Doug Batchelor Responds Options

[Observer]

I have sent a number of denominational leaders, and others involved in this Amazing Facts/3-ABN merger A series of questions. All received the same 12 questions. One received 13 questions. All were given an e-mail address to which they could respond to me. Slight changes in wording were made based upon the person to whom I was sending the e-mail. e.g. In the one to Danny Shelton, I asked if Doug Batchelor was going to be President. I worded it slightly different in the one to Elder Batchelor.

Here is the what I sent Elder Batchelor. I will shortly post his response:

Date: April 21, 2007

To: Elder Doug Batchelor

The April 19 announcement of a merger of Amazing Facts, and 3-ABN has been described as the most important SDA media announcement ever made. It has aroused intense interest among the supporters of both ministries. In some aspects, that announcement has confused people.

In the interest of clarifying this situation I would appreciate it if you could respond to the questions that follow. Be aware, however, these questions, and your response to them, will be published on the Internet as that is where the most immediate interest has been generated. In the interest of accuracy, I will post your response exactly as written by you. I believe that it is important that people have accurate information which comes from informed people, who can speak with authority. In this issue, you are certainly such.

Please place your responses following the questions.

1) In the corporate world, the word “merger” has specific connotations which involve changes in corporate structure and governmental registration. Typically, it will involve one or more independent corporate entities uniting into one corporate organization. Will this merger between 3-ABN and Amazing Facts result in one combined corporate organization so registered with the appropriate governmental agencies, or will 3-ABN and Amazing Facts continue as independently registered corporate bodies?


2) It is understood that 3-ABN and Amazing Facts are going to be governed by one united Board. Is this understanding accurate? If it is so, how are the members of that Board going to be selected?


3) Both Amazing Facts and 3-ABN have attempted to establish some a relationship with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, while remaining some degree of independence. It is thought by many that Amazing Facts has a closer relationship with the denomination than does 3-ABN, and that 3-ABN is more independent than is Amazing Facts. With this merger, how are those relationships to the SDA church expected to change?


4) Many understand 3-ABN as claiming to proclaim the “undiluted SDA gospel” in a manner that has not been done by any other SDA media. Is this merger going to effect any changes in the message proclaimed by Amazing Facts and 3-ABN? In other words, can we expect that either Amazing Facts will now begin to proclaim an undiluted SDA gospel, or that 3-ABN will now begin to proclaim a diluted gospel? While my question may seem trite, it is being asked by sincere people.


5) Informed sources close to this merger have told me that it is expected that you will become the President of this new organization, while other informed sources have told me that a decision on this has not been made. Do you expect to become the President of this organization?


6) I have also been given conflicting information in regard to the role that Danny Shelton will play in this new organization. What do you expect that his role will be in this new organization?


7) Do you expect that any major personnel changes will be made in either Amazing Facts or 3-ABN as a result of this merger? Will current employees, who are not members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, continue to be employed in their present role?


8) Is it expected that all employees of both organizations will transfer to a denominational pay and benefits schedule?


9) Can we expect that both organizations will be regularly audited according to the standards of the denomination?


10) Not-for-profit organizations have ethical and legal responsibilities in regard to the release of financial information to the public. Can we expect that this information will be made freely available to the public?


11) Corporate mergers always involve the assumption of responsibility by each organization for the actions of the other organization. What risks does Amazing Facts assume for past and future actions of 3-ABN? Conversely, what risks does 3-ABN assume for past and future actions of Amazing Facts?


12) Some believe that a benefit to Amazing Facts will be access to a fully equipped production studio, and a benefit to 3-ABN will be increased respectability due to a relationship with Amazing Facts. No benefit is seen to be in a reduced work-force. Others believe that Amazing Facts has much to gain due to an increased audience. What do you believe to be the benefits to each organization?



I appreciate the time that you will expend in responding to my questions. This merger is of great interest to Seventh-day Adventists. The responses made to these questions will be very helpful and informative.

If you do not believe that you can respond to these questions, or if you need some extended time to do so, I would appreciate a response to that effect.

Gregory Matthews

I have sent a number of denominational leaders, and others involved in this Amazing Facts/3-ABN merger A series of questions. All received the same 12 questions. One received 13 questions. All were given an e-mail address to which they could respond to me. Slight changes in wording were made based upon the person to whom I was sending the e-mail. e.g. In the one to Danny Shelton, I asked if Doug Batchelor was going to be President. I worded it slightly different in the one to Elder Batchelor.

Here is the what I sent Elder Batchelor. I will shortly post his response:

Here is the response:

Gregory,

Here is a response from Pastor Batchelor. I know they are working hard on getting the most accurate answers for the many questions.
Thank yo for your e-mail.

Blessings,
Pastor Harold White



-----Original Message-----
From: [e-mail address deleted as it was a private one.]
Sent: Sat, April 21, 2007 6:50 pm
To: Harold White
Subject: Answer for Common questions




Dear friend,
As expected, the historic announcement regarding plans to unite the ministries of Amazing Facts and 3ABN has generated a phenomenal response.
E-mails expressing support and praise to God have been pouring in. The miraculous, providential and rapid leading of God in this event has taken everyone by surprise.
"… and all the people rejoiced that God had prepared the people, since the events took place so suddenly" (2 Chr 29:36).
Naturally this exciting news has also raised many questions.
In response, Amazing Facts and 3ABN are working to provide a series of answers to many of the most common questions.
Because of the colossal, dynamic nature of this partnership, many organizational details still remain to be addressed. So we do not have all the answers at this point in time. Please continue checking the website for fresh updates and information as this incredible development unfolds.
Thank you again for your words of support and encouragement and please continue to pray that God will mightily bless this united effort to proclaim the good news!

This post has been edited by Observer: Apr 22 2007, 03:11 PM

[PeacefulBe]

Gregory,

Great questions!

I read Doug Batchelor's response with great interest and was surprised by one of his statements. There are those who have said this merger has been in the works for quite some time and yet DB says:

The miraculous, providential and rapid leading of God in this event has taken everyone by surprise.
"… and all the people rejoiced that God had prepared the people, since the events took place so suddenly" (2 Chr 29:36).

That took me by surprise. Once again, answers that have been given regarding this merger are not matching up with statements by those directly involved in the merger which just causes more confusion about the actual facts of this merger. Who are we to believe?

This post has been edited by PeacefullyBewildered: Apr 22 2007, 04:05 PM

[Observer]

Gregory,

Great questions!

I read Doug Batchelor's response with great interest and was surprised by one of his statements. There are those who have said this merger has been in the works for quite some time and yet DB says:

The miraculous, providential and rapid leading of God in this event has taken everyone by surprise.
"… and all the people rejoiced that God had prepared the people, since the events took place so suddenly" (2 Chr 29:36).

That took me by surprise. Once again, answers that have been given regarding this merger are not matching up with statements by those directly involved in the merger which just causes more confusion about the actual facts of this merger. Who are we to believe?

In the last 72 hours, or less, I have been given information by pepole who can be considered as having knowledge, which conflicts with other information that I am getting from other people who may be expected to have knowledge.

So, I can only say: This is a developing situation. People who think that they know, may not. We are going to have to wait to see.

This post has been edited by Observer: Apr 22 2007, 04:40 PM

[mozart]

tomatoe-rosie55-stepphen-swarzteneger-tina turner-bruce-picasso-
i find it truly facinating that doug and danny have such close friends in these forums. ppl that know them so well that they know things about what is happening that doug and danny don't even know. they are such good friends with them that D & D have confided things to them that they haven't even told their immediate staff members yet and not only that, but they trust them so much, they give them carte blanche to post all that enlightening knowledge in these forums. it's just amazing isn't it?

one more thing i find truly facinating is these "know it alls" don't act Christian at all. they are sarcastic and demeaning and insulting to anyone they disagree with and they love to accuse us of extremely hateful, revengeful behavior. they love to keep repeating that we want to destroy this or that or him or her and no matter how many times we tell them otherwise they keep repeating themselves. it's just truly facinating that these are people that D & D know so well.

This post has been edited by mozart: Apr 24 2007, 02:25 AM

[george]

In the last 72 hours, or less, I have been given information by pepole who can be considered as having knowledge, which conflicts with other information that I am getting from other people who may be expected to have knowledge.

So, I can only say: This is a developing situation. People who think that they know, may not. We are going to have to wait to see.

A source inside Amazing Facts said DB will become president of the new organization.

[Aletheia]

In the last 72 hours, or less, I have been given information by pepole who can be considered as having knowledge, which conflicts with other information that I am getting from other people who may be expected to have knowledge.

So, I can only say: This is a developing situation. People who think that they know, may not. We are going to have to wait to see.

Here's an idea for all. Why don't we just go by what was publically announced on the live, and announced in the press releases on both 3ABN and the Amazing facts websites, and also in the interview with Danny, as none of that is contradictory. Listen to any repeating those same exact things, discount those who are not, and then wait on further announcements, while refusing to surmise or theorize or rush to any judgments which may be proven false, as further developments and actions are made known?

This post has been edited by Aletheia: Apr 25 2007, 07:11 AM

[Aletheia]

Gregory,

Great questions!

I read Doug Batchelor's response with great interest and was surprised by one of his statements. There are those who have said this merger has been in the works for quite some time and yet DB says:

The miraculous, providential and rapid leading of God in this event has taken everyone by surprise.
"… and all the people rejoiced that God had prepared the people, since the events took place so suddenly" (2 Chr 29:36).

That took me by surprise. Once again, answers that have been given regarding this merger are not matching up with statements by those directly involved in the merger which just causes more confusion about the actual facts of this merger. Who are we to believe?

Why don't you just accept the explanation given by both D.S. and D.B. on the live? That is ,that Danny had approached Doug several times and even talked to others, and had even told Doug, why don't you be president, (subject to the vote of the board of cours)but Doug didn't feel that the timing was right, and when the merge discussion came together it did so quickly, they had a meeting on Monday and by Thursday, both boards had voted on it unanimously, and they were announcing it on 3ABN LIVE? that certainly doesn't contradict your quote above, does it?

And then let us practice patience:

DB wrote:
"Naturally this exciting news has also raised many questions.
In response, Amazing Facts and 3ABN are working to provide a series of answers to many of the most common questions.
Because of the colossal, dynamic nature of this partnership, many organizational details still remain to be addressed. So we do not have all the answers at this point in time. Please continue checking the website for fresh updates and information as this incredible development unfolds."

This post has been edited by Aletheia: Apr 25 2007, 07:22 AM

[Observer]

Why don't you just accept the explanation given by both D.S. and D.B. on the live? That is ,that Danny had approached Doug several times and even talked to others, and had even told Doug, why don't you be president, (subject to the vote of the board of cours)but Doug didn't feel that the timing was right, and when the merge discussion came together it did so quickly, they had a meeting on Monday and by Thursday, both boards had voted on it unanimously, and they were announcing it on 3ABN LIVE? that certainly doesn't contradict your quote above, does it?

And then let us practice patience:

Why are there so many questions?

Very simple, there are many questions because in the corporate world the word "merger" has precise meanings. People who hear it used recognize those meanaings. The reality is that those who use the term "merger," and this applies to people associated with both 3-ABN and Amazing Facts, have not supplied us with the specific answers to the questions that are raised by the use of the term "merger." And in their responses, those who defend 3-ABN are often responding in a manner that reminds one of the term "joint venture," as it is used in the corporate world. Folks, there are major differences between a joint venture and a merger.

Unfortunately, the responses to the questions that are being raised only raise more questions, and further confund the situation. In fact, they often present the planners as having embarked on a voyage of some undefined sort, without full prior planning, and without giving thought to the ramifications of what is being said.

It may very well be true that full prior planning and thought was given to this. But, if that is so, and if the word "merger" is used in its common meaning, then there are answers to the specific questions that are being raised. The fact that those answers are not being given, in a context where it must be assumed that they exist, further confounds this situation.

Folks, in the seccular world, it has long been learned that you go public with full information, before the so-called gossip begins. If you were unable to do that, and the gossip has begun, you respond with full information and facts. This is not being done.

All in all, it appears to me that 3-ABN is behind the power courve in their public relations, and did not learn much from the fiasco that errupted in the manner in which they handled Linda and those associated issues.

Well, when one in a time of crisis fails to learn the lessons that brought the crisis upon them, it can be assumed that those lessons will be repeated again, and again, until the lessons are learned.

[PeacefulBe]

Snip

All in all, it appears to me that 3-ABN is behind the power courve in their public relations, and did not learn much from the fiasco that errupted in the manner in which they handled Linda and those associated issues.
Well, when one in a time of crisis fails to learn the lessons that brought the crisis upon them, it can be assumed that those lessons will be repeated again, and again, until the lessons are learned.

Your entire post put into perspective why many questions were raised by the way that this "merger" was introduced. The 3abn public relations department needs some serious upgrading.

[inga]

Here's an idea for all. Why don't we just go by what was publically announced on the live, and announced in the press releases on both 3ABN and the Amazing facts websites, and also in the interview with Danny, as none of that is contradictory.

Because ...
1) Danny has a history of regularly being careless with the truth. That means that anything he says is suspect.
2) 3ABN has a history of being a mouthpiece for Danny. Thus anything officially announced by 3ABN is equally suspect.
3) Amazing Facts and Doug Batchelor have so far had a clean reputation. But birds of a feather flock together. I am personally leery of official word from Amazing Facts because Doug's secretary, Bonnie Emsinger, replied to my inquiry in a manner that would easily pass as an email from Danny himself -- complete with cover-up and insinuations that were not called for...
d) As Gregory has pointed out, 3ABN and Amazing Facts have not given their constituency the kind of information that can reasonably be expected upon the announcement of a "merger."


This post has been edited by inga: Apr 26 2007, 12:16 PM

[PeacefulBe]

inga,
Any possibility you could share the content of that email with us?

[Seraphim7]

Because ...
1) Danny has a history of regularly being careless with the truth. That means that anything he says is suspect.
2) 3ABN has a history of being a mouthpiece for Danny. Thus anything officially announced by 3ABN is equally suspect.
3) Amazing Facts and Doug Batchelor have so far had a clean reputation. But birds of a feather flock together. I am personally leery of official word from Amazing Facts because Doug's secretary, Bonnie Emsinger, replied to my inquiry in a manner that would easily pass as an email from Danny himself -- complete with cover-up and insinuations that were not called for...
d) As Gregory has pointed out, 3ABN and Amazing Facts have not given their constituency the kind of information that can reasonably be expected upon the announcement of a "merger."

Well said...

[Whtz Happenin]

inga,
Any possibility you could share the content of that email with us?

There are a couple of emails posted at http://www.save3abn.com/news-releases-amaz...pastor-doug.htm

Scroll down to "Many Things on These Internet Websites Are Gossip and Unfounded" to see them. They may or may not be the email that inga referenced.

[Pickle]

Because ...
1) Danny has a history of regularly being careless with the truth. That means that anything he says is suspect.
2) 3ABN has a history of being a mouthpiece for Danny. Thus anything officially announced by 3ABN is equally suspect.
3) Amazing Facts and Doug Batchelor have so far had a clean reputation. But birds of a feather flock together. I am personally leery of official word from Amazing Facts because Doug's secretary, Bonnie Emsinger, replied to my inquiry in a manner that would easily pass as an email from Danny himself -- complete with cover-up and insinuations that were not called for...
d) As Gregory has pointed out, 3ABN and Amazing Facts have not given their constituency the kind of information that can reasonably be expected upon the announcement of a "merger."

I wonder how many of these kind of emails are floating around.

I find it troubling that we now have a situation in which both Danny and Amazing Facts are saying the same thing: The merger will result in both institutions being lay-led by a single board. Of course, the single board is to be expected. But the idea that A-Facts will no longer be a part of the denomination being suggested by both sides suggests that there is a good bit of agreement between Danny and Doug on more issues than we know of.

[inga]

inga,
Any possibility you could share the content of that email with us?

You'll find it below.

It occurs to me that my email is even more applicable now, with the proposed merger, than it was when I wrote it.

Now that I look at it again, Bonnie Ensminger really didn't say much. What I found offensive was her reference to "investigator, judge and jury" and her reference to my "bitterness," which was not called for. It essentially skewed what I wrote into a very different sort of emotional climate. And this same pattern is also typical of Danny Shelton, as is the reference to doing the Lord's work when unpleasant (even amazing) facts are referenced.

When I wrote this, I was very concerned, hoping against hope that my last paragraphs were but a future possibility. I did want to get Doug's attention!

I used a feed-back form on the web site because I could not find any contact information for Doug Batchelor. I clearly indicated that I wished to address Doug, but I believe it's fairly certain that he never got to see my message.

My message is at the bottom, Bonnie's above mine. It is as I received it, with the exception of a few email headers which I deleted and my email address which I deleted as well.

Envelope-to: ****
Delivery-date: Thu, 28 Sep 2006 23:22:58 -0500
Received: from
Subject: MAP
Date: Thu, 28 Sep 2006 21:23:08 -0700
References:
From: "Bonnie Ensminger"
To: *****

Dear Inge:

So many people want to put themself in the role of investigator, jury, judge and executioner. We need to allow the Lord to do what He alone is qualified to do, because He alone is the One aware of the things that are not known to the human mind and ear. I believe that the Lord is capable of putting things in order, even at the "head of the work," as Ellen White says. We don't want to be part of any gossip.

Doug Batchelor is a friend of Danny Shelton, but it does not mean that he has to agree with everything that Danny does. To sever friendship and association is not beneficial to anyone, that alone the Lord's work.

May God bless you and take away the bitterness and disillusionment that you spoke about. 'The battle is the Lord's." 1Samuel 17:47. God is control and every person will be judged by Him. In the mean time we need to not let the devil take us away from the work the Lord has given us--preach the Word so that Jesus can come!

Warm regards,

Bonnie Ensminger
Secretary to Doug Batchelor

-----Original Message-----
From: Inge Anderson
Sent: Monday, September 18, 2006 8:56 PM
To: April Cohorst
Subject: Administration/Personnel

Name: Inge Anderson
Email Address:
Comments: This is the closest contact to Pastor Doug that I can find on this website, and I wish to address myself to Pastor Doug.

As a fourth-generation active Adventist & graduate of Andrews University, I cannot begin to express how disappointed, yes disillusioned, I am with Pastor Doug's continuing support of Danny Shelton and his shameful dealings. I realize that showing one's program on a network does not imply support of the morals of administrators of the network, but referring to Danny Shelton as "my friend" before millions serves to make us think that Pastor Doug is not what he appears to be either.

What else are we supposed to think? Birds of a feather flock together, they say.

If it is indeed true that Pastor Doug has the same morals or, more accurately, lack of morals as Danny Shelton, God cannot continue to bless his efforts. The fall-out from his public accolades of Danny Shelton, when so many of Danny's moral failings are clear enough for anyone to see, will not be light. I don't believe I exaggerate when I suspect there will be a heavy price to pay by those who knowingly (and ignorance at this point in time is hardly possible to claim) support Danny Shelton in his exploitation of the truth of God for personal gain AND support of his immoral desires.

Are there NO men left who will "stand for the truth though the heavens fall"?

Once upon a time, I thought that Doug was such a man. And it was also nice to see his wife on the show with her simple, direct manner, so suitable for a Christian wife.

But now it seems that all of this is but good play-actiing -- just like Linda and Danny used to perform for their public and as Danny is continuing to do.

So it is evident that Doug, too, has his price. The exposure that 3ABN can give to a "televangelist" is justification enough to "overlook" Danny's brazen immoral behavior, thus condoning it and joining him in the slime pit of immorality. Ah, yes, a bigger audience makes it all worth it... more dollars coming in...

Ichabod! May God have mercy!

Inge Anderson

This post has been edited by Clay: Apr 27 2007, 10:00 AM