Dear Family & Friends: The purpose of this letter is not to tear anyone down but to advise you of where Paul and I stand in our service to God. Over the last five years, we have been increasingly more troubled by “the truth” since initialing researching the origins of this way.
While this research answered many of the questions I have had my entire life about the beginnings of this way, it was not inconceivable to me that God could send a man to go and preach as Jesus sent his disciples. I reasoned that this way was the closest thing I had seen to how Jesus sent out the disciples. What has continued to trouble me more and more is conflicting scripture, dogmatism in lieu of clear thinking and sole reliance on men (workers).
I frequently come into contact with people who claim Christ as their Savior and live a Christian life. It has become impossible for me to believe those people are going to Hell because they don’t attend meetings and know the workers.
Allowing God to deal with me and gradually unprogram myself has been a tedious task. I now feel as though I was in a very dark room with just barely enough light to survive. I can now see so many things through Christ, the joy and love in my heart are inexpressible. I now love to read my bible and hear about the word of God. All the previous duty and labor of serving God is gone.
I have come to realize that I can’t put limits on God. We cannot work for salvation, it is a gift from God. Titus 3:5 “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us…” Eph 2:8‑9 “For by grace ye are saved through faith; and not of yourselves; it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast”.
I no longer believe that there is a singular group of people who can claim exclusive rights to salvation, but that there are right people in various ways. Salvation doesn’t come through a particular way but rather through a personal relationship with Jesus. John 3:16 “Whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting 1ife.”
Paul and I have mutually decided that we can no longer serve God within the spiritual limits of this way. I have spent my whole life hearing that the way is perfect even if the people are not. We have come to realize that this way teaches reliance on men (workers), human-centered reasoning, fosters false pride in being “right” and “the only way”. John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth and the life: No man cometh unto Father but by me.
While we have not lost our faith in God, we have lost our faith in this way. I believe Jesus Christ is the way to heaven through belief and trust in Him. There are no perfect people and there is no perfect organized church. However, we feel there are other churches where worshipping God is central to their faith.
My intention in writing this letter is not to condemn or imply you are in a wrong way. I understand your beliefs and realize you will probably feel that we have never had “a good understanding” and are “losing out”. For this l am sorry. We feel that we have never had such a clear understanding or love of God until now. The love I have for the friends and the workers has not changed. It is my hope that although you may not agree with what we are doing, that you will pray and read with an open mind.
Paul and Debbie White
Boise Idaho
1993
Chapter 59 in Reflections.