Suzy McHale’s Diary: 2005
Events of note: Pastor Mitch turned out to be something of a con-man and was made to resign from Bentleigh Baptist Church as pastor, though he continued to cause trouble. A person on the Internet, Alexandre Koukarine, bought me a domain name, SuzyMcHale.com, on 29/8 (though he oddly stopped contacting me later on), and George Kasica kindly offered to host my website. I began keeping a journal online, so it split off from this one.
February
Sunday 27, 12:25 p.m.
Second-last day of the month already! I haven’t started a new diary here as I have been keeping one on my website for this year. I will put any personal family stuff in here (not on the public site). I now have three sites: my original Kosmonavtka one, one for my favorite cosmonaut, and one for myself (family photos, a journal, etc.). I am still using the au.geocities.com free accounts. Unfortunately the ads have got very irritating, at least for the www.geocities.com domains. The ads are now in a frame which quite rudely shoves your page to the left. I did install a code to block the ads displaying on all but the initial index/home page; something which the free providers will take a dim view of if found out, but as the ads are so irritating what else can I do? I would like to move to proper/paid hosting, but can’t afford it for the time being (as you might have guessed, I am still unemployed).
More “interesting” information about the former Pastor Mitch: he was asked to leave the church late last year, and it turns out that he was spending a lot of money on gambling! Wouldn’t you know it. He seems to have debts all over the place. He borrowed money off many people in the church (including Mum and Dad), though he paid most people back. He seems to have a real problem regarding managing money. Oh well, he’s gone now. He won’t be practising as a pastor ever again here, though.
Transcript of a letter Pastor Mitch wrote. The self-delusion in this is amazing.
From Pastor Mitch, 26th of October 2004, Phone: 8707-4532 or 0414700544
To Bentleigh Baptist Church members and believers who attend regularly. Dear brothers and sisters in Christ!
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus from Yolanda and myself. Yes we are back from Romania. very tired and upset not to be given the opportunity to see you after a month away.
We would have loved to be with you all on Sunday but were told not to attend, as there is an allegation from the leadership team agamist me stating that I disclosed my financial situation and asked people for money. Until the issue is clarified, I will be on leave with full pay. I was told this, only on Saturday the 23rd of October 2004, one day after we arrived from Romania.
I believe that it was very confusing for many of you arriving at church and looking around to see us and we were not there. As I was told by a few people, many of you were shocked and in tears when the announcement was made. I am really sorry about it and very, very sad in my heart.
We had blessed times together and the Lord was moving wonderfully in many of your hearts. I prayed so much to the Lord to open up Bentleigh in such a way that He, the Lord Jesus and not people, will be glorified and uplifted. I was so encouraged by many of you before we left for Romania, that when I received the news about not being allowed to go to church, I almost had a heart attack.
The first thought that came into my mind was, what was going to happen to the church, to the brothers and sisters that I have come to know and love? all the people who blessed us and helped us to be able to go to Romania. I was told not to initiate any conversation with any of you and not to phone you.
I believe that you should not be kept in the dark about these allegations and I must humble myself before you all and inform you that I am at fault and that fault is:
1 ) Yes, I disclosed my financial burden to few who were sympathetic and a real blessing to me.
2) Yes I did ask a few people to help me financially and they offered themselves to help in one way or another, for which I am very grateful.
3) Please note that I did not put any pressure on anyone and I always treated everyone with respect and consideration as we discussed personal issues.
My question is; why would anyone help me with money and than complain about it. One brother who helped me most, wrote roe a letter yesterday and stated that he was very sad to hear what was said on Sunday morning front the pulpit.
Brothers and sisters, I will be more than happy to talk to you; please phone or write to us if you want to know more. It is always better to know frorn the first person than the third. Paul always argued and defended himself personally when he was accused of any wrong doing.
To those who gave me money in any way shape or form, including gifts etc. I will repay you all no later than 1st of July 2005. Please be gracious and allow me a few months to return the money to you.
Those who asked me not to mention there names to anyone, I will never do that unless they decide otherwise.
My future is in God’s hands and regardless of this outcome I promise all of you that I will never ever, talk about my financial situation with members of the church and never ask for Money again.
Please forgive me if I offended you in any way shape or form. You are a group of wonderful people and I learned so much from you all. Thank You! And may the Lord Jesus our Saviour bless you and be gracious unto you and give you His Peace!
PTO →
Trip to Romania,
We had a very good flight and the wedding was great., there is a short video and lots of photos. Hopefully we will be able to show it to you one day.
Vio and Alice are grateful to the church for the gift which was sent to them.
Miklos, Yolanda’s brother had his second operation while we were there. He is much better. He sends his special thanks to those who gave gifts to help with the surgery. Yolanda was more than happy to see him, look into his eyes give him a hug and tell him that she loved him very much.
I had the opportunity to preach 6 times in 4 churches. The most special meeting was at the Siblu Christian Center-Sion Baptist Church ( the church we planted with the Lord’s help ). The occasion was the celebration of the first fruits with a congregation of over 500 people attending. A great time with the people of God, praising and lifting up the name of Jesus. My message was “Give yourself to God, as a living offering”
Please continue to pray for us and stand faithful to the Lord. We pray for you and specially for those who are not well. May the Lord strengthen you in His grace.
Psalm 57 verses 1-2 and 3a. With love and respect to you all, Pastor Mitch.