Kenneth Copeland put on a excellent performance at his latest ministers conference held on January 22,2008 visible at http://www.wittenburgdoor.com/copelandclips , which has now gotten the attention of people all across the USA, and abroad. The message he was unmistakably sending, came across loud and clear on every subject he was addressing. From voicing his personal feelings about the senate investigation, to a multitude of other issues facing KCM. Surprisingly, Kenneth does admit to some element of truth in the letter KCM received from the Senate, but did not go into any detailed explanations. Also in his defense, he makes the accusation that the truth is being twisted a bit. A old saying comes to mind , what comes around goes around. Years of promoting the promises of prosperity, physical healing, and last but not least the twisting of biblical scripture for personal gain has returned to KCM full circle.
“ I had a home“, “I had a life“, “I had faith“, “I had a family“, “I lost a loved one“, these are merely a handful of endless testimonies coming to light nationwide. Ranging from all walks of life, their heartbreaking testimonies can be found throughout the web, yet inconceivably, victims are being labeled as fools, ignorant, and basically downright blind for not seeing the truth behind the Prosperity Gospels falsehoods. Being only human, our quest for health and wealth, regrettably does lead some in the wrong direction. Promises and guaranties, made by the Prosperity Gospel ministers, give people that have not obtained these blessings on their own, a second chance at achieving their goals in life. An important discovery I made while reviewing testimonies, revealed the fact numerous victims had very little knowledge of the Prosperity Gospels dark side. These unfortunate victims, appear to be equipped with only a small portion of the web of deceit these ministers weave . For example, picture yourself being raised in a small country town, with a population of only a few hundred, the closest city, only a population of only a few thousand. Computers, internet, cable, satellite TV, and other high tech gadgets are not needed or desired. This was my life, before KCM.
Prosperity Gospel ministers enter the homes of many victims though a thirty minute Sunday morning worship service on a local broadcast station. Myself, growing up in Jigger La., truly located in the middle of nowhere, I can testify to the fact that we only received on a clear day about three or four channels at most. Therefore warnings of the numerous dangers, and intentional deceit, associated with Prosperity Gospel ministries, being made by critics, ministers, and victims went unheard by many. The irony of this are the many warning labels we all encounter every day. From cleaning supplies to over the counter medications, labels posted on various products warn us of the dangers associated with that particular product. Regrettably Prosperity Gospel does not offer this, but should! Family’s have lost their homes, lifesavings, and some even their lives to the Prosperity Gospel.
Unfortunately my mother was not one of the lucky ones, her confidence, and faith in this false Gospel, ultimately cost her, her life. After more than a decade of programming her mind to believe and think the Prosperity Gospel way of life, she lost her battle with cancer. By refusing medical attention, she sealed her fate, but the programming she had acquired from Kenneth and Gloria Copeland proved strong all the way to her last breath. A diary she left behind revealed the horrific tale of her life from 1992-2002, the top of each page titled with Kenneth Copeland, Gloria Copeland, or BVOV. Some mistakes in life we can not undo, and good intentions don’t always go as planed, these victims are simply following misleading promises of health and wealth. Their use of miraculous healing confessions, and newly found wealth testimonies, are their sales pitch, my mother among others, are proof that their sale pitch does work. The possibility of certain Mega churches misusing contributors finances for their own personal luxuries is ultimately what brought this scam to the publics attention, not the loss of life, the financially bankrupt, nor the numerous homeless victims that have been left in the wake of this devastating hoax.
Knowledge, is the only discovery I found to be effective in this seemingly endless battle. Sadly for some our efforts will go unheard. As for my family, once again I am addressing another envelope to Kenneth Copeland Ministries, asking once again for a summery of my mothers (Bonnie Parker) contributions to KCM, and since they have bankrupt our family also due to the numerous expenses we encountered before and after mom’s death, and once more, ask them to purchase a headstone for mom. I believe they at least owe her that much.
The family of Bonnie Parker
E-MAIL sis359@gmail.com
Photo, before and after KCM,
http://picasaweb.google.com/sis359/BonnieParkerDiaryPhoto
Documentary Suffer The Children, exposes televangelists lavish lifestyles ,
http://www.wittenburgdoor.com/suffer-children
Book recently published by Sara Posner, also looks into these subjects,
http://www.amazon.com/Gods-Profits-Republican-Crusade-Values/dp/0979482216
Request for contributions viewable at http://sis359.blogspot.com
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Monday, February 11, 2008
Dear Kenneth and Gloria Copeland,
Shortly before my wife Bonnie Lynn Parker passed away, she assigned complete power of attorney to me. Both the power of attorney and her death certificate are enclosed herein. The immediate surviving family members are myself, my son Alvin Todd Parker, and my daughter Kristy Parker Beach, who you have met.
Please send us a record of any and all donations, contributions, investments, and/or any money or items she has sent the Kenneth Copeland Ministry, a d/b/a for Eagle Mountain International Church, Inc. We also request a copy of any and all of Bonnie’s correspondence with the ministry. This would include any notes, letters, emails, and/or phone calls to or from the ministry.
Please note that I have chosen Kristy Parker Beach to act on our behalf in this matter, when my signature is not required. Your lack of cooperation with my daughter has only caused more grief. We hope you will comply with this request in order to avoid any legal action necessary to obtain these documents.
Sincerely,
Alvin Parker
Cc:
Miles B. Haberer, Partner
Hunton & Williams LLP
Energy Plaza, 30th Floor, 1601 Bryan Street
Dallas, Texas 75201-3402
Jarrett L. Hale, Associate
Hunton & Williams LLP
Energy Plaza, 30th Floor, 1601 Bryan Street
Dallas, Texas 75201-3402
William L. Dismuke
Dismuke & Waters, P.C.
Suite 500
2000 E. Lamar Blvd.
Arlington, Texas 76006-7317
Kristy,
Shortly before my wife Bonnie Lynn Parker passed away, she assigned complete power of attorney to me. Both the power of attorney and her death certificate are enclosed herein. The immediate surviving family members are myself, my son Alvin Todd Parker, and my daughter Kristy Parker Beach, who you have met.
Please send us a record of any and all donations, contributions, investments, and/or any money or items she has sent the Kenneth Copeland Ministry, a d/b/a for Eagle Mountain International Church, Inc. We also request a copy of any and all of Bonnie’s correspondence with the ministry. This would include any notes, letters, emails, and/or phone calls to or from the ministry.
Please note that I have chosen Kristy Parker Beach to act on our behalf in this matter, when my signature is not required. Your lack of cooperation with my daughter has only caused more grief. We hope you will comply with this request in order to avoid any legal action necessary to obtain these documents.
Sincerely,
Alvin Parker
Cc:
Miles B. Haberer, Partner
Hunton & Williams LLP
Energy Plaza, 30th Floor, 1601 Bryan Street
Dallas, Texas 75201-3402
Jarrett L. Hale, Associate
Hunton & Williams LLP
Energy Plaza, 30th Floor, 1601 Bryan Street
Dallas, Texas 75201-3402
William L. Dismuke
Dismuke & Waters, P.C.
Suite 500
2000 E. Lamar Blvd.
Arlington, Texas 76006-7317
Kristy,
Monday, December 17, 2007
In Loving Memory Of Bonnie Parker,
I’m writing this in regards to the letter written to Kenneth and Gloria Copeland located at http://sis359.blogspot.com/ I wrote the letter with hopes of someone passing it along to the Copelands. Comments the letter has brought is overwhelming. My heart goes out to all who has suffered any type of a loss regarding Prosperity Gospel. Several times over the past few years, I felt that there was not anything I could do, or say that would make any difference in the way people see Prosperity Gospel. I was battling, and still am, a multimillion dollar organization for answers, I had never felt so alone. Now after receiving hundreds of supportive emails, I feel I have a army beside us. Some have requested a more detailed accounting of the last few months mom was with us, the following is merely a forth of the story. Our thanks go out to you all.
No words could describe just how I felt at that moment. I promised her she would not be left alone, yet here we was in the hospital emergency room lobby, and she was somewhere behind the locked double doors alone. Hour after hour passed , a nurse finally appeared motioning for us to follow her. Seeing the pain in her blue eyes assured me this was no dream, this was it, the moment she knew would come someday but hoped never would. The nurse carefully pulled moms gown back revealing a sight that would be with me the rest of my life. I could hear the doctor asking questions directed to me and my father such as “When did she have a Mastectomy”, and “How long has she been this way?”. My father replied” She hasn’t had any surgery” this answer brought looks of disbelief from the doctor and nurses surrounding us. I realized then exactly they were thinking, they actually thought we denied her medical attention. Their expressions were convicting us without any reasonable doubt. Her left breast was completely eaten away, leaving only a large whole where it used to be. Reality had hit me all at once, our fears were confirmed she was not going to be with us much longer, and we were being blamed for the condition she was in. Mom would not let us bath her even toward the end, she had led us to believe it was due to the weight loss, she didn’t want us seeing her frail body. Truth was she didn’t want us to see her chest. We were escorted back out to the lobby so they could resume their evaluation. Result of each test came back just as we had expected, It was to late nothing medically could be done. The following day’s brought more criticism from the hospital staff, finally I had endured all I could, it was time they knew the truth. I know it was hard to believe we knew nothing about the cancer that had consumed almost her entire body, but that was the truth. And they were going to hear me out no matter how long it would take. I felt most to blame, I was her daughter, I should have seen this coming. But my father, they was not going to direct this blame towards him any longer. Come shift change I walked down to the nurses station where one group were leaving and the other arriving. Asking for a moment of their time, proved easier than I thought. As they began to move closer, I began to take them back in time where I believed it all began. Starting with her right eye in which she had lost the ability to open. This was the first sign something was wrong. Mom insisting day after day it was merely a sinus infection and nothing more. The mention of a doctor was unacceptable, she made that clear. Her eye would remain this way a few day’s then become normal again. Twice more her eye would fail her before closing permanently, refusing medical attention each time. As time passed she began loosing weight rapidly, eating very little, and staying in bed mostly all day. We were fighting a loosing battle and there was no end in sight. She was dieing and there was nothing we could do. Why was she doing this to herself and us? The time came she could no longer stay alone, someone had to be there at her side at all times. My dad worked most every day so mom was with me most all the time. Each day she became weaker. I bought a baby monitor and put by her bed and mine so I could hear her during the night. I dreaded the night for I didn’t know what the morning would bring. I had to get up before my children because if she had passed on I wanted to be the one to find her not them. The fear of her dieing and us not having a clue of what from, or why, was the reality we faced each day. My concern had evolved into anger, she was refusing medical attention and putting us though a living hell, why? There was nothing legally we could do, but watch her die. Once we could legally step in and force her to get in the ambulance waiting outside my door, she was probably only hours away from death. Still refusing and begging not be taken they loaded her in and drove away. I believe she knew she wouldn’t return, deep down we all knew. But there was always that single ray of hope, and no one was going to put that out. We had spent the last few months surrounded by uncertainty, fear, and anger, maybe now at least we would know physically what was wrong. But why she made that fatal decision to refuse any type of medical help was still a mystery. In my eyes she committed suicide, I was going to have to live with that horrible fact. Nothing made since, would it ever? There was not a dry eye in that nurses station that evening after I concluded my memories of the last few months, but in their eyes we were no longer guilty of neglect. Once all the test results were back and we were faced with the fact there was nothing the hospital could do we had at make a decision regarding where to take her to live out what little time she had left. I could not take her back home with me, my kids had been through enough. Southern Oaks nursing home was only five miles from my house, the following two moths this would become our home. The staff took us in as if we were family. We owe the last few months of mom’s life to the staff of Southern Oaks, we will forever be grateful to them all. Mom from this point on had her good day’s and bad. October 19, 2004 she was finally called home. All day her blood pressure had continued to fall, her breathing had became labored, and she was totally unresponsive. Around ten o’clock that night dad told me to go home for a while, I didn’t want to but he and my husband insisted. She passed away a few minutes after I left.
For the rest of the story simply type , Kenneth Copeland, Bonnie Parker in your search engine.
Thank you,
The Family of Bonnie Parker
I’m writing this in regards to the letter written to Kenneth and Gloria Copeland located at http://sis359.blogspot.com/ I wrote the letter with hopes of someone passing it along to the Copelands. Comments the letter has brought is overwhelming. My heart goes out to all who has suffered any type of a loss regarding Prosperity Gospel. Several times over the past few years, I felt that there was not anything I could do, or say that would make any difference in the way people see Prosperity Gospel. I was battling, and still am, a multimillion dollar organization for answers, I had never felt so alone. Now after receiving hundreds of supportive emails, I feel I have a army beside us. Some have requested a more detailed accounting of the last few months mom was with us, the following is merely a forth of the story. Our thanks go out to you all.
No words could describe just how I felt at that moment. I promised her she would not be left alone, yet here we was in the hospital emergency room lobby, and she was somewhere behind the locked double doors alone. Hour after hour passed , a nurse finally appeared motioning for us to follow her. Seeing the pain in her blue eyes assured me this was no dream, this was it, the moment she knew would come someday but hoped never would. The nurse carefully pulled moms gown back revealing a sight that would be with me the rest of my life. I could hear the doctor asking questions directed to me and my father such as “When did she have a Mastectomy”, and “How long has she been this way?”. My father replied” She hasn’t had any surgery” this answer brought looks of disbelief from the doctor and nurses surrounding us. I realized then exactly they were thinking, they actually thought we denied her medical attention. Their expressions were convicting us without any reasonable doubt. Her left breast was completely eaten away, leaving only a large whole where it used to be. Reality had hit me all at once, our fears were confirmed she was not going to be with us much longer, and we were being blamed for the condition she was in. Mom would not let us bath her even toward the end, she had led us to believe it was due to the weight loss, she didn’t want us seeing her frail body. Truth was she didn’t want us to see her chest. We were escorted back out to the lobby so they could resume their evaluation. Result of each test came back just as we had expected, It was to late nothing medically could be done. The following day’s brought more criticism from the hospital staff, finally I had endured all I could, it was time they knew the truth. I know it was hard to believe we knew nothing about the cancer that had consumed almost her entire body, but that was the truth. And they were going to hear me out no matter how long it would take. I felt most to blame, I was her daughter, I should have seen this coming. But my father, they was not going to direct this blame towards him any longer. Come shift change I walked down to the nurses station where one group were leaving and the other arriving. Asking for a moment of their time, proved easier than I thought. As they began to move closer, I began to take them back in time where I believed it all began. Starting with her right eye in which she had lost the ability to open. This was the first sign something was wrong. Mom insisting day after day it was merely a sinus infection and nothing more. The mention of a doctor was unacceptable, she made that clear. Her eye would remain this way a few day’s then become normal again. Twice more her eye would fail her before closing permanently, refusing medical attention each time. As time passed she began loosing weight rapidly, eating very little, and staying in bed mostly all day. We were fighting a loosing battle and there was no end in sight. She was dieing and there was nothing we could do. Why was she doing this to herself and us? The time came she could no longer stay alone, someone had to be there at her side at all times. My dad worked most every day so mom was with me most all the time. Each day she became weaker. I bought a baby monitor and put by her bed and mine so I could hear her during the night. I dreaded the night for I didn’t know what the morning would bring. I had to get up before my children because if she had passed on I wanted to be the one to find her not them. The fear of her dieing and us not having a clue of what from, or why, was the reality we faced each day. My concern had evolved into anger, she was refusing medical attention and putting us though a living hell, why? There was nothing legally we could do, but watch her die. Once we could legally step in and force her to get in the ambulance waiting outside my door, she was probably only hours away from death. Still refusing and begging not be taken they loaded her in and drove away. I believe she knew she wouldn’t return, deep down we all knew. But there was always that single ray of hope, and no one was going to put that out. We had spent the last few months surrounded by uncertainty, fear, and anger, maybe now at least we would know physically what was wrong. But why she made that fatal decision to refuse any type of medical help was still a mystery. In my eyes she committed suicide, I was going to have to live with that horrible fact. Nothing made since, would it ever? There was not a dry eye in that nurses station that evening after I concluded my memories of the last few months, but in their eyes we were no longer guilty of neglect. Once all the test results were back and we were faced with the fact there was nothing the hospital could do we had at make a decision regarding where to take her to live out what little time she had left. I could not take her back home with me, my kids had been through enough. Southern Oaks nursing home was only five miles from my house, the following two moths this would become our home. The staff took us in as if we were family. We owe the last few months of mom’s life to the staff of Southern Oaks, we will forever be grateful to them all. Mom from this point on had her good day’s and bad. October 19, 2004 she was finally called home. All day her blood pressure had continued to fall, her breathing had became labored, and she was totally unresponsive. Around ten o’clock that night dad told me to go home for a while, I didn’t want to but he and my husband insisted. She passed away a few minutes after I left.
For the rest of the story simply type , Kenneth Copeland, Bonnie Parker in your search engine.
Thank you,
The Family of Bonnie Parker
Letter
Kenneth and Gloria Copeland,
Before knowledge of, KCM, BVOV, GLORIA’S HEALING SCHOOL, and EMIC, our lives were simple, and complete. Before BVOV, faith had no mathematical values, you was never told you had to little, or to much. Before BVOV, sickness was not blamed on lack of faith, nor finances. Before BVOV, rewording, or falsifying bible verses, well, before our knowledge of prosperity gospel (materialistic Christian belief: the doctrine taught in some Christian groups that God will grant wishes to the faithful, especially those wishes involving material wealth .Encarta ® World English Dictionary), this act was unheard of, tithes received during collection were used for the upkeep of our church, parsonage, cemetery, and exedra, the exedra was legit. Before BVOV, I had a mother, faith, finances, piece, and a belief in God I never questioned for there was no reason to. My personal thanks goes out to both you and Gloria, prosperity gospel truly is a life changing experience!
The first time I tried to contact (BVOV) was back in 2004, a few months after the death of my mother (Bonnie Parker) who was a long time partner of your ministry, since 1995 to be exact. That’s a lot of faithful years is it not. And now what began as a simple request for answers over two years ago, is now national news. Though I made many efforts to contact you, none of which were successful. (Mail, Email, , Phone, and even visiting Eagle Mountain Church personally) We were in Dallas for the filming of a documentary (Suffer the Children sufferthechildren.com)which was being funded, and produced by director Trever Glass. The film was to show, from the victims point of view, the tragic abuse, suffering , and fraudulent behaviors preformed by certain mega church ministers, mainly focusing on the prosperity gospel ministers. I was asked if I would like to visit EMIC, and take a tour of the massive facilities. Nervously I said yes. Was I finally going to be given the chance of speaking with either of you? With a copy of the original letter, and pictures of mom before, and after BVOV, tucked safely in our backpack we began the tour that would leave me with even more questions than answers. The tour guide was very nice, and very informative. She had not a clue that with every gloating word she spoke, I was fighting back the tears they were bringing. Were the trophies you have proudly displayed at EMIC, acquired on these trips? Did you pay to have them stuffed, or did the church catch that bill for you? There I was standing in the maculate office, (by the way, how much did that high dollar office furniture set you or the ministry back), of the very people I felt were most responsible for my mothers death. No you didn’t put a gun to her head, but your guidance did prove to seal her fate. I do highly recommend this tour to all your partners that contribute to this lifestyle you both so take advantage of. Nor you or Gloria were present the day we dropped by, but I left the letter, and photos with an employee of EMIC. John Copeland called me a few day’s after we toured EMIC, saying how sad I appeared in the video tapes that were recording our every move during our tour.. I was not sure what to say, a Copeland was on the other end, not the one I was hopping for but a Copeland. There was no way to explain to him the hurt I felt inside that not he but his parents created. The call was short, I basically said no comment, for their were no words to express the feelings I had at that moment! Perhaps the Copelands, Kenneth and Gloria, believed my accusations are unprecedented.. By giving me the chance of showing you in moms written proof I will be happy to reveal you the source of my accusations. Never less, no response lead me to believe neither of you have any remorse for their actions, and that you both must believe they had done no wrong. Personally, I could not live with myself after it was brought to my attention that the mere words coming from my mouth, could indeed cause someone to loose their life. Maybe, hopefully, someday sooner than latter, the dangers related to prosperity gospel will become clear to you both, until then God help us all.
Your problem now is, no longer am I the only one publicly asking for answers, you now have the whole United States of America awaiting to see how this Senate investigation unfolds. In February of this year WFAA News in Dallas broadcasted the findings of an investigation (by Brett Shipp) regarding the misuse of the ministry’s jet. I’m sorry but it is really hard to comprehend you and your wife going on vacation in a jet my mother paid for with her life. Just incase you missed the news broadcast, that was one comment I voiced loud and clear. After that news broadcast aired, I began relying on WWW.WFAA.COM for any new developments, or some kind of comment from anyone at BVOV, EMIC, or either of you personally. The broadcast received the same response that I had come to know all to well over the years, no response, from either of you. Being in the public eye I’m sure has it’s advantages and also disadvantages. You are looked up to by millions of people. It never crossed your minds that a tragedy such as my mom’s was a possibility? You take on a huge responsibility when you get in front of a camera, step onto a stage, and in the recordings of your tapes and cd’s, to each and every one who are watching and listening. Your words can, will , and have, become fatal, the question now is not will it happen again, but when, if your words go unchanged someone’s else’s death is inevitable. As for my family the damage is irreversible. The probe into your finances is long overdue. As for the ones already passed on, the bankrupt, the homeless, and the devastated lives your ministry has destroyed over the years, but it’s better late than never!! I’ve been told by some that my mothers story, and my persistence for the truth, played a part in the investigations into your finances. If so my objective is done. Showing the public the possible consequences in becoming involved with the prosperity gospel was my main objective!!!! As well as taking the tour of your ministries assets, your partners need to read for themselves, (anyone sending money to your ministry) the requests from the Senate related to your finances. I believe they also will have a few questions for you. Oh and the comment you made when caught off guard by the media, WFAA news, (you may view this on there web site), and are questioned about the misuse of the ministry’s jet, your comment was ”None of Your Business”, do either of you have the courage to look me in the eyes and say that to me? The cost we paid for that jet can never be repaid. Expenses that accrued during and after moms illness, left us with no choice but to take out a loan on our house, which was paid in full at the beginning of 2004. This was all to much for us to handle, we have struggled to make the note the last few years, but we can’t last much longer. So we are basically still paying for that jet, and the joyrides both of you take on it. When mom gave her life for your ministry, and now possibly our home will be lost also, I believe that gave us a right to know where the money goes. We did request a accounting of all mom’s contributions, several times, which I have enclosed in this letter, but yet again no response was given. Are either of you, seeing the pattern here? God knows we all, even both of you, make mistakes in life. The difference between both of you and us is plane as day, we know wrong from right! The good hearted, and the sincere, try to make amends for their mistakes, and are most likely forgiven, on earth and in heaven. It’s never to late to start this process. I on the other hand, will never be able to forgive, nor forget. We never asked to become involved with either of you, or your false, and dangerous ministry! Unwillingly, and unfortunately our lives crossed paths with the death of my mother, I can’t change that, but I wish I could!
Kristy Beach
Dear Kenneth and Gloria Copeland,
If you don’t all ready know me I’m Christian Beach granddaughter of Bonnie Parker. The girl who had to watch her grandmother go threw so much pain for her trust in god through you. You didn’t help her by telling her not to go to the doctor. No you told her that the doctor was the work of the devil. Yes I remember some of the stuff from your shows and CD’s. My grandmother would put so much of her money in to checks and some as just cash, so much in fact that I can’t even recall exact amounts. How exactly much does your healing cost, because my grandmother paid with her money and her life? I watch your shows, listened to your CD’s at the same time watched my grandmother slowly and painfully be killed by your word not God’s word your word!!! You can do what you want and say what you want but you can never be forgiven by me or my family for what you did to us. Don’t want the money she sent you back. I just want you to feel the pain that I have felt day after day since she died. How does it make you feel to take a nine year olds grandmother from her? Now the next time you are taking money out of letters and not even reading the at all, think of what you have done to our family by not reading my grandmothers!!!
Christian Beach
P.S.
That letter was written by my daughter, which was nine when mom passed away. I did not encourage her to do this, she insisted. Mom entrusted her with portions of her involvement regarding both of you. She is just beginning to talk more about the secrets mom kept hidden away from all but her apparently. I have not questioned her about her relationship with mom, I simply let her talk about her memories, when she feels ready. The relationship mom and sissy(nickname), shared was like mine and my mothers. Why mom reviled things to her only, I guess will remain a mystery. Why her and not me, was it the fact she was just a child? When she speaks of listening to your material over and over, it just adds to the
many questions we have that you will not answer. Have these dangerous twisted words been implanted in her head also? The thought of this scares me to death. She as well as us suffered a terrible loss, but her more so. During the time mom was in the nursing home, most of our time was spent by her side. Even though she was just a few miles away from my home, we were not letting her be alone at all. I hired sitters to stay with her even when we were there, merely walking out of her room scared her. The staff at the home was kind, and tried filling her every need. Each one took her into there hearts, and visversa. We turned to family and friends to help keep our lives going outside the nursing home, which also turned out to be devastating. Christians step grandfather took advantage of what was already a bad situation, by putting his filthy hands on my child(sissy). He pleaded guilty, and is being punished for his actions! My point of telling you this is once again, letting you know just how much we have suffered. Had all our attention not been on mom, this surely could have been prevented!!!! Unbelievable that’s still not the end either. My brother Todd felt drugs would help him through all this hell, he was picked up for simple possession in September of 2004.To this day he still can’t talk about, or deal with the memories of her, bottles of whiskey took the place of drugs.
Kristy Beach
sis359@gmail.com
Sadly since I began my research into Prosperity Gospel, I have received very few comments from ministers. Faith is destroyed for many victims, so I’m often asked by some, if it will ever return? Will the doubts brought on by this doctrine be with us forever? Does trust ever return? Most never set foot back into a church, I know I haven’t. Justin Peters, whom is also featured in the documentary Suffer The Children, is one of very few ministers I have had explain what most likely went wrong. There is so many precious gifts Prosperity Gospel takes away. I’m not sure if there is one, but someone should start a website for all the victims to get guidance for these issues or just merely tell of there personal misfortunes. Just speaking to someone who has been in that situation, would prove they are not alone.
Before knowledge of, KCM, BVOV, GLORIA’S HEALING SCHOOL, and EMIC, our lives were simple, and complete. Before BVOV, faith had no mathematical values, you was never told you had to little, or to much. Before BVOV, sickness was not blamed on lack of faith, nor finances. Before BVOV, rewording, or falsifying bible verses, well, before our knowledge of prosperity gospel (materialistic Christian belief: the doctrine taught in some Christian groups that God will grant wishes to the faithful, especially those wishes involving material wealth .Encarta ® World English Dictionary), this act was unheard of, tithes received during collection were used for the upkeep of our church, parsonage, cemetery, and exedra, the exedra was legit. Before BVOV, I had a mother, faith, finances, piece, and a belief in God I never questioned for there was no reason to. My personal thanks goes out to both you and Gloria, prosperity gospel truly is a life changing experience!
The first time I tried to contact (BVOV) was back in 2004, a few months after the death of my mother (Bonnie Parker) who was a long time partner of your ministry, since 1995 to be exact. That’s a lot of faithful years is it not. And now what began as a simple request for answers over two years ago, is now national news. Though I made many efforts to contact you, none of which were successful. (Mail, Email, , Phone, and even visiting Eagle Mountain Church personally) We were in Dallas for the filming of a documentary (Suffer the Children sufferthechildren.com)which was being funded, and produced by director Trever Glass. The film was to show, from the victims point of view, the tragic abuse, suffering , and fraudulent behaviors preformed by certain mega church ministers, mainly focusing on the prosperity gospel ministers. I was asked if I would like to visit EMIC, and take a tour of the massive facilities. Nervously I said yes. Was I finally going to be given the chance of speaking with either of you? With a copy of the original letter, and pictures of mom before, and after BVOV, tucked safely in our backpack we began the tour that would leave me with even more questions than answers. The tour guide was very nice, and very informative. She had not a clue that with every gloating word she spoke, I was fighting back the tears they were bringing. Were the trophies you have proudly displayed at EMIC, acquired on these trips? Did you pay to have them stuffed, or did the church catch that bill for you? There I was standing in the maculate office, (by the way, how much did that high dollar office furniture set you or the ministry back), of the very people I felt were most responsible for my mothers death. No you didn’t put a gun to her head, but your guidance did prove to seal her fate. I do highly recommend this tour to all your partners that contribute to this lifestyle you both so take advantage of. Nor you or Gloria were present the day we dropped by, but I left the letter, and photos with an employee of EMIC. John Copeland called me a few day’s after we toured EMIC, saying how sad I appeared in the video tapes that were recording our every move during our tour.. I was not sure what to say, a Copeland was on the other end, not the one I was hopping for but a Copeland. There was no way to explain to him the hurt I felt inside that not he but his parents created. The call was short, I basically said no comment, for their were no words to express the feelings I had at that moment! Perhaps the Copelands, Kenneth and Gloria, believed my accusations are unprecedented.. By giving me the chance of showing you in moms written proof I will be happy to reveal you the source of my accusations. Never less, no response lead me to believe neither of you have any remorse for their actions, and that you both must believe they had done no wrong. Personally, I could not live with myself after it was brought to my attention that the mere words coming from my mouth, could indeed cause someone to loose their life. Maybe, hopefully, someday sooner than latter, the dangers related to prosperity gospel will become clear to you both, until then God help us all.
Your problem now is, no longer am I the only one publicly asking for answers, you now have the whole United States of America awaiting to see how this Senate investigation unfolds. In February of this year WFAA News in Dallas broadcasted the findings of an investigation (by Brett Shipp) regarding the misuse of the ministry’s jet. I’m sorry but it is really hard to comprehend you and your wife going on vacation in a jet my mother paid for with her life. Just incase you missed the news broadcast, that was one comment I voiced loud and clear. After that news broadcast aired, I began relying on WWW.WFAA.COM for any new developments, or some kind of comment from anyone at BVOV, EMIC, or either of you personally. The broadcast received the same response that I had come to know all to well over the years, no response, from either of you. Being in the public eye I’m sure has it’s advantages and also disadvantages. You are looked up to by millions of people. It never crossed your minds that a tragedy such as my mom’s was a possibility? You take on a huge responsibility when you get in front of a camera, step onto a stage, and in the recordings of your tapes and cd’s, to each and every one who are watching and listening. Your words can, will , and have, become fatal, the question now is not will it happen again, but when, if your words go unchanged someone’s else’s death is inevitable. As for my family the damage is irreversible. The probe into your finances is long overdue. As for the ones already passed on, the bankrupt, the homeless, and the devastated lives your ministry has destroyed over the years, but it’s better late than never!! I’ve been told by some that my mothers story, and my persistence for the truth, played a part in the investigations into your finances. If so my objective is done. Showing the public the possible consequences in becoming involved with the prosperity gospel was my main objective!!!! As well as taking the tour of your ministries assets, your partners need to read for themselves, (anyone sending money to your ministry) the requests from the Senate related to your finances. I believe they also will have a few questions for you. Oh and the comment you made when caught off guard by the media, WFAA news, (you may view this on there web site), and are questioned about the misuse of the ministry’s jet, your comment was ”None of Your Business”, do either of you have the courage to look me in the eyes and say that to me? The cost we paid for that jet can never be repaid. Expenses that accrued during and after moms illness, left us with no choice but to take out a loan on our house, which was paid in full at the beginning of 2004. This was all to much for us to handle, we have struggled to make the note the last few years, but we can’t last much longer. So we are basically still paying for that jet, and the joyrides both of you take on it. When mom gave her life for your ministry, and now possibly our home will be lost also, I believe that gave us a right to know where the money goes. We did request a accounting of all mom’s contributions, several times, which I have enclosed in this letter, but yet again no response was given. Are either of you, seeing the pattern here? God knows we all, even both of you, make mistakes in life. The difference between both of you and us is plane as day, we know wrong from right! The good hearted, and the sincere, try to make amends for their mistakes, and are most likely forgiven, on earth and in heaven. It’s never to late to start this process. I on the other hand, will never be able to forgive, nor forget. We never asked to become involved with either of you, or your false, and dangerous ministry! Unwillingly, and unfortunately our lives crossed paths with the death of my mother, I can’t change that, but I wish I could!
Kristy Beach
Dear Kenneth and Gloria Copeland,
If you don’t all ready know me I’m Christian Beach granddaughter of Bonnie Parker. The girl who had to watch her grandmother go threw so much pain for her trust in god through you. You didn’t help her by telling her not to go to the doctor. No you told her that the doctor was the work of the devil. Yes I remember some of the stuff from your shows and CD’s. My grandmother would put so much of her money in to checks and some as just cash, so much in fact that I can’t even recall exact amounts. How exactly much does your healing cost, because my grandmother paid with her money and her life? I watch your shows, listened to your CD’s at the same time watched my grandmother slowly and painfully be killed by your word not God’s word your word!!! You can do what you want and say what you want but you can never be forgiven by me or my family for what you did to us. Don’t want the money she sent you back. I just want you to feel the pain that I have felt day after day since she died. How does it make you feel to take a nine year olds grandmother from her? Now the next time you are taking money out of letters and not even reading the at all, think of what you have done to our family by not reading my grandmothers!!!
Christian Beach
P.S.
That letter was written by my daughter, which was nine when mom passed away. I did not encourage her to do this, she insisted. Mom entrusted her with portions of her involvement regarding both of you. She is just beginning to talk more about the secrets mom kept hidden away from all but her apparently. I have not questioned her about her relationship with mom, I simply let her talk about her memories, when she feels ready. The relationship mom and sissy(nickname), shared was like mine and my mothers. Why mom reviled things to her only, I guess will remain a mystery. Why her and not me, was it the fact she was just a child? When she speaks of listening to your material over and over, it just adds to the
many questions we have that you will not answer. Have these dangerous twisted words been implanted in her head also? The thought of this scares me to death. She as well as us suffered a terrible loss, but her more so. During the time mom was in the nursing home, most of our time was spent by her side. Even though she was just a few miles away from my home, we were not letting her be alone at all. I hired sitters to stay with her even when we were there, merely walking out of her room scared her. The staff at the home was kind, and tried filling her every need. Each one took her into there hearts, and visversa. We turned to family and friends to help keep our lives going outside the nursing home, which also turned out to be devastating. Christians step grandfather took advantage of what was already a bad situation, by putting his filthy hands on my child(sissy). He pleaded guilty, and is being punished for his actions! My point of telling you this is once again, letting you know just how much we have suffered. Had all our attention not been on mom, this surely could have been prevented!!!! Unbelievable that’s still not the end either. My brother Todd felt drugs would help him through all this hell, he was picked up for simple possession in September of 2004.To this day he still can’t talk about, or deal with the memories of her, bottles of whiskey took the place of drugs.
Kristy Beach
sis359@gmail.com
Sadly since I began my research into Prosperity Gospel, I have received very few comments from ministers. Faith is destroyed for many victims, so I’m often asked by some, if it will ever return? Will the doubts brought on by this doctrine be with us forever? Does trust ever return? Most never set foot back into a church, I know I haven’t. Justin Peters, whom is also featured in the documentary Suffer The Children, is one of very few ministers I have had explain what most likely went wrong. There is so many precious gifts Prosperity Gospel takes away. I’m not sure if there is one, but someone should start a website for all the victims to get guidance for these issues or just merely tell of there personal misfortunes. Just speaking to someone who has been in that situation, would prove they are not alone.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
wfaa.com
Jet flight records spur Copeland ministry questions
11:57 PM CST on Wednesday, February 28, 2007
By BRETT SHIPP / WFAA-TV
(PHOTO: WFAA-TV Kenneth Copeland speaks in front of his jet he told his ministry would not be used for anything "not becoming to you Lord Jesus." )
Also Online
Brett Shipp reports
5/2/06: Televangelist couple at center of debt controversy
News 8 Investigates
Kenneth Copeland Ministries
NEWS 8 INVESTIGATES
Some may say a way televangelists can measure their success is that they have the ability to fly their own corporate jet to spread the gospel.
For the past several months, Kenneth and Gloria Copeland of Fort Worth have been traveling the globe in a new $20 million jet. They pledged that the aircraft would be used for the purpose of serving their ministry.
Are the Copelands practicing what they preach?
The Copelands are regarded by many as the most successful televangelists in the world, and they certainly look the part these days--jetting about in their new Cessna Citation, operated, they say, in exact accordance with federal tax law and used solely for ministry purposes.
But flight records News 8 obtained raise questions.
Kenneth and Gloria Copeland's Believers' Voice of Victory ministry is broadcast around the world. The couple preaches not only the gospel of prosperity, but the promise of healing through faith.
It was the prospect of wellness that for years lured Bonnie Parker of Winnsboro, La. to the Copelands' broadcast every Sunday morning, said Parker's family.
(PHOTO: Courtesy Kristy Beach (left) with her mother, Bonnie Parker. )
Believer after believer, much like Parker, lined up to be healed by the Copelands. For many, they believed all it took was faith. And according to Parker's husband Alvin and their daughter, it also took something else - money.
"We know it was a lot, a whole lot," said Kristy Beach, Parker's daughter, talking about the amount of money Bonnie Parker donated.
She said the total reached into the the tens of thousands, and possibly even hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Parker also spent money on the lottery. Handwritten notes reflected her desire to remit her winnings to the Copelands, whom she said she believed could stop the cancer ravaging her body.
"I can't see how they can sell something that doesn't even belong to them to begin with, but that's what they are doing," Beach said. "They're selling something that you can't sell."
While buying up lotto tickets, Parker's family said she was also paying and praying for healing.
Meanwhile, the Copelands needed $20 million in their aim to buy a new jet that Kenneth Copeland said would be used only to spread the gospel.
"It will never, ever be used as long as it is in our care, for anything other than what is becoming to you, Lord Jesus," he said.
But what "is becoming" is becoming less clear.
According to flight records obtained by News 8, the Copeland jet, on its way to an evangelical seminar in Australia last October, made a two-day layover in Maui. Then it was on to the Fiji islands for another stop.
After seven days in Australia, the Copelands headed to Honolulu for another three days of what they called "eating and rest."
Last December, amid other evangelical stops, there was a jet ride to the Yampa Valley Airport in Colorado, just a few miles away from Steamboat Springs Ski Resort.
That same day, the jet flew back to the Copelands' private airport north of Fort Worth.
Five days later, the jet traveled to the Yampa Valley Airport near Steamboat and returned to Texas.
One week later, there was another trip. This time, to the LaFonda Ranch in Southwest Texas, a favorite stop over the years for Kenneth Copeland and his son, John.
The La Fonda Ranch is described as a working cattle and hunting ranch located in the arid brush country.
A picture taken of Copeland and his son John shows them proudly posing with a pair of axis deer indigenous to India and Sri Lanka.
So, is a jet trip to a South Texas wild game ranch a proper use?
"You can't take the assets that are supposed to be used for a religious or charitable purpose and use them for your own purposes without some tax consequences," said Wayne Shaw, a former IRS agent and current Southern Methodist University business professor.
Concerns about Kenneth Copeland's jet travel came as no surprise to Pete Evans of the Trinity Foundation in Dallas.
The organization has tracked the Copelands' aircraft and more than $20 million in property assets for years.
"It tells everybody that Christianity is about getting stuff, and not about giving your life for the people around you," Evans said.
Meanwhile, Parker's husband said Bonnie died believing she hadn't given enough money to Kenneth and Gloria Copeland.
Parker and Beach said they asked the Copelands for an accounting of Bonnie's contributions.
"I can't believe, I can't comprehend them going on vacation in a jet that my mom paid for with her life," Beach said. "I can't imagine that."
The Copeland ministry declined requests for an interview, and pointed to an accounting firm's declaration that all jet travel complies with federal tax laws.
A request to see their annual tax filings and list of Board of Directors was also denied.
The reason they cited for the denial was that as a church they are not required to disclose that information.
11:57 PM CST on Wednesday, February 28, 2007
By BRETT SHIPP / WFAA-TV
(PHOTO: WFAA-TV Kenneth Copeland speaks in front of his jet he told his ministry would not be used for anything "not becoming to you Lord Jesus." )
Also Online
Brett Shipp reports
5/2/06: Televangelist couple at center of debt controversy
News 8 Investigates
Kenneth Copeland Ministries
NEWS 8 INVESTIGATES
Some may say a way televangelists can measure their success is that they have the ability to fly their own corporate jet to spread the gospel.
For the past several months, Kenneth and Gloria Copeland of Fort Worth have been traveling the globe in a new $20 million jet. They pledged that the aircraft would be used for the purpose of serving their ministry.
Are the Copelands practicing what they preach?
The Copelands are regarded by many as the most successful televangelists in the world, and they certainly look the part these days--jetting about in their new Cessna Citation, operated, they say, in exact accordance with federal tax law and used solely for ministry purposes.
But flight records News 8 obtained raise questions.
Kenneth and Gloria Copeland's Believers' Voice of Victory ministry is broadcast around the world. The couple preaches not only the gospel of prosperity, but the promise of healing through faith.
It was the prospect of wellness that for years lured Bonnie Parker of Winnsboro, La. to the Copelands' broadcast every Sunday morning, said Parker's family.
(PHOTO: Courtesy Kristy Beach (left) with her mother, Bonnie Parker. )
Believer after believer, much like Parker, lined up to be healed by the Copelands. For many, they believed all it took was faith. And according to Parker's husband Alvin and their daughter, it also took something else - money.
"We know it was a lot, a whole lot," said Kristy Beach, Parker's daughter, talking about the amount of money Bonnie Parker donated.
She said the total reached into the the tens of thousands, and possibly even hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Parker also spent money on the lottery. Handwritten notes reflected her desire to remit her winnings to the Copelands, whom she said she believed could stop the cancer ravaging her body.
"I can't see how they can sell something that doesn't even belong to them to begin with, but that's what they are doing," Beach said. "They're selling something that you can't sell."
While buying up lotto tickets, Parker's family said she was also paying and praying for healing.
Meanwhile, the Copelands needed $20 million in their aim to buy a new jet that Kenneth Copeland said would be used only to spread the gospel.
"It will never, ever be used as long as it is in our care, for anything other than what is becoming to you, Lord Jesus," he said.
But what "is becoming" is becoming less clear.
According to flight records obtained by News 8, the Copeland jet, on its way to an evangelical seminar in Australia last October, made a two-day layover in Maui. Then it was on to the Fiji islands for another stop.
After seven days in Australia, the Copelands headed to Honolulu for another three days of what they called "eating and rest."
Last December, amid other evangelical stops, there was a jet ride to the Yampa Valley Airport in Colorado, just a few miles away from Steamboat Springs Ski Resort.
That same day, the jet flew back to the Copelands' private airport north of Fort Worth.
Five days later, the jet traveled to the Yampa Valley Airport near Steamboat and returned to Texas.
One week later, there was another trip. This time, to the LaFonda Ranch in Southwest Texas, a favorite stop over the years for Kenneth Copeland and his son, John.
The La Fonda Ranch is described as a working cattle and hunting ranch located in the arid brush country.
A picture taken of Copeland and his son John shows them proudly posing with a pair of axis deer indigenous to India and Sri Lanka.
So, is a jet trip to a South Texas wild game ranch a proper use?
"You can't take the assets that are supposed to be used for a religious or charitable purpose and use them for your own purposes without some tax consequences," said Wayne Shaw, a former IRS agent and current Southern Methodist University business professor.
Concerns about Kenneth Copeland's jet travel came as no surprise to Pete Evans of the Trinity Foundation in Dallas.
The organization has tracked the Copelands' aircraft and more than $20 million in property assets for years.
"It tells everybody that Christianity is about getting stuff, and not about giving your life for the people around you," Evans said.
Meanwhile, Parker's husband said Bonnie died believing she hadn't given enough money to Kenneth and Gloria Copeland.
Parker and Beach said they asked the Copelands for an accounting of Bonnie's contributions.
"I can't believe, I can't comprehend them going on vacation in a jet that my mom paid for with her life," Beach said. "I can't imagine that."
The Copeland ministry declined requests for an interview, and pointed to an accounting firm's declaration that all jet travel complies with federal tax laws.
A request to see their annual tax filings and list of Board of Directors was also denied.
The reason they cited for the denial was that as a church they are not required to disclose that information.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
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