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By Peter Biggs
LAST August, charismatic evangelist Todd Bentley
resigned from Abbotsford-based Fresh Fire Ministries – in the midst
of his controversial work with the phenomenon in Florida described as the
‘Lakeland Outpouring.’
News of his resignation was confirmed by a Fresh Fire
news release, which asserted that the married Bentley had “entered
into an unhealthy relationship on an emotional level, with a female member
of his staff.”
The ministry further stated that Bentley “has
agreed . . . to refrain from all public ministry for a season, to receive
counsel in his personal life.”
Bentley grew up on B.C.’s Sunshine Coast –
where, according to the Fresh Fire website, he was involved in
“criminal activity, youth prisons, drugs, sex, satanic music and
bondage.”
In his late teens, he turned to Christ after someone
handed him a Bible.
Since his resignation, the path has evidently been a
tortuous one for Bentley and his family.
Some critics claim he has not stopped public ministry,
citing a FaceBook website featuring his comments; some online
commentators, however, question whether the site is actually being operated
by Bentley himself.
Supporters contend Bentley has submitted himself to a
restoration process – and, to that end, has been living with well
known charismatic leader and author Rick Joyner in the U.S.
BCCN reached
Bentley’s parents, David and Darcia Bentley, for an update. David
asserted that Joyner “will be putting out a letter” on
Todd’s progress.
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He also said that, although his son’s MySpace
page does contain a couple of articles on the topic of
‘restoration,’ the articles are descriptive of the process Todd
himself is in. “[Previous] web teachings and writings are all
down,” he said.
The elder Bentley, who has had an itinerant ministry
himself, was candid when asked how the recent months have affected him and
his wife.
“It’s been tough. We get hate mail –
probably two a day, always from ‘Christians.’ Most contain
anger, swearing and condemnation. We do get some positive ones, mostly from
overseas – England, Australia and New Zealand.”
Asked how many harsh email messages they have received
altogether in recent months, David responds: “50 to 100 at least
– along with occasional phone calls.”
The Bentleys made it clear they are not exonerating
their son’s behaviour.
“Todd will say that he is 100 percent at
fault,” David said. They also maintained that he is indeed undergoing
restoration.
February 2009
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