I am resident of county that fell on hard times I was referred here during an emergency, when I arrived nothing seemed off until I woke up next morning. I had to wash two days worth of dishes to Help out , when I attempted to shower the water was turned on only for cold shower, and was told that my shower time is from 4:30 am to 7 am . This one bathroom services 14 other women . I was told to attend prayer from 9:00 til 10:00 be back by 1500 in other to attend another prayer meeting before dinner … there was no dinner . This went on for three nights until Sunday . As we all gathered for morning service for 930 til 11:00 then released for lunch that we’d have to travel out of the church to get while keeping in mind to return by some random hour for service again … not to mention Saturday was prayer service also . This place isn’t of the lord you have to take care of your own needs that some how don’t matter when it comes to this house meetings and prayer meetings that usually take place all on the same day. Without warning, you aren’t given clean bedding nor water hardly meals at all . No toilet paper or anything to wash your self . But the paster asked me and others to pay his 3600 dollar light bill . Told us the van which none of us have every used or ridden in cost him 600 dollars. He threatened to shut lights off if 1800 wasn’t collected by the 18th . After asking for more money during sundays service today after being released I left to eat a well deserved meal as I hadn’t had one since I’ve arrived, Nor a shower I returned with 50 dollars i went to my bed area and no sooner I place my purse down I was asked to come to the office by which is someone’s living quarters…. After I walked in I was yelled at and said you didn’t attend Sunday service and the paster told me you got to go! I reply I did attend then he said you didn’t attend evening service so get your stuff and head up out of here ! I tell the man you don’t have to talk to me this way I’ll leave he said well I ain’t got time to talk to you call the police on her to get her off the grounds . I left without incident but please 🙏 don’t send your family or loved ones here this was a bad experience and even worse example of a church . This church miss uses all donations so please donate with your spirit the men an women here pay this paster , this isn’t a shelter but he asks for funding from you and with a swift sword quick to shed innocent blood. I was sent on after 20:30 today into the freezing cold. In the middle of winter , nothing but wolves in...
Read moreWiley Drake is an embarrassment to all Christians especially Baptists, he's an embarrassment to God's children of other religious traditions, and he's an embarrassment to the human family. He is what Jesus called a wolf in sheep's clothing- one who is outwardly innocent yet deadly within. He reduces the one, holy, living, and loving God of all people and turns God into a tribal deity aligned with his own prejudices and insecurities. He claims to love God and yet hates a sister or brother. He distorts the Biblical narrative to accommodate his overblown ego and interests. He doesn't acknowledge the clarion call of the prophets to "do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God", to "let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever flowing stream" It disturbs me that a clergy of any religious tradition would misuse their pulpit and status to pray for the death of anyone. I pray that Almighty God will cleanse Wiley Drake of his hatred, and injustice, that he will begin to see the divine spark in all God's children, and to become a co-creator with God in transforming the human race into the human family, of realizing the Kingdom of God in our midst- the reign of justice and inclusion, where God's love and compassion prevails, where no one is a stranger, where all are welcomed at the heavenly feast. Father, forgive him, for he doesn't know...
Read moreI once lived in a 3 bedroom house not far from this church shelter. I had a set back that literally put me out on the street. I was later introduced to to this church shelter. I was accepted in and had a very nice welcome. I met a lot of different people there and even made a few friends there. Pastor Wiley Drake was really kool. I especially love how he fought long and hard to keep the church and the shelter open to help the homeless people. I can still remember being baptized there. It was really nice. I also remember participating in a Saturday morning Bible study hosted by Dave Hobart who is now with the Lord. I also remember Will Ruffin who was head security there, and also led Sunday evening bible studies before the 6:00 service Will Ruffin was a no nonsense guy who never tolerated drama on the church property, Yet he also knew how to smile. I also remember when the Koreans came once a month to visit. They also provided the very best meals and every winter they donated heavy Winter Coats. They shared God's Examples, especially God's love. I can truly say I really loved it at the first southern Baptist church with Pastor Wiley Drake. Now that I have an apartment in Long beach, I really miss the old times there, Especially the Saturday morning Bible studies with Dave Hobart. May...
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