Letter of Dispatch
Letter of Support
Re: Greg T. S.
508-1 Sang Yon Dong
P.O. Box 19
Tongduchun
Republic Of Korea
To Whom concerned,
This is to certify that Rev. Greg T. S. is an ordained minister in good standing with the New Testament Christian Churches of America, Inc. This is to further certify that Rev. Greg T. S. has been granted an appointment to Korea that he may serve as a Pastor and spiritual director of U.S. servicemen. His role as a servicemen’s director consists of providing a place of spiritual fellowship and relaxation, etc. for US servicemen. Also, New Testament Christian Churches of America, Inc. will be responsible for the financial support of Rev. and Mrs. Greg T. S. during their stay in Korea to include all expenses that relate to their meals and lodging.
Thanking you for your help and cooperation in this matter.
Sincerely,
//Signed//
J.R. Ashmore (Secretary)
Here’s the link to the original.
COMMENTS: I did not become an ordained minister until 2006. We never receive the promised financial support (yes, we asked).
We had to pay for all the mandatory conferences, and make up all the difference in the church bills. Again…Yes, I did ask for money from HQ (one time), citing this letter as authorization. We were told (by Rev. Olson) if the bills weren’t paid we would be replaced (or in his words...if you can’t pay the bills, your replacement will be bringing the check); this letter was just a formality to get us into the country (along with our visa, which was tourist). We had only been in Korea 6 months by this time.
Previous to this, Deborah and I were pastoring a self supporting work, we did not have to work secular jobs, liked where we were at, had brothers living in the home, and had only been there (Leesville) 9 months. Before we arrived in Korea this first time, we were told by Pastor Davis the work in Korea was self supporting, we wouldn’t have to work a secular job, and the Korean church had a sizable congregation; with brothers living in the home.
When we arrived, I was told by Rev. Stevens I had to get a secular job; that this was approved and encouraged by Rev. Olson. When I called Rev. Olson about this, he confirmed.
Rev. Stevens was in a hurry to do changeover/sign the books over to me (the day after we got there), but after we started some things didn’t add up (more on this later). At changeover about a week later the general fund had about $23 in it, with no escrow fund. The work was not self supporting, had a small congregation (less than 20), and no one was living in the servicemen’s home. I also did not get my pastor salary the entire time we were there.
The budget for this work, during this time (1997-2001), averaged about $5,000 per month year round.
Rev. Steven’s also told us it would be a good idea for Deborah to get a job (like his wife had), so we would have the additional money that was needed, and that HQ approved of this. I called Rev. Olson; he confirmed, and told me sometimes certain things were necessary in the work of the Lord. I resisted having Deborah work for as long as I could, but after our request to NTCC for money was denied, she got a job.
Please note: Rev. Olson assured me Pastor Davis knew and approved of all this. Rev. Stevens assured me Rev. Olson knew and approved of all this. Also, Rev. and Sis. MacDonald encouraged my wife and I in Deborah getting a job with the same company Sis. MacDonald (and Sis. Stevens) worked for each time they have been in Korea.
There are many more details to this account but this will do for now.
In His Service,
Gregory
[link to this article on Deb and Greg's blog.]
Vote Anonymously On This Post By Clicking On The Lettered Boxes Below:
A) Sounds Like a True Description of ntcc
B) Sounds Like ntcc is a Cult
C) I Read It
D) ntcc lied about supporting Greg and Deb financially. ntcc lied to the Korean government about Deb and Greg being "tourists". ntcc is dAVIS and oLSON and aSHMORE in this true story TELLING LIES.
E) ntcc is designed to make a few families at the top very rich while the majority of workers live sacrifice and poverty only to be threatened by ntcc 'leaders' who have been lying to them. !??!
F) Create Your Own "F" ntcc 'leaders' don't keep the rules they make for others to keep. That is a double-standard and is wrong, just like the Pharisees/scribes/and hypocrites Jesus reproached telling us "They SAY and DO NOT." (ALL TALK, NO WALK)!
G) Glad To Be Out of ntcc
H) Create Your Own "H" ntcc should have to PROVE where ALL the (Mission Fund) money they collect goes. They say they are honest. We say PROVE IT or be found liars!
I) I'm Thinking Of Leaving ntcc
J) Create Your Own
**You Can Choose Multiple Answers**
