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Book Two is very telling. There is this quote from Bill Mallon in photocopy DSC02321: On 10-14-87 WEM states “Immorality is sin but playing politics and imposing one’s will on others is EVIL! The latter is worse.”
The next day on 10-15-87 (photocopy DSC02325) Bill Mallon has a conversation with Don R. who states Witness Lee began to use the expression “My Ministry” three years ago. Is this WL personal ministry or Lord’s committed ministry.
On 11-8-87 (photocopy DSC02352) John Ingalls visits with Bill Mallon and says, “WL said No more elders. All saints are divided into 120 tents. All saints are divided into 120 districts.” JI goes on to say that WL is talking about a global system. photocopy DSC02353
The same day, 11-8-87, Don R says in a conversation with Bill Mallon that The “tent” is now going to be the way. Church in Taipei to turn all properties to the office. So 3 brothers will have charge over 3 tents – e.g. a grid system! He goes on to say the brothers in U.S. and Europe are rising up — it will be office vs the church. photocopy DSC02360
On 11-16-87, Don R says in a conversation with Bill Mallon that motivation behind centralized work is hierarchy. photocopy DSC02382
On 12-10-87 WEM (Bill Mallon) lists points. Number 18 he states: People are utilizing oneness with the ministry and office to play politics, to control others through intimidation. DSC02435-2440 photocopies
On 12-11-87 Ken Unger discusses how to approach Witness Lee with truth of facts. See photocopy DSC02454 where KU states Benson coordinates much more with PL than with WL. KU goes on to point out history of power struggle in the office. photocopy DSC02455 He states FTTT became a domain for PL as his power base.
On 12-17-87 John Ingalls tells of meeting with WL and attempting to speak truth regarding PL. photocopy DSC02485
This book of notes from Bill Mallon does reveal a lot about the disturbances going on in 1987. I was still in a local church in this year and I clearly remember the huge push for all saints to purchase Life-Study Messages and use them for “morning watch” and as a basis for testimonies in the meetings. This happening as well as the videotaped training sessions resulted in meetings becoming very controlled and with less flow of the Spirit and enjoyment. These real-time handwritten notes reveal a “behind the scenes” view of what was going on in the local churches in these days.
As I look over the photo copies of the Book I notes from Bill Mallon (WEM) I can see the unfolding of concern regarding the son of Witness Lee (WL), Phillip Lee (PL). This is discussed in conversation Bill Mallon had 9-27-87 with John Ingalls (JI) (photocopies DSC02037-DSC02038 as well as DSC02042 of 10-5-87 conversation). In photocopies DSC02045-DSC02046 of 10-9-87 JI tells of speaking with Dan Towle (DT) regarding PL.
In the photocopies DSC02047-DSC02048 dated 10-10-87 Don Rutledge (DR) mentions his concern as to “why we come around this route after 25 years – is wrong principle re the ministry being the focus. WL’s teaching is okay but to focus on WL as can’t be wrong, follow the ministry, DT, etc., is to build ministry at the expense of the saints, churches.”
In the photocopies DSC02053-DSC02054 Bill has notes from conversation with JI and DR also 10-10-87 in which DR states there is a much bigger problem than PL. The problem is centralization, the teaching to promote the office, the ministry. DR goes on to say that he has no interest in promoting Jerry Falwell’s or WL’s ministry. He says he’s seen the videos and he’s grieved. Our vision of the church is becoming fuzzy because of our practice. He said his concern is not PL but Benson. Benson and Ray promoted PL and the office to do things according to the ministry’s way. He goes on to say Benson is promoting centralization.Anca … so sorry … this message and the last one is from me, Jane, … Karen had used my iPad last and she was logged in on it … I thought I was logged in when I wrote the message to you… so sorry. We are all laughing so hard … This is still coming to you from Karen being logged in … help us Lord!!!
We just finished our lunch. They wanted to know about you, so I shared some choice parts of your writing to me. They love you and marvel at your insights and wisdom for such a young age. Right now some that arrived late are going to set up their blow-up beds and then we’ll start the next session. We read your latest posts and your request for their insights on 1-44. They want to do so, but it might be post-retreat or we won’t make it thought the rest of the slides. We need more time! We are having great discussions. … Please post your thoughts about Part 2 if you have time. We all wish you were here!!!
Thank you Anca for sharing your insight. My family was very patriarchal — and my sister and I were convinced that it was for our good. But the Lord has been faithful to reveal His best plans. Jane’s PowerPoint shows a clear view for us. We wish you were here with us in person. It’s good to “meet” you online.
