Lies

"You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies." - John 8:44 New International Version (NIV)

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My name is Gordon and this is my story

Richard and I have authored this website with the advice and encouragement of Barbara and others. At the time of this writing, I have not published it but have waited for the Elim National office to give a response to an email campaign by Richard to draw their attention to problems identified in the leadership of the Tokoroa Elim Church fellowship. (Now published as of 22 September, 2018)

It has been ten long years since I left the Tokoroa Elim church. My mother has been a long standing member as have I. My departure was shrouded in rumour and accusations, some of which I was the author. I am not proud of my actions, but neither am I ashamed. Ten years ago, I wrote a number of letters and documents, not all of which were delivered to the intended readers.

What has not happened in the ten years since my leaving the church, is an open, honest and frank discussion about problems surrounding the leadership of the church.

I would like to summerise the course of events as I saw them to give you an overview of what happened and why I have been involved in this campaign to expose the problems within the local Elim church.

Year - What
1. 2002 - Brian and Lorraine Hagger came from Auckland to take over the church after a leadership crisis centred around a conflict between Luke Iwunze (Pastor) and Colin Bridle (School Administrator).
2. 2005 - Brian Hagger secretly and without documentation to secure her interest, took out a mortgage on behalf of Barbara because she was unable to obtain a mortgage in her own right. Barbara agreed to pay Brian $3,000.00 for his assistance. Barbara was to pay all outgoings in the form of rent so that Brian would incur no expense for his assistance.
3. 2006 - Brian advised Barbara that he will need another $10,000.00 fee for assisting her to keep her home once the house is sold or refinanced in her own right.
4. 2007 - Brian advised Barbara that he will need $15,000.000 not $10,000.00 in addition to the original $3,000.00 she had agreed to and paid.
5. 2007 - Brian arranged for his mortgage broker to refinance Barbara's home in her own right along with the extra $15,000.00 for his fee. (This was confirmed by the mortgage broker only this year, 2018.)
6. 2007 - After a number of meetings, some of which I was a part, Brian made a written arrangement to pass legal ownership from Brian to Barbara, without the inclusion of the $15,000.00 for his personal benefit.
7. 2008 - After much protest on my part to the leadership of the church and Brian's denial that any profit was sought by him, Barbara was accused of lying and of deceiving me into believing that Brian had sought to profit from his assistance to her. I was accused of being a robber for not paying rent to the church while I ran my business from it, I was evicted from the church and if I was to continue fellowship at the church, I needed to write a full apology to the leadership for questioning Brian's conduct, it was to be approved by them, and then read in a special meeting immediately following a morning service without deviation or comment. This is described in large part in the minutes of the meeting held on 9th January, 2008. That document is the second to last provided with Part 2 here.
8. 2008 - After writing a letter as a partial apology and an explanation as to why I believed Barbara and not Brian, I was asked to not allow anyone to see that letter. That letter is the last document provided with Part 2 here. (Yes, you can see it.)
9. 2008 - The matter was dropped.
10. 2008 - In my last church meeting at Elim, at the end of the message, Brian called all those who wished to support him into the future, to come forward (an alter call). I watched as practically the whole congregation went forward to pray for Brian and support his ministry. I knew then, that the deceit and lies Brian had constructed had been fully accepted by the leadership team as well as the church congregation, at least those who knew anything about what had transpired.
11. 2010 - My wife and I separated.
12. 2011 - On 20/9/2011, I realised that I could no longer believe that the God of the bible existed.

What did not happen but I think should in 2008, is that the matter be presented to a public meeting for all members of the Tokoroa Elim Church to consider and vote on.

Brian, Barbara, and Gordon along with any other interested parties should have had opportunity to freely present to that meeting so that a determination be made by the whole congregation about what should occur going forward.

I believe that had this been properly done, the situation would have had the potential for resolution. It has been a long time, but it is not too late, and it has not yet been resolved.

It is my firm belief that while it was originally planned, the public meeting was abandoned because the leadership knew that they did not have the truth, and that Brian had let down the leadership team because it was becoming more and more obvious that he had lied to them and for whatever reason, the elders did not wish to face that embarrassing fact before the congregation.

Because clear evidence and testimony now exists, Brian would be wise to face this issue and accept the consequences for having hidden his lies and abuse over the last ten or more years.

It is my belief and therefore my request and hope, as I have stated elsewhere, that Brian be immediately removed from his position as Pastor of the Elim Church in Tokoroa and that he be retired from any further leadership role. It is of course a decision for others to make, but if I were asked, this would be the essence of my reply.

If my request is not granted, so be it, I will live with it. However, this website will remain in place so that anyone within it's reach can be informed about the character and quality of the leadership of the Elim Church in Tokoroa, and the rest of NZ for that matter.

Thus far, it is evident that conduct unbecoming that of an elder, is deemed acceptable to the Elim National Executive for their leaders. I say that because an earlier incident of highly questionable conduct scrutinised by the Elim National Executive has been deemed acceptable also. Clear evidence of abuse by Bruce Collingwood, reported in 2010, leaves him still pastoring there some eight years later. While there might be extenuating circumstances, no mention of them is apparent.

This website and some effort to proclaim it's presence remain as a warning should anyone wish to investigate the suitability and wisdom of attending an Elim church where clear evidence of corruption are ignored and even concealed.

For many reading this, the truth may not be so important. What transpired ten years ago, five years ago is in the past what does it matter?

In answer to my own question, consider the words of 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 and please notice two things, that God is the author of "a powerful delusion" and why He provides it: "...and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness."

If we allow ourselves the luxury of allowing "little" lies to pass unchallenged, how will we cope with the powerful delusions God provides to keep those who do not love the truth from salvation?

My own faith in the bible and those that proclaim it has been shaken to the core. I do not intend to ever darken the doorway of church except to accompany family and friends at weddings and funerals, yet I am still challenged and inspired by those words in 2 Thessalonians 2. I hope you are too.

A disturbing precedent concerning lies in the context of New Testament Ekklesia is the story in the beginning of Acts chapter 5...

Ananias and Sapphira

Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.

Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.”

When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. Then some young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him.

About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?”

“Yes,” she said, “that is the price.”

Peter said to her, “How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.”

At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.

Acts 5:1-11 (New International Version)

To you Brian, I would ask this question, "What constitutes a lie to the Holy Spirit?"

I remember mentioning this story in one of the elders meetings back in early 2008. I stated (knowing and implying that Brian had lied) that the outcome of this problem with Brian's handling of Barbara's home will be death. I did not know how or in what form but death. One of the elders (I don't remember which one) asked me to clarify. As best I can remember, I believe I simply restated that the outcome of this will be death. For those who wish to see more from a biblical perspective on this, please note the repeated warning in Ezekiel 3:18-19 and Ezekiel 33:8-9. In light of this, what if Peter had said nothing to Ananias and Sapphira?

The last elders meeting concerning these issues is the one (and the only one to my knowledge) that had recorded minutes referenced above, so it was a meeting prior to that one on 9th January, 2008. I don't know what happened or why, but it was disturbing to me to learn of who had passed away shortly following that time.

Since our meeting with Chris Bethwaite and Trevor McDowell, at the time of this writing (July 2018), there has been no feedback from the Elim National Executive (or the NLT). I believe there have been meetings to discuss strategy both at the national and regional level, but no indication that any feedback is pending for Richard, Barbara nor I. For me, it does not seem to bode well for transparency, open dialogue nor a satisfactory outcome.

The simplest phrasing I can come up with to describe this situation is this... The Elim National Executive wanted a Pastor to replace Luke Iwunze, to mitigate against what had become a complete debacle, what they found is a scoundrel.

I was there when Warren Moar spoke highly of Brian and Lorraine, they had been national leaders in the Royal Rangers (something similar to scouts). There was no mention of the internal decision making process nor the possibility of other candidates for the position (my memory may not be so accurate here). Brian and Lorraine were presented as the best choice and, by implication at least, God's choice for Tokoroa and there was a proving period where their friendly and well spoken demeanour won our acceptance of them.

I hope that Richard, Barbara and my commitment to declaring openly what happens in this situation, to the best of our knowledge will see a changing of the guard, at the very least. What might be better, of course, is a complete rethink of what constitutes a Biblical Ekklesia ("Church").

Men with titles and high recommendations do not make leaders in the Kingdom of God. By titles I mean "Elder", "Pastor", "Bishop", "Cardinal" or "Pope". As others have said more eloquently than I, the modern "church" bears little or no resemblance to the "ekklesia" of the Acts of the Apostles. The average church goer is taught to speak only when spoken to or specifically invited. The format of the Sunday service is designed to focus on just an exclusive group of christians, "professionals" who know what to do and are eloquent, charismatic and safe. Men and women who have had special training to be worthy, acceptable and entertaining in their delivery, while the average church goer is mute, accepting, unskilled and most likely never will be, because his or her gift is either dormant or just plain not professional enough. In general it is not encouraged nor even wanted. The real unspoken "gift" is the mute's money. There is no such thing as a professional christian, yet we have them? We are either a Christian or not. By the way, by todays definition, I most definitely am not a Christian. I don't say that lightly, I have been to Bible College and professed my faith for more than thirty five years.

I'd like to make some more personal remarks. My experience at the Tokoroa Elim Church has changed me in ways I have yet to fathom, and yes, perhaps not all for the better. Yes, the conduct of Brian Hagger is and was deplorable. However, I am grateful for the lessons I have learned from those experiences. I have learned to hate religion more passionately than I might ever have hoped had I simply believed it to be wrong from argument and logic. I have tasted for myself how disturbing and destructive it is. Others have experienced far worse and at a far deeper level. I consider Richard's experience and realise that for him, the effect may run to a much deeper level to my own. His outrage and despair at the futility and masquerading parallel my own. The Psalms of David that relate to his experience with Saul also come to mind. I am grateful that my eyes are opened wider, my heart is more sensitive as I have read and heard others describe through having endured such an experience. I was tested when I had no wish to be. As in all trials in life, we don't choose them but the lessons learned from them are priceless treasures. After all the outrage, I am left with gratitude. So for that much Brian, you have my thanks.

My hope, ultimately, is that this website will serve as a resource for what has transpired and what will yet transpire at Elim Tokoroa. As Trevor stated, I might not be happy with the outcome but I am accustomed to that already. If others are more accurately informed and are led on to better and greater things as a consequence of this work, all the better. God be with you. Kind regards, Gordon.

• Date: July 2018
• Author: Gordon
• Category: Lies

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Exploitation

Extortion by any other name.

Under the guise of generosity and genuine concern, the Pastor offered to assist Barbara to buy her home... for a fee of $3,000.00 under a cloak of secrecy. Barbara paid the fee as she was grateful for the Pastor's assistance.

However, a year later the Pastor changed the deal... $3,000.00 plus another $10,000.00 if or when the house is refinanced.

Then another year and the deal changes again... $3,000.00 plus another $15,000.00 with a refinancing package set up by a mortgage broker which included this latest fee.

All the while without documentation or any proof that the home belonged to anyone except the Pastor and his wife. Remember, no one was to know about the arrangement. Barbara was in her early seventies and worried like hell where it would end, did she really have a home?...

My name is Barbara and this is my story...

• Date: May 2018
• Author: Barbara
• Category: Exploitation

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Accusations

Bearing false witness against members of the congregation.

This is our story

• part 1...
• part 2...
• part 3...
• part 4...
• addendum to part 4...

• Date: May 2018
• Author: Richard, Barbara, & Gordon
• Category: Accusations

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Abuse

Spiritually abusing members of the congregation.

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"Religious abuse is abuse administered under the guise of religion, including harassment or humiliation, which may result in psychological trauma. Religious abuse may also include misuse of religion for selfish, secular, or ideological ends such as the abuse of a clerical position." - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religious_abuse

Nobody is perfect and we are not expecting perfection. Common decency and dignified treatment of those under the care of leadership is a basic requirement of those in leadership. There are a growing number of people who have not been treated with such dignity and respect by the leadership of the Tokoroa Elim Church. If you are not one of those, please respect the testimony of those who have been witness to and felt mistreated or disenfranchised by them. Not all the leaders are directly responsible for these abuses, but they are responsible to act on reports and testimony that brings such disrepute on the fellowship and injury to those directly affected. The last thing you should do is remain silent and ignorant if you know about this or you have been abused by the leadership, otherwise how will others not fall victim in the same way you or your friends did?

Your story here...

• Date: May 2018
• Author: You
• Category: Abuse

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Partiality

Practicing favouritism and nepotism

I found the following article from "The Naked Pastor" (see link below)...

10 THINGS YOU CAN DO WITH YOUR ABUSE

There are different kinds of suffering and abuse. Never do I justify it. I always acknowledge the evil and injustice of it. But I also acknowledge our amazing capacity to do something with it and our ability to make ourselves stronger from it. I hope this list reflects my respect for both the evil of abuse as well as the goodness of people to overcome it.

I’m going to share these 10 points from a personal perspective because I don’t assume that we all treat abuse the same way. My way of dealing with it is not necessarily your way. These steps have worked for me. I hope they work for you.

Here they are:

1. accept it:

   One of the worst things I can do is deny it happened to me. I accept that it did! As difficult as it is, my therapy includes remembering and accepting everything as it really happened, no matter how uncomfortable or horrifying. In fact, I still suddenly recall things that I need to accept as stuff that really happened to me. I look it straight in the eye and call it for what it is.

2. examine it:

   This step is difficult and painful. Not only do I look at it from all angles, but I even examine the parts. I even examine my own involvement in it. Was I totally a helpless victim? Where was I silent? How was I tricked? Was I afraid? At what point did I let it go too far? Why didn’t I help myself? Or even could I have? Was I really trapped just by their power, or was I an accomplice in it? These are questions I’ve asked myself to detect what in me might need to be informed so that it will not happen again. Also, I examine it to appreciate the capacity of people for extreme cruelty. Ouch! This is hard.

3. own it:

   My abuse! It is a part of my life. It is a part of my story. I own it. It’s mine! No one else’s. He did this to me! I don’t even try to compartmentalize it into a former or other life. Neither do I lump it into “Oh, this is just the way things are. This is just human nature and a part of the fallen world we live in!” I don’t generalize it into general human experience. This experience is very specifically mine. It is part of what made me what I am today. You can’t take it from me.

4. embrace it:

   This is one of the hardest things to do: understanding it. I don’t mean I endorse it. But if it is a part of my life and has helped to make me what I am today, then it begs for integration. I have found it’s best to integrate even the worst parts of my life. Some abuses are beyond understanding. To explain it seems to justify it. I don’t want to do that. But I do want to somehow integrate it into a life that is meaningful to me.

5. love it:

   I have gone through some pretty terrible experiences at the hands of church leaders. Even in my adult life! I used to treat them as aberrations to be rejected. Odd anomalies. Later, however, I learned that when I loved these times in my life and adopted them as mine, they lost their corrosive power and simply became a small piece of the larger wonderful puzzle called “Me”.

6. transform it:

   Rather than viewing a bad experience as something that tried to destroy me, I see them as things that have made me a better person. They may have intended to destroy me, but it had the reverse effect of making me stronger. It took time and skill and help to transform it, but like a good alchemist, I did it!

7. use it:

   I add everything to my arsenal of experiences. They have made me wiser. They have instilled in me the gift of discernment so that I can detect abuse a mile off. I can also tell immediately when someone is being treated or is acting in an abusive way. I do not consign it to me just being hypersensitive. This hypersensitivity is my spidey-sense. Don’t mess with me or anyone else!

8. story it:

   I remember my spiritual director instructing me to write my spiritual history. What an amazing exercise! It helped me integrate all my experiences, good and bad, into one cohesive whole. Particular scenes might not have made sense, but when merged into the entire film, it makes for a fascinating story about the development of my resilience. I am not only a survivor but a thriver! No joke.

9. fight it:

   Now that I am super-sensitive to abuse of any kind, I have become a spokesperson against it. This blog, nakedpastor, and my online community The Lasting Supper, are my weapons I use to stop abuse and to heal the abused. Not only that, but I am constructing a new paradigm, my Z-Theory, that helps people make theological and philosophical sense of their lives where they can be intelligent, conscientious and independent with integrity, courage and joy! I see negative experience as an important ingredient in my recovery as well as my spiritual evolution.

10. be amazing:

    There are many people, even with the most horrific life experiences, who turn out to be amazing people, partly due to their sufferings. It is about resilience. Indeed, if you think about it, the most amazing people you know are those who have walked through the fire. They not only survived but are working to make the world a better place. This is me! This is you! Because you already are, be amazing!

I hope this helps. We’ve all had negative experiences. We can allow these to make us weak or we can use them to make us strong. Even amazing! I’ve seen it in myself and in others over and over again. It is harder for some than others because of our different personalities, but also because of the intensity of the suffering.

This is what this is about: suffering. We may not understand why there is suffering. But we can certainly do something with it. Then we can do something about it.

We are all our own alchemists, transforming our sufferings into our strengths.

from The Naked Pastor

Your story could go here...

• Date: May 2018
• Author: You as well
• Category: Partiality

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Apostasy

Distributing Jewish propaganda through a Christian church

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Below is a copy of the Jewish propaganda that Brian has been distributing through ‘Elim Christian Centre’ Tokoroa. You should remove ‘Christian’ from your name and replace it with, ‘Jewish’, ‘Zionist’, ‘Israeli’ or ‘Synagogue.’ Because there is nothing ‘Christian’ about this:

This is a blatant perversion of Scripture. Genesis 12:3 is in reference to Abram not the Jews, the Jews are not even mentioned in the book of Genesis but Christ is; and as every Christian pastor should know, those of us in Christ, are the children of Abraham and heirs of the promise.

Brian is using his position as a Christian “pastor” to pervert Scripture and exalt the shrine of Molech, the HEXagram star of Rephan; using witchcraft to deceive New Zealanders into supporting the evil, Satanic, anti-Christ religion and political state of Judaism (which is murdering Palestinian Christians); while undermining the New Zealand Government’s foreign policy regarding the Middle East – all in the name of the Elim Church and Christianity.

You foolish pulpit pimping mammonites, who has bewitched you? Do I need to teach Brian the Gospel? What kingdom does he represent? Not the Kingdom of Christ; His Kingdom is NOT of this world! Brian’s too busy building his own kingdom, his own false self, exalting his own throne, feeding his own narcissistic appetite, stealing worship, adulation and money from pew warmers in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ while promoting the anti-Christ religion of Judaism. Like Gordon said, ‘this is serious!’ Blind guides!

...

Your story could go here...

• Date: July 2018
• Author: Richard
• Category: Apostasy

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NPD

“According to the legend of Narcissus, this Greek boy fell in love with his own reflection in a pond. Narcissus is not in love with HIMSELF. He is in love with his REFLECTION. The popular misconception is narcissists love themselves. In reality, they direct their love to other people's impressions of them.” – Dr. Sam Vaknin

YouTube link

Just because he has lost his head, the cockroach survives. Perhaps not as long as he would otherwise, but nonetheless he survives past his beheading.

He stumbles about blind and without direction. He is a survivor. It is believed he can breed despite being decapitated. They smell bad. "Cockroaches appear to use just two pieces of information to decide where to go, namely how dark it is and how many other cockroaches there are."

...

Your friend's story could go here...

• Date: July 2018
• Author: You or your friend
• Category: NPD

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Sociopathy

"Psychopathy, sometimes considered synonymous with sociopathy, is traditionally defined as a personality disorder characterised by persistent antisocial behavior, impaired empathy and remorse, and bold, disinhibited, and egotistical traits." - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychopathy#Sociopathy

Just because he has lost his head, the cockroach survives. Perhaps not as long as he would otherwise, but nonetheless he survives past his beheading.

He stumbles about blind and without direction. He is a survivor. It is believed he can breed despite being decapitated. They smell bad. "Cockroaches appear to use just two pieces of information to decide where to go, namely how dark it is and how many other cockroaches there are."

...

Your friend's story could go here...

• Date: July 2018
• Author: You or your friend
• Category: Sociopathy

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Elim

"...There is a possibility that the name 'Elim' is derived from a Semitic root meaning 'gods'" - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elim_(Bible)

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The case of Bruce Collingwood of The Oasis Church - an Elim N.Z. Church in Napier, his website can be found here.

Herald Article - 23 Jun, 2010 10:09am

Church gives back donations

Hawkes Bay Today By: CAITLIN NOBES

"Most churches get by because of the generosity of people. You don't investigate every person that gives money to a church to find out whether they can afford it or not."

The Elim Church of New Zealand is standing by the Napier Oasis Elim Church, which yesterday returned more than $20,000 to a disabled man who had given the church his life savings.

The donations were reported by Otatara Rest Care and Rehabilitation manager Lucy Dever after she found out Whetu Abraham, 54, who lives at Otatara, could not afford dental care because he had donated $10,000 to the church in the last year and $12,000 the year before.

She described taking the money as "unethical, immoral and I believe un- Christian" and said Mr Abraham believed he would go to hell if he did not give. She was pleased the money had been returned and said it was all they had wanted from the church.

Mr Abraham said he gave to the church on the understanding that he received support from it but church members were not visiting him as much as they used to. Elim national leader Pastor Luke Brough said the Napier church had written a cheque from its own funds to reimburse Mr Abraham, who is a partial tetraplegic since being hit by a car in 1986 and lives in a rest home. Mr Abraham had given the money willingly and was "adamant that he wanted to give the funds to the church", Mr Brough said.

Tithing is the practice of donating a portion of income to the church. It is usually considered about 10 per cent but could vary at different churches and denominations.

The church supported and encouraged tithing, but people chose how much to give and were not asked for a specific amount of money, Mr Brough said. "We place no pressure on people to give," he said.

"We do not control or dictate to our congregations how they choose to spend their money."

Giving did not only mean money, it could also be giving time.

Mr Brough said the Napier church served the local community well and had taken the donations in good faith.

Any donations by Mr Abraham that he had not put his name to would not be returned because they could not be identified.

Napier Oasis Elim Church Pastor Bruce Collingwood visited Mr Abraham on Monday to ask him to sign a letter exonerating the church.

Mr Collingwood refused to comment on his visit or the Napier church's policy on tithing and would not tell Hawke's Bay Today what the money had been used for. He was aware some people would see returning the money as damage control.

"In the end, people will think what they want to think but we have just done what we think is the right thing to do," Mr Collingwood said.

A former member of the Napier Oasis Elim Church, who did not want to be identified, said Mr Collingwood told church members that they should give to the church before paying rent and other expenses.

Mr Collingwood allegedly told parishioners that God wanted them to give to the church and if they followed God's wishes then He would provide for them.

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Rest home condemns pastor's standover tactics | Stuff.co.nz By NATHAN BEAUMONT 15:25, Jun 27 2010

Rest home condemns pastor's standover tactics

The pastor of a Napier church that took at least $20,000 in donations from a disabled rest home resident has allegedly tried to "heavy" the man into signing a document clearing the church of blame.

Napier's Oasis Elim Church pastor Bruce Collingwood confirmed he turned up at the rest home yesterday to ask Whetu Abraham, who uses a wheelchair, to sign the document.

Otatara Rest Care and Rehabilitation manager Lucy Dever described the move as disgusting. Staff stopped Mr Abraham signing the letter until he had legal advice.

WHETU ABRAHAM: The 54-year-old who has head injuries can no longer afford dental care for his rotting teeth.

Ms Dever trespassed Mr Collingwood from the rest home.

"He was standing over Whetu and [appeared to be] very angry. This guy was way out of line. He tried to heavy him into signing the letter."

Mr Collingwood's actions came after The Dominion Post revealed the church took nearly $12,000 from Mr Abraham last year and about $10,000 in 2008.

Mr Abraham, 54, is a partial tetraplegic with head injuries, after being hit by a car in 1986. Ms Dever said the church now had the last of his life savings and he could not afford dental care for rotting teeth.

Mr Collingwood refused to let The Dominion Post see the letter he wanted Mr Abraham to sign.

"Oh, man, I don't know what I should say here. I read him a letter that I had written. Whetu and I have an understanding. We've got a good relationship and it could all be sorted out."

Mr Collingwood said Mr Abraham had donated the money willingly "out of his own heart". They talked about his financial and medical situation and Mr Collingwood was comfortable taking the money. "We had that conversation. I talked to him and asked him if he can afford it, absolutely. He said he wanted to give it and that was the end of that. If you get given a gift you just receive the gift out of the good nature it was intended." The church had lived on the "smell of an oily rag" for the past 11 years and the money was a lifeline.

Ms Dever said earlier that the church rejected her plea to stop accepting large donations from Mr Abraham and came to the rest home to give him a donation certificate so he could claim a third of the money back from Inland Revenue. Elim Church of New Zealand has condemned the Napier branch's activities. Spokesman Chris Bethwaite said an investigation had begun. "This is not the sort of behaviour we would condone, taking money from someone who can't afford it. We are working with the church to get all the facts. Whether there is any disciplinary action remains to be seen."

The organisation did not have a policy on donations; individual churches decided for themselves. "But they are told not to put pressure on anyone. We have never had complaints before.

"Most churches get by because of the generosity of people. You don't investigate every person that gives money to a church to find out whether they can afford it or not."

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Of all people, you should know this well Trevor, coming from the Bay of Plenty of Spirit. Why is their a dark, oppressive, spirit over both Napier and Tokoroa – I know both places well enough? Why is it, the two individuals with the so-called spiritual authority over these places, are mammonites and have scandal associated with their names while in ministry? What happened to being a light to the world? How do you expect these places to manifest the Kingdom of Heaven, hold corrupt politicians accountable and grow in the knowledge of God, if the Pentecostal ministers are living in darkness? Pastors of the Elim movement in these places grieve the Spirit and dare I suggest, others under the same banner too.

Is this what Elim NZ has become? A filthy den of devils, a synagogue of snakes, wolves in shepherd’s clothing? Why hasn’t Elim’s so-called “leadership team” held these parasitical pulpit pimps accountable? Why haven’t they been replaced with more appropriate character?

Where is justice? You will not have peace without justice.

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Your friend's story could go here...

• Date: July 2018
• Author: Richard
• Category: Elim

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