August 24, 2008
A Personal Message , from
David Bentley
As Todd’s father, and, because of the relationship I have cultivated over
the telephone with many Fresh Fire Partners over the years, I felt it important
that I write to you today.
You have supported the ministry so faithfully, whether it has been through
sponsoring one or more of Fresh Fire’s children in Africa, the evangelistic
outreaches, or other ministry endeavors. I would like to share with you, that we
are heart-broken over the situation with Todd and Shonnah. It is our heart and
prayer for wisdom as we relay information to you, and as we support, counsel,
encourage, and comfort our son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren, and continue
to support and encourage God’s very great work through Todd’s ministry.
Processing the news of the current crisis between our son and
daughter-in-law is indeed difficult and a sad task, as it must be for you.
Revelation of their separation, however, is not shocking to my wife, Darcia, or
I. Todd and Shonnah’s marriage has experienced rocky ground for around three
years, as they have attempted to make it work, through even a previous
separation, counseling, and resulting reconciliation. We stood by both of these
precious ones during those times— in faith believing God to heal, restore, and
rebuild the marriage, choosing not to lend forth voice publicly about their
personal struggles because things were still somewhat tender and potentially
unstable as they sought counseling, restoration, and healing. In addition, the
Fresh Fire Board of Directors had chosen not to transmit this personal
information, and we honored their request.
Many of the couple’s days of struggle were very hard. Todd himself stepped
away from ministry as this hardship became a part of his season in the
figurative desert wilderness a few years ago. It broke our heart to see their
suffering, and saddened us even to imagine what a broken or upset home would
mean to the children and to Todd and Shonnah respectfully.
Since the start of Lakeland and the "suddenly of God" that turned the
world’s eyes toward our extreme, evangelist son and his radical love and faith
in God Who Heals, there has been much conjecture and controversy. However, you
who have known Todd and his ministry style have likely not been surprised that
Todd and his unusual ways have caught the attention of thousands for revival and
harvest. How sad, though not surprising, the rumors, accusations, and
speculation surrounding all of this. My heart goes out to you too, as you try to
process and sift through conjecture and even the facts with a heart of
forgiveness and grace.
If God took every sinner or person who has failed in some area out of
ministry, the world would not have church or harvest outreach. Nevertheless,
Todd has made the decision to step down from the leadership of Fresh Fire and
away from ministry for a season as he seeks the Lord’s wise counsel, arranges
for the well-being of his wife and children during this time of separation, and
prayerfully accepts the wisdom of those whom God brings to speak into his
life.
In spite of all of us—God still chooses to use us. There but for the grace
of God, goes every one of us. You know this, and it is why many have continued
to support Fresh Fire. God can use a stick—but He’s chosen broken people, and
we’ve loved what He has done through Todd, his family, staff, and the ministry
throughout the world. FFM has had a great impact. It’s our prayer that even
though Todd has stepped down from leadership and ministry, even though the bonds
of marriage have broken down, that friends and partners will continue to support
the work God entrusted to the ministry, not forgetting the outreach and mercy
missions as well.
It is my prayer in this season of restoration and healing, as Todd,
Shonnah, and my grandchildren receive counseling and much prayer, that this time
will also magnify the grace of God to all the earth.
We should all be saddened, yes, by the turn of events, but we shouldn’t be
disappointed in God’s power through Todd or the ministry. Those who are most
disappointed, are those who have placed their trust in a man—and not in Jesus
and the Father’s sovereignty and grace.
Great amounts of courage comes with taking the big stage and doing the
things for Christ that Todd did, especially in this age. The media and heresy
hunters have waited like vultures for him to fall. He could have quit at any
time—but plowed through some of the toughest criticisms and hardest grounds. It
has been very hard on every one who loves him, to see and know the pressures
that have come upon youthful Todd, the ministry staff and volunteers, and the
family, as a result. My heart wept for joy when I saw Todd with his family on
stage at Lakeland—we all held out hope for full healing of their marital
bonds.
It’s vital that the church not cast blame or judge, but that we repent,
pray, intercede, and weep for Todd and Shonnah’s marriage, and for the healing
and well-being of his children and extended family. And yes, for your healing,
understanding, and grace through this time.
It is a lot different now than it was in David, Samson, or Solomon’s day,
when they blundered or gave in to pressures. Yes, they were high profile with
many responsibilities and much accountability, but they also didn’t have untold
millions of people zapping into their television sets or connecting to the
Internet, to zero in on their sins, perceived faults, or shortcomings. They
didn’t have the stress and responsibility of such mass "faceless" diverse
audiences or the hullabaloo wrought by media through today’s communication
technology.
However, there is a good side to this if we can glimpse for a minute past
the pain, and the recovery road ahead. The secular-ness of this situation has
brought world attention to what is happening and God can turn it all for good
while the world watches. Revival and ministry is not about Todd Bentley or any
other evangelist, preacher, minister, or disciple—it is all about Jesus, about
turning the hearts of men, women, and children, about repentance, and about
reaching the world for the Savior. Todd, Shonnah, and the children need help,
serious prayer, and thousands of people may need assurance that in spite of all
of our shortcomings, they need to know that Jesus is still Savior, still the One
who shed His blood.
We thank you so much for your continued faithful support of what God is
doing. Please carry Todd, his family, and the ministry in your prayers and pray
for one another and the Church as God gives us more wisdom, revelation, and
insight in the coming days.
If you have further questions or concerns and would like to email or even
talk to me personally by telephone, please email me at dave@freedomfires.com or
telephone 1-541-223-7327, and I’ll respond as soon as possible.
God Bless You,
David
Bentley
