R, our newest elder, is a truly great guy.
He pushed the hand of the rest of the elders to actually do something about SS. Today, they talked to the family and told them he could not participate in youth group activities. R guided the rest of the elders to understand it was OK for us to report this to DHS.
M was completely absent. I think he is feeling rather defeated. This crazy, sick church is what it is after 35 years of his being an elder. It is sad, because M is a godly man. He is a legalist, sectarian, difficult guy, but he loves God with all his heart and loves the church. I have tons of respect for him. But it is waning.
M announced to the rest of the elders that he would step down in January. A good thing.
Tomorrow, my wife and I get to go to DHS and file a report.
Tomorrow night is an elders meeting. They are meeting for two hours without me and then want me to join them. Yep. We are a team.
M was not happy I have not recanted my teaching on compassion. Could be interesting.
Restored hope.
Or hope that hope is worthwhile.
someday I want to meet R. I have only met 1 real elder and would love to double my real elder population.