November 4,1996
Dear Br. Isley:
While we have never met, we have mutual
friends, John and Judy Burton, I have heard many good things concerning
you in the last several years. Therefore, when I heard about your
current problems, I wanted to write a letter of encouragement.
Do not be dismayed over your difficulties, the Lord, whom you
serve, understands all about you and loves you with an everlasting
love. His arms, of love, are about you, even in jail, and He cares
for you still.
“For God sent not his son into the
world to condemn the world; but that the world thorough him might
be saved.” Christ desires, above all things, that you shall
be saved and spend an eternity with him. With Christ as our Savior,
we have nothing to fear from the forces of darkness.
Br. Isley, I don’t know wether you
are guilty or innocent of the charges against you but I do not
condemn you, but offer hope through Christ. Guilty or innocent,
Christ extends love for you, through his grace.
Do not be discouraged, look up and see your
Savior bending over you with a tender care for your eternal welfare.
He will save all who call upon Him.
Be of good courage, all is not dark. You
have a bright future with the Lord. Remember your training as
a pastor and those Bible verses you learned as a young man or
during your ministry. Christ has not forsaken you, although others
may forsake you, He will not leave you. Trust him. Turn to Him
for help and solace and He will comfort you. If you have a Bible,
reread those old familiar stories of Joseph, Abraham, Moses, John
the Baptist, and Paul. See Christ hanging on the cross, He is
there for you and for me. Be comforted with the thought that He
died for you that you need not go to hell but may live with Him
for an eternity. Christ is returning soon to claim His believing
children. My prayer is that you will be among that number who
are found faithful, worthy of eternity.
I will write again. In the meantime, if
you have not already done so, confess your sins before Christ
and ask for forgiveness for He is faithful and just to forgive
us of our sins and to cleanse us of all unrighteousness. You can
yet minister for the Lord, perhaps not in a church, but most certainly
in a place of his choosing. God has not abandoned you, don’t
forsake Him.
Lift up your head and praise Him, your Savior
lives and you may live with Him.
May the Lord bless you. Your brother in Christ.
Allen A. Benson
(Author’s note. This brother plead guilty and was sentenced to a lengthy term in state prison.)