February 2000 Email

February 2000

Feb. 1, 2000

I am a 31 year old evangelist with Cerebral Palsy. I graduated from Southeasten Baptist Theological Seminary in 1993 with my M-Div. I just heard about your pending court case and I will be praying for you. While in seminary I bought a copy of your book, the changing world of mormonism. I loved it. It is probably the greatest book on Mormonism out there. Your book, and Dr. Walter Martins, Kingdom of the Cults, books are among my favorites. Keep up the good fight. God is using you both in mighty ways.

Feb. 1, 2000

I want to thank both of you for helping me about 4 years ago. I called you from Oregon while I was still a member of the mormon church, and you sent me literature that answered all of my questions and led me to break my family away from their influence. When we quit going, the bishop came to our house to check on us. I told him we would not be back. He questioned me about why, and I answered his question with the question "Charlie, do you believe that you will be God some day?" His reply to me was that that would happen a long time in the future. I just told him that I rest my case, there is but one God. I offered to give him all of the mormon books back and told him they would be burned if he left them. He said I might need them. I said a prayer asking forgiveness for burning the bible, but it included the book of mormon and d&c as well so it went into the fire. It took a year and a half, and my wife threatening the bishop in Madras, OR to get removed from the rolls. When she told him we would tell everyone we met the truth about the mormons he sent us the form to sign. We still tell everyone who will listen the truth though. I just read about the suit in the Baptist Press, which I receive daily by e-mail. Hang in there, God is on your side. Thanks again. God bless you both.

Feb. 1, 2000

Years ago back in Missouri at our Southern Baptist Church we had special studies on the Mormans as they were moving to Missouri by the droves and saying they would put people out of business. They were strong and the yound people aggressive to our yound people; however we prevailed I think. One of the programs we had was by an ex-Morman woman, and I can't remember her name...the book. Mama, Mormanism and Me. She told things she thought we should hear. Tapes of temple services were there or gotten by that meeting and I listened to them intently and still have them some place. We live here in Phoenix area and the 2000 Christian meeting is just over and the papers are full and very critical because Mormans were not allowed ...letters to the editor are very critical of Christians for not letting them come. Because of that and getting a daily e-mail from the Southern Baptist Converntion today with an article about your site problems I just had to write a note to you.

Good luck!!!

Feb. 2, 2000

I was just checking my e-mail this morning and was scanning the Baptist press newsletter, and found myself absorbed in the news article concerning you and your husband and the Mormon church (lawsuit). Sandra, my heart danced with joy and our prayers here, are with your family. You will appreciate why, when I tell you that I was also deeply involved, and faithful to a "False Prophet" religious organization for over 26 years...I accepted Jesus as my Saviour and left Jehovah's Witnesses 5 years ago Praise God!

I was a full time worker in that organization, and our Lord has helped me to redirect all that energy and has given me His strength to become part of His Army, working at a Cult outreach center, counselling others, etc.....it was wonderful therapy for me..and let's people know that they should never ever give up......on loved ones in cults.....our Lord can deliver even those in cults! I presently manage a Christian Book Store in NJ....and work at a mission outreach as part of Love Inc./World Vision. I thank our Loving God every day for life......and freedom to worship Him. Music is a big part of my life also.....Sandra, in the JW's , they also have a all "secret disciplinary book" that all "Elders" must keep under lock and key....(they being the only one to see even that) and turn it in....if they lose their Elder status, (my husband was an Elder) also, the rank and file witnesses knew absolutely nothing about the secret meetings and rules made by the "Governing Body" It is a "Policed Organization" and you will be shunned for life if you try to leave.

I have marked your website.....and will visit it often....

May God continue to bless You!

Feb. 2, 2000

I just wanted to say that I have always appreciated the integrity and the quality of research that has gone into your publications over the years. I have taught a course in cults in our seminary in Toronto some time ago and was appreciative of much of your published material which I had bought in years past.

We will be much in prayer for your over your recent struggle with the LDS organization.

Feb. 2, 2000

I lived in the SLC area for about 10 weeks in order to help start a new SBC church. While there we gained a great love for the LDS people. They are genuine but genuinely wrong. We learned what the Bible means when it says that "satan masquerades as an angel of light." I appreciate your intense research and desire to place tools in the hands of true Christians to use to reach the LDS people with the true Light of Jesus Christ. I will be praying for you in this court case. It has already had some positive effects--I found your website through a Baptist Press link! Though I was familiar with your print resources, I did not know that you had an internet site. As Christians we are called to submit to the authority of the courts for the time being, but we also must stand for truth. I will be praying that you will have that perfect balance.

Feb. 2, 2000

I am concerned about churches being sued. This is one way to deprive people of their freedom of religion. I live in California, and a few years back there was a case where a small church, or Christian group, in Berkeley, was sued by a large religious denomination. I don't remember the names of either of the groups, but I think the large group was a cult, and the small group was exposing it. Somewhat similar to what your church is doing.

They did not have the Internet then, though, and eventually the small church could not afford the court costs. That seems to be one way to put a church out of business, as a group at least.

... These court cases happen too often. I will be sending a very small contribution via postal mail. God Bless and good luck.

Feb. 2, 2000

Hi. I am a Southern Baptist preacher and I want to take this opportunity to say thanks for your work ! I'm glad there is still someone out there that is telling the truth about Mormonism and their teachings. My prayers are with you in this law suit. Who knows (God does) it might bring about just the right results if we trust God to work.

Feb. 2, 2000

I just wanted to encourage you to continue to minister to those who seek you out. I will tell you that I left the Mormon church many years ago. I still have many family members in the LDS church. I am amazed at how much the LDS church has tried to put on the fasod of being "Christian". Years ago they never even said the word Christian let alone call themselves one. Anyway..they are a hard people to reach if you try on your own. I have found that by sharing the word of God (scripture) with my family members when the time is appointed by the Holy Spirit they receive it. It is hard as you know because they believe and pray to Jesus, and now even call themselves "Christian". satan has such a hold on these people. They are so deceived and brain washed. It is so very sad.

I am praying for you and the "lawsuit"! Jesus will be glorified in all things even this.

Feb. 2, 2000

I am a Christian who attends First Baptist of _____ Texas. My daughter ...was baptized as a Mormon when she was 8 years old and was baptized as a Baptist last year at the age of 16.

...but now she's gone into Mormonism more deeply by her attending their Tuesday night services, Youth time on Saturdays and daily attending Mormon seminary. She no longer lives with me, the Mormons took me to court and she now lives with her dad.

...I feel the Mormons can play all the games they want to, but when your heart is wholly His, He will honor that whether your name remains on rolls or not. It appears my daughter cannot give her whole heart to Him at this time.

I admire you going against Mormonism so much in your life. I've read a lot of your materials to better understand the religion that has my daughter so mesmerized. All I can do is pray for her and hope she desires a true relationship with Him.

At this time, I am unable to donate to your cause because I'm paying off legal fees of my own. I only intend to encourage you with my own experience and with words of appreciation. Thank you for all you do against Mormonism,...

Feb. 2, 2000

I RECENTLY VISITED YOUR BOOKSTORE BY THE BALLPARK AND PURCHASED YOU SHADOW OR REALITY BOOK.

MY GRANDMOTHER OF 94 ALSO HAS VARIOUS BOOKS PUBLISHED BY YOU. BEING RAISED MORMON AND EVEN GOING ON A MISSION LEFT ME VERY SKEPTICAL OF THE THINGS I WAS TAUGHT AND WAS BEING TAUGHT TO TEACH TO OTHERS.

YOUR WEB PAGES WERE AN ABSOLUTE EYE OPENER AS WELL AS THE BOOK I PURCHASED. SPEAKING WITH MY GRANDMA (WHO GREW UP IN THE FOREST DALE WARD IN SALT LAKE) SHE TOLD ME SO MANY STORIES OF THE THINGS THAT WENT ON AROUND THE TURN OF THE CENTURY IN THE CHURCH. THE POLYGAMY SECRETLY PRACTICED WAS INCREDIBLE TO ME AS WELL AS THE SUFFERING MANY OF HER FEMALE AQUAINTANCES HAD TO GO THROUGH. SHE HAS ALWAYS BEEN BITTER TOWARD THE CHURCH BECAUSE OF THE THINGS SHE SAW IN HER YOUTH. SHE ALWAYS KEPT THINGS QUIET OUT OF RESPECT FOR MY PARENTS WHO IN MY YOUTH WERE ACTIVE AND TRIED TO KEEP ME ACTIVE.

NEEDLESS TO SAY WE HAVE ALL SEEN THE LIGHT AND THROUGH SIMPLE STUDY OF FACTS HAVE SEEN TRUTH. BEING ABLE TO TALK ABOUT THESE THINGS WITH MY FAMILY FROM GRANDMA TO PARENTS HAS BEEN GREAT.

THE ONLY BAD THING ABOUT IT THAT I DO FEEL FOOLISH AND HAVE CONTEMPT FOR SOME OF THE LIES I HAVE BEEN TOLD OVER THE YEARS. I KNOW TEACHERS MAY MEAN WELL BUT I'M JUST THE KIND OF PERSON THAT HATES TO BE LIED TO AND FOOLED.

Feb. 3, 2000

Certainly appreciate the integrity your ministry has always maintained which includes your written fact sheets, newsletters and the tough issues you have courage to tackle both in print and on your web page. We are beginning a prayer outreach even as we write.

Feb. 3, 2000

i would like to thank you for your hard work and research you have done. it took me along time to denounce mormonism. my father was a bishop, stake couselor, high counselor, you get my drift. it was your book that really started to make things fall into place for me. the fear given to person for denying the mormon religion is really scary when you grew up with it. i was finally able to say i don't believe. now i'am trying to learn about the bible and i keep getting things mixed up because of the book of mormon. its getting better though.

Feb. 3, 2000

I have been looking at the Web site. I was in the conference at Ridgecrest when you spoke. ... It is hard for us in the east to know all you are going through. ... I read some of the text of what you are facing in court. We will be praying for you. May God give you strength every day as you face the adversary.

Feb. 3, 2000

This is our favorite passage in a battle.

1 Pet 3:15

15 Quietly trust yourself to Christ your Lord, and if anybody asks why you believe as you do, be ready to tell him, and do it in a gentle and respectful way.

(TLB)

We know you have modeled this practice for years and surely this will come out in any legal proceeding.

We love you and we are praying.

Feb. 4, 2000

I was shocked to get the information about the suit against you. It is a tragedy what LDS will do to try to stifle the truth. I tried your nice web site for the first time. I'll continue to monitor it and perhaps I can contribute some more $ to your legal fund.

[Web-editor: For information on donating to the Legal Defense Fund click here.]

Feb. 5, 2000

I probably feel more discouraged than you do about the decisions of the federal court. I wanted to remind you that you are not fighting this battle alone. Who knows, it may be God's will that the LDS organization (I don't like to refer to them as a church) have their desire granted in this matter. In Romans chapter 1 Paul tells us (v. 28) "And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting". In essence, God may be judging them by letting them have exactly what they want. In the end, they will have no one to blame but themselves.

In Matthew chapter 15, after Jesus responded to the Pharisees rather harshly, His disciples said to Him in verse 12 "Do You know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard [your response]?" Jesus responds "Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch." James 3:1 tells us that teachers (leaders) "shall receive a stricter judgement". It seems plausible in my mind that God could be letting the leaders of the LDS organization have their way, thus heaping God's judgment upon themselves, while at the same time reaching (through all of the publicity) many more LDS "lay people" with the true gospel of salvation which is through faith in Christ Jesus. Jesus Himself in Matthew 9:13 said "For I did not come to call the righteous (righteous in their own eyes), but sinners, to repentance."

But do not be discouraged. Almighty God will prevail and true Christians as His servants will be vindicated. God's sovereign plan will be carried out. All the while we must be diligent in following His command: "But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will." (2 Tim 2:23-26).

Feb. 6, 2000

I first read about you when I flew through Salt Lake City on January 5th. I was going to my grandmothers funeral and had a layover in Salt Lake flying from Boise to Minneapolis. I came home and started searching for your web site to see if you still had the info posted but didn't actually find your site until the other day when a friend found it for me. I grew up in the midwest in a Lutheran church and had NEVER been exposed to Mormans until moving to Idaho 3 years ago. It has been a challange because I feel like such an outsider at times. The information on your site has been a god send for me!! I new so little about them but definately felt they were not right in all of the things they practice. I had no idea they think that they can acheive godhood. Anyway thank you for all the work you have done to help people like me get a better understanding for what they are all about.

Feb. 7, 2000

Sounds like the mormons are afraid of truth. They are using legal trickery, to stop anyone from telling anything about them. What are the cults doing that is so secretive? Did you ever notice, that Jehovah Witnesses buildings never have windows. Why is it, that Mormon weddings do not allow non-Mormons from attending, even if immediate family? From what I understand, other organizations, have posted a similar link, but have not been implicated in this suit. The mormons have too much power. They are almost like a business, operating under the guise of religion. The Lord knows your needs, and will provide what is needed. Jesus said that the world will hate Christians, because it also hated Him. The mormons are of their father, the devil, and therefore of the world, which explains why they are so vindictive of your attempts to expose them for what they are.

Feb. 7, 2000

I wanted to give you some words of encouragement. About three months ago, as an LDS, I started on a quest to prove or disprove the veracity of the LDS church. Your ministry was very helpful in removing the blinders. Now I thank the Lord for leading me to you and other sincere Christians. My wife and I are about to make a public commitment to receive and dedicate our lives to Christ. We will soon be removing our names from the records of the LDS Church. We are enjoying our new adventure into Biblically based Christianity. Thank you for following God's call to serve in your present capacity. You will never know all the Mormons that have had their eyes opened by God through your Ministry, but He does.

Feb. 11, 2000

I just read about you in the Baptisit Message here in Louisiana. I was Mormon. I think I can say I was. I read your article and now I am not so sure they let me go really. It was time for me to go to temple when the alarms bells went off in my head something was wrong. It was not till I was about 2 weeks from going to temple that my x-best freind started telling me about the temple and what it does in there.

I asked the Bishop to let me out of the church and that is when the hell began. I was followed and reported on. I had people coming to my house and checking everything I owned. Mail was missing. I sent a letter to the Bishop stating I did not belive Jospeh Smith was a prohet. I got a letter for me to report to the church but I felt unsafe so I did not go. I then had people coming to my house and telling me I should not be on the mission field but sent back to the home land. I was in fear of being taken away with no one to help me. I moved thinking that would bring me peace. I did not. I took years before they stoped coming around. I had to go to consuling for a long time before I could say God was not going to send me to hell for leaving them.

After reading your article I was wondering am I really free from them? Will the Mormons be out of my life at all? My question to you is how do I know for sure I am not on their rolls anymore. The Bishop sent me a letter stating that I was now lost and that I was taken off the lambs book of life. But he never said I was taken off the rolls. Can you help me?

[Sandra's note: You can call the LDS Church Membership Records Dept., 801-240-3500, and ask if you are still on their membership rolls.]

Feb. 11, 2000

It is nice to see that what comes around goes around.

I hope that the law suit continues for a good long time, and that perhaps it will be the end of Light House Ministries.

Enough lies and half truths have been spread by you over the years.

God is just and in the end always wins his cases...

Have a nice day

Feb. 13, 2000

Thank you so much for your great site and all the wonderful information you have put out there. I was raised LDS and for the past few tears have been searching to find the truth thanks to a super mother in law and god I have finally found what I was looking for. After finding my way to Christ I proceeded to get my name removed from their records since November and this whole process began I have been bombarded by missionaries and bishops at least twice a week telling me how satan has power over me but thanks to all the information from you and my faith in God I am making it . Thanks again for letting the truth be known!

Feb. 13, 2000

Thanks for the wonderful site. Funny how a court ruling can bring folks to you who wouldn't have ordinarily known about your site.

Keep shining the light.

Feb. 15, 2000

I’m glad to see that the church is suing ‘us.’ It seems to me that the church does more public harm than good whenever it does anything besides issuing ‘faithful’ statements. Since its most successful policy in attracting and keeping members is avoiding dealing with anything of substance and instead of giving them a steady diet of milk, it is rare that any of its dealings are exposed to public scrutiny.

Feb. 15, 2000

I was very sorry to hear that the Mormon Church chose to attack you by suing you and putting this type of pressure on your work.

I am very interested in censorship issues although this seems to be more harassment than true censorship. If they were truly interested in censorship they would go after the Tribune and others as well.

Feb. 15, 2000

I am not too surprised to hear about the lawsuit as the church officials dont like criticism and if you two had been operating 140 years ago you would probably be dead before now.

Feb. 17, 2000

...I am a descendant of Francis Marion Hamblin, brother of the infamous Jacob Hamblin. I am not Mormon but my family on my fathers side is. It is so hard to grow up in Utah as a Lutheran, you are made fun of, ridiculed, there were even mothers who wouldn't let me play with their kids because of it. (Non judgemental--yeah right!) I feel I have an understanding of the common feelings that other minorities around the nation feel.

I think that websites like these show that we are not alone here in Utah. We are all just too silent. I am married to a mormon although he isn't active and has no plans to be. I just wanted to say thank you for having enough guts to come out and teach the real truth about Christ.

Feb. 19, 2000

Hi Friends

My family and I lived In Salt lake for 10 yrs. My husband ... was a minister at ... Baptist church.

You have been so brave and strong in handling all this for years. We are praying for you. It is still shocking to see how people are fooled by the LDS church. They think its an OK group because of the talk about "the family".

This new suite is just something to distract people from the real issue.

Keep up the good work.

Feb. 19, 2000

I was researching the copyright rules and found section 107 which refers to fair use of copyrighted materials for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching and research. The section clearly states that such use is not an infringement of copyright.

The key factors are 1) the purpose and character of use.. whether for commercial use or for nonprofit educational purposes 2) the nature of the coyrighted work and 3) the amount and substantiality of the portion used and 4) the effect of the use upon the potential market of the copyrighted work.

You should definitely be able to use this argument as a non profit educational critcism of an institution.

Feb. 21, 2000

You are still in my prayers. I know the Lord will use this law suite for his purposes.

I just wanted to make a couple of comments. I had a thought... How has the Mormon Church caused anything to change with regards to Christianity? Absolutely NOTHING of good that I am aware of, but our influence has caused much to them. I.e. Polygamy done away with, Blacks were given the priesthood (as worthless as it is), they are trying to emphasize Christ now and there are others that don't come to mind at this moment. Another area the doctrine doesn't square is with science. I have been reading a lot of DR. Ross's books and reading the information on his website www.reasons.org and he mentions Mormons fairly often and their beliefs do not fit today's science. God bless you and keep up the good work.

Feb. 23, 2000

Subject: Tip

Get a Life!!

Feb. 24, 2000

Dear Sandra,

I saw the article in Christianity Today and was glad to get to see your picture. I've talked to you several times on the phone several years back. It was nice to put a face with the voice. You were always a source of comfort to me.

You may not remember me but I was the one who married a Mormon and 15 years in to the marriage, he suddenly became very involved in his church again. He realized that he could not go the place he wanted to be without getting married in the Temple. He pressured me tremendously to join the church.

I started to study every thing I could about Mormonism (you answered many questions for me) and realized it was nothing more than a Cult. I showed my husband all the stuff I got and he rationalized everything. He had an answer for everything. And what he couldn't answer, the Bishop gave him the correct answer. No free thinking here! It was unbelievable! I have quite a collection of Old Mormon material that should convince anyone with a thinking mind that Mormonism is a mess!!

Anyway, the pressure from my husband came down to "you become a Mormon or I want a divorce" I have never been through that kind of stress in all my life. I was weak and foolish and I gave in. I joined the church.

When I went through the temple, I nearly became ill knowing that what I was doing was so wrong. I learned all those secret hand shakes you need to know to get in to heaven....how ridiculous!!! Anyway, once I was pulled in through the curtain and was in the room on the other side, I asked all the Mormon ladies, who were long time members, what the purpose of the handshakes was. ( I already knew) Do you know that not one of those ladies knew. My husband, of course, didn't know. A man there told me that you need to know those hand shakes to get in to heaven's door....so they'll know you're one of them!

Once My husband got his prized Temple Marriage Certificate, I stopped going and haven't gone since. He goes every Sunday and does all the stuff he is supposed to. Because he did the "Works" he feels he can get in. And because its him that saves me, he'll be sure and call my secret name. I cannot believe that Mormons have the nerve to call themselves Christians. They believe that they save themselves through works. My husband actually believes he will be a god of his own planet some day and all of those fools who didn't become Mormons will be his servant angels. He'll have his hundreds of wives, of which I get to be the head wife. Well.... I don't need to go on.... you know all this stuff. ... He knows I don't believe in Mormonism and he knows I sing in a Christian duo. But he's got that Temple Certificate so he's happy with that. ...

I wish you the best of luck with the lawsuit you are facing. I hope the whole thing just brings more people in your direction so thay can be helped to see the truth!

Feb. 26, 2000

Thanks so much Sandra, but currently my wife is taking the ostrich approach, won't listen to me or hear me out, I have begun studying the Bible with great zeal and love it so much. Maybe she will come around by example.

I would like to thank you both for all you have done and invested in exposing the LDS church, I can not believe the lie they perpetuate, it just goes on and on, and people continue to believe it.

After leaving the church my Bishop and Stake president both questioned me, I asked too many questions they just couldn't answer and finally left disgusted. They are wrong and I think one of them was even starting to question things. Amazing how money and fame can cause damnation and destruction of so many. My prayers are with you both, may God hold you in his security forever.

In his Precious name.

Feb. 27, 2000

This is some of the most fascinating as well as informative information I ever seen! My understanding, until now, of Mormonism had been extremely limited. Now, my eyes have been opened, and continue to be opened, as I avidly read this material.

It is clear that you have put a tremendous amount of time and effort into collecting and articulating this information. I want to thank you again for making it available. I hope that eventually most of the world will come to understand the true history of Mormonism as I personally feel that Mormonism is more of a cult than a real church based on Christian principles, and as an organization with cultist features, poses a threat to those innocents who can fall prey to it without fully understanding what it is based on and how it operates.

Feb. 28, 2000

If you claim to not be aiming to disparage the members of the LDS faith, why do you persistently use half-truths and misinformation in dispensing your "truth?'" Every point you make against the LDS Church has been answered, time and again, by those who are more knowledgeable about LDS doctrines than you, yet you continue doing exactly what you claim NOT to do: disparaging the LDS Church. Why not spend your time DEFENDING your own beliefs rather than attacking others?

Feb. 28, 2000

I just wanted to say that what you have done in the way of allowing an ignorant father like myself to gather the facts and present them to a son that was still willing to be reasonable and analytical has saved him from the mormon baloney and returned his feet to the path of Christ. Thank you, thank you, a million thanks.

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