CORRESPONDENCE THROUGH APRIL 2001

CORRESPONDENCE THROUGH MAY 2001

CORRESPONDENCE THROUGH JUNE 2001

To: Ken Massey, Helen Furtan Cc: "Robert Magowan, Robert Williston, Bruce Murdoch, Marg Magowan, Don Galloway, Walter Holt, Brian & Janet Modra, Terry Barnett-Barnato

Subject: Just a quick note

Date: Mon, 2 Jul 2001

We got back from Orsa about 12:30 PM last night - to find that we had had a visit from a thief while we were gone. 3 computers including one server were gone. You can guess what I have been busy with today!!! The worst of it is I am nearly 100% sure we know who it was and that makes it even more unpleasant.

It was a convention of paradoxes as far as I was concerned - some very very good things and some very very discouraging things. Our daughter Ellen made her choice in a tested meeting which was a real joy as we feel that even if she is quite young she has thought about it since her friend (one of the Low children) made her choice last year) I also was glad to feel that we did have the privilege of hearing the Lords voice speaking to us while the different workers and friends spoke. I felt the workers all did put a very special effort into making it a good convention - and it was. I am glad that we went. However most of the brothers (with en exception of one or two) made very obvious maneuvers to avoid speaking to me and managed to keep it under the 4 words a day that is the minimum to be in the same place for a complete a day (including washing dishes together)!! Dale was one of the nicer ones!! No one made an effort to visit with me about anything. Apparently Eldon had told Mireille he had nearly given up on me!!! I think I heard we were 104 all together.

One thought mentioned at convention was about how Josef managed to keep his spirit right without the privilege of being understood by his brethren - he was able to do his best in the place he found himself, in spite of knowing that 'his brother's spoke and thought very bad things about him - they despised him well beyond to the limit of decency. Even as mean and ugly as they were to him they were still his brothers and he never forgot that - and he never forgot to keep his sheaf upright. He did not forsake them - they forsook him. We at least have the privilege of not being alone as he was and are able to share our distress with each other.

We appreciated Brian and Janet with their 3 little girls coming over from Finland - They came Saturday in time for the second meeting and so did a lot of travel for the 4 meetings (approx 17 hours each way) they were able to be at. But I do think they felt it was worth it and it meant a lot to a number of us.

Will sign off for now but will get a better letter off when I get my system up and running full blast again.

Edgar

7021

Mon, 2 Jul 2001

Dear Edgar,

Sorry to hear about your break in and theft. Your mother and dad called earlier today and said that you had a confession from the kid who did it. That should help improve a bad situation.

It seems that your experiences at convention were a mixed bag, so to speak. I guess that was to be expected, although you know what they say about hindsight. At least you are finding out who your true friends are, and who really care for your salvation rather than their own place on earth. Fred Alder (a Lethbridge friend) said this about Margaret, and it certainly is true. (I do understand that some feel they are trapped by circumstances so that they can take no other stand) I went to Devon convention in Montana, and found it a mixed bag also, but more positive experiences than otherwise. Elders in that state seem to have more backbone than those in western Canada. I met a few who had held an elder's meeting to ensure that Everett Swanson could get to Charlie Preston's funeral. One of these mentioned that he would come to a similar meeting in Canada if it could be helpful. However a man who lives in Canada said "There are no elders in Alberta". He has a point now that several have given up their meeting so as not to have to forbid someone entrance into their meeting. These are some who are most likely to take a stand for righteousness, yet there are others who have said that they would not forbid anyone from coming to their meeting. Perhaps we just need to get those together. I personally feel that an elder is anyone who has enough experience to be able to give righteous judgement. I do not feel that some of the novices who have been appointed elders really qualify. (I realize that when I was first given a meeting in my home it was more because of convenience, and later on, necessity than because I qualified.) Also I believe that the term "elder" as used in both the old and new testaments has the meaning as I described above.

The enemy uses a system of divide and conquer whenever he can. My series of letters MAY help people to get together to oppose a wrong trend in our fellowship. Certainly those implementing this trend seem to be united world-wide. I am wondering if you received any sympathetic understanding from other friends at convention. If you alone are in opposition to the established hierarchy in Europe you are going to be swamped by their power. By the way I noticed how Eldon tried to break up your family's unity by telling Mirelle how he had almost given up on you. Sneaky!!!!! Another divide and conquer. Perhaps some of us over here should let him know what we think of this kind of tactics.

Anyway these are some rambling thoughts that have come to me late at night. It will soon be early enough there for you to read them, so I will quit and send this.

UB (My uncle Bob)

7022

From: Brian & Janet Modra

To: Edgar Massey Cc: Helen Furtan; Ken Massey; Walter Holt; Don Galloway; Marg Magowan; Bruce Murdoch; Robert Williston; Robert Magowan

Date: Tue, 3 Jul 2001

Edgar,

I do not know any of those on the CC list, though I've e-mailed Bob & Don. I'm doing a reply-all to your's for this reason - just to tell them all that I'm with you Edgar not just behind the scenes, not shrinking from facing the workers with this, and not in any bitterness, not at all. Just to be with Christ. that is all.

Brian

7031

To: Eldon Knudson

Subject: Our time at Orsa

Date: Fri, 6 Jul 2001

Want to get a note off to you to send a thank you for convention at Orsa which we all felt was good. You will be in Finland now and hope you are having good days there. We are glad that Emma was able to be free for Wasa and we do appreciate what you have done to help her in this. We enjoyed a visit from Erik and Ingred Heinesen (sp?) and their three little children yesterday and today. They are slowly making their way back to Denmark after Orsa convention and I believe were planning on a visit with the Skallebergs in Skone later today. Ellen seems happy with the choice she made in Orsa and we pray that the purpose she has in her heart these days will be preserved throughout her life.

I have reread the letter that you sent us just before convention and felt that a couple of points have become questions to me. Much of your letter was directed as personal rebuke to me. I can deal with this, and I do have a certain understanding for your feelings in this way. I presume that time will prove the rights and wrongs of the things said and written, and pray that we will all find the grace to bow to truth as it is revealed to us. However it would seem there are some things that cannot be so easily written off as simply personality differences between us, or as personality flaws in my character and spirit as you suggested.

I was a little surprised that you would question the need of workers living in poverty, as I have always considered that as one of the significant parts in the order of our faith. You said that you didn't find scripture to back up the need of this - The first part of the following scripture was mentioned helpfully a number of times at convention and it would seem that the continuation of these verses to me has always implied poverty - I don't know what else you can get out of it.

Luke 10:2-4 "Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest. [3] Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves. [4] Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way."

Why has the last part of this portion of scripture suddenly become unimportant in our day and age? I remember distinctly when it was regarded as important amongst us a few years ago.

One other thing I find hard to understand is that you would question the 'testimony' that the appearance of poverty would leave. I hope that that doesn't mean that you (or the friends you spoke of that wanted their support to be evident to onlookers in this way) are ashamed to be in fellowship with some with cheaper looking cars and simple clothing. If the appearance of well being has become an important factor for our 'testimony' it puts a good 'testimony' out of reach to some. Possibly you could have meant that the material standard the workers maintain, reflects on the testimony of love and zeal in the friends. This also seems a rather dangerous doctrine to me.

I of course have no right to demand or even expect an answer to this letter - you can do as you feel best. However these things have evidently become a major concern to a growing number of both workers and friends and I would feel that these things do deserve attention. We have always believed that the blessing of our father in heaven is dependent on our willingness to keep rightness as an important issue in our fellowship.

All for now

Edgar

I will enclose a copy of the letter (in its entirety) that you wrote to me.

2001-06-20

Dear Edgar and Mireille

You are no doubt looking for a reply to your last letter. First I will say I am very sorry you feel you need to once again air your complaints in this manner. We have tried to talk to you and others have written giving you good advice of how to find peace in your heart. Much good advice was given to you in the letter that Johan wrote to you, but you see fit only to send one portion of his letter to many others. You mention your concerns, and we have talked to you about some of them, and I have done a lot of searching in my own life, and find there are some things I could be more careful with.

As Johan told you, constructive criticism can be helpful but you have gone far beyond that. However, I do wonder, Edgar, if you had continued in the work and had the present day situations and responsibilities to deal with, that fall on workers today, if you could have or would have made decisions differently! I know that some of the things you criticize us of, we discussed in your home some years ago, when decisions had to be made of how best to meet the situations as they came upon us.

Through the years I have tried to consider you and your family with visits etc., and you have been given much help from the time that you left the work, help of those who have continued in the work. But perhaps this is our 'thanks' for that now.

You bring up about Terry in nearly every letter. This was dealt with, and there was the one point I had been misinformed about, and had mentioned to others, and I have asked for forgiveness for this. When she was in the work, she and her sister were given many privileges and favours, and much was done to make it possible for them to be in Sweden and to secure citizenship etc., but again, maybe this is the 'thanks' I get for it now. We know how dangerous it is to set one person high on a pedestal, as we can be so mesmerized by them, that we fail to see some of the errors they make, and blindly follow along with them.

As far as referring to us as being like Pilate, like the counsel that condemned Jesus to death, etc. etc., we are still the servants of the God of Heaven, and He will in due time take vengeance as He sees fit, if there is not a humble repentance shown. Yes, we all stand under the judgement of God. I have often prayed for you that you would not go so far as to blaspheme the work of the Holy Spirit, in your statements about the workers.

I am not about to try to justify or condemn you or anyone else, but I have searched your letters to see what the root is, that is causing you such distress. I am convinced that it is either wanting to have your name spread far and wide, or envious and jealous or a despising for me, as nearly all the things you mention reflect on me.

Yes Edgar I can remember times when the homes of the Sunday morning meeting, were homes where you could come and feel the peace of God there, where one could feel welcome and where God's people could meet and break bread together, in harmony and unity. I remember those who had the meetings in their home, took time to visit those unable for meetings, and encouraged and stood by the workers that gave their lives to carry the Gospel to others.

Yes, I am glad there are still homes like that today, and where the children in the home learn to love the meetings, the friends and workers. I am glad that I was raised in a home where I never did hear the workers being criticized thought workers then were not perfect either, but laying down their lives in a sacrifice of love for God's will and way for their lives.

I am thankful there are workers today going the same way Jesus sent His disciples, going in faith, and able to face, as Paul said, a lack of abundance, when it comes to the natural needs and requirements. We have learned as workers, that we are responsible for how we use what has been given to us, but I do want to make changes where necessary to please our Heavenly Father. I do not for one minute say that I have always been wise and made the right decisions in using what has been given to us, but I do want to make changes where necessary, and be able to be like is written of Daniel, "neither was there any error or fault found in him" .I have not attained this as yet, but strive to do so. I do not seem to find where it says that the workers are to live in poverty! We are trying to follow Jesus example of living by faith, and not laying up treasure for ourselves, but wanting to deny ourselves and take up our cross and follow Him. What kind of testimony is it to our friends if we live in rags and drive wrecks! Some of our friends have talked to me about that, and want people to know that they love and support this work!

Oh how I would like to see a letter from you finding some good in some, (I am sure there is some good in most workers and friends) rather that digging into the mistakes and weaknesses of us all, and condemning us as only ungodly people. This is what destroys fellowship, and maybe that is what you want to do, to destroy us. You may succeed in destroying some, but the result will be in you destroying your family and yourself.

I hope I am wrong in some of the observations I have made, but in letters from the different ones, asking who this man Edgar is, people who have received your letters that do no even know you, asking if he is in fellowship with us, or does he go to meetings etc. make me understand the spirit of the letters were not guided by the spirit of God. Oh yes, a person could write many things but I do not feel this is the way to resolve any differences, as most often it is misconstrued or misunderstood, as maybe even this letter will be, but it is still written in concern for you and your family and your future in the Kingdom of God. I do hope and pray that peace could be restored amongst us so there could be the desired fellowship in the Spirit that is so vital to be able to continue and reach the goal of eternity with our Master. I am sorry to have to write some of these things, but hope you can understand I am concerned about your spiritual welfare, for you and your family. I hope we can all come to convention in the right spirit, wanting to again sit at the feet of Jesus and learn of Him. Conventions have proved to be a time of help and healing in the past, and can be just this for us now, if we come in a humble, quite spirit.

Greetings. Eldon

7061

Thu, 12 Jul 2001

To: Larry Stevens

A number of us have become worried that following the example of Christ seems to have become of lesser importance than the administrative principles that have developed in our fellowship. This has led to a growing number of very unChristlike episodes initiated by senior workers that seem to threaten much of the good spirit that we have learned to value and have believed was part of truth. (Expulsions, forced displacements, evil speakings, systematic concealment of truth, - etc. etc. etc ). The question of financial structure isn't perhaps the most important of these issues as far as I am concerned, but it does prove an undisputable shift in basic principle amongst workers. I will enclose a recent letter from Eldon that in few words proves this to me - and I am well aware that this isn't something that Eldon is at all unique in believing - it has recently become generally accepted doctrine amongst senior workers in many many, many, many fields.

Here is a copy of the letter (No. 7061 above) that he wrote to me. I have marked the parts that I am referring to.

Edgar

7121

Wed, 18 Jul 2001

To: Dale Shultz Cc: Eldon Knudson; Dale Shultz; Martin Johnsson; Larry Stevens; Steve Sorenson; Jim Atcheson; Merlin Affleck; Lars Lund; Erik Lund

A number of stories in the Bible have become living to me this last while. One is the story of a very major political change in the lives of the Children of Israel. A powerful King 'took over' the leadership of the 'fellowship' that the Lord had brought his people into a number of years before. This king had some very Godly people assisting him and it seems for a while that the 'take over' was successful - even prosperous. But as time went by, those representing this political system began to feel that it needed not only respect, but also had the need and the right to demand 'reverence' as if it where a god. Reverence not so much for individuals, but for a symbol of the leadership system they had created.

The Godly men that this story is about, quietly and diligently did their best to serve the interests of their God and their people, but at the same time in their private lives proved that their 'reverence' was reserved ONLY for the God in heaven that they served. The political climate turned ugly, and before long the system threatened to punish lack of reverence with one of the cruellest kinds banishment available.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego freely choose this banishment to the fiery furnace rather than to bow to, and worship a system that was claiming to be equal to God. For a moment it could have seemed that their influence had been put out of the way but fortunately the Lord proved this to be untrue and made restoration possible.

The proof of where the Lord had placed his blessing was in the purity of the garments and lives of the 'banished' and the unquestionable fact that the son of God was amongst them. Even this ungodly king was honest enough to recognize this fact, and as it was revealed to him, to do his best to put things right again.

I am very thankful the Lord has given me the wonderful privilege of a look into the fiery furnace to see the miracle of purity of spirit and motive of the banished - as well as the indescribable beauty of the Son of God in the midst of it all. The smell is not at all of fire, but of the spirit of our father in heaven.

Edgar Massey

7181

Fri, 20 Jul 2001

Marg, you asked about the story behind Terry Barnato.

I have thought a bit about how to describe this and have decided that the only way to do the story justice is to go back a quite a number of years and start from when her mom and dad first felt the moving of the spirit of God in their lives. This is at least how I understand the story.

The Barnato family of mom, dad, 6 girls and 1 boy grew up with simple means in different areas in South Africa and apparently moved frequently as work and business opportunities both developed and faded. Thus the 7 children grew up without much as far as roots in geography or in any kind of the ordinary possession related values - it seems to me that this has instilled a basic freedom from material concerns that has served them all very well in much of the turbulence that they have been exposed to these recent years. In the early 70s one of the friends in the area where they where living at that time, succeeded in taking them to gospel meetings, by their own description, mostly because they have always have had difficulty in saying 'no' to people who mean well.

Because of this, they attended meetings for a considerable length of time and during this time, sitting in the meetings seemed to give them time they needed to think about, and develop a relationship with their Father in heaven. Eventually they made the choice to give their children into the care of the God of heaven. At that time, this was the choice that they felt the Lord had asked them to make, they have said.

They put their whole hearts into this choice and as their children grew up, this was instilled in them beautifully - that their lives were to be given in service to God alone - not for themselves and definitely to no other creation of man. This of course set them apart and did not go unnoticed either in the world or amongst workers and friends.

I think that you will understand Marg, how it would be that four of them had their offer for the work in their home fields rejected, obviously because of a perceived inbuilt non-loyalty to the administrative system the work has unfortunately developed a demand for 100% loyalty to. They had all developed an extreme non-bitterness, non-combatant, very pacifist spirit and thus it seemed natural for Terry and Alexandra to come to Sweden to get a job and then to offer for the work here. They both went out in the work 1993 and filled very, very appreciated places in the work here - at least amongst the friends. We amongst others, had the privilege of them both in our field with different companions and at different times. We never thought about at the time but looking back on it all now we can see evidence that their 100% loyalty to only God, did present a problem for the work even then - for instance when they were home on a home visit for a year after 6 years here in Sweden, they were not regarded as workers by the staff in South Africa and were on no lists or such. Even at convention they were not on any speakers list until an older brother from Holland told the workers there 'either put their names on the speakers list or take mine off!' Of course this never seemed to bother them but it made me furious when I heard it.

The story of Grant and Caryn going to south America was apparently similar. We have only briefly met Caryn as she was home in South Africa when we there in 1999. Seemingly they too, were extremely appreciated and admired by the friends in each of the fields they worked in. A year ago or so they apparently felt moved to together in a visit with the older brother (Dwain Hopkins) to express some concerns they had about some tendencies that worried them in the work. Knowing Caryn, who is about the mildest and most gentle person I have ever met, I have absolutely no doubt that this was done in the kindest and purest of spirits. In any case, after this meeting they both seemed to be declared not-wanted. And meetings and visits were held to warn friends and workers of the evil spirit the Barnatos possessed, and everyone was obviously instructed to freeze them out as effectively as possible.

Which has been done. Caryn teaches English in an English school in Argentina and goes faithfully to Sunday meetings where no one hardly dares to speak to her. We correspond with her occasionally and she has an extremely wonderful spirit, but of course, is pained by this treatment where she is evidently feels quite alone. (A minor thing for instance - when the latest address book came out her name had been removed!!) Her brother Grant has poorer health and has returned to South Africa. I have never met him but only heard very good things about him from those I respect. I unfortunately don't know so much of his story.

Alex was moved from Sweden to Italy a year ago and seems to love it in the work there. We hope to see her at the convention at Carema in northern Italy in a couple of weeks. She is an amazing person just thinking of the beautiful spirit that she is able to retain, and spirit of service she has, in spite of the extreme cruelty that the work has shown her family (even to her). We appreciate her position to all these things and admire her very much.

Terry had come under fairly violent personal fire at convention and a workers meeting last year, and decided in November in true Barnato peacemaking fashion, to leave the work to continue her service to God in another form. When she made this choice known to Eldon, for some strange reason (likely because of a letter from Dwain Hopkins), he decided to hold meetings throughout Finland and Sweden to inform friends and workers of the extreme evil tendencies in Terry and the need of isolating her because of the evil things her father had taught her. When we heard about this of course we were furious again - but fortunately one of the elders in Stockholm took it upon himself to call a meeting between Eldon and Steve and Terry and I to find out what was going on.

In that meeting, where I had the privilege of being present, Eldon apologized to Terry and said he had made a bad mistake in doing these things. Actually he very admirably went around and put things right with the different ones he had spoken to before. We appreciate him very much for this as this is an extremely rare virtue in responsible workers.

Since then you already know of some of the turmoil we have been involved in. We appreciate having Terry in our area now and would guess that her position has a number of similarities with yours. Now that I have read through this account I see quite a number similarities - We have to remember that persecution has always been an ingredient in the lives of those serving Christ. And like it says in Matthew it is something to be thankful for, as there is blessing in it, or as the Swedish expresses it, even 'peace and happiness' in persecution.

This has got long but it has been good for me to put it together.

Your cuz Edgar

7201

Fr: Harold Hilton

Skickat: den 20 juli 2001 17:11

Re: Regarding Marg Magowans expulsion from the work in western Canada

Dear Edgar,

Please do not send me anymore emails. Thank you for your consideration.

Your brother, Harold H.

7202

Fri, 20 Jul 2001

To: Harold Hilton Cc: Jim Atcheson, Merlin Affleck, Dale Shultz, Bernard Hall, Kieth Olsen, Lloyd Kneesch

As long as your name is on the workers list I believe we have the right to expect willingness to take as stand for truth in matters regarding our fellowship. Asking for my 'consideration' so that you can avoid taking a stand for the beaten traveler lying on the side of the road is hardly what would seem to be in line with the spirit of Christ that I have understood you profess to be seeking to proclaim in this world. I doubt if these problems will go a way because you have asked me for the privilege of not being disturbed in your rest.

Edgar Massey

7203

Subject: Stockholm convention 2001 for the Masseys in Sweden

Mon, 23 Jul 2001

To: Helen Furtan Cc: Ken Massey, Doug & Joan Beech, Jim Massey, Robert Magowan, Robert Williston, Bruce Murdoch, Don Galloway, Marg Magowan, Walter Holt, Jim Atcheson, Merlin Affleck, Dale Shultz

Convention in Stockholm 2001 was different for my family in a number of different way - to say the least. We went in 3 different shifts for one thing. Mireille had asked Eldon early in the year about the possibility of Rebecka going to help with preps somewhere which had seemed possible then, but when seemed to have been forgotten Emma said that she and Rebecka would take the 5 hour bus ride to Stockholm for the four days - we had been at Orsa for the full convention (Emma had been at Waasa in Finland) The plan was that Alfons and I would go up just for Sunday and they could come back with us. With a family we sometimes find it is nice to something with just the children 'one on one' and Alfons had looked forward to this day with me where we would have breakfast, just the 2 of us, at McDonalds on the way up and then a good day together.

Terry was going for Saturday and Sunday and asked Ellen if she would spend the night with her and then they would go up on Saturday morning together - also a very big thing for a 9 year old who had just professed at Orsa this year.

Mireille said she would stay at home with the youngest 2.

All went well we thought, and we enjoyed our day, until just as we to be returning home in the evening Eldon came to me at the super table and said he wanted a visit with me after super. I said OK and asked him I would find him. He said just look around you will find me. When I started looking noticed in the bustle of the going home time of convention I finally noticed that he, Larry, Martin and Steve where standing just outside the dinning room watching the door waiting for me to come out.

To make a long story short, they told me that by unanimous decision they had decided that because of my critical attitude there would be no meeting in our home with the emblems anymore and we were referred to the Lows in Gothenburg instead - puzzling to me as they then went on to say first that the Lows had said they 'Would not have fellowship with us' - when I went to get Beryl to get it straight it was changed to be that they had said they 'Couldn't have fellowship with us' - and then finally put more mildly to just say that they were just dissatisfied with our fellowship with them the last 6 months and had got nothing spiritual out of it.

Needless to say this doesn't make us feel wanted.

I have been criticized for it, but felt I would like the workers to say this themselves to our children - and to Terry who has come to us for our meetings. As you will know this isn't to easy to gather children in the last minute turmoil of the goodbyes - especially when this meeting with us (with the 'high feelings' quite evident on a number of us) had definitely not gone unnoticed amongst the others as they were leaving. Emma broke down and ran to the sleeping quarters - Rebecka also started crying. Fortunately Ellen wasn't aware the consequences of it all and just said 'What should I do? - getting no answer.

I asked them to phone Mireille so that she could hear this from them as she was evidently part of the sanction - She waited on their phone call a couple of hours and then decided to call Eldon herself. Needless to say even when we finally arrived home at 1:30 none of us have slept much. I guess this is part of our testimony and we will remember it. I do not of course contest that I have had some very serious criticism of some things that workers have said and done and at this moment at least, still cannot see the rightness of these things the workers have been so anxious to support.

At this point at least we feel we will try and do what we can by having our little meetings with our family on our own, unless any one else feels moved to be with us. Emma is living in Gothenburg so will make her own choice on this matter - we of course feel for her as she at the moment is devastated.

We are of course very, very disappointed in what yesterday turned out to be behind the smiles of those that had claimed to love us. I have told my family we must quickly come to terms with this rejection and must pray that the Lord will give us grace to put our all into serving God in the capacity that is now available to us.

Edgar Massey

7231

Fr: Edgar Massey

Skickat:den 23 juli 2001

Till: Eldon Knudson Kopia: Dale Shultz; Steve Sorenson; Larry Stevens; Merlin Affleck; Jim Atcheson; Mary Roper; Martin Johnsson; Audry Lawrence; Annika Ivarsson; Christian Ivarsson; Beryl Low

Eldon, in our visit yesterday you accused me very violently before the convention yard group for telling a 'bunch of lies' about Martin. Martin of course was also very angry as well. Is this following paragraph what you are referring to? I have checked with Alex and she seems to feel she was given no other option at the time - but is of course not complaining which I have never even implied. As far as I can see this is the only reference I have made to Martin in all my correspondence. In my mind calling this 'a bunch of lies' proves more the spirit of the speaker than the truth content in what was written.

Quote from an email written to Erik Lund and Christian: 2001-04-26: Emma just returned from a 10 day trip to Italy where she spent a week with Alex at special meetings time there. Alex seems to love it in Italy now after being forced to leave Sweden. Being a sister worker has its drawbacks as far as taking blame for situations. You will notice Martin was given a trip to Kazakhstan for his part in the tangle. I can understand why you and a number of others feel it best to admonish me to keep silent and trust that all is in Gods hands. End Quote

7232

Subject: About the accusation of telling a bunch of lies

Mon, 23 Jul 2001           From: Edgar Massey

To: Eldon Knudson, Martin Johnsson, Beryl Low Cc: "Larry Stevens, Lars Lund, Erik Lund, Audry Lawrence, Annika Ivarsson, Christian Ivarsson, Steve Sorenson

I was just reminded that Alex at that time was offered one other option and that was to return to South Africa. It would seem that your violent accusations toward me on the convention ground yard in front of the friends there wasn't entirely true.

7233

Subject: Before leaving for Italy

Tue, 24 Jul 2001

From: Edgar Massey

To: Helen Furtan Cc: Jim Atcheson, Dale Shultz, Merlin Affleck, Eldon Knudson, Martin Johnsson, Larry Stevens, Steve Sorenson, Lars Lund, Erik Lund, Annika Ivarsson, Christian Ivarsson, Audry Lawrence.

We have been extremely thankful for the feelings the Lord has put into our hearts today after the difficulties of yesterday and the day before. At this moment at least, feeling sorry for ourselves is a bit of a troublesome task as the Lord seems to have put so many good things in our mailbox, through the phone and most of all in our minds and hearts these days proving the miracle of his provision is a gift even to us in our circumstances. Gives me a bit of a bad conscience for some of the ugly thoughts I have entertained. The next step of the way is the worry, but I suppose the solution to this is mostly faith in the Lord’s ability to direct both the future and our lives in it all. He hasn't promised vision farther than just to place our foot on the path in front of us. We can trust each step beyond this in his care, knowing he is planning good things for us.

I have spent a good part of the day today in admiration and respect for those like the Galloways in Alberta that went through this development at a much earlier stage when they had to go through it pretty much alone. We have had every support possible and are extremely thankful for it. I talked to my mom and dad and mentioned this thought to them and mom said 'I remember when I heard about the Galloways and only reacted by thinking in my heart - "Oh that’s too bad". How could we be so cold?

Dad and I spoke about the time when he came from Ireland to Canada after being convicted to follow Christ with his whole heart. He knew of no one else in Western Canada but was determined to serve God with those who wished to do so of his family. They had their meetings together, just as we plan to do, and sought in their own way to do what was right until God opened up a further avenue of fellowship when a homeless and poor ministry following the true Christ, was sent to aid them in the service they had committed their lives to.

Will let this be all for this evening- We plan on leaving for Italy tomorrow and look forward to seeing Alex Barnato who is in the work there. We plan to be away a couple of weeks.

Yours in Him, Edgar

7241

CORRESPONDENCE THROUGH AUGUST 2001

INDEX