In the words of the movie rendition of the person Doc Holiday, “It seems mah hypocrisy knows no bounds“. A few days ago, I posted an article that exhorted us all to not get too hung up on the issues that recently arose regarding Richard Abanes and Ken Silva. I plainly said that while it needed dealt with, there were other issues as well we need to address, namely, preaching the Gospel unabashedly. However, I would like to post something I was directed toward the other day.

This is written by a man with whom I have strong disagreements. I want that to be clear. I can find where he has pointedly gone against what is said by Ken Silva, myself, and others here. I have returned the favor now and then in comment threads, where, of course, I bested him with ease… Seriously however, I think it only fair to quote something he wrote the other day that I do appreciate. This is coming from one who has said things I would still categorically disagree with and contend were I in a position to do so. One can find in the original post links to articles written by this man against Ken Silva, our sister Ingrid, etc., and links to articles of like nature written by them regarding this man in particular. I decided not to post the links as I think they can be found on your own if you desire to do so. Many here will know all the disputes that have transpired. Those that don’t can look the author up as well. To post the links, I believe for most of us here, is unnecessary. It is enough to say this comes from a man who has made no uncertain terms in his views over the years. This was written as his own response to the issue regarding my friend Ken Silva and Richard Abanes and also as a result of things said by others following the events of July 24, 2008 and on. Read as follows,

“Ken Silva and I are friends. We have had, as do friends, disagreements ranging from moderate to serious, but we remain friends. I want to share publicly what most do not know. It has been suggested that Ken is not even a brother in Christ, however in my personal interaction with him he has shown some fruit that even many who do not appreciate him have not shown. Both Ken and Mrs. Schlueter have criticized me and been criticized by me, but neither I nor they have ever attempted to attack the right to blog.

[...]

Here is the question I would ask. If I had posted such a letter about you, would you still be my friend? Ken still remains a friend and did not attempt to take down my blog because of my post. Is this not the behavior of a Christian? With anything I disagree with Ken about, he has acted as a brother in Christ even when I have confronted him publicly and in private. I always tell him I will still speak my conscience and he understands. In that I salute him for showing forgiveness.
Not many would continue to communicate with me given those circumstances, even the non-ODMs.”

The man’s name is Henry (Rick) Frueh. This was sent to me by him the other day with this statement: “I owe Ken to share this with his readers.”

So, Rick. Thanks. And I keep praying that, by God’s Grace, you and I will see more eye to eye in the future.

Psalm 71