Faith vs. Fakes

Faithful Christians Stronger Together

We share some personal thoughts,

My wife and I served for several years at our previous work (from 2011 to 2022). Many sleepless nights. Sacrifices, financial, body, and mind. Getting to know and love the church. We were far from perfect, and looking back, we made many mistakes. But we were faithful, though we were struggling with many things; we kept trying to do better, moving forward each day. We went through numerous difficult seasons ministering to such a challenging membership. Some were kind and faithful. Others were worldly and always causing problems. We saw souls come. We saw souls go. We got to know the history intimately. We took the hardship and persevered. Thanking God for the educational discipline and insight, discernment, and understanding.

Tragically, yet necessary, now looking back at God’s providence. Two cunning, divisive individuals had taken advantage of our friendship and infiltrated the congregation. And within one year, they had given us no other choice but to leave. They had taken preeminence. They had sown discord and divided the assembly, as they had done previously in all the other works they had hijacked. Wolves in sheep's clothing. Diotrephic spirits who had snuck in through the window. Concealing their ambition through social media, their loyalists, and brief acquaintances. Sharing deceiving pictures and articles that were simply not so. And in the following months and years, more than half of the members awakened from the abuse and left. Eventually, these evil workers returned to their homeland, speaking and writing of their victimhood. Slandering us with all sorts of malicious words, trying to diminish the integrity of our efforts. Accusing us of everything they are in fact guilty of. And trying to masquerade the work they destroyed as being righteous. So sad, the pride of men.

But the love of Christ remained triumphant; God took us away from a congregation that had lost her lampstand. He, in turn, made us His EastCoast church of Christ, a healthy and growing church, since removed from the elements of evil that had kept us shackled in abuse. We are fruitful. We are hospitable. We are welcoming. Doctrinally upright. Sound. Balanced. Forgiveness and unity. Compassion and benevolence. We have a good repute in the community. We’ve seen baptisms, renewals, and individual growth. All without any parking lot, large building, and sign at the end of the road. What devils tried to destroy only grew stronger. Contact any of members at any time and hear firsthand their experience.

The deceivers will convince some, as is always the case. They will speak of their victory while living as colossal failures. They can lie to themselves and lie to the weak, but we know better, and so does God. They will persuade some to believe the work they left behind was not what it was. But one Day when the sky opens, justice will come.

There are over 50 witnesses and growing. Though Diotrephes has not permitted our case to be heard, some will seek to hear it (REPORT). And with fervent prayer and repentant hearts, God can build bridges and cultivate reunions. All to His Glory. All to His praise. All to His good pleasure.

If this sounds familiar to you, if you’ve gone through similar, congratulations, you’re now blessed with discernment. Faithful saints can know the difference and will love you and heal you. The EastCoast body of Christ is a testament to what happens in a community when good prevails.

Thank you for your kind attention,
your servant,
SM