SmithTrust.Complaint
We have a response from Chuck Smith Jr...
“A
year ago today I invited my brother and sisters into my home to meet
with a mediator. My concern was that we agree to set aside our
differences and commit ourselves to Dad’s comfort and well-being in
light of his declining health. After four hours of airing our feelings
and grievances, everyone was on board. Sadly, we did not realize how
short a time we would have to hold it together before Dad would leave us
for heaven’s brighter shore.
The
following evening I spent the night with Dad in the hospital and was
there the next morning when his caregiver arrived and one by one his
doctors came to tell him they had exhausted all their resources and were
going to send him home to begin hospice care.
For the record, I want it to be known that I do not support the lawsuit my sister Janette and brother Jeff
have filed against Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa. In my opinion it is
groundless, deplorable, dishonoring to our father (and to his work, not
to mention the people to whom he dedicated his life). It is another sad
stain on the representation of Christianity. The only motivation I can
see for the suit is malice and greed. Any pretense to honor my father’s
name or provide adequate care and support for my mother is nonsense.
I
do not know the woman who was interviewed by ABC outside of Calvary
Chapel, but almost every word she spoke was false. She was not present
when my father passed, I was. She did not speak with the paramedics that
night, I did–and also to the police officer who took the report. I can
guess where she got her information and I do not blame her, because I am
well aware of what convincing stories her sources can tell.
There
were two registered nurses in my parents’ home the night of my dad’s
death. Once everyone who was there has been interviewed it will be
evident how ludicrous is the claim that his caregiver or anyone else put
off calling for emergency help that might have saved his life. Dad had
been sent home to die. One doctor told him (in my presence) that the
cancer was too out of control and spreading too rapidly for them to do
anything else for him.
Also,
contrary to one specific allegation, as incredible as it seemed to me
(and I queried him several times in the hospital), Dad was not in pain
or distress in the days and hours prior to his death. Several family
members were in his home that day who can corroborate this fact. As for
his passing, I posted last year how peacefully sublime was his
transition from here to heaven.
After
Dad died, his caregiver called to notify the hospice nurse who was to
come in later that morning. The hospice nurse instructed her to inform
the police so that the coroner could confirm the time of death. It was
the hospice nurse who advised us NOT TO CALL 911. She said that
paramedics rushing as if responding to an emergency could be very
disturbing for my mom. The caregiver explained this to the rest of us
and one person present volunteered to make the call. For some reason, he
chose to dial 911 (later that day, he attempted to raise my dad from
the dead). After the paramedics hurried in with all their gear, they
were not asking us why they weren’t called sooner, but why they were
called at all. It is not their job to tend to the “deceased.”
No
one on this planet loved my father more or had greater respect for him
and his ministry than his caregiver–who was at all times in Dad’s employ
and never my brother-in-law’s. Her years of loyal service while living
in my parent’s home is evident in her presence with him in every
doctor’s appointment and the three-inch-thick volume of notes and
medical reports that she maintained regarding both Mom and Dad. What is
troubling to me is the way she was summarily dismissed. She also
regularly medicated and dressed sores on my dad’s feet and legs that
were not healing properly and spoke up for him in doctor’s visits or
with nurses in the hospital when he failed to mention certain symptoms
or health issues.
I
doubt the lawsuit will make it to a courtroom. Once the review of
financial reports and bank statements has begun and depositions are
taken, I suspect that the suit will quickly disintegrate. My heart goes
out to anyone who out of love for my dad donates money to support what
is in my eyes a scam that is being perpetrated mostly by my brother and
surviving uncle.
Some
years ago I chose to live at a distance from Calvary Chapel for various
personal reasons. Unfortunately, it is impossible to create the same
distance from the antics of family members. I do not intend to sound off
again on this ugly drama or provide running commentary. In time, the
facts will speak for themselves. I suppose I’m old school in thinking
that family matters are to be resolved within the family and its dirty
laundry is supposed to be left in the hamper or laundry room until
washed and made presentable. I wish that none of the squabbles had been
taken public, because now that there’s a breach in the damn I fear a
flood of ugliness will follow. After all, who knows our flaws and
failures better than family?
I
do hope that anyone who has made it to the end of this post will take
heart. The man who had been “Papa Chuck” to thousands of young people,
consistently taught through the Bible year after year, led many people
to the Christian faith, and sustained them in the love of God, was like
everyone of us “all too human.” His hope is the same hope we all share;
namely, that when all is said and done God’s grace will have the last
word.”
***
Prior to the above Jeff Smith and I exchanged some words with one another:
I will begin to lift your family up in prayer.
Hold strong and maintain
your ground do not give in not one inch to the enemy. Take back the
ground he has stolen from you. You are a mighty warrior in The Lord,
full of strength and vitality as a young man. I repeat, fight back!
Don't despair for The Lord is with you.
You
have been trained from your youth to be a winner. You thrive on
competition and you have always excelled. Rise up and lay hold of that
for which you have been laid hold of. The battle belongs to The Lord.
May
The Lord mend the defenses and increase the ties that bind for the
continued blessings of the heritage of the Smith family. May the rivers
of blessing continue to flow richly as all of you serve The Lord and
give Him all forever. He is Lord and we will praise and love Him
forever.
There
will be seasons of confusion and doubt, hang tight and believe in the
heritage anointing entrusted to the Smiths through out generations.
Lonnie Frisbee believed in you and so do I.
Now
there is greater flexibility and freedom given to you. Seek out the
path you will travel and apply yourself strongly. Build, build, build.
Accomplish much. For you are as a tree planted by the flowing waters,
strong and reliable. Many there will be to partake of the fruit from
your tree, seeking counsel and strength as times grow darker.
Serve.
Your friend always,
David Sloane
***
David,
The warfare is intense...
Brother all I can say is that is words from the throne... well said at an important moment
and I give God the glory ...thank you
Jeff,
***
You do well to give God the glory for we all are coworkers in Christ
Jesus. We do our jobs and we do it with all our might knowing that the
day will come for our ears to hear those desired words, "Well done thou
good and faithful servant, enter in..."
You are not alone as Daniel was never alone. Stand strong
and stable for your time has indeed come upon you. All that came before
was in preparation for that which is to come.
Put on your armor and do what it is that you have to do.
When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
***
David,
"Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, "I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,"
Thanks for your kind words.
Have a ruff draft response that I will work to complete. Meantime spoke to dad this afternoon and mentioned that
I had heard from you. He asked how you were doing and if you were still painting! ( :
Blessings,
jeff
***
Note: I never got that "ruff draft."
This is all that I know...
The Smith family is a much loved family!
None of us wants to see the struggles going on behind the scenes.
Rumors are abounding.
Keep the Smiths in your prayers for God's blessings upon all of them.
There are so many of us out here who have the fondest memories of the early days of Calvary Chapel and of what followed over so many years.
May the Word of God continue to be taught by all of them.
May the abiding peace of God be their portion.
May blessings and prosperity continue to flow into the Smith family to the glory of the God they all serve faithfully.
We all desire to be with Jesus in the unity of the faith.
There have been big changes and there will be more in the future.
One thing we do know of a certainty:
"Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, "I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,"
6 so that
we confidently say, "THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID.
WHAT WILL MAN DO TO ME?"
7 Remember those who led you, who spoke
the word of God to you; and considering the result of their
conduct, imitate their faith.
8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday
and today and forever."
Hebrews 13
***
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Romans 12:8
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