David was a wonderful servant of God described as “a man after God’s own heart” but he was guilty of the ugly sins of adultery and murder. If God saw fit to include these distasteful facts in His inspired word then you should be like-minded in reporting both the good along with the shameful.

By: C. John Chavis

C. John Chavis — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 14:58:32 +0000

It’s a good idea to post this, as long as it doesn’t dominate the other news.

By: Rick

Rick — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 21:14:41 +0000

This is a sad but necessary story to report upon. Some would say, “Don’t air it out in public.” Hogwash, its already out there and rightfully so, if true.

By: Paul McCollum

Paul McCollum — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 20:47:13 +0000

We should not look for bad news to share but we also should not sweep it under the carpet.

I would suspect that there are far more positive news stories to report than ones of this nature but if these charges are true the brotherhood needs to be aware in case this gentleman ends up going someplace else and harming others.