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Brandon Church Congregation Weeps For Pastor, His Son
Tribune photo by JIM REED
Sheriff David Gee wipes tears as Senior Associate Pastor George Thomasson talks with reporters outside Bell Shoals Baptist Church.
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Published: May 14, 2008
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BRANDON - The Rev. Forrest Pollock was just a few weeks from officially dedicating Bell Shoals Baptist Church's new 3,400-seat worship center, a sprawling sanctuary that took more than two years to build.
For the senior pastor who gave up a successful business career to answer a spiritual calling, the June 1 ceremony was to be yet another milestone for an active, close-knit congregation.
Instead, a tragedy in the rugged, mountainous terrain of western North Carolina has church members preparing for something unimaginable: the funeral of Pollock and his son Preston, 13, who died in a single-engine plane crash Monday.
"We have not lost Forrest Pollock. We know just where he is. One day there will be a reunion time," the Rev. George Thomasson, Bell Shoals' associate pastor, told 100 staff and church members Tuesday as he struggled to hold back tears.
Others, including Hillsborough County Sheriff David Gee, a member, openly wept.
Search aircraft located the wreckage of Pollock's six-seat Piper about 9 a.m. near Cold Mountain, about 20 miles outside Asheville, N.C., after picking up the signal from the plane's emergency transponder.
Because the wreckage was on steep, inaccessible land, it took two hours for crews to hike from the closest drop site to the crash scene.
Pollock had flown to North Carolina with Preston and 14-year-old daughter Brooke to visit Pollock's mother, Thomasson said. On Monday, about 5 a.m., he and Preston left the Rutherford County Airport to fly to Little Rock, Ark., where they planned to pick up another passenger for a flight to a Christian networking conference in Texas.
That intended passenger alerted authorities when Pollock failed to arrive.
The rural airport is a small facility with no air-traffic-control tower, which leaves the decision to fly up to the pilot, said Maj. John Maxfield, with the Civil Air Patrol. The National Weather Service reported wind gusts up to 36 mph about the time he took off.
There's no indication the wind caused the crash, Maxfield said. He also cautioned against blaming pilot error.
The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the crash.
Pollock Had Been A Pilot For 13 Years
Pollock was an accomplished pilot who would have erred on the side of caution when deciding whether conditions were good to fly, Maxfield said. Pollock had held a pilot's license since at least February 1995, according to FAA records. His last flight physical certification was in January.
The Piper is registered to a for-profit company in Helena, Mont. The 1966 aircraft was worth $57,000 to $119,000, depending on its condition and upkeep, said Molly Pearce, a vice president of marketing for Southeast Piper in Tallahassee.
Since 1982, aircraft like the one Pollock owned have been involved in 22 crashes, according to the NTSB. Perhaps the most famous involved the late John F. Kennedy Jr., who crashed a modern version of the plane off the coast of Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts.
Pollock, 44, who led Bell Shoals for 5 1/2 years, was married to the former Dawn Allen. Besides Preston and Brooke, they had four other children: Courtney, 15, Hope, 11, Blake, 10, and Kirk, 8.
When Pollock arrived at the church, it was already large and vibrant, and it continued to grow under his stewardship. Founded in 1961 with 86 charter members, it now has about 7,500 members, with about 3,000 attending services regularly. Bell Shoals Baptist Academy has 650 students from preschool to eighth grade.
It has been active in the community and outspoken about political issues. In 2007, the church hosted the Family Impact Summit, a conference that drew national leaders of the religious right to discuss gay rights, Islam and abortion, among other topics. The gathering prompted protests by gay rights groups.
'He Was Brilliant,' Pastor Says
Hundreds of grieving members made their way to the sprawling 39-acre campus on Bell Shoals Road all day Tuesday, shocked and seeking comfort.
"That's how it is with us," Deb Warmouth said. "We support one another. We'll grieve, but we'll bounce back. We'll heal and we'll go on."
The Rev. Ken Whitten, pastor of Idlewild Baptist Church in Tampa, was at a retreat in Crystal River with fellow ministers when he got the news. Through tears, he remembered his friend and colleague.
"He was a model husband and father ... a motivating pastor," Whitten said. "He was brilliant."
Pollock was working on his second master's degree from Harvard University.
Whitten remembered that when his friend got the call for the position at Bell Shoals, he was elated.
"Forrest would tell me, 'I won the lottery!' Not in a material sense, but in a spiritual sense. ... Congregations know when pastors love them, and Forrest loved his people. And they loved him back."
Pollock replaced the Rev. Ken Alford, who resigned in February 2002 after admitting to an "improper relationship."
The fellowship survived and thrived, and will do so again, said Liz Montefu, a member since 1993.
"The strength in reading the Scriptures, in prayer and in the Holy Spirit. That's what will get us through," she said.
She remembers getting a personal note from Pollock on the one-year anniversary of her mother's death. That's the kind of person he was, she said, "A pastor of a big church who took the time to remember such things."
Montefu, who teaches music at the church's academy, said adults began praying and counseling the students after Pollock's plane was reported missing. She said students were experiencing a range of emotions over losing both their pastor and their 13-year-old classmate.
The message they got was the one often preached by Pollock: "God is in control. We know our pastor and his son are incredibly happy now. Now it's up to us to comfort each other and the grieving family."
Students from Preston's sixth-grade class were brought into the church sanctuary and told the news. Simeon Nix, associate pastor of music, said the youngster, who enjoyed fishing, was "a lot like his dad."
"He was a wonderful young man, sweet-spirited ... a lot of fun," Nix said.
The new state-of-the-art sanctuary, which just opened, was a vision of Pollock's, who once owned a television production company and had worked as a journalist. He wanted the church to be a place where people would gather and socialize.
Member Anita Cicchino said it will stand as Pollock's legacy.
"But it's not about the building," she said. "Pastor Pollock could have set up a tent and started preaching and would have had the same effect. Every sermon he preached had the right ingredients of humor and inspiration."
Pollock's mother and daughter were expected to fly to Tampa on Tuesday night. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked donations be made to the church's Greater Glory building fund.
Memorial service plans were not complete Tuesday.
Staff from the Christian Counseling Center of the Tampa Bay Baptist Association will be on hand this week to assist church members who are having a difficult time coping with the news. Director Robbie Goss said he expects some congregants to go through several stages of grief - shock, panic, depression and loss, among them.
"He's one of those jewels you hate to see go," Goss said. "But as Christians, we have to keep our eyes on the hope that goes beyond this world. There's a bigger kingdom ahead for us."
Bernice Wolf of Congregation Rodeph Sholom of Tampa knows exactly how the congregation feels.
In July 1989, her rabbi and his wife, Kenneth and Aviva Berger, and two of their three children were on United Airlines Flight 232 en route to Philadelphia to visit his family.
The plane crashed in a cornfield in Sioux City, Iowa. The children survived; their parents did not. Wolf was at work when she got the call.
It was one of the worst days of her life, she said.
"The one you usually go to in times like this wasn't there," Wolf said. "That was the hardest part. We felt so lost."
It took several years for the congregation to recover. Many did not return to the synagogue, saying it was too painful. They finally found their permanent replacement in Rabbi Marc Sack in 1995, and the healing process began.
"It does get better," she promised. "Now I think of the good memories and the happy times. Turn to God and turn to prayer, and comfort each other. You will get through this."
Reporters Keith Morelli and Neil Johnson contributed to this report. Reporter Michelle Bearden can be reached at (813) 259-7613 or mbearden@tampatrib.com.
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Reader Comments
Posted by ( Reality ) on May 14, 2008 at 7:18 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
First of all, what the aircraft had is not called an "emergency locator transponder." Second, emergency responders didn't pick up an signals from what is actually an "emergency locator transmitter." Don't know the difference? Neither do the reporters of this story. They should have looked it up. Here's what this story didn't tell you. An aircrew from the North Carolina Wing of the Civil Air Patrol located the wreckage of the missing single-engine Piper PA-32-260 from Florida about 0910 EDT May 13 near Cold Mountain, in the Shining Rock Wilderness Area along the Haywood and Transylvania County lines in western North Carolina. The aircraft departed from Rutherford County Airport in North Carolina about 0500 May 12, bound for North Little Rock Municipal Airport in Arkansas. When the aircraft was reported overdue, the US Air Force Rescue Coordination Center notified the North Carolina Wing to begin the search because it is the USAFRCC at Tyndall AFB that heard the ELT signals. The search began May 12 and continued the following morning with three CAP aircraft and the assistance of a North Carolina Highway Patrol helicopter, as well as four ground teams from the North and South Carolina wings, members of the Cruso Fire Department and the Haywood County Rescue Squad. A North Carolina Wing aircrew -- Lt. Col. Wally Courtney, pilot, and Capt. Gary Lux, mission observer -- in a CAP Cessna spotted the Piper on the ground in steep, rough terrain. The CAP aircraft vectored the Highway Patrol helicopter into the site for low-level verification. Ground crews were then directed to the crash site and reported no survivors.
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Posted by ( DarthMandingo ) on May 14, 2008 at 7:40 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Cry, grieve, mourn, because the Pastor and his son will be missed. REJOICE, SING, PRAISE because now, they are with Our Lord and Savior. Right now, Pastor Pollock and Preston are singing, SMILING because they are looking into the very FACE (!!) of Jesus ! So Brothers and Sisters in Christ, go ahead and cry, but know, all of us have lost loved ones, and if, before their death they were saved (born-again) we'll see them again. They'll be the ones greeting us, with smiles on their faces. You all have a blessed day !
Oh, before I forget, there are some that don't believe and that's ok. Life is about choices and it's my hope and prayer that you make the right choice, before it's too late. Those of you in Christ, don't be angry at the comments, because, like my old self, we didn't always follow Jesus. Instead of praising the Lord, we lived our life as if we were praising Satan. So when you read the comments, remember back to "the old days" and do like I do, just give a wry chuckle, shake your head and say to yourself, "You'll see". Again, have a blessed day.
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Posted by ( DaveV1968 ) on May 14, 2008 at 8:48 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Why are they crying? They are death cultists who now "have gone to their final reward" and are "in a better place".
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Posted by ( Yankee ) on May 14, 2008 at 8:52 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I know this is painful for many. But for those of us who have a relationship with Christ should be crying tears of joy because we know that one day soon we will see our Brother Pollock. May the Lord continue to grace this church and strengthen the family and grant them His peace that unsurpasses all understanding. God bless you all.
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Posted by ( nuenglandchick ) on May 14, 2008 at 10:20 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
We cry because we are sad. We are sad because we wonder why? Yes we are Christians and know that Forrest and Preston are in a far better place than us. But still, we are human and have to wonder why, what if? We think about Dawn and the kids....the graduations without their dad, the weddings without him to walk them down the aisle. Just because we are Christians doesn't mean we don't have feelings and don't grieve when there is a loss...
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Posted by ( Old_FL_Crab ) on May 14, 2008 at 10:58 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
@Reality, Careful there Reality. First this is TBO, reality is SELDOM posted here. Second this particular blog is gonna be overrun by large numbers of Christians who aren't concerned with reality.
Last, GOOD report, some of us DO like facts and research. :-)
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Posted by ( jameswpope ) on May 14, 2008 at 11:09 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
To my Bell Shoals Family and brothers and sisters in Christ
I have read the comments posted here since the news of Pastor's disappearance appeared. Most were kind, some were angry and a few were vicious. I have been deeply offended by some of the comments made here by people that up to this point had never darkened the doorstep of our church nor experience true Christian love and fellowship. I have been angry and hurt by the things that people are saying and I would usually be the first in line to fire a salvo or two back to defend Pastor and Bell Shoals.
But, perhaps the greatest tribute we could pay to our Pastor's legacy is to live up to our nickname and truly be the "Fellowship of Encouragement". If there is one thing that can be said about Pastor is that he lived his life to REFLECT Christ. He did not preach to bring himself glory, nor did he seek this new worship center to make Bell Shoals look good. His mission and Bell Shoals mission has always been to glorify Christ. I say this not to preach at anyone other than myself and to share with members of my Bell Shoals family some of the things I feel in this time of loss.
Remember, Jesus wept at the death of Lazarus so our sorrow is acceptable and wholly Godly. Jesus was slandered on the cross, but only prayed that they Lord forgive his tormentors. If such things are done to the Son of God, should we not expect they would be done to one of us?
Please pray for Mrs. Pollock and the children, they need to lifted up. Please pray for our church as we look for the person that God has already picked to be our leader. But, most of all, remember that an unsaved world is watching our reaction and we should be careful so that we will be known as a child of God by the fruits of the Spirit. We need to respond with love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance.
That is the best legacy for our Pastor, our church and our Lord!
I'll get off my soapbox now...
See y'all tonight
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Posted by ( tampaguy69 ) on May 14, 2008 at 11:10 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
for all the ballyhooing these "pastors" do about the wonderful afterlife, you can bet your a** they will do all they can to stay here on earth and enjoy all the treasure that their gullible sheep shower on them. After all, which is better; life everlasting or private planes,boats and lavish homes?
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Posted by ( Sweetie2112777 ) on May 14, 2008 at 11:35 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
jameswpope - thank you sir for being a fine example of this wonderful church. This is the type of behavior that Pastor Forrest exemplified and I am proud to have known Pastor and be a faithful member of Bell Shoals Baptist Church. Yes sir, you will see me tonight.
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Posted by ( JackNelsonSteward ) on May 14, 2008 at 11:51 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
james ...
"darkened the doorstep ...?" You think Jesus would consider it "darkening" the doorstep if one of these folks showed up there? Is that the spirit of fellowship and encouragement a prodigal can expect upon arriving at your church?
You are concerned about your appearance of Godliness to the "unsaved world?" Jesus had some very pointed things to say about those whose religion was for display.
Be a congregation which has lost a beloved pastor. Be people who have lost a friend. Keep your hearts open and embrace the spirit you follow. You have no need to care for your appearance to others. If you truly follow your "leader" you might find yourself quietly and alone praying that those who have rejected you show up in your presence to be welcomed and encouraged.
Just something to think about.
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Posted by ( rachsan ) on May 14, 2008 at 12:13 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
This wonderful man had the ability to inspire you to be a better Christian, and to stand up for what you believe in. He had such an impact on my life and the lives of my children. My family will continue to pray for his.
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Posted by ( Kris10 ) on May 14, 2008 at 1:36 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
My family recently became members of Bell Shoal's Baptist Church. I was born and raised Catholic, so a bible was new territory for me, as most Catholic's will understand. My very first experience at Bell Shoals was life changing. Pastor Pollock had a way of taking scripture, something not easily interpretated, and put it into terms that fit into every day life. It seems like some how he knew exactly what issues my family was struggling with and it was as if he spoke directly to me. I had the great pleasure of meeting him and shaking his hand after that sermon. He was a truly wonderful person. It's a shame that all of you couldn't have met him, you would feel differently about him. You shouldn't speak ill of someone that you have never even met especially right after their death. Couldn't you at least have some decency and some compassion for his grieving family? Pastor Pollock was a WONDERFUL PASTOR AND PERSON AND MY FAMILY WILL GRAVELY MISS HIM! We will see you all at the service tonight.
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Posted by ( tboreaderperson ) on May 14, 2008 at 4:02 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Me and my family started going to the Bell Shoals church of encouragement last year. Like others, I was raised Catholic but was looking to join and be active in a church that resonated with me and that I could be excited about. My wife and I searched for years. Pastor Pollock was the key dynamic element that really made the difference. From his first sermon we knew this was the church for us. The more he would preach, the more you would get to know him and his family. He was such a nice guy. And his family is very real, genuine and humble. He will be very deeply missed. My wife and I cried when the worst of our fears were confirmed and it was announced he and his son Preston were dead. Our thoughts, hopes, and prayers go out to Dawn, Courtney, Brooke, Hope, Blake, and Kirk. I can't imagine the loss they are going through right now. It's just so tragic. He was such a nice man, and Preston was such a nice boy.
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Posted by ( tampaguy69 ) on May 14, 2008 at 4:26 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Ronda Storms continues to use her position to inflict hate and heartache on "others" and her "pastor" is right in bed with her in their "cultural war" as opposed to spreading a message of love and acceptance so why shouldn't the people they demean. excoriate, and discriminate against react accordingly?
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Posted by ( BMinnick ) on May 14, 2008 at 4:56 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Please consider your future right now. Pastor Pollock lived each day to see people become saved believers. Pastor Pollock was prepared, but never expected to die so soon. You will face death whether later today or in years to come. Can you say for sure you are going to heaven? What will you say to God if He would ask you "why should I let you into heaven?" If you have any other answer than you have believed & trusted Jesus Christ as your Savior you are not a believer and are not presently going to heaven should you die. Here's what you have to consider. The Bible is very accurate.
Take a look at how accurate the Bible is on Israel, science, history, and prophesy.
God's Word is Truth. The random possibility of predicting fulfilled prophesy in the Bible is one in trillions. Now, consider this truth. God loves you so much He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die as payment for your sins. You see God is love, but God is also righteous and requires payment for sin. Each person has to either accept Jesus Christ paying thru death for their sins or each person has to pay for their sins at death themselves. Now here's what is neat about God. God is not willing that any person should perish, but all become believers. However, God does not force belief & acceptance of His Son's work in our behalf down our throats. We have a God given free will to accept His Son or reject His Son. If we reject His Son we are still condemned to pay for our sins. I ask you has anyone ever taught you to lie, steal, or cheat. Of course not. Like me you are a sinner by nature born to sin. Because we are sinners, we need a Savior
or we will face God's wrath at death in judgement. Finally, some knowledge to remember. Nothing can purchase your eternal life except Jesus Christs payment. No matter how good you are, just one sin in your lifetime makes you guilty with a punishment of spiritual death forever. Good works do not save anyone. Neither can any church, gift of money, act of kindness, or trying to be a good person. "not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saves us."
" Truly, truly he who believes in Me has eternal life." Jesus Christ is the only Way, Truth, and Life. Believe. Except a man believes he can not see the kingdon of God. Accept God's free gift of eternal life today by believing Jesus Christ, God's Son, died and rose agin paying your punishment for your sin. Please come to Bell Shoals. God's
people love each other. Know today you have forgiveness for all your sins and have eternal life forever with a God that loves you enough to require His Son to die in your place. Life with God is priceless. If your not such about being a believer, ask God to give you more information. Bell Shoals is a great place to start looking for the Truth.
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Posted by ( dacontinent ) on May 14, 2008 at 5:39 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
jameswpope...not being a member of Bell Shoals but knowing your for some 20 years, I have two words for you: Thank you. JackNelsonSteward...yes, Jesus would consider others coming to worship there "darkening the doorstep", since that merely refers to the shadow they would cast with their entrance.
Since Jesus wept for Lazarus while being fully cognizant of the eternal glory to which he was destined, sorrow is most surely appropriate. Only a few days later "for the joy that was set before Him...endured the cross, despising the shame..." We weep with you for our absent brothers and for the family left behind. And, we look forward to the day of our reunion.
Pastor Phillip Edwards
Living Word Christian Fellowship
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Posted by ( SubstituteEducation ) on May 14, 2008 at 7:01 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
May Pastor Pollock rest on that high mountain in Heaven.
Prayers
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Posted by ( mleilanir ) on May 14, 2008 at 8:14 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
My mom mentioned she saw on the news last night, by position of the bodies, it looked as if Preston was sitting in the pilot's chair. Can anyone confirm or deny?
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Posted by ( JackNelsonSteward ) on May 14, 2008 at 9:58 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
dacontinent,
The phrase "darken my door (step)" does NOT refer to the shadow one may cast upon crossing the threshold. It has a clear connotation and you know it as well as I do. James used it as a the pejorative it is and it is contrary to the spirit and ministry of Jesus and you know that, too.
Take up the slack, Pastor.
Condolences on the loss of your friends and fellows.
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Posted by ( BlueCollar ) on May 14, 2008 at 10:07 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by ( Kiefer ) on May 14, 2008 at 10:49 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Weak and wounded sinner
Lost and left to die
O, raise your head, for love is passing by
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus and live!
Now your burden’s lifted
And carried far away
And precious blood has washed away the stain, so
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus and live!
And like a newborn baby
Don’t be afraid to crawl
And remember when you walk
Sometimes we fall…so
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus and live!
Sometimes the way is lonely
And steep and filled with pain
So if your sky is dark and pours the rain, then
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus and live!
O, and when the love spills over
And music fills the night
And when you can’t contain your joy inside, then
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus and live!
And with your final heartbeat
Kiss the world goodbye
Then go in peace, and laugh on Glory’s side, and
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus and live!
It’s called “Untitled Hymn (Come to Jesus),” by Chris Rice.
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Posted by ( broken ) on May 15, 2008 at 12:35 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Sorry for the loss to the family. Sounds like this man gave more than most and thats the way he should be remembered.
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Posted by ( 1COR13 ) on May 15, 2008 at 12:38 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
DEAR FRIEND,
LET'S TALK POLITICS! BUT FIRST RELIGION. I THINK OF CHRISTIANITY AS A DISAPLINE, LIKE MANY BELIEFS THERE ARE GUIDELINES, EVEN THE SATANIC CHURCH HAS THAT. I CHOOSE CHRISTIANITY BECAUSE IT LINES UP. LIKE OUR FRIEND SAID EARLIER, SCIENCE, PROPHICY, HISTORY, NOT TO MENTIONED WHEN FOLLOWED PROPERLY, IT CAN LEAD TO A PRETTY BALANCED AND HARMONIOUS LIFE.
YOU KNOW EVERYONE WANTS TO HANG OUT WITH OTHER PEOPLE. YOU HANG OUT WITH PEOPLE YOU CAN RELATE TO, AND WE DO TOO. IT'S FUN. THAT'S WHAT CHURCH IS SUPPOSED TO BE. "FORSAKE NOT THE ASSEMBLYING OF YOURSELVES TOGETHER" THIS IS FOR ENCOURAGEMENT IN LIFE. WHETHER IT BE WITH 10,000 FRIENDS OR 2-3. IT'S YOUR' CALL. SPEAKING OF A MEGA CHURCH, REMEMBER WHEN MOSES LED THE ISREALITES OUT OF EGYPT??!!! GREAT STORY!
WOULD YOU COMPLAIN ABOUT GIVING YOUR MONEY TO MAKE A SINGER RICH, MEETING AT THE ICE PALACE WITH 22,000 OTHER FANS? THEN WOULD THEY OFFER A FOOD PANTRY FOR THE POOR?
THE BIBLE SAYS THE POOR WILL ALWAYS BE AMONGS US. THIS DOES NOT MEAN GOD LOVES YOU MORE OR LESS. I GREW UP WITH LITTLE MONEY, BUT WE BLESSED AND WERE BLESSED IN OTHER WAYS. MANY MEN IN THE BIBLE WERE VERY RICH, AND SOME WERE VERY POOR. GOD USED EACH IN UNIQUE WAYS.
WE HAVE BOTH EXPERIENCED DEATH SO CLOSE TO OUR HEARTS. THIS IS LIFE. "THE RAIN FALLS ON THE JUST AND THE UNJUST ALIKE".
MRS. STORMS FIGHTS FOR WHAT SHE BELIEVES IN, AS DO YOU. THANK GOD WE STILL HAVE THE FREEDOM TO DO SO. AS TO ALL THE DISASTERS OF HISTORY, MOST OF THESE WERE STARTED FROM "the LOVE of money it's the root of all evil." YES, EVEN THE CRUSADES.
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Posted by ( anon111222 ) on May 15, 2008 at 12:56 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
It doesn't help to quiet some people's concerns to see a preacher living in a $900K home (which is one of the lower-priced homes in their small-yet-pricey neghborhood). Nor does it help to see him regularly refinancing for more money and taking out a $1.2 MILLION loan against that house last year, despite him only paying $140 THOUSAND for the house. Or the multiple other houses that he owned and sold off in recent years. It's not difficult to see why some people question why so many "men of God" that preach at larger churches seem to live such extravagant lifestyles. Even though he earned most of his money from his previous career, it makes one wonder how much more good the church could've done if he limited himself to a reasonable home and spent some of that money on worthwhile causes instead of his own extravagant lifestyle.
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Posted by ( emusteve ) on May 15, 2008 at 2:03 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I am a member of Bell Shoals, and I'd like to respectfully offer some information.
First, Pastor Pollock was a man that I never once wavered in my respect for. He transitioned from a very successful business career into ministry because he felt God was calling him to do so.
I'm human, so when I hear comments like "It's not difficult to see why some people question why so many "men of God" that preach at larger churches seem to live such extravagant lifestyles. Even though he earned most of his money from his previous career, it makes one wonder how much more good the church could've done if he limited himself to a reasonable home and spent some of that money on worthwhile causes instead of his own extravagant lifestyle", my first reaction is to get angry. However, that would not be a fitting testament to a man who left a lucrative career to serve me and others in the name of Jesus. A man who donated his entire church salary BACK to the church. Pastor Pollock did not live extravagantly because he "built a megachurch" or "suckered his poor sheep into funding it".
That said, my heart breaks every time I think of Dawn and the kids. It breaks every time I think of walking into service and never seeing his smiling face. It breaks thinking I'll never get another letter from him saying that he had set aside time to pray for me personally this week, and asking if there was anything specific I needed prayer for.
If you have an issue with Christians or God or the church, I am asking you, as one human being to another, please... there are lots of other places you can vent that.
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Posted by ( areader ) on May 15, 2008 at 8:21 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
A memeber of the congregation told me that she had spoken to the family and they said the Pastor had phoned his family to let them know his controls were going out or had gone out prior to the crash.
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Posted by ( Garbanzo ) on May 15, 2008 at 8:32 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
This church is being punished for its evil-doing in the community. Private plane???? I don't recall Jesus ever saying anything about private planes. I do, however, remember a very good verse which I have used over the years to determine who the "real" Christians are. "It is easier for a camel to fit through the eye of a needle that it is for a wealthy man to enter the gates of heaven" (paraphrased). PLEASE!! By anyone's standards, everyone out there in the Bible-thumping suburbs that attends this radical, cult church is WEALTHY by human standards!! This is just the beginning of your pain, you nasty hypocrites.
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Posted by ( Sweetie2112777 ) on May 15, 2008 at 9:36 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Garbanzo - what a mean spirited person you are! If you knew anything about our church, you would know that we are a close knit family and we love everyone - even those with forked tongues such as yourself. Unlike you, my church family and myself have class.
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Posted by ( emusteve ) on May 15, 2008 at 10:17 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Sigh.
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Posted by ( CKSampson ) on May 15, 2008 at 12:29 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Though not a member of Bell Shoals,I had the privilege of meeting Pastor Pollock and his wife a few months ago. They were precious, down-to-earth, sincere Christians who only wanted to draw others to Christ. His glory, not theirs was their goal. For those of you who think God caused the death of the Pastor and his son, he didn't. Granted, he allowed it, that is part of the imperfect world we live in, due to the fall of Adam and Eve, early on. The devil kills but God has the ultimate victory for those who believe in him. Forrest and his son are in perfect glory now. For those of you who are unjustly and incorrectly criticizing he and Christianity in general, why not focus your energies on good thoughts and prayer(if you pray) for his wife and remaining children whose loss is tremendous and whose lives will be difficult without Pastor Pollock and his son. We should all pray and ask that they be comforted and helped along the way until the ultimate reunion occurs with their husband, dad, son, and brother in the sky. May Dawn and the children draw strength from the great love Forrest had and still has for them.
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Posted by ( Garbanzo ) on May 15, 2008 at 12:29 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
-sweetie2112777- I'm mean spirited?? It's your God that let this guy and his son go down in a plane. Sounds like the almighty likes his love mixed with a little violence and sorrow. Anyway, I do not speak with a "forked" tongue as you put it. God will continue to punish your church for its love of materialism and ignorance of those who are poor and suffer in this world. I don't care where your pastor made his money, it's the fact that he still had it. The very SAD state of American Christianity!!
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Posted by ( iembark ) on May 15, 2008 at 1:08 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Dr. Forrest Pollock, the virtuous and valiant servant of God; who humbly passes us by with a comforting smile, en route to the vocation of Jehovah God (and in the end) to our Father’s house, imparted to us a great testimony. Dr. Pollock once said in one of his reflective sermons, that if one day [church family] we were informed that he was dead, that we ought not to believe it, for he would not be dead, but much alive - alive in Heaven with our Lord Jesus Christ.
Psychological and emotional affects of the news makes it crippling to the heart and at times, difficult to comprehend the ways of God. In our state of lamentation and as we ponder on Dr. Pollock’s life and his precious son Preston, we must take comfort in the absolute sovereignty of El Shaddai. We must celebrate the workings of God’s hand and privilege to have known his facilitator, Dr. Pollock.
We must be prepared to carry the proverbial badge of valor, notwithstanding the determent of the world and live out the true implication of the Fellowship of Encouragement.
Dr. Pollock departed from us, from the impermanent body we each inhabit, relinquishing this afflicted world to grasp the hand of our Father. We ought not to sorrow for long, for no more shall he suffer the burdens of the material world. No more shall he be subjected to the strife of mankind. Indeed his name will be remembered and his legacy will serve as a beacon and an ever present encouragement to continue on with the passion of Christ and to fulfill the work of God, as Dr. Pollock did. Be encouraged my brethrens, in the name of Jesus Christ who strengthens us. – Patrick C. Jean-Pierre and Family (Bell Shoals Baptist member).
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Posted by ( 3rd_POV ) on May 15, 2008 at 1:13 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I guess god wasn't his co-pilot.
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Posted by ( rolyateded ) on May 15, 2008 at 2:10 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I believe everyone have the rights to their "own opinions", but seriously! Can't the negatives wait until the family has at least had a time of mourning. They so deserve that. If it were your father, son, or brother you would ask the same. Please give them this time to say good-bye.
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Posted by ( dacontinent ) on May 15, 2008 at 2:13 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
JackNelsonSteward: If it helps ... I have the privilege of knowing jameswpope both personally and professionally for 20 years, and I understanding his spirit. It is an advantage that I have in being able to address his comments in this particular area. I understand both connotation and inflection, which have to be heard in order to be properly interpreted when one, perhaps, does not know the writer. No slack here. I would let James raise my grandchildren when they are born.
This is a time to support and strengthen. Let's simply choose that path.
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Posted by ( 1COR13 ) on May 15, 2008 at 2:14 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
DEAR FRIEND,
I SEE YOUR CONCERN WITH MONEY AND THE CHURCH. LOVE AND MONEY WERE SOME OF THE MOST DISCUSSED SUBJECTS IN THE BIBLE. UNLIKE THE CATHOLIC CHURCH, THE PROTESTANT MOVEMENT DOES NOT REQUIRE THEIR WORKERS TO TAKE AN OATH OF POVERTY. THEY ARE ALLOWED TO EARN MONEY, AND INVEST IT TO THEIR OWN DISCRESSION. WHEN CHOOSING A CHURCH, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THEY HAVE FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY. SOME DENOMINATIONS DO NOT HAVE ANY, AND THAT'S WHEN YOU SEE THE LEADERS TAKING UNLIMITED TITHES AND OFFERINGS. I "THINK" BELLS SHOALS IS A MEMBER OF THE SOUTHERN BAPTIST, WHICH IS A WELL RAN ORGINIZATION. PASTORS AND OTHER WORKERS ARE PAID SALARIES, WHICH IS GOOD, LUKE 10-7 STATES "THE WORKER IS WORTHY OF HIS HIRE". OR MEANING YOU SHOULD PAY A PERSON FOR WORKING. AS FAR AS INVESTING GOES THERE IS A STORY THAT TELLS ABOUT THREE MEN BLESSED WITH TALENTS,OR MONEY, AND THEY WERE REWARDED BASED ON HOW WELL THEY INVESTED THEIR TALENTS.(MATT.25 14-30) INVESTING WHAT GOD HAS BLESSED YOU WITH IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT. WHEN CHOOSING A MAN FOR LEADERSHIP, THIS IS A MAIN AREA TO CONCIDER. FOR ME I CHOOSE A GROUP THAT IS SET UP WELL IN THESE AREAS. IF I AM INVESTING MY 10% PLUS, I WANT TO KNOW THE MONEY IS GOING FOR GOOD. IS THE CHURCH GROWING? IS IT INVESTING INTO THE COMMMUNITY? ARE THERE PROGRAMS FOR ME AND MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS? ARE THEY TEACHING SOUND DOCTRINE ACCORDING TO THE WORD? THIS SEEMS TO BE A VERY WELL RAN ASSEMBLY, THAT'S WHY SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE ENJOYED BEING APART OF IT.
WHEN SCRIPTURE TALKS ABOUT "IT IS EASIER FOR A CAMEL TO ENTER THE EYE OF A NEEDLE THAN A RICH MAN TO ENTER THE KINGDOM OF GOD" MATT. 19:24 THE YOUNG MAN IN THIS STORY WANTED TO KNOW HOW TO HAVE ETERNAL LIFE, CHRIST TOLD HIM, OBEY THE COMMANDMENTS, THE TERM ENTERING INTO THE KINGDOM, COULD POSSIBLY MEAN UNDERSTANDING GOD'S PERFECT PLAN HERE AND NOW. WHEN OUR FOCAS IS SELF, MATERIALISM, ECT. IT IS VERY EASY TO LOOSE THE KINGDOM FOCAS. THIS DOES NOT MEAN THAT ALL WEALTHY MEN ARE WORTHLESS TO THE KINGDOM, BUT RATHER, THEY ARE REQUIRED MUCH MORE OF. "..TO WHOM MUCH IS GIVEN, OF HIM SHALL BE MUCH REQUIRED..." LUKE 12:48 I AM SURE YOU SEE THAT IN ALL AREAS OF LIFE.
I NOTICED THE PHRASE "JUDGE NOT" BEING THROWN AROUND. THIS IS IN REFERENCE TO MATT. CH.7 MEANING IF YOU CRITSIZE SOMEONE, YOU TOO WILL BE CRITISIZED IN THAT FASHION. IF IT'S WRONG FOR HIM TO HAVE THESE THINGG, THAN YOU CAN'T HAVE THEM EITHER. CAPITOLISM VS. COMMUNISM?
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Posted by ( emusteve ) on May 15, 2008 at 2:25 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Garbanzo, I don't want to be evil because I have money... just so I know, whats a good income to cut myself off at? If you live on 20,000 a year, that makes you a good Christian, but 20,001 a year crosses the line into evil and materialistic, right?
Also, it shouldn't matter how hard I worked for that money. Pastor Pollock may have touched lives and given hope to more people than we can count, but ignore that! Seriously! We should all work super hard and be dirt poor, or else we aren't real Christians. Absolutely. What a highly intelligent and well thought out statement you make. Also, I can't think of a better place to post it that in the obituary of a man that just died... a man many loved and are currently grieving over.
But who cares about them or their feelings... whats important is to bash them and their beliefs. Awesome. You are a truly good person Garbanzo. Thanks for setting us straight. I'd love to live my life just like you live yours. Keep on fighting the good fight man.
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Posted by ( Garbanzo ) on May 15, 2008 at 2:51 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
-emusteve- I never said that anyone had to "draw any line". The Bible talks more about the trappings of materialism and the denunciation of the same more than it does ANY OTHER TOPIC!! Maybe you should consider reading it some time! And also...this is NOT an obituary. This is a news article. No-one is bashing anyone's beliefs, but rather that if they are going to "believe" something and preach it then they should truly LIVE IT!! Again: "IT IS EASIER FOR A CAMEL TO FIT THROUGH THE EYE OF A NEEDLE THAN IT IS FOR A WEALTHY MAN (NO MATTER WHERE HIS MONEY COMES FROM) TO ENTER THE GATES OF HEAVEN" That is a quote from the Bible...not from the great Garbanzo. Draw you own line....
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Posted by ( runner2 ) on May 15, 2008 at 3:57 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
The timeless theme, Earth and Heaven will pass away.
It’s not a dream, God will make all things new that day.
Gone is the curse from which I stumbled and fell.
Evil is banished to eternal hell.
No more night. No more pain.
No more tears. Never crying again.
And praises to the great "I AM."
We will live in the light of the risen Lamb.
See all around, now the nations bow down to sing.
The only sound is the praises to Christ, our King.
Slowly the names from the book are read.
I know the King, so there’s no need to dread.
No more night. No more pain.
No more tears. Never crying again.
And praises to the great "I AM."
We will live in the light of the risen Lamb.
See over there, there’s a mansion, oh, that’s prepared just for me,
Where I will live with my savior eternally.
No more night. No more pain.
No more tears. Never crying again.
And praises to the great "I AM."
We will live in the light of the risen Lamb.
All praises to the great "I AM."
We’re gonna live in the light of the risen Lamb.
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Posted by ( 1COR13 ) on May 15, 2008 at 4:52 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
THE TERM "EYE OF THE NEEDLE" MAY ALSO MEAN, THE NEEDLES EYE GATE OR JAFFA GATE OF JERUSALEM. LARGE ANIMALS WOULD HAVE TO UNLOAD THEIR "BAGGAGE" AND CRAWL THROUGH THE GATE. OBVIOUS SYMBOLISM. RID YOUSELF OF BURDENS, HUMBLE YOURSELF TO ENTER INTO THE KINGDOM. WEALTH AND MATERIALISM CAN MAKE THIS VERY HARD. BUT NOT IMPOSSIBLE. WE SEE IN 1 COR.7 7-8 PAUL MENTIONS, THAT IT IS MUCH "EASIER TO SERVE THE KINGDOM AS A SINGLE PERSON" YOU HAVE MORE TIME AND FREEDOM, BUT IT IS NOT WRONG TO BE MARRIED. IT CAN BE BETTER FOR SOME. WHICH BRINGS US BACK TO THE MORE YOU HAVE, THE HARDER YOU MUST WORK. THAT APPLIES TO KNOWLEDGE ALSO.
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Posted by ( DarthRandall ) on May 15, 2008 at 5:15 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Ohhhhhhhhhhh! Why can't we all just get along? When is Jebus coming back to save us???
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Posted by ( emusteve ) on May 15, 2008 at 6:15 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Garbanzo, you didn't know Pastor Pollock, and you are making statements about something you know nothing about.
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Posted by ( JAlmeida ) on May 15, 2008 at 8:39 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
True, there are many of us who are crying and grieving. We are in sorrow because we will miss a wonderful, passionate and loving pastor and friend who was totally devoted to the Lord. Let us not forget that we are also grieving for Dawn and the children at the same time. So do not misunderstand this congregation and the community as we show our outward sorrow. We are also REJOICING for Pastor and Preston as they went hand in hand looking into each others eyes and smiling as they walked through those gates of gold onto jeweled streets. I can envision them walking towards our Lord God Almighty sitting on His throne. Can you imagine how awesome that must have been for both Pastor and Preston to be in the presences of the Lord together!! Right now as we are reading this, they are surrounded by walls made of jasper and of pure gold, decorated with every kind of precious stone. It says in Rev 22:1-5 that there will be a river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river there will be the tree of life, bearing fruit all year long. There will be no night and they will never need light because our Lord's light will shine upon them forever. So would you say that we will be living an "extravagant lifestyle" (anon111222) in Heaven or do you think that the Bible is "ballyhooing the afterlife" (tampaguy69), or maybe those "dead cultists who now 'have gone to their final reward' and are 'in a better place'" (DaveV 1968) could just possible BE in a better place? I don't know about you but I would rather trust in the Lord and live my life as the Bible (God's Word) teaches us than live a life full of hate and sin. For those of you who do not believe in Jesus Christ, would you want to take the chance that there is or is not a God up in Heaven? I would sure hate to be standing in front of God as He opens the Book of Life and all of a sudden "my name was not in it"!! And as for us being a "radical, cult church who is being punished for its evil-doing in the community" (Garbanzo), I can see that you have no idea as to the amount of mission work we do both here in the United States and Internationally. At Bell Shoals Baptist Church our mission has been and always will be whether Dr. Pollock is here (he is here in spirit) or not is to Glorify Jesus Christ and to be the Fellowship of Encouragement to ALL people. I would like to extend a personal invitation to the above mentioned people who wrote their comments to TBO.com to join us on Sunday. We are also having our Grand Opening on Sunday, June 1st, if you would rather come then. I promise you we are a kind and loving congregation. We will MISS you Pastor Pollock but are OVERJOYED that you are with the Lord in Heaven and look forward to the day of our reunion. Our prayers go out to the Pollock family. God Bless!!
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Posted by ( ProudLion ) on May 15, 2008 at 10:28 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Although I am now Catholic, I came to the Lord as a Baptist so I feel much graditude for you.
Our prayers are certainly with Pastor Pollock's family and congregation during this difficult time.
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Posted by ( swadstrom2 ) on May 16, 2008 at 9:23 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
We are from Bay Life, but held much respect for Pastor Pollock. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and the Bell Shoals Congregation. The entire Christian community, regardless of the denomination, is lifting you up and supporting you. For those who are not saved and leave hurtful, hateful, political messages on the message boards, Pastor Pollock would respond to you in the same way that Jesus did. Jesus loved his enemies and prayed for those that persecuted him. The Christian community loves you anyway and pray for you because you know not what you are doing /saying. You must all really be in deep pain if you feel the need to strike out when so many other people are hurting. So know the Christian community is praying for you as well - that you will find Jesus and learn what compassion and love for your fellow man really are. May God Bless you all and may you find his peace.
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Posted by ( cindybear ) on May 16, 2008 at 11:04 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Support science & reason.
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Posted by ( Silver_Shiney ) on May 17, 2008 at 11:46 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Garbanzo, the Lord doesn't have a problem with people having lots of money. He has a problem with people who have lots of money for the sake of having lots of money. It's the LOVE of money that is the root of all evil. The more money I've got, the more I can give to building the Kingdom.
So this pastor had a pilot's licence. I don't recall reading that he OWNED the aircraft, he could have rented it. But so what if he did own it?
So what if his family has a nice house? Don't you think that the Lord blessed him with all that?
To all the other people who have attacked this man, whatever your logic behind your evident ill-conceived hatred for Christianity, don't you think such vitriol is insensitive considering the circumstances?
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Posted by ( majicmajic ) on May 17, 2008 at 11:57 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Regarding “reality’s” post about how the reporter was wrong on his description of the search and how it was conducted.
Briefly, I see his reality's post being inappropriate at a time that others are trying to go through the grieving process. At this time no one cares about the SAR technicalities regarding this tragic event. Reality is obviously a wannabe and a CAP member who wants to try to impress others with his worthless information.
Our family’s prayers and thoughts are with Forrest and his beloved son. I take comfort in knowing God was with you and your son Forrest and I know you did your best.
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Posted by ( disgustedwithsociety ) on May 17, 2008 at 1:34 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
how sad that a few who know nothing about being a true Christian feel the need to post such hatered for others. Yes, sadly a few in the name of christianity have done ill with money but not all. The Bible also clearly teaches to whom much is given much will be required. It is also very clear that every idle word a man(or woman) speaketh that will they give an account of on the judgement day, so be very careful what hate you spew out as the Lord WILL hold you accountable the day you stand before Him. And yes you will stand before Him as either your Judge our as your Saviour that is your choice to make now before you see Him face to face. Prayers to the family including the church family
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Posted by ( Basch ) on May 17, 2008 at 6:54 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I know this Forrest Pollock, as I was a 6 month member of his church. He speaks nothing but hatred and bigotry and hypocrisy. Life or death, he was still a bad man. I've heard him say "It's easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than a rich man to go to heaven." Yet thanks to the members he brainwashed of his so called church, who shell out money to him daily. He had a home theather in his home, which i've been in for this goofy little ice cream festival thing he had to promote his wealth even more. Even after I left he still had this phone robot call me under an unlisted number trying to tell me about his latest scam. He would also waste alot of paper to mail me letters asking for more and more money. If that's not enough, his whole church was a front for George W. Bush's pathetic war on terror. He tired to convert all his members to Republicians so Bush would become stronger. His close minded members include: David Gee: Our moronic, tax dollar wasting sheriff. Terry Kemple: A Bush loving racist hypocrite who tries to get our government to waste more money on abstinence programs and anti-titty bar crusades. He was also working with Rhonda Storms to waste our tax dollars. He is indeed an intolerant racist as this article proves: http://www.thebigdaddyweave.com/2006/09/forrest-pollock-on-islam.html
What got me to leave to church is on a job application for the kitchen there was a question: Have you ever been molested? If so explain. When I left the whole bunch of members who pretended to be my friends started to shun me. Because he told them to in his many sermons which expressed hatred to toward jews, catholics, buddists, hindus, muslims and anyone(even other baptists) who wasn't a member of his twisted church of hate. I say God has punished this hypocrite as he is now mash on the side of a mountain. Unfornately his poor 13 yr old son had to go too because his father was a poor pilot who did something stupid and flew in 60 mile an hr winds near a mountain. I hope his son rests in peace. Even though his hypocrite father is in hell now.
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Posted by ( Sweetie2112777 ) on May 18, 2008 at 10:24 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Basch - it is very apparent that you have never stepped foot inside Bell Shoals Baptist Church. I think you are on here trying to seek attention - maybe you have some internal issues, but Pastor was a great man, who gave to the needy and helped others. I am not brain washed. I know the message I hear. I don't give alot of money to the church but I give what I can and they treat me with as much respect as anyone else. Freedom of speech is your right granted by the constitution of this great land and your are entitled to your opinion, but dear friend, 7,500 church members can attest otherwise.
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Posted by ( FloridaVol ) on May 18, 2008 at 8:15 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Tampaguy69 (posted 05-14/11:10 am) Your comment re "private planes,boats and lavish homes" in scripture is referred to as wood, hay, and stubble. Sure, we all want to keep enjoying what we have including our relationships and earthly pleasures. Forrest Pollock enjoyed his family and had many creature comforts but he knew they were all dross compared to the riches in Christ Jesus. Of course anyone that would write an article with such negative vigor could not know Forrest or any of our pastors well enough to make such comments. Come visit our church some Sunday and see for yourself. I know this, if any of our pastors knew that anything they owned, enjoyed, or practiced kept anyone from knowing the surpassing greatness of a relationship with Jesus, they would treat it as trash and no longer want it in their life. Period. Can you say the same about any charity in your life?
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