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Author Topic: Unauthorized History of 3ABN  (Read 31558 times)

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Daryl Fawcett

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Unauthorized History of 3ABN
« on: February 08, 2008, 12:45:31 PM »

The following were posts made by sister in another forum, which I am posting here with permission:

Now that Linda is out of the picture, more of Danny's family are appearing on the air. Danny kind of lets everyone assume that they are all Seventh-day Adventists...

His brother Tommy was a minister in another denomination and was removed from his pulpit for conduct that is not acceptable from the Bible or man. And unless things have changed extremely recently, he is not a SDA.

His brother Kenny has also rejoined the fold. Long ago when 3ABN started the founders were Danny, Linda and Kenny. The three of them were once on the cover of the Review together. At that time Kenny had a lot more charisma on screen than Danny and when people would call in they often preferred to speak to Kenny rather than Danny. That was not Danny and Linda's plan, so a call went to the board telling about an affair that Kenny had had a while before, Kenny was removed from his postion and no one was left in the way of Danny becoming the face, along with Linda, of 3ABN.

Meanwhile, Kenny left the West Frankfort church, where all the Sheltons attended services and switched to another church in the area in Herren. Kenny tryed to build up his own ministry using the Herren church as his foundation, the name of his ministry was Behold the Lamb. He even started doing some TV programming of his own. Soon he started taking over the local church and going in a direction that was not in line with the Conference. At one point, when the local pastor arrived for the service, they asked him to leave. The pastor entered the building anyway and sat down on a chair. Under the leadership of Kenny they carried the Pastor out of the building. (The pastor, himself, described the incident to us.) After much attempted counciling with the Herren church, the entire church---lead by Kenny Shelton---was disfellowshiped. (others who were not in agreement had already left for other SDA churches in the area) These disfellowshiped members became the core of Kenny's ministry. A number of years later, Kenny and his wife divorced, but they did not want to loose the income from the ministry, so it was done very privately and they kept a good face in public for the congregation. This was just a few years ago. When the sheep found out how their shepard had pulled the wool over their eyes, they left him and the majority of them joined the West Frankfort SDA church.

Now that Linda is gone Tommy has the postion of producer at 3ABN. Kenny has joined the band wagon as well.

Stay tuned for more of the story.

Daryl Fawcett

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Re: Unauthorized History of 3ABN
« Reply #1 on: February 08, 2008, 12:49:24 PM »

Another one of the Players: Molly Steenson

When Molly and Hal Steenson had their own ministry---oh, by the way, this story came from the lips of Molly in earlier times, I think the point was that you can always raise more money, even from people who really don't have anything to give---Molly had a desperate need to raise more money for a "special" ministry project, money was not coming as quickly as this special need had arisen. So, she was pounding the bushes, visiting the members, to encourage them to give more sacrafically. She was visiting in the home of one family and they really would like to help, but there just was not any extra cash to give at this time. So Molly ask them to get their checkbook, she then sat down with them, looked though it and told them where they could cut back on their expenses and write a check right then and there for the "special" ministry project. Using her best powers to persuede this family, she walked away with a check in her purse.

THE SPECIAL PROJECT: two new matching baby blue caddys for Hal and Molly, they were already on order and the cash was just not coming in fast enough, white folks like those big cars in the south. I do not believe that the folks in the congregation ever really knew what the "special" project was that they invested their hard earned cash in.

Is it possible that Molly tutored Danny in the fine art of raising funds, her special style of slight of hand? It sure looks like it. Only now the stakes are higher and instead of baby blue caddys it is a corporate jet. It would be a whole lot cheaper just to send Danny first class on a comerical jet, but he is far too important have to get to the airport two hours early to wait for check in. Strange, the President of the General Conference of SDA flys commerial airlines, as do the Division Personal, it is considered good stewardship of the Lord's money. Funny that Danny Shelton doesn't see it that way, he does claim to he a good old boy from the wrong side of the tracks, I sure his Daddy must have instructed him in the careful use of what the Lord had provided....

Molly's current position at 3ABN, since the demise of Linda: General Manager of 3ABN, member of the board of 3ABN, Danny's right hand. Her husband Hal Steenson is in the pastoral department.

Stay tuned for the next installment...

Daryl Fawcett

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Re: Unauthorized History of 3ABN
« Reply #2 on: February 08, 2008, 12:52:37 PM »

We be like God...

Over the years there have been many accountants at 3ABN. Some of them SDAs, some not and some part of the Shelton clan. This is the story of one in the last group.

A number of years ago a cousin of Danny was running a retirement home in Michigan. He and Danny were not just related, but close friends. He left a very good job and returned to southern Illinois to help in the ministry. He was a good man and wanted to serve God. Well, as time went on he started seeing things that were just not right, so he approached Danny. On one of these occasions he brought up the issue of Danny buying horses using donations made to 3ABN. He told Danny that it just wasn't right, people had sent in their hard earned offerings to support the work of spreading the gospel and Danny was using it to buy something for his own pleasure. Linda's response to all this was that anything Danny said was right, even if he were wrong, we are like gods here. To make a long story short, the cousin/friend was fired---who needs an angel sitting on your shoulder pricking your conscience, it just gets in the way of following the little man on the other shoulder---and Danny continued buying horses and in the future, land to run them on... with ministry money.

Where did the cousin go? He went to work in Marion, Illinois for the Conference at the local SDA school, but that is a part of another piece of the story...

I know that Linda has been through a hot mess in the last few years, but she, too, is a part of this history, and the preceeding shows just how your words can come around and bite you where you sit. She found out just how true her words would become years later, "anthing Danny says is right, even if it is wrong", only this time she was on the receiving end. It is also a lesson in what happens when you cross Danny or get in the way of something he wants. Perhaps Linda just got in the way...

There was a very young girl, under 5, and when something of another member of the family went missing, they knew to go looking in her room. The assumption on her part was: what was her's was her's and what was everbody elses was her's. As an adult she has learned that life just isn't that way. Too bad that Danny never heard that story, because at the age of 54 he still belives that what is Danny's is Danny's and what is 3ABN's is Danny's. That kind of thinking can cause some real problems for a ministry.

Stay tuned for more from Danny Land.

Daryl Fawcett

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Re: Unauthorized History of 3ABN
« Reply #3 on: February 08, 2008, 01:26:23 PM »

The 3ABN school and a professional quality basketball court for Danny

About five to six years ago, Danny suddenly saw the need for a school on the 3ABN grounds. The timing just happened to be the same as his grandchilden were ready to begin school. Over the years there have always been school aged children belonging to the families of the 3ABN workers and the need for the school had always been there. But now it appeared for Danny that the time was over ripe.

A simplier and less costly solution for the educational needs of his worker's children would have been to purchase a small bus and drive the children to the adventist school in Marion. But there was one problem with this solution. The principal, who was also one of the teachers in the school, was none other than the cousin who had formery been an accountant at 3ABN, who Danny had fired years before. Now, Danny does not have the reputation of being a very forgiving man, if that were the case, he would probably still be married to Linda. So, this was not an option.

So, quick-quick, double-time, a teacher was hired and construction began on the building. The building was not ready in time to begin the first day of Danny's granddaughter's education, so until it was ready classes were held in the Thompsonville church, but it didn't matter, 3ABN owned that, too. (Actually there had never been any reason to start the Thompsonville church, there was a Conference church, served by the local district pastor, only 5 minutes down the road. But that is another story.)

The school had one teacher, one room with a accordian door that could divide it into 2 small rooms, a second room that had a kitchen in it and a very large gym with a very high ceiling. Like most building designed by Danny it resembled a barn. (In the part of southern Illinois where 3ABN is located there are not any building code requirements.)

Now comes an interesting part: THE GYM. In order to save costs a simple smooth floor was all that was needed. Well, this gym has the quality of professional basketball court flooring that would satisfy the Chicago Bulls. In the very least an overill for a school with less than 12 young children. All the lines for basketball were in place and regulation backboards were installed. Danny had planned to put the 3ABN logo in the center, just like the pros have, but fortunately he was talked out of it. One evening a week was basketball by invitation played with Danny. On saturday nights after sundown it was open for gym night for the Thompsonville church.
When the gym was new Danny used to just come over, pull away the construction crew who were working on the building from their jobs to have an impromtu basketball game with him. He would run them until they were sweaty and some of the middle-aged guys pretty worn out. It must he nice to be the boss, with playmates at your beckon call. By the time the game was finished it was time for the workers to go home.

Until the new worship center was built, the school was where the 3ABN campmeetings and the Conference campmeeting for southern Illinois was held. That was the reason for a 2-3 room school to have one room with a kitchen, vacant most of the rest of the year, except for campmeeting time.

Danny now had a fantastic new toy, a dream come true. But at what price and who footed the bill? Who needs more than fify thousand dollars a year in salary, when all your dreams can come true, without you footing the bill?

And the story continues...

Daryl Fawcett

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Re: Unauthorized History of 3ABN
« Reply #4 on: February 08, 2008, 01:31:57 PM »

The Shelton Gang rides again... Part 1

In the history of southern Illinois, in the time of gangland Chicago, where Al Capone was king, there is told the story of two rival gangs: the Birgers and the Sheltons. The only reason these small time hoods go down in the annals of gangland history is because they were the first gangsters to drop a bomb on a rival gang from an airplane. The bomb was hand held and it did not hit it's intended target, but then these were good old boys from southern Illinois and what more could you expect...

Many years later the Shelton name again surfaces in the history of the southern part of the state. Another Shelton has been raised up, another good old boy, but this Shelton has learned from the family history. He has two faces that he wears: one on his television network when he says to the people "ask the Lord what he would have you give..." and another when he goes about his "business".

We all know about the horses, the land and the jet plane the ministry has provided for Danny, but what else does the good people who make their sacrificial donations and pay their tithe to 3ABN provide for his pleasure?

Some of the perks for being the President of 3ABN are... oh, by the way, whose idea was the perk system that has provided so well for Danny over the years, while his employees are told that there wages are so low because this is a ministry and they need to make sacrifices for the LORD's work? This is beginning to sound more like French history, than southern Illinois history. Just before the French Revolution when Marie Antoinette was told that the people of France were so poor that they had no Bread to eat, she laughed and said, "Then let them eat cake". There is a history of 3ABN workers with families receiving goods from WIC, a government program that provides food for low income families to ensure proper nuitrition for mothers and young children. So while Danny sits up in his southern Illinois style mansion with a swimming pool and jacuzzi, having the income to eat whatever he desires, workers get their "cake" from the Welfare system.

Danny gets a brand new truck every year, not one of those cheap things, but a big one with power something in the $30,000+ range, of course that is necessary to pull a horse trailer. But where does the family sit? Linda always got a van for a perk, perhaps that perk will now pass on to Danny's new wife. And of course since 3ABN pays for the vehicle it also foots the bill for all the gas and the maintenance. But being the kind man that Danny is and not wanting to rub the noses of the workers in his good fortune, Danny always get the same model and color of truck each year. Then of course there is a clothing allowance, but there is no wardrobe room at 3ABN, so I guess that Danny can just buy whatever he needs, not a big perk in its self, but it all adds to the total.

To be continued in Part 2...

Daryl Fawcett

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Re: Unauthorized History of 3ABN
« Reply #5 on: February 08, 2008, 01:39:27 PM »

The Shelton Gang rides again... Part 2, life in "Little Egypt"


They call Southern Illinois Little Egypt for one of two reasons: either because it's fertile, a land of milk and honey for those running from the Reconstruction South, or because it's a locust-ridden, gaunt-cow wasteland to Chicago politicians annoyed at how backward the bottom of their state is. It all depends on who you want to side with, which is often the case with most things in this life.

For a poor boy, the son of migrant workers, born and raised in "Little Egypt", the opinion of the Chicago politicians seems to best fit the early years of little Danny Lee Shelton. But for Danny Shelton, president of Three Angels Broadcasting Network, Southern Illinois has become like it's ancient predecessor Egypt was for the brothers of Joseph, when their father was united with his lost son, "a land of milk and honey".

How did this boy from so humble a background, forget his own roots and, after he had obtained more material blessing then he could have ever imagined and have so many of his boyhood dreams come true, treat his workers like the English lords treated their lowly serfs in the middle ages? Why? And are all the workers treated equally? The answer to the last question is, "No!"

Now we don't want to forget about Danny's personal corporate jet, the cost of the fuel, airport taxes, hanger space and the salary of two jet pilots (of whom Danny is very proud because they flew missions in Desert Storm) and the tremendous cost footed for this by the ministry---we should just be happy that he hasn't hired a stewardess. But for awhile lets go away from Danny's personal perks and see what kind of perks he gives his friends.

Not everyone has a sacrificial salary at 3ABN, one example is the chief engineer—he makes $75,000+ a year. Now, I will not argue that he has an important job, but is it worth anywhere from three to (in many cases) five times what other workers are making?

And what about the head of the music studio, in addition to a good salary there is a beautiful apartment that she helped decorate for which no rent is paid and it is far above the standard of the average worker in southern Illinois. And there are the many vacations that she and her husband accompanied Danny and Linda on over the years. Like some other key personnel at 3ABN she and her husband are not SDAs and have no interest in becoming so. Perhaps it is from their long close association with Danny over many years and what they have observed as his example of what it means to be a Seventh-day Adventist and the head of a ministry. These are just two examples, there are many more...but you get the idea.

In the early twenties, southern Illinois was also called Little Hell because of the Klan, the gangsters and the prostitutes. You can go down the road a ways from 3ABN and come to the town of Benton, there is a museum there and on the outside of the building is a life-size gallows with the hangman's noose still standing ready for service. Fortunately, it is just part of the museum and no longer in use.

When the notorious gangland crime boss, Al Capone went to prison it was not for racketeering, but for tax evasion. Elliot Ness and his force of G-Men were unable to make any of the charges stick to Capone. The witnesses disappeared or remained silent—Capone had his hold on them. It took many years for this kingpin of crime to receive what he deserved, but in the end justice was served.

What was the downfall of gangland Chicago, could pull another "boss" from his throne way down in "Little Egypt". Which would only go to prove what the politicians in Chicago were annoyed with all along, "how backward the bottom of their state really is."

Stay turned for the next episode of CSI:Illinois...

Daryl Fawcett

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Re: Unauthorized History of 3ABN
« Reply #6 on: February 08, 2008, 01:44:01 PM »

The Parable of "the high road and the low road"...

 In disappointment he realize that his former classmate from Emmanuel Missionary College did not share his convictions. For Walt Thompson believed Danny when he said that if he, Danny, were to admit his fault it would damage the reputation of 3ABN. So, Walt was willing to spread Danny's fictitious stories to save Danny's reputation. [/quote]

Just a slight correction. My major professor said so often, There is no substitute for accuracy.

Walt was at the college at the same time as I was there. We were not classmates. My brother-in-law was his classmate all through Wisconsin Academy and Emmanuel Missionary College, so they knew each other for many years.

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Re: Unauthorized History of 3ABN
« Reply #7 on: February 08, 2008, 01:47:00 PM »

A Teaser or Previews of Coming Attractions...

It has been said "that it is impossible to know the players without a score card". Is that really true? Or just another device to increase program sales as spectators enter the arena? Well, "you pays your monies and you takes your chances"...

THE PLAYERS:

Danny Lee Shelton
Position: Always #1 in his book

Don't get in the way of his spotlight, you are likely to disappear: ask Kenny or Linda.

Molly Sue Steenson
#2 and gaining ground quickly

Over the years speculation in the Shelton clan has run high concerning the hold that Molly has over Danny. She is ever his "oracle of truth". Molly/Truth? That has the distinct scent of an oxymoron.

Hal Steenson
#3 and holding tight on Molly's coat tails, as long as he can remain publicly sober

Hal is a very charismatic preacher, he can hold a congregation in his hand and skillfully maneuver them into turning cartwheels as he charms them with his "good old boy" southern humor and homespun wisdom. His current assignment? Proclaiming the "godly" character of Danny Shelton. Like a master magician, Hal's verbal sight of hand is so persuasive that I almost believe him... Fortunately, I've seen what lies behind the smoke and mirrors.

Dr. Walt Thompson
3ABN Defender, twisting the truth, as long as it is for the "good of the ministry"

His most current letter, posted in another thread on BSDA, is graded USDA Prime Pork. If twisting does not suffice, than spreading Danny's falsehoods, "to save the ministry" is no longer a breach of his conscience.


As every basketball afficionado knows, there are always five players in the starting lineup. So who else will show up on center court?

Stay tuned...

Daryl Fawcett

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Re: Unauthorized History of 3ABN
« Reply #8 on: February 08, 2008, 02:19:31 PM »

I'm leavin' on a jet plane, or "it's just nickle and dime stuff..."

On a pristine day in the southern part of Illinois a "baby jet" rolls onto the tarmac. As it glistens in the morning sun, fuel gauges indicate the tanks are full. The flight plan has been logged, before exiting the hanger in Marion, Illinois. This six seat baby taxis down the runway, with a roar of it's jet engines the pilot achieves lift off with his co-pilot seated at his side.

The destination? On this trip, another 3ABN beg-a-thon—oh excuse my French, that's what it's referred to when donations are sought out by other televangelists. When the source is a live 3ABN Sabbath telecast (SDA prime time), from an Adventist church, it is a "Rally". No matter what language it is framed in, it still remains nothing more than the mind set that changed a garbage man into a Sanitary Engineer. Either way it is expressed, at the end of the day he still hauls the same garbage.

The purpose? To separate donors from their hard earned cash. Conservatively estimating between one to one and a half million dollars a year to keep a private jet, with all its peripherals costs, standing ready in a hanger in southern Illinois, it takes more than some loose change jingling in a few people's pockets to pay for Danny's comfort and convenience. That definitely is not chump change. Are the personal flights, from which Danny, his friends and relatives have greatly benefitted, a compensation for no longer racking up all those frequent flyers miles earned through utilizing commercial airlines?

This brings to mind a biblical object lesson from the ministry of Jesus, Matthew 21:12, 13. Recapping this familiar narration, the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem has come to pass, then Jesus entered the temple of God. He drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple and said, "My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves".

Wait a minute...applying that example to Danny publishing his own books and after receiving his royalties and paying for the cost of printing, marking up the price 200-400% ,before selling it to his own ministry, then generously making it the free weekly offer, is a more appropriate application. Just imagine multiplying that scenario by over five million times and you have the free pamphlets that 3ABN is giving away to be distributed for 10 Commandments Day. In addition to that, Danny has petitioned the viewers to send in their donations to pay for the printing costs. And all the churches have to pay is the cost of shipping. An easy way to feather a nest, if you can ignore your conscience.

I have heard it said in T'ville that there are some good old boys who feel a mite uncomfortable these days standing too close to Danny during a thunder storm. The bolder among them have weighed the odds, and quietly ease back and look up. You never know when a bolt of lighting from Heaven might strike. As I look out of my window, is that a thunder head forming on the horizon slowly moving in the direction of 3ABN? A jagged bolt of lighting streaks across the sky, as the clouds begin to darken, I start that age old count down, while waiting for the clap of thunder, one-one thousand...two-one thousand...

To be continued...

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Re: Unauthorized History of 3ABN
« Reply #9 on: February 08, 2008, 02:28:45 PM »

Takin' care of business...

Leaving the bright Illinois sunshine behind, entering a corridor, my pupils fully dilate attempting to gather all the available light. Making my way into a cavernous expanse, the echo of my athletic shoes as they slap against the well polished floor, reverberate off a distant wall. The sound of a hand striking against a bank of switches signals the immediate blaze of lights that now illuminate the space before me. Instinctively, I turn my head and my hand springs up to shade my eyes, resting on the brim of my baseball cap. The thump of the basketball accompanies me as I dribble over to the free throw line. I stop. Turning my back to the basket, I raise the ball. In a split second it leaps backward over my head through the air, like a tiger springing for it's prey. A hush falls over the crowd that has gathered, the air is thick with anticipation. Contact! The ball bounces off the backboard echoing through the hushed gym, circling the rim it falls neatly through the net. The previous silence, so thick that you could cut it with a knife, erupts with astonishment as the crowd that has assembled in the basketball court at 3ABN witness "the miracle shot". But this is not my story, it is not I who stands poised at the free throw line. That place is reserved for Danny Shelton.

For a brief moment that particular impression of Danny traces a line across my memories. As I think back over the years at 3ABN, I must admit, it is a truly amazing shot. On how many occasions have I had the opportunity to witness this exhibition of basketball prowess; sometimes successfully executed, sometime not? More than I care to number... A singular thought begins to worm it way up into the foreground of my mind: just how much time has Danny invested endeavoring to perfect this feat of basketball artistry?

Question:
When Danny is occupied on his basketball court and at a myriad of other equally "important" activities that keep him from his office, who does the actual taking care of business at 3ABN?
Answer:
Molly Steenson.

If a bolt of lighting made a direct strike on Danny Shelton, leading to his immediate demise, very little would change in the administrative offices of 3ABN. Of course someone else would have to sign all the documents that lay waiting on Danny's desk, but, if like Danny they only sign the contracts and not read them, that is less than an additional hours work each week. Molly would to continue running the business of 3ABN, as she has done for many years. First as Danny's secretary, now as General Manager and Board member of 3ABN. Many of her responsibilities would not change, only the perks and the title. Hal and Molly Steenson could comfortably slide into the position that Danny currently occupies...at a moments notice.

Even as we speak, preparation is being made for this eventuality. And Danny has played right into Molly's hands. As Hal has often quoted Molly, "Make sure you have them smiling before you hit them in the mouth, that way you won't bruise their lips". Then Hal laughs and the congregation joins in with him. Around T'ville this only produces an uncomfortable silence, too many workers have been on the receiving end, by making the mistake of crossing Molly or getting in the way of something she wants. Ask Linda Shelton, I am sure she has realized the part that Molly played in her dismissal from 3ABN. Danny has been smiling and trusting in Molly for many years. Sister White has warned us about leaning too heavily upon the arm of flesh, but unfortunately for Danny, he is not a reader.

The major difference between Danny and Linda situations, is the lack of need for any trumped up accusations or other subterfuge to remove him from the throne of power. All it will take is no more secrets. And Molly holds the key to this Pandora's box. Unfortunately, for the ministry of 3ABN, exchanging Danny for Molly would be like jumping out of the frying pan into the fire.

Come with me behind the scenes at 3ABN and watch some of the preparations as they unfold: Hal has already published his first book, promoted by the ministry. Both Molly and Hal are logging in more on air time and becoming familiar faces to the viewers. Danny has touted Molly publically and in 3ABN publications as a woman of integrity...Molly/integrity? Around the water cooler that is definitely an oxymoron. Molly and Hal's attendance as featured speakers is steadily increasing at 3ABN Rallies. Both are accomplished orators. After spending the last two years being subjected to Danny's repetitious and clumsy attempts at homiletics, too often laced with his emotional venting; is crushingly evident, that he pales in comparison with Hal Steenson's masterful precision in skillfully holding an audience. As Hal demonstrates his verbal charisma, boasting a combination of homespun wisdom, good old southern boy humor and Biblical expertise, Danny has indisputably been outclassed.

Perhaps Danny should wake up, smell the coffee and start reading the writing on the wall, before he finds someone else raising "his baby". Of course, materially he would definitely leave as a wealthy man, all his financial needs provided for life, but like Samson when his hair was shorn, he would loose all of his power and influence. Power and influence are an addictive combination, dangerous as mixing certain prescription medications and alcohol, with the results being just as lethal. As in the case of Samson, the only cure was a true heartrending repentance and humbling of character. Should Danny choose to follow the road of redemption, he would still have to reap the consequences of his actions, but the angels in Heaven would be rejoicing over another sinner saved. (According to some members of the Shelton clan, if that event were ever to occur, it would be the real miracle story of 3ABN.)

To be continued...

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Re: Unauthorized History of 3ABN
« Reply #10 on: February 08, 2008, 02:34:47 PM »

Why?...

Start the clock running...4 minutes for a commercial break, the countdown begins. This is CSI:Illinois (Church Show Investigation) and the computer in master control at NBC has inserted the scheduled commercials. Stay tuned for action that will follow...

Now the real action moves inside the living room. With the speed and agility of a pro team, the entire family responds in unison. Dad leaps to visit the facilities, sister rebounds from the kitchen, everybody's favorite drink is refreshed "remember Mama wants more ice in her tea", while Mama throws the popcorn into the microwave and grabs more chips, and in a flash the final countdown: 5...4...3...2...1 and the entire family has settled in their places, a look of anticipation on their faces. Tension is running high, what will that last shred of evidence reveal in the lab?

We interrupt the in-flight movie for brief announcement. Please remain in your seats, return your tray to an upright position and fasten your seatbelt, this is an announcement from your pilot and it just may answer some of your questions...

Both princessdi and Nuggie have wondered about "the motivation for these revelations and why here." PaperTigers responded, "I think the motivation might be that it's just time that more people were allowed to see "Behind the Scenes at 3ABN".

And now the rest of the story... I joined BSDA on December 17, 2004. I was surfing the net and found some references to this site. After lurking for a while, I joined. To be quite candid, I continued lurking even as a member. With the renewed interest in 3ABN after Danny's recent marriage, I began posting in the thread concerning that topic. A realization began to form, there is so much speculation about what has happened at 3ABN, perhaps it was time for someone with "insider" knowledge to pull away the curtain and reveal that the mighty Oz, was no more than a middle-aged man pulling the strings behind the facade. The only power he has is in the secrets that lie "Behind the Scenes at 3ABN" and too many of those "Golden Opportunities" were funneled directly or collaterally filling Danny's pockets

Why here? This is the online SDA forum where I am a member.

My motivation? It's time that more people were allowed to see "Behind the Scenes at 3ABN", with knowledge comes responsibility.

Stay tuned as the story continues...

Daryl Fawcett

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Re: Unauthorized History of 3ABN
« Reply #11 on: February 08, 2008, 02:35:58 PM »

Don't forget that these were all originally posted by sister, not me. :)

Daryl Fawcett

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Re: Unauthorized History of 3ABN
« Reply #12 on: February 08, 2008, 04:51:24 PM »

“What do you have in your hand?”...

There are incidents related that become the stuff from which legends and myths are created. One such story is told of a fund raising event that occurred in the Northwest. According to legend it came to pass in the open air, at dusk. That brief magical time between the light of day, where in the brightness of truth can separate itself from falsehood and the dark of night where intrigues are plotted and hatched. Danny was relating the story of Moses. Arriving at the juncture where God questions Moses, “What do you have in your hand?”We all know the answer, clasped in Moses’ hand is his Shepherd’s rod. An account is given of Danny throwing down a stick and unbeknownst to him, a snake slithers out of the grass. As the crowd stands mesmerized, Danny continues on with the story seemingly unaware of what has occurred. And the donations roll in. Upon closer examination, it has been suggested that the real snake in the grass stood on two legs.

So the birth of a new slogan for separating viewers from the contents of their wallets had taken place. But the reality and the intended results comically skewed in different directions. Rather than cold, hard cash all sorts of items were showing up at the compound of 3ABN: boats, RV’s, cars, boxed silverware sets, crocheted pillows lovingly crafted by white-haired ladies, and the list goes on and on... The good viewers took the call literally, to the chagrin of Danny Shelton, and Studio B took on the appearance of a major flea market.

To paraphrase the 19th century Scottish poet Robert Burns, “the best laid plans of mice and men often go astray, creating more problems, than the joy and gain envisioned by the schemers”.

It has been said that “that which is of God prospers, but not everything that prospers is of God”.There is a big yellow house located on the West Frankfort Lake Road. It is the house that Danny built. Not difficult to find, it’s location is an open secret in T’ville, only the employees of 3ABN have been forbidden to divulge it’s location.

Before it’s location was a so closely guarded secret from the viewers, I once heard tell of a man and his wife that were visiting 3ABN from California, a major marketing area for donations. After visiting the studios, turning left onto Highway 50, heading in the direction of West Frankfort, they took the first left onto West Frankfort Lake road. The entire parcel of land on their left was open pasture and a small herd of horses were grazing in the afternoon sunshine. The angle of light hitting some long shafts of dried grass made them appear as if they were straw spun out of pure gold. This field extends from the highway to the next T junction of West Frankfort Lake Road that leads to the driveway of what was the home of Danny and Linda Shelton. That beautifully lite pasture land belongs to 3ABN and the herd of horses grazing there to Danny Shelton.

As the reflection of the afternoon sun brings a faint shimmer of gold to the big yellow house, the man turns off the ignition of his car, both he and his wife stare in wonder. This huge yellow house facing them on the West Frankfort Lake Road is not the home they had envisioned for Danny and Linda Shelton. As they sit there, the wife slowly opens her purse, her hand reaches for her checkbook. She takes out the check that she had forgotten to give to Molly Steenson after their tour of the studio. How fortunate they had made this detour before heading over to the old studio site to visit the location of the new 3ABN Radio station. The following thought passes through her mind as she shreds the check into tiny pieces: if Danny and Linda can live in an estate like this, 3ABN really doesn’t need our donations. Returning to California that was the last check ever logged in that check register with 3ABN as the recipient and across the entry was neatly penned in capital letter one word, VOID.


* * *


As a curtain is pulled back, a familiar face peers out from behind the window observing the rain from the big yellow house on West Frankfort Lake Road. A bolt of lighting, so close that the tremendous roar of thunder that accompanies it is separated by only a fraction of a second, sends him recoiling from his observation post. Not enough time is available for Brandy’s children to complete the first number in the childhood countdown for reckoning distance...

The house that Danny built shakes in anticipation with the ever increasing possibility that the next hit could dislodge the actual foundation, its former glory dispersed, scattered by the four winds like a house of cards.

Wipe the sleet clean: remove Danny Shelton, Molly and Hal Steenson, Walt Thompson and the others that have been involved in supporting this corrupt administration. After the dust has settled and the rubble has been removed, what is left: a world-wide ministry with programming intended to reach people thirsting for the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

To be continued...
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