Advent Talk
Issues & Concerns Category => 3ABN => Topic started by: Sister on July 12, 2015, 06:42:07 PM
-
I was not at the GC, but I heard that thousands of flyers for Linda Shelton's book were distributed. Was anyone there and received one?
-
Another interesting fact. Mabel Dunbar, who had a booth at the GC and was invited there to speak at a gathering for the Pastor's wives, also handed out flyers at her booth for Linda's forthcoming book. Mabel's husband personally delivered a flyer to the 3ABN booth. I don't know who received it. But I doubt that Linda will be invited to 3ABN to promote her book.
-
Oops. I have never met Mabel, but I think I saw which booth must have been hers, but the connection didn't click. Ugh! Wish I had gone up to that one and asked some questions.
I got there on Tuesday evening and stayed through to the end, so I was there for about half of it.
-
I have never met Mabel in person, either. But I have talked with her on the phone, quite a few years ago. I really appreciate the ministry she has for women. Did you know that Mabel has written the forword for Linda's book?
-
Yes, I knew that. I really wish I had remembered that she was going to be there. I'm pretty sure I saw her husband since I did see a booth about abuse issues that had an African-American at it.
Another booth I wanted to stop and see was the ADvindicate booth, and it didn't click that I hadn't seen it. I did see someone who looked like Shane Hilde, but it seemed like that fellow was at some other booth.
-
This from Linda Shelton on Facebook:
Hi Facebook Friends! I hope life is treating you well and that you are enjoying the beautiful Fall weather. Fall has always been an extra special season for me...I love the pumpkins, the burlap decorations and the apples, apples and more apples. A pumpkin pie certainly adds some spice to the season too.
I would like to send a very special THANK YOU to each of you who pre-ordered my book. Your patience has been so appreciated! Many of you know that I have experienced something the internet refers to as Gang stalking. In my opinion this major thorn in the flesh crossed over into the production of my book. "Coincidentally" key sections of the book disappeared from the manuscript, not large sections, just key paragraphs. There was evidence of hacking, not only in my computer, but in the computer of a lady helping me. Why? Perhaps an autobiography makes some uncomfortable. The gift we have in America called "freedom of speech" makes it possible to be transparent about many issues. But ultimately, it is my sole desire that important lessons and golden nuggets are gleaned from my story. Every story has nuggets no other contains.
I hesitate to post exact dates that these books will be on their way to your mailbox. In my situation this invites sabotage. But please know the book is a whopping 538 pages, almost like two books in one...and it will be airborne soon!
Happy Fall!! Blessings to you, Linda Shelton
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10208197482441564&set=a.10208197483961602.1073741827.1437027112&type=3
-
How does one order Linda's book? I'm not on FaceBook.
-
Hi daylily,
Here is the ordering information for Linda's book......
Send $18.00 plus $4.95 shipping and handling (check or money order) to:
Linda Shelton Ministries
P.O. Box 2090
Homosassa Springs, FL 34447
-
A chapter of her book is now posted on Facebook. If the rest is like this chaper, it wil be very intersting and enjoyable to read. I think you might have to friend her to have access to it though maybe not.
-
Like many others, I do not have facebook. Could you copy over that chapter for those who can not read it there? Thanks!
Sister
-
Here is a chapter from my upcoming book, "Adventures In Forgiveness." This particular chapter is about how I got started in music. I pray it will be a blessing to you! Please feel free to share.
“Don’t Ever Give Up Your Music”
“Music is the prayer the heart sings.”
(Unknown)
My grandmother always said to me, “Linda, don’t ever give up on your music.” I have discovered that this was a piece of advice filled with wisdom. Music has been the vehicle that has led me into very intimate encounters with God, which have been some of my most joyous moments. Music has also led me to people, places and situations which have been fulfilling, educational and just plain old FUN! Music teaches me, touches me, refreshes me and inspires me. Playing a song on the piano can take me to such places which would be impossible with the biggest and best jetliner. Someone once said, “Music has been well said to be the language of angels.” I believe this wholeheartedly.
My earliest recollections involving music include me sitting as close to the Hi-fi as possible soaking in the Christmas songs of Barbara Streisand, Perry Como and Andy Williams. I remember trying to hear every instrument, every tone and feel every place the music would take me. It was heavenly! I also remember receiving a small Disney record player for Christmas one year. I often had the yellow, plastic records spinning and I learned to sing the songs from memory.
I was still a young girl when famous musicals like “The Sound of Music, Mary Poppins” and “Oklahoma” became popular. I was captivated. It was during this period of my life I started asking for a piano and piano lessons. My parents waited a very long time before they made a move in this direction. They thought it might be just a passing phase in my life, and a piano was an expensive investment for their middle class budget.
I was ten years old. I had spent the night at the house of a friend who lived in the same neighborhood. Then Kris’s father took us to his place of work, a bank. He wanted to show us some of the latest technology called a “computer.” I can remember that this computer filled an entire room. Kris’s father typed a few letters into the keyboard which soon activated a large printer. Kris and I were in awe as this machine printed out life size pictures which he allowed us to keep. We felt this was better than Grandma’s apple pie! When we finally went home I ran into the house to do a “show and tell” for my family. I was simply bubbling over with the experiences of the morning. I excitedly chattered on while displaying the print-outs, which were taller than I was at the time.
In the midst of relating my exciting adventures, a thought struck me, “Why are Mom, Dad, Cher and Dave all sitting in the living room watching me with such big smiles on their faces?” Had they already seen this fascinating machine which filled an entire room? They kept looking at me and then looking in another direction. Puzzled, I followed their eyes to a corner of the room where there was a small music synthesizer. My mouth dropped open and tears of joy flowed like rain. It was a realization of a dream for me, as well as love at first sight! This small synthesizer became my best friend. I picked out several songs on it before I even began taking lessons. My fingers lovingly stroked the keys and music emerged. It was glorious!
Finally the day I longed for had arrived. It was time to begin my piano lessons. At my first lesson I learned that rule number one was that piano students must NEVER pick out songs by ear on the piano. Later in life I discovered this was a philosophy which I could not embrace. I believe playing by ear should be encouraged along with learning to read music. My teacher explained that there was a big risk that I would never learn to play reading the notes on a page if I learned to play by ear. This did let some air out of my balloon, but I pushed forward and began learning the basics of reading music.
The next rung on my musical ladder was when I began to sing in the children’s choir at my church. This was my first introduction to singing harmony. I loved it! It was such a fulfilling experience to sing for the Lord in an organized group. Hearing the young voices echo throughout the high ceilings of our church almost seemed to lift me to the throne room of Heaven. Singing really enhanced my longing for God and spiritual things. Transformed by the experience, I wanted more.
Later the children’s choir director became my piano teacher. Mr. Pruess placed an emphasis on timing, rhythm, learning scales in every key, and well, playing LOUD. I think the LOUD part was because our church sanctuary was so huge it needed hymns to be played with gusto. After learning the basics, I was launched into playing church hymns and the classics — Bach, Beethoven and Mozart. The basics I learned from Mr. Pruess were an important foundation in my musical training. It really helped my song writing later in my life. Thank you, Mr. Pruess!
When I was a teenager I hit a musical plateau. I still loved music very much, but I had grown tired of classical music. I told my mother I wanted to quit piano lessons. But Mom had a better idea. She said, “Linda, I just heard about a new piano teacher that the young people really like. Her name is Betty Hansen. Your Dad and I want you to give her a try before you think about quitting piano lessons.”
I discovered that a good teacher who takes into consideration the musical tastes and creativity of her students can make all the difference in the world. Betty had a large following of piano students who were really happy with her method of training. She would choose songs that were popular on the radio — theme songs from movies, Broadway songs, etc., and arrange them so her piano students could read and play the music. She knew that many of her students had differing tastes in popular music, so she arranged a large selection from which her students could choose what they wanted to play. Her personality was bubbly and exuberant. When I played a piece to her satisfaction, she would always stand and clap, shouting “Hooray!” It was a wonderful experience to continue my piano training with Betty. Working with her I learned to love the rich chords from the Big Band Era, just as she enjoyed them. Her enthusiasm was contagious! She taught me how to really LOVE music. Thank you, Betty Hansen!
I was 16 when a very good friend of mine, Ellen Miller, gave me a copy of a song entitled, “Your Love Broke Thru” by Keith Green. The Holy Spirit really used this song to make Jesus ever so real to me. I remember listening to it again and again with tears rolling down my face. This experience revealed to me how the Lord can use a song to reveal Himself and completely change the course of a person’s life. The following are some of the lyrics of “Your Love Broke Thru:”
“All my life I’ve been searching for that crazy missing part.
With one touch You just rolled away the stone that held my heart.
And now I see that the answer was as easy as just asking You in.
And I’m so sure I could never doubt Your gentle touch again.
It’s like the power of the wind. Like waking up from the longest dream, how real it seemed, until Your love broke through.
I was lost in a fantasy that blinded me until Your love broke through.”
I was seventeen when I wrote my first song. It was called “You Came As Starlight.” It was a song about really welcoming the Lord into my life. The songs that followed were about young love, relationships and all the things that related to a young teenager. A good friend of mine, Cara Norovich, and I would get together with a couple of other friends and record the songs I had written on a large reel to reel tape recorder. Cara would sing (because I was waaaay too bashful), and I would play the piano. I really thought this was big stuff, well, at least it made me happier than anything else I had experienced in my young life.
Circumstances resulted in me living with my maternal Grandmother for about a year when I was eighteen years old. This was a precious time in my life when I had the privilege of getting to know her personally and deeply. She passed away not long after this experience. Her counsel and encouragement meant a lot to me. Over the years I harvested the fruit of my Grandmother’s advice, for music has led me to some wonderful experiences. Most importantly, it has kept me seeking my Savior. Like prayer, it is one of the most beautiful and perfect avenues for connecting with God.
I began college as a Music major. Yet my tender song writing heart cringed against what I felt was a scientific approach to music. At the age of 18 music theory and my ideas about creativity did not mix well. Looking back it was one of my biggest mistakes in dropping my major in music. Today I realize I would love to know everything those classes taught. I ended up choosing an Inter-Arts major instead. In spite of that decision, music still remained a large part of my life.
In the years that followed, marriage and babies were a diversion from spending a lot of time with my music. I was so busy with my precious little ones that writing music naturally took a back seat. Later when I was baptized as a Seventh day Adventist Christian at age 24, the songs starting flowing once again like a waterfall. My love for Jesus needed expression and I turned once again to my love of music. I dedicated this gift of songwriting to the Lord. From then on I only wrote songs that uplifted my Savior, Jesus Christ. During those times, I shut out the cares of this world and prayerfully communicated with my Lord musically. I felt closest to Him in this setting. Those precious moments communing with my Heavenly Father refreshed and renewed my spirit.
I have experienced some years where the songwriting in my heart was silent, as I have faced these critical issues. Yet this did not stop me from singing other songs. Both then and now, music has been at the core of my worship experience with God. I believe that Gospel music motivated my desire to learn more and more about God. I wanted to know Him, to please Him and to work for Him. I wanted my life to be knit tightly to my Savior. Music had become the spiritual core of worshiping and experiencing the Love of Christ.
In my early years of being a SDA Christian, I was introduced to Southern Gospel Music! WOW! This was a huge turning point for me musically. The words, the chords, the captured emotion, the harmony — I loved everything about it. Lanny Wolfe very quickly emerged as my favorite songwriter. It seemed that his songs just ministered to my spirit and nourished my growing walk with the Lord.
The following are words to a song written by Lanny Wolfe:
I don’t deserve to come to You, Lord, with my troubles and selfish pleas,
I know I have failed You in so many ways, but never have You failed to meet all my needs.
I am the least in Your Kingdom I know, but Lord don’t forsake me now
All of Your mercy I could never afford I’m undeserving of Your love, but love me, Lord.
For nobody else really knows me, and no one else understands my fears
And when I’m in trouble and I’m all alone, Lord, only You can dry my tears.
If You should leave me where would I go, to find rest for my weary soul?
And it’s because I’m so unworthy that I love You even more I’m undeserving of Your love, but love me, Lord.
When I was young I felt confident singing in the midst of our Children’s Choir. It was safety in numbers. But the thought of singing a solo publically or even in a trio was too frightening to even consider.
Fast forwarding to the years just prior to the birth of 3ABN, through my fear of the platform I learned that Dan, (my husband to be), was a man of strategy. Step by step he led me down the garden path until I arrived at his desired destination. To fan the flames of my fears, Dan had previously told me he did not think I had the voice of a soloist. One day he came to me and asked me if I would sing the third part on the songs that he and Melody sang together when they visited other churches. My reply was, “I would if I could. But I was not raised singing on the platform as you both were. I just don’t think I can do it.” I DID NOT wish to be in the spotlight! The “feelings” still were occasionally winning the faith battle.
Later he asked me to sing with them just for Sabbath worship at his home. We were alone so it did not seem incredibly frightening. I ended up learning a few songs with them. The three part harmony reminded me of my choir days, which I had really enjoyed. Dan was pleased with the sound of our harmony.
One weekend we were down in Shreveport, Louisiana. Dan was on the platform sharing a sermon in a crowded church. I was sitting in the back with my two youngsters. Suddenly he said, “Now at the close of this service I would like to ask a friend of mine, Linda, to come up and sing this closing song with me and Melody. She’s the one sitting in the back pew.”
GASP! It seemed that the entire church turned their heads to look at ME! Dan continued, “Ah yes, she’s the one with the face as red as her hair.”
Immediately my mind jerked into the survival mode. Within a split second these thoughts flashed through my mind: “Isn’t there a really good reason why I can’t go up there? Where is the nearest exit? If I run can I escape? No, the kids will slow me down. What can I do?” Realizing I had no avenue of escape, these final thoughts entered my mind as I began to rise to my feet, “I guess I have to go up there… but later I am going to strangle Dan!”
My knees started shaking before I even exited the pew. It seemed that everything became surreal. There was a sea of faces, an aisle that seemed three miles long and steps that required the hugest effort to scale. Mount Everest couldn’t be any harder to climb then the steps leading to that church platform! And there stood Dan with his smiling face turned toward me. All of a sudden I did not feel very spiritual in my thoughts about his strategy to force me onto that platform. The microphone shook in my hand as I finally crashed through the barrier I had made for myself. Once I began singing it became easier and easier. I DID IT! I did something I never dreamed was possible! And thus began my singing career.
After that I started singing with Dan and Melody on a regular basis. But I did notice a difference between our voices. Both of them had a very even and appealing vibrato. I had a straight tone. I tried to make vibrato happen in my voice, but it didn’t happen. So I began to pray, “Lord, You know I want to honor You in every possible way. Right now the Shelton’s need an alto part, and not just any alto part. They need a good one. Would you please give me vibrato? Please Lord, I really need a miracle!”
I had asked Dan how he managed to acquire vibrato. His reply was “It’s just there.” When I pleaded with him for more instruction he finally said, “You become what you behold. Sing along with people that you want to sound like. Sing every day. Pick out the different harmonies and eventually it will happen.” Well folks, I sang and sang. And I prayed and prayed. It was almost two years before I detected vibrato. It was a natural sounding vibrato that blended well with the Shelton’s. My voice had become stronger with purer tones. I say this from hindsight because at that time I was still insecure about my voice. This completely demolished the philosophy I was raised to believe about talent that, “It is something with which you are born.” For me, God supplied the inspiration. Dedication and hard work developed the gift.
I have seen many times that people who strive to develop their voices eventually do just that. One young man in the Shelton family could not sing on pitch. He consistently sang flat. But he wanted nothing more than to sing, and to sing well.
He worked very hard at it. In time he became a very good soloist. He ended up making his career in the Gospel Music Industry. I have learned that vocal training is similar to body building. When you work your vocal muscles regularly they become stronger. No wonder the Bible broadly declares to everyone, “Sing unto the Lord…”
After experiencing the incredible piano playing of Dan’s brother, Tommy Shelton, I really wanted to learn to play by ear. I began taking piano lessons again from a woman who knew how to play Gospel Music. Marlene Hall was very good at communicating just how to learn the patterns and base rhythms which could be applied to all music. Instead of reading music by note, she simplified it by reading music by chord and then she added some improvisation. I was able to really grasp this concept and it helped me when I was needed to play piano for church, and when I was writing a song. Although I had been told I played the piano quite well, I never felt I had enough time to invest in practice to excel at it like some of the very skilled musicians that were featured on 3ABN. I have always enjoyed what time I could devote to music. The continued education I have received helped me to grow as a songwriter — which was my ultimate goal for serving the Lord.
Through the years I have tried various methods in song writing. I tried writing the lyrics first and then adding the music. Then I reversed the process, writing the music first and then adding the lyrics. But neither method worked well for me. I found the most effortless and natural method was when I just threw my head back, looked at the stars and sang to my Lord. Since I had a background in music, rhythmically I could chart the song in my mind. When I was finished I would record the song on a small handheld recorder.
Later I would chart the melody line and I would add some basic chords. Then I turned the song over to an arranger like Tommy Shelton or ET Everett. They would add more chords for a much fuller sound. Later when I recorded the song in Nashville or at the 3ABN recording studio, another arranger might add or delete the chords. But the original melody line I had written never changed. The melody, which includes the timing, lyric and tune is the foundation of a song. The chords are the enhancements. In my opinion, it is a rare occasion when one finds a songwriter and a professional arranger in the same person.
I have had the privilege of watching many great musicians at work. They can take a song and change the texture, mood and feel of the song by changing the chords or altering the base rhythm. Almost any song can be adjusted to sound like a Big Band song, a Gospel song, a Broadway musical tune, Country, Folk and the list goes on. BUT the melody, timing and basic tune must remain the same in order for it to be identified as the same particular song.
During my years at 3ABN I had the privilege of traveling all over the world and participating in SDA Church services in many different cultures and countries. The SDA Church service has a variety of expressions all over the world. In a sweet SDA church in Bangladesh, they even use dance as a part of their worship, for it is a part of their unique culture. So if you are a traveler, you find that choices of worship style are often different, as well as choices of music for worship. Even in the USA the preferences for music changes regionally. It is a natural desire to want to embrace music that conforms to our personal choices. And yes, there definitely is music that I would not choose personally. But I discovered that if I patiently look and listen I see the same desire behind the choices, which is to praise God and enhance the worship experience. It’s a BIG world out there, with a BIG God who created it! Many times tolerance is the best choice when visiting a new community. Blessings can be obtained by those who look for and expect them.
“After this I looked and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes with palm branches in their hands. (Revelation 7:9)
-
:TY:
-
Thank you Sister, for the ordering information and thank you childoftheking, for the first chapter. I enjoyed it and look forward to reading the entire book.
-
And Thanks Snoopy for copying that first chapter here.
-
Thank you Sister, for the ordering information and thank you childoftheking, for the first chapter. I enjoyed it and look forward to reading the entire book.
Daylily, I am sure you are welcome, but you need to thank Snoopy who posted the information.
I have had the opportunity to read more of Linda's book, it is a very interesting autobiography. I am sure it took a lot of courage for her to share her story. It would be a blessing to anyone reading it. This is a book that every woman in the SDA Church should read.
Sister
-
Oops!
Thank you Snoopy!
-
Linda has posted on facebook that the book is ready. Those who have ordered should recieve theirs shortly. One person has already recieved their rather large shipment.
-
Oops!
Thank you Snoopy!
You are very welcome! I pledge to do all I can to get the word out!!
-
This from Linda Shelton today on Facebook:
~~~~~~~~~~~
One Adventist Bookstore Manager writes, "I've had three individuals call me this week to thank me for 'having the courage' to sell your book in an ABC. I've been greatly encouraged by that. In ABC ministry, people complain often and loudly. It is extremely rare for a customer to call with encouragement regarding a specific book. Your book is hitting a great big nerve. The book is creating quite a stir, which I'm sure is no surprise to either of us. I'm sensing a groundswell that could lead to pressure on leadership in the church to make some changes... I certainly hope so..."
~~~~~~~~~~~
Personally, I think every Adventist Book Store should be carrying this book. It is high time the Adventist public learns the other side of this story.
-
Linda Shelton also posted the following on Facebook:
Wow! I am getting reports that certain bookstores are having problems keeping "Adventures in Forgiveness" on the shelves. Sales are booming! To God be the glory! He can use the humblest of testimonies! Praise Him!
-
Did anybody read the following over at Facebook by Hal Steenson in response to Linda's book?
“Dead Light”
A dead star may continue to deceptively send out light for many years but it is a dead light without a source. If you look at the stars at night, you may actually see the light from stars that burned out many years ago. Then all of a sudden the light stops and you realize that is was false light coming from a star that had burned out.
However, if that star does not nova or explode completely, this is not where it ends. The star begins to enfold into itself. It becomes very dense, dark and deceptive while creating such an enormous magnetic pull that anything or anyone that comes close will be sucked in and destroyed. The once shinning star becomes a not to be trusted or approached “Black Hole.”
There are black hole people who call themselves Christians, who once shone brightly for God and His Ministries that have lost their light. Now, everything they are and do is based on deception. Weak Christians that have become disillusioned will be snared and destroyed by their lies and fraud.
These black hole people cannot be corrected or instructed with the Word of God because they don’t understand it and are unable to absorb it. Eventually their dead light will end and the true light of God will overtake all their darkness.
John 1:5 The Light shines on in the darkness, and the darkness did not understand it or overpower it or appropriate it or absorb it and is unreceptive to it.
If you know anyone like this, don’t listen to anything they say or write, just stay away from them because a black hole does not care who or what it destroys; it just cares about itself.
I've been there for 36 years, I know the truth.
-
This was also posted over at Facebook by Jessica Medori:
Yes, the truth... Something so sought after; people often forget that it always comes out.
The 'dead light'... Yes, Danny Shelton fits that. His cover up is catching fire... He can't hide anymore. I'm wary of 3ABN as a whole now. If the president/CEO refuses to come forward and be transparent - that's a problem. That's a red flag. 🚩Who else is corrupt in that organization?
If Danny Shelton and 3ABN refuse to be transparent about this issue I'm calling bluff on everyone's "I know the truth" claims...
All I've read from 3abn and people such as yourself are beat around the bush conversations about who knows the truth. Not one of you will attack the situation head on.
I won't believe Danny Shelton until he stops being so "shady" and provides a true paternity test that includes a positive identification of Trinity.
-
Linda Shelton also posted this at Facebook in response to the reading of her book:
Here is an excerpt of a letter I recently received from "C" in California: "You probably won't remember me because you have met so many people in your years of ministry... I want to apologize for neglecting you these past 11 years. I just read your book. Jim --- loaned it to me. He knew that I was a strong supporter of 3ABN and that I believed all the things DS said about you. Reading your testimony, I now know that Danny lied and you were innocent. I was destroyed when the news came out and wondered, 'how can this be?' I knew there had to be more to the story, but Danny talked to me in Oregon at one of the rallies. He told me word for word what you are saying in your book. I had faith in him as a godly man. Melody was sitting next to him at lunch. He had asked me and my husband to have lunch with him. He also told us that DM (Melody's husband) was a pedophile and that he and Melody were separated because of his abuse of their children. She later married. I know that you have been falsely accused and I want to do anything in my power to try to clear your name. I am totally disgusted that so many of the people who work at 3ABN have sided with DS to protect their jobs... God bless you and protect you from this evil."
-
Another interesting post at Facebook, this time by Teresa Aldridge Thompson:
Ultimately forgiveness has to take place, yes. However.... That is what is wrong in our society now. Even the highest regarded conservative Christian leaders bury their heads in the sand because of greed of power, money, prestige. Don't you understand it is NOT for the greater good for Linda to continue to be silent about all this. I can't even imagine keeping my sanity during the things she has endured. Danny and the leaders at 3ABN have allowed evil to overtake them. Wonderful things have happened as a result of this outreach, no doubt. But to ignore and overlook the words and actions of those purposely destroying her life - well I fear that is the same as agreeing with what was done. Linda's goal doesn't appear to be revenge. She knows she is not alone in her experience and wishes to help others. As far as I am concerned Danny Shelton and his ways do not represent me as an SDA Christian and it is unfortunate that I no longer feel I can, in good conscience, support his ministry. What a tragedy for the SDA faith - to allow one man to have so much power that he manages to ruin the very ministry God entrusted to he and Linda to begin with. I can only imagine the Holy angels in Heaven felt similar when Lucifer and his bunch rebeled. I, as an SDA feel betrayed. How do you imagine Linda feels and has endured all this? No, ignoring, sweeping under the rug, pretending, and telling Linda to move on....is the same as accepting and agreeing with the words, tactics, and evil that is taking place. She must not hide and remain silent. Jesus did not remain silent with the wrong doing at the temple.
-
Linda's book is really opening people's eyes.
-
This was posted by Valerie Mellor at Facebook:
My very own mother saw the book and said, " they said she had an affair." I told her she needed to read the book and then decide whom she will believe. She is now livid that she was lied to. How is it that people will lie for one person in a ministry? They are as guilty as he. My belief is that there are people who are as, or more, capable of carrying on the duties of 3ABN than DS. When such indiscretions arise these types should no longer be at the top of the ladder, continuing on their merry way. It does nothing but hurt an otherwise good ministry.
-
I am about halfway through Linda's book. I learned more about her life before 3ABN and and am now in the part that I had known about from a first-hand source.
-
I finished the book yesterday. All the things she said that have happened to her since the separation are just bizarre! It is difficult to even believe. Is this all really true? I just don't know what to think! And yet I know, based on the testimony of a person who was there during the main part of it, that what she says about all that is true.
-
It is true. Sad, but true.
-
But why? I'm sure it costs a lot of money to hire people to do all those things and for what purpose? I don't understand it at all.
-
Is the reading of this book affecting things negatively at 3ABN in relation to donations, etc.???
-
Question: When is a secret no longer a secret?
Answer: When the information is known by more than one person.
The thick covering of dust on past occurrences in “Little Egypt” is being disturbed. Persons in a position of authority have received a copy of Linda’s book from a concerned reader. As is often the case, perpetrators — of a certain nature — tend to be repeat offenders. There is a pattern in their actions. Their past behaviors are indicative of their current and future transgressions. Human nature is more predictable than most of us realize.
Too often a victim blames themselves for their victimization. They wonder what they should have done differently to escape the notice of their predator. They may even come to the false conclusion that they are somehow responsible for what has occurred. When the victim is a young person, this may cause ramifications that will effect them negatively for the rest of their lives. There is a sense of shame they carry that often keeps them silent, when actually the shame belongs not to them, but to the perpetrator of the crime against them.
Through overconfidence, someone believes that they have covered all their tracks. That their secrets are safe and securely hidden away. But they have forgotten that once more than one person has knowledge of wrong doing, it is no longer a secret. When the perpetrator is known to the victim, it is no longer a secret. Eventually someone in a position of authority could learn the facts. The more victims, the more witnesses. Ask Tommy Shelton, whose secrets finally became public, and currently resides behind bars, “Tommy, are there really any secrets?” Will someone else soon share Tommy’s fate?
-
It is interesting, and probably no coincidence, that Linda Shelton is now experiencing problems with her Facebook account. The following are recent Facebook posts she and others have made detailing some recent events:
~~~~~~~~~~~
On April 18, Linda posted this:
Just as an update, Facebook notified me that there was a 'foreign device' linked to my Facebook account. They could tell me even the tower that the device was using to tap into my account. Since I am away from home just now, this told me of a 'thug' in my general vicinity. Thank you Facebook...and good job! Hopefully the problem can be resolved soon...with the Lord's help.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Also on April 18, one of Linda's Facebook friends posted this in response:
Just FYI to all of you - they are creating profiles and trying to add Linda's friends - at least those with high profile names. A day after she accepted my friend request I got a request from a lady that had many of you as friends - said she was a volunteer at 3ABN but - I don't have friends on 3ABN staff and this volunteer had big ear rings on. 😀 I now wish I had kept a screen shot of that name - I have since had two other requests - both from places we have lived in the past but obviously purposely created to get me to accept their request. This same thing has happened to someone else after adding Linda. Watch carefully your friend requests.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Linda posted this update later on April 18:
I detail in my book how intruders virtually made my website email of non-effect. I learned that if one is able to 'crack' your password they can have a direct connection through their phone and manipulate the entire site. I am noticing problems on my Facebook. A couple of weeks ago one sent me a copy of an unflattering message she received from someone at 3ABN. This arrived with no previous contact with this person. Ruth wrote to me today saying, "I had received your messages in the night when I was awake and then early this AM I had a notice that I would no longer be seeing your messages, but we would still be friends." Folks, if you receive a notice similar to this, please let me know. Also, if you see your posts deleted or if you receive a strange post with my name attached to it, please let me know. Others have stated these things have occurred. I will make a record and submit it to Facebook. THANKS VERY MUCH!!
~~~~~~~~~~~
Today, April 19, another of Linda's Facebook friends responded with this:
Just to think of all of those people donating $$ to spread the message to the world before it is too late, that this is where part of the money is going. There are sure evil people in this world. Unbelievable. Praying for you Linda!
~~~~~~~~~~~
How very, very sad. I think every person associated with 3ABN, INCLUDING EVERY BOARD MEMBER, needs a copy of Linda's book. When will this evil stop? When will 3ABN supporters figure out what they are really supporting? It is time to get the word out!!
-
It is also interesting to note that a guy out of Queens, New York and the owner of a pro-3ABN website has extensive IT experience!!! Things that make you go hhmm....
-
This review is from: Adventures in Forgiveness: an autobiography (Kindle Edition) (5 stars)
Wonderful book telling the story of deception and corruption at the top of 3ABN. Linda and Danny were married when he accused her of spiritual adultery and divorced her.
Linda's telling of the evil acts perpetrated on her is frightening and sobering. Her commitment to God and complete forgiveness are inspiring.
-
I wonder if any of the Board members have read the book. I can't imagine any of them confronting Danny with the information unless there are some different ones on the board now than when this all happened.
-
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/apr/18/phone-number-hacker-read-texts-listen-calls-track-you
This is interesting in light of Linda's story.
-
Letter to Linda posted by Linda over at Facebook:
"Dear Linda, I am so very sorry you have had to go through so much trouble for so many years. I just had to tell you that. I can empathize with you to a certain degree, but absolutely nothing with which you have had and continue to go through. I too was married to a SDA pastor and after 25 years of marriage, he totally changed after getting involved with someone else and falling into the trap of adultery. Isn't it sad how sin and selfishness changes a person? It's been 13 years now since we've been divorced.
During the time you felt so lonely and completely alone, I would have loved to have been your best friend, because you seem to be a very kind, genuine, loving person... Even if it isn't popular to do so, I believe that truth is more important than anything else, such as status, position, fame, etc. If I never meet you in person here on this earth I know we will be dear friends in heaven.
...I did read your book... I never had 3ABN on television and never met you at any church event, so I never really knew you until I read your book. Everytime I would open it I would pray to God for discernment and conviction of truth. After all, anybody could write a book and it could be full of lies. But God gave me peace that only He can give. Praise be to our God, He has preserved you with your special, mighty guardian angel to finally expose the real truth. A wise person once said, "If God doesn't want me dead, there's nothing anybody can do to kill me." And now that I know a bit of your heart through your book, I pray for you for protection and comfort, and for the vindication of truth... In closing, my heart goes out to you. From sister to sister, I send my love and a great big hug! Remember, we are survivors in the Lord..." (from Marilyn in Washington, May 23, 2016)
-
I read the book to a person that his family contributed much and he has lost most of his sight but wanted to hear the story. It was deep read and back and forth with all the sequences of timing out loud and being a school teacher we both agreed this book presented very many questions. But it remains that DS has facts that cannot be disputed. From the time of their marriage to the end was many years that the lies and actions of Danny were known to Linda. And Yet she stayed. (?) The justifications of each chapter presented by other authors seems to set justification in preparing each horrible episode to the very fact of staying. I do hope Linda gets compensated for her part of work, but its hard for me to understand the mission when her young children were at stake with this man early on and standing beside him telling his lies that she claims in front of the world. That would happen one time only to my embarrassment. Evidently the book will not end yet.
Actually what I have seen now, I honestly don't know how all this is allowed to go on in front of the whole world at 3abn and some of our evangelists join right in there. I mentioned before "one might be blessed to be out of that situation." I do really have my own opinion but that does not matter as each will draw their own conclusion that read the book. My interest in reading is because I followed all the court hearings from the beginning.. because of money donated. Linda does have beautiful talent. I wish her well.