Fundraising For Defense In Lawsuit Options

[shadowdancer]

Some of you may know that in late 2006, Bob Pickle and Gailon Joy spoke out against Danny Shelton's cover up of the child molestation allegations that had been leveled against his brother, Tommy. In the months that followed they spoke to seven of Tommy's alleged victims as well as their family members, and even an eye witness. Danny Shelton and 3ABN retaliated with a lawsuit in April 2007. The case is slated to go to trial no earlier than March 2009.

Gailon Joy is an Adventist Reporter. Bob Pickle has served the church as a conference pastor and is a respected apologist. The effect of the law suit is to restrict the constitutional freedoms of speech, religion, and press that Adventists hold dear. There has been a constant attempt by Danny Shelton and 3ABN to keep the church and all their viewers in the dark regarding serious allegations of financial and moral improprieties, abuse of power, and corruption.

Danny Shelton and 3ABN are not cooperating with the discovery phase of the lawsuit which requires the handing over of requested documents. Gailon Joy and Bob Pickle have turned over voluminous amounts of material and have yet to receive one single document from Danny Shelton or 3ABN.

Danny Shelton and 3ABN have millions of dollars behind them and have hired very expensive lawyers from as many as six different law firms in three different states to handle their current legal troubles. In all of this Bob and Gailon are trying to be wise stewards of God's funds. They currently have no attorney expenses because they are representing themselves.

Yet there are some non-negotiable costs involved in defending themselves against this frivolous and unconstitutional lawsuit. For example, when they do depositions they must hire a court reporter at a cost of over $1200 per day (appearance fee + hourly fee + per page fee). They estimate that their defense discovery costs will amount to $25,000 to $30,000 before it's over.

But Gailon and Bob simply do not have the millions of dollars behind them that Danny Shelton and 3ABN have. Where are they going to find the few thousands they so desperately need to defend themselves?

Do you appreciate the freedoms we have in America? Do you want pastors, reporters, and laity to be able to continue to stand up against corruption and for conservative family values without fear of a lawsuit aimed at ruining them financially or blackening their reputation? Will you join the battle against those who want to intimidate and retaliate against anyone who expresses genuine concerns?

This is a plea for prayer and donations to help cover the discovery expenses. You can help in this cause by praying, forwarding this e-mail to all of your contacts, and sending a check to:

Bob Pickle - Defense Fund
1354 County Road 21
Halstad, MN 56548-9417

Phone: (218) 456-2568

You also can use your credit card by going to the defense fund link at:

www.pickle-publishing.com/defensefund.htm

A full accounting of all money donated and how it is spent will be made. Any excess funds will be used for evangelism.

You can read the whole story that has been published so far at one of several sites available – www.save-3abn.com

You can also go to www.pickle-publishing.com/papers/ to find out more about Bob Pickle and the apologetic work he has done.

Thank you and may God bless you.

This post has been edited by shadowdancer: Feb 17 2008, 10:26 PM

[Richard Sherwin]

Hey if it's a free speech issue maybe the ACLU will defend them. Or the Adventist church and their Religious Liberty Department. LOL

[Johann]

Hey if it's a free speech issue maybe the ACLU will defend them. Or the Adventist church and their Religious Liberty Department. LOL

Why not make a special plea to some of those law firms who donate their time to defend such issues?

[Pickle]

I's not donated time that is needed at the moment, but funds to cover the discovery costs. Would a pro bono attorney pull that kind of money out of his pocket? Some might but many wouldn't.

[Clay]

not sure that soliciting money like this is permitted per forum rules.... closed for review....