An Unauthorized History Of 3abn, Chapter 4 (takin care of business...) Options

[sister]

Takin’ care of business...

Leaving the bright Illinois sunshine behind, entering a corridor, my pupils fully dilate attempting to gather all the available light. Making my way into a cavernous expanse, the echo of my athletic shoes as they slap against the well polished floor, reverberate off a distant wall. The sound of a hand striking against a bank of switches signals the immediate blaze of lights that now illuminate the space before me. Instinctively, I turn my head and my hand springs up to shade my eyes, resting on the brim of my baseball cap. The thump of the basketball accompanies me as I dribble over to the free throw line. I stop. Turning my back to the basket, I raise the ball. In a split second it leaps backward over my head through the air, like a tiger springing for it’s prey. A hush falls over the crowd that has gathered, the air is thick with anticipation. Contact! The ball bounces off the backboard echoing through the hushed gym, circling the rim it falls neatly through the net. The previous silence, so thick that you could cut it with a knife, erupts with astonishment as the crowd that has assembled in the basketball court at 3ABN witness “the miracle shot”. But this is not my story, it is not I who stands poised at the free throw line. That place is reserved for Danny Shelton.

For a brief moment that particular impression of Danny traces a line across my memories. As I think back over the years at 3ABN, I must admit, it is a truly amazing shot. On how many occasions have I had the opportunity to witness this exhibition of basketball prowess; sometimes successfully executed, sometime not? More than I care to number... A singular thought begins to worm it way up into the foreground of my mind: just how much time has Danny invested endeavoring to perfect this feat of basketball artistry?

Question:
When Danny is occupied on his basketball court and at a myriad of other equally “important” activities that keep him from his office, who does the actual taking care of business at 3ABN?
Answer:
Molly Steenson.

If a bolt of lighting made a direct strike on Danny Shelton, leading to his immediate demise, very little would change in the administrative offices of 3ABN. Of course someone else would have to sign all the documents that lay waiting on Danny’s desk, but, if like Danny they only sign the contracts and not read them, that is less than an additional hours work each week. Molly would to continue running the business of 3ABN, as she has done for many years. First as Danny’s secretary, now as General Manager and Board member of 3ABN. Many of her responsibilities would not change, only the perks and the title. Hal and Molly Steenson could comfortably slide into the position that Danny currently occupies...at a moments notice.

Even as we speak, preparation is being made for this eventuality. And Danny has played right into Molly’s hands. As Hal has often quoted Molly, “Make sure you have them smiling before you hit them in the mouth, that way you won’t bruise their lips”. Then Hal laughs and the congregation joins in with him. Around T’ville this only produces an uncomfortable silence, too many workers have been on the receiving end, by making the mistake of crossing Molly or getting in the way of something she wants. Ask Linda Shelton, I am sure she has realized the part that Molly played in her dismissal from 3ABN. Danny has been smiling and trusting in Molly for many years. Sister White has warned us about leaning too heavily upon the arm of flesh, but unfortunately for Danny, he is not a reader.

The major difference between Danny and Linda situations, is the lack of need for any trumped up accusations or other subterfuge to remove him from the throne of power. All it will take is no more secrets. And Molly holds the key to this Pandora’s box. Unfortunately, for the ministry of 3ABN, exchanging Danny for Molly would be like jumping out of the frying pan into the fire.

Come with me behind the scenes at 3ABN and watch some of the preparations as they unfold: Hal has already published his first book, promoted by the ministry. Both Molly and Hal are logging in more on air time and becoming familiar faces to the viewers. Danny has touted Molly publically and in 3ABN publications as a woman of integrity...Molly/integrity? Around the water cooler that is definitely an oxymoron. Molly and Hal’s attendance as featured speakers is steadily increasing at 3ABN Rallies. Both are accomplished orators. After spending the last two years being subjected to Danny’s repetitious and clumsy attempts at homiletics, too often laced with his emotional venting; is crushingly evident, that he pales in comparison with Hal Steenson’s masterful precision in skillfully holding an audience. As Hal demonstrates his verbal charisma, boasting a combination of homespun wisdom, good old southern boy humor and Biblical expertise, Danny has indisputably been outclassed.

Perhaps Danny should wake up, smell the coffee and start reading the writing on the wall, before he finds someone else raising “his baby”. Of course, materially he would definitely leave as a wealthy man, all his financial needs provided for life, but like Samson when his hair was shorn, he would loose all of his power and influence. Power and influence are an addictive combination, dangerous as mixing certain prescription medications and alcohol, with the results being just as lethal. As in the case of Samson, the only cure was a true heartrending repentance and humbling of character. Should Danny choose to follow the road of redemption, he would still have to reap the consequences of his actions, but the angels in Heaven would be rejoicing over another sinner saved. (According to some members of the Shelton clan, if that event were ever to occur, it would be the real miracle story of 3ABN.)

To be continued...

This post has been edited by Clay: Jul 3 2006, 12:58 PM

[calvin]

Just curious, has there been a moratorium on 3ABN bashing at Club Adventist?

[Clay]

Just curious, has there been a moratorium on 3ABN bashing at Club Adventist?

you think it has shifted here Calvin?

[princessdi]

See now, I enjoy reading about, viewing the history of anything(which is why I spend a good amount of my time watching NGC,THC, In Search of.......etc) and the history of 3ABN, Even though unofficial, is no different. However, you know I was just about to ask the motivation for these revelations and why here.

Just curious, has there been a moratorium on 3ABN bashing at Club Adventist?

[PaperTigers]

I think the motivation might be that it's just time that more people were allowed to see "Behind the Scenes at 3ABN"

[beartrap]

I think the motivation might be that it's just time that more people were allowed to see "Behind the Scenes at 3ABN"

"Behind the Scenes" Paper Tigers, how about "Golden Opportunities" How about Moses and "what do you have in your hand?"



This post has been edited by beartrap: Apr 24 2006, 08:54 PM

[PaperTigers]

oh the wealth of sayings that we could come up with

[Panama_Pete]

See now, I enjoy reading about, viewing the history of anything(which is why I spend a good amount of my time watching NGC,THC, In Search of.......etc) and the history of 3ABN, Even though unofficial, is no different. However, you know I was just about to ask the motivation for these revelations and why here.

It's a Danny and the Revelation Seminar.

[sister]

I think the motivation might be that it's just time that more people were allowed to see "Behind the Scenes at 3ABN"

AMEN.

This post has been edited by sister: Apr 25 2006, 04:12 AM

[Prisca]

ITA...I'm not taking sides on whether Danny is right or wrong because I've only watched 3ABN in passing and have no interest in watching it, but from what I know of his ministry and after reading this thread, I can't help but think that maybe the people who donate to 3ABN need to be a little more discerning and a little less gullible. Sometimes we Christians practice "salvation by works" in a round-about way...thinking that if we give to a worthy cause (in this case 3ABN) then somehow we're helping to "evangelize", yet those same people won't even say good morning to their neighbor.

Those that remain 'loyal' may state that they are supporting the 'product'. As long as people are testifying that they didn't know about God and didn't understand certain truths, or needed the counsel of Kuzma and Quinn...the product remains, in some eyes, as the most important thing. Not the personalities or faults of the people involved. A little apology, a little change in staff, a little of this and a little of that and people will forgive and go on.

[quote name='summertime' date='Apr 24 2006, 01:27 PM' post='127721']
The problem , in my own thinking, is that people will not believe because the SDA church ,as a whole, will not deal with the problem. . The minister told me to let God take care of Danny's wrongs, but I, so far, have not spoken to a minister, with the exception of a few, who will put their foot out and make it openly kown that they are going to quit asking for offerings for 3ABN because of the waste of the money there.

Summertime,
Please don't be discouraged because of waste of money or two facedness or anything like that. You do know that God is fully capable of taking care of it. Remember King David? What would we say today, if David were our leader? You do know that he continued to keep Bathsheba in his home as his wife. He never turned her 'out' and it was her son that became the next king, and God blessed Him. It may sound trite to hear what the minister told you, but it can be terribly true.

Priscilla[color=#FF0000]

This post has been edited by Prisca: Apr 25 2006, 06:25 AM

[Nuggie]

See now, I enjoy reading about, viewing the history of anything(which is why I spend a good amount of my time watching NGC,THC, In Search of.......etc) and the history of 3ABN, Even though unofficial, is no different. However, you know I was just about to ask the motivation for these revelations and why here.

Di, I've been wondering the same thing ever since this thread began.

[summertime]

Di, I've been wondering the same thing ever since this thread began.

I believe the point of all these 'revealings' by sister may be that she has been prompted by God to finally tell the truth. Apparently, she was or is around the 3ABN administration enough to know what is going on. Sometimes we need to know the story from first hand experiences. My eyes have been opened for at least 2 years--nothing surprises me, but since I have not been there and cant speak for the people that are, I am grateful for someone who has or is telling the truth. It is not bashing, nor is it a made up story. This is not hearsay, from my own beliefs, it is written by authoratative sources. Yes, in the long run, the Lord will take care of this-eventually, but sometimes it takes his peoples hands, to tell the story the way that it is. I believe that God uses His story, in His way, in His time. Even his disciples told their writings the way that they saw it and in due time for the rest of the world to read the story of Christ when He was on this earth. Reread the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John to see what I mean. Not Everyone, at the time Jesus was on this earth spoke well of Him, but the disciples were less than kind in telling the truth about one another. But the telling of the truth was inspired by God. Truth has reason behind it.

I had a cousin, many years ago, who called himself blessed by God and became a self-proclaimed minister with little professional training. and he called many people to God. These people are still in the Church, but he left the church, became wanted for evil doings even by the FBI, and today his ashes are buried in another person's grave. Was he used by God? I don't know but there are many generations of good SDA people whose grandparents were brought into the church by this apparently-lost man. Only God will judge him. But he did do a good work for God for a time, He was a dishonest man, he was found to be a bigamist, but the Lord still used him for a season.he was found out to actually be a bigamist. I believe these stories need to be told even though they seem to be about the blessed who in the end seem to be lost.

[Zephyr]

This is not hearsay, from my own beliefs, it is written by authoratative sources.

It is hearsay and her say.. So what? Aint nothing wrong with hearsay or hersay. We aint in cott.

[sister]

Why?...

Start the clock running...4 minutes for a commercial break, the countdown begins. This is CSI:Illinois (Church Show Investigation) and the computer in master control at NBC has inserted the scheduled commercials. Stay tuned for action that will follow...

Now the real action moves inside the living room. With the speed and agility of a pro team, the entire family responds in unison. Dad leaps to visit the facilities, sister rebounds from the kitchen, everybody’s favorite drink is refreshed “remember Mama wants more ice in her tea”, while Mama throws the popcorn into the microwave and grabs more chips, and in a flash the final countdown: 5...4...3...2...1 and the entire family has settled in their places, a look of anticipation on their faces. Tension is running high, what will that last shred of evidence reveal in the lab?

We interrupt the in-flight movie for brief announcement. Please remain in your seats, return your tray to an upright position and fasten your seatbelt, this is an announcement from your pilot and it just may answer some of your questions...

Both princessdi and Nuggie have wondered about “the motivation for these revelations and why here.” PaperTigers responded, “I think the motivation might be that it’s just time that more people were allowed to see “Behind the Scenes at 3ABN”.

And now the rest of the story... I joined BSDA on December 17, 2004. I was surfing the net and found some references to this site. After lurking for a while, I joined. To be quite candid, I continued lurking even as a member. With the renewed interest in 3ABN after Danny’s recent marriage, I began posting in the thread concerning that topic. A realization began to form, there is so much speculation about what has happened at 3ABN, perhaps it was time for someone with “insider” knowledge to pull away the curtain and reveal that the mighty Oz, was no more than a middle-aged man pulling the strings behind the facade. The only power he has is in the secrets that lie “Behind the Scenes at 3ABN” and too many of those “Golden Opportunities” were funneled directly or collaterally filling Danny’s pockets

Why here? This is the online SDA forum where I am a member.

My motivation? It’s time that more people were allowed to see “Behind the Scenes at 3ABN”, with knowledge comes responsibility.

Stay tuned as the story continues...

This post has been edited by sister: Apr 25 2006, 02:03 PM

[Clay]

Sister.... no problem from me, just continue posting the facts as you know them to be, and all will be fine..... like I said before, this info is interesting, given that I had never paid much attention to 3ABN before....