Samford Crimson on Rick Ousley
Readers, I hesitate even to lift the lid off this can of worms again, but the Samford Crimson has a long follow-up article on Rick Ousley’s affair and his resignation as the school’s football chaplain. Reporter Christopher Smith quotes Donna Jones extensively, and he also says that a number of other women have come forward since the story first broke in the Birmingham News on March 23.
Since the news broke, several women have expressed similar stories. Jones said two women called her house and told her about their own sexual relationships with Ousley. They told Jones that she was brave for speaking up and that they had been called liars. She hopes their stories will be validated now that she has spoken up.
“Rick’s comment in his statement was ‘that woman.’ He didn’t name me, a reporter did. That kind of left it open when he said ‘that woman,’ because it was ‘which woman.’ There were so many. He stuck his Reebok tennis shoes that everybody teases that he preached in right in his mouth when he said that.”
It looks like some of the commenters on my previous post did contact Birmingham News reporter Greg Garrison to tell him their stories.
Jones said “Birmingham News” reporter Greg Garrison told her several women called and accused Ousley of inappropriately touching their daughters while he pastored The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Ala. Two women have posted detailed descriptions of encounters they had with Ousley on the Internet. None of the stories could be confirmed.
“None of the stories could be confirmed.” Does that mean they aren’t true, or does it mean that it’s very hard to prove “he said, she said” stories about private encounters?
Please go read the whole thing — and be aware that you can leave comments at the newspaper’s site. Also, if you want to contact Greg Garrison at the Birmingham News, click here.
Hat tip, Blues reader Mark.
April 5th, 2007 at 8:52 am
Oh boy, here comes the flood of comments. I have spring cleaning to do; can I get the Reader’s Digest condensed version of the comments?
April 5th, 2007 at 10:53 am
Sort of OT but it does involve Samford - did you see in the paper last week that the SoulForce folks paid a visit and were treated kindly and politely. This is a link to the Alabama Baptist article:
http://www.al.com/cgi-bin/stats/redirect.cgi?r=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.al.com%2Falabamabaptist%2Fstories%2Findex.ssf%3F%2Fbase%2Fnews%2F1175529603269410.xml%26coll%3D8&page=http://search.al.com/sp?aff=100&keywords=soulforce&x=0&y=0&rs=planetdiscover&re=click&rcrt=textlink&rcmp=search_blogs
It was a good reflection on Alabama, and I wish we had gotten more positive coverage in the blogosphere.
April 5th, 2007 at 10:58 am
Lisa, I meant to put up a post about that. I was very proud of the students and administration at Samford.
April 5th, 2007 at 12:13 pm
Kathy, your comments are incorrect. DONNA JONES claims that “other women called her.” There is no confirmation at all that this is true. Unless of course you count the number of fake posts that Donna Jones left on your blog.
You really need to address that. What Rick did was wrong. What Donna Jones is doing now is just as bad if not worse.
April 5th, 2007 at 12:15 pm
Kathy, you can confirm that the only people leaving “stories” on the internet about Rick Ousley were using the same computer while claiming to be from 3 different states and 2 of them first claimed they didn’t even know each other. However they were all the same person, Donna Jones.
April 5th, 2007 at 12:32 pm
No, there were other stories left from different IP addresses. And whether or not the “Donna Jones” who posted on my blog is the real Donna Jones, the press and the board of Rick Ousley’s ministry must have been able to confirm the “real” Donna’s story (not to mention that he publicly confessed to the 2005 tryst — who knows what he told them privately), or the story would never have run and the board would never have cancelled his speaking engagements. I doubt either the Birmingham News or the board members wanted to face libel and defamation suits.
FC, you seem obsessed with verifying things that can’t be verified unless you’re willing to hire a private investigator. Why don’t you call or email Greg Garrison yourself and see what he’ll tell you about his sources?
April 5th, 2007 at 12:56 pm
Or contact Christopher Smith at the Crimson, since it appears you’re taking issue with his comments, which I reference and quote.
April 5th, 2007 at 1:46 pm
i am interested to know something, and before i ask my question, let me be clear…i am not trying to defend or accuse anyone.
this whole thing is tragic…tragic because it happened and all the people who have been hurt, and it is tragic because we can’t quit reading/talking about…me included.
so many of the blog postings are he-said-she-said…trying to figure out who to believe and so forth.
so i’ll say again, i’m not trying to blame or defend anyone.
i read the story in the samford crimson…to me, it was well-done. i’m not criticizing the story in any way, but it made me wonder about something. donna went into great detail about the 2005 meeting but said nothing about the december 2006 rendevous mentioned in the b’ham news.
i am wondering why she didn’t give details about the 2006 meeting for two reasons: it is more recent, and it is “in question” since rick didn’t confess to that one.
does anyone know why the crimson article dealt with the 2005 event and not the more recent 2006 event?
i tried to e-mail the writer but couldn’t find an address, so i posted a comment to the article on the crimson website, but at this point, it has not appeared.
and by the way…for my information…how do you check a poster’s ip thing?
April 5th, 2007 at 4:22 pm
I’m guessing here, but the football story may get more attention in the Crimson because it is directly related to Samford. The 2006 event was not related to Samford but merely a preaching event for Rick.
The 2005 meeting is more interesting to me since Rick was still pastor at Brookhills. What an interesting discovery of how Rick was preparing for his last two messages that he would give the Church! The final two sermons occurred after Baylor spanked the Bulldogs on September 10, 2005 (48-14.) His last message called “The Barrier” was given Sept. 18, 2005.
April 5th, 2007 at 4:26 pm
Kathy,
Will you let this blog go on as long as the other RO one?
I found it therapeutic, and I feel others did, as well.
I still think this would make an “interesting” book (or movie), but those need happy endings, and I can’t imagine that’s out there.
Thank you for your time.
April 5th, 2007 at 4:40 pm
Kathy, I think you are misundserstanding where I am coming from. I do believe that Donna Jones is who she says she is and that Rick Ousley did what he admitted to doing. I am certainly no Ousley fan trying to stem the tide. My point is that Donna Jones is the one claiming other women have come forward, NOT THE REPORTER from Samford. Greg Garrison didn’t claim that either. (I have corresponded with Greg in the past and find him to be above board.)
If Donna Jones is sending emails to the Ousleys and cyber stalking him by planting false stories about him THAT is just as bad as what he did. Well, almost as bad. But those issues need to be posted about and blogged about JUST LIKE BASHING A PREACHER FOR HAVING AN AFFAIR IS BLOGGED ABOUT.
I believe that is the difference between you and I. I blog about religion and religious issue that make the news no matter who it is. You however seem to show a leaning towards Schadenfreude. Geen schoner vermaak dan leedvermaak?
April 5th, 2007 at 7:39 pm
Just Wondering, I’ll have to see how it goes. I do think the other post served a good purpose at first; it allowed people to vent. After a while, the thread went off on a tangent, as they’re prone to do. Thanks for your kind words.
April 5th, 2007 at 8:54 pm
I hesitate to put this comment up, but it’s been eating at me since I read the B’ham New story and the early comments on Kathy’s first post.
One of my main objections to the SBC’s policies is its exclusion of women in pastoral and leadership roles. When I read that RO had created a 20 member “Lay Pastors” group to guide and surround him, my red flag immediately went up. By denying that half the human race (and more than half the church membership, I’m sure) has the spiritual makeup to lead in an SBC church, a patriarchal hierarchy is assured. Only men count; women are just there to serve. In that kind of environment, the “boys will be boys” attitude reigns. Do I think the kind of activity RO confessed to would still have happened if there were women Lay Pastors? Probably, but I think it would be less likely. I don’t know that a “locker room” attitude was present, but I can imagine that it was. I hope that I am wrong about that. Male serial adulterers do not value women as full human beings, and the SBC does not help when it devalues women too.
I know all the scriptural precepts the SBC and other denominations call on to support this view of women in the pulpit. I believe that I Timothy was written for and by the culture of the time, not for all time. Most scholars even agree that Paul probably did not write this book, but was a much later text. I choose to read scripture with an open heart and an open mind. My experiences with female pastors, lay leaders, and board chairwomen in my own denomination only confirm my assurance that God does call women into positions of leadership in the church.
For what it’s worth, my intent is not to start debate about this issue. Just putting it out there.
April 5th, 2007 at 8:59 pm
If you don’t want to be a part of a church that follows and believes the Bible, just go start a club and then you can do with it what you want. You can have women for what ever roles you chose.
As long as women are weaker physically and emotionally (hormonally) they are not in a position to take on the leadership responsibilities of a church.
April 5th, 2007 at 9:00 pm
BTW, I am no fan of the SBC, but you will never find that SBCer’s devalue women.
April 5th, 2007 at 9:04 pm
Just a woman said “women are just there to serve.”
Yes. Isn’t that great? A Christian woman with a servents heart.
Matthew 20:27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:
Matthew 23:11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
April 5th, 2007 at 9:36 pm
Women are weaker because of hormones?
That’s the funniest thing I’ve ever heard come out the mouth of a dumb ass.
April 5th, 2007 at 9:42 pm
Full Court,
I have let you blather on without comment for some time now. However, I can’t let your recent comment go without a response. For someone who professes to believe women should be, dare I say, subservient in the church, you are certainly willinng to tell the rest of us to shut up and listen to the views of a woman….as long as said woman is you. I have been blessed to be in the congregations of wonderful female clergy. And frankly your shallow theology is pathetic compared to theirs which focuses on the spirit of the Gospel (taking Matthew Chapter Five literally and focusing less on Leviticus, for instance). So if you want to browbeat others to your limited way of thinking, I encourage you to use your own blog. You are not going to convince those here who believe gays are not predestined for hell and that our Father calls women to the ministry that you are right. I encourage you to focus on your audience. My God loves for me to worship to guitar music with gay perople and learn from female pastors who preach from the NIV or even The Message. If your God is not big enough for that I am sorry for you. Because it is you who are limiting Him.
April 5th, 2007 at 9:50 pm
There were several female deacons that preached Jesus’s word in the NT. Funny, I don’t remember Jesus putting any women in their place in quite the way you do, Mr. Full Court. In fact, he criticized Martha for being preoccupied with household duties, and praised her sister Mary who faithfully sat at his feet (Luke 10:38-42) He told Martha you need one thing in this life; love. Not money, not a church, just love. Everything else is a distraction from His word. I really believe that is God’s word, and some people have power and control issues, mostly men! But don’t worry–Jesus still loves you!
I don’t care to get caught up in the crazy commenting that has started up regarding the disgraced Birmigham pastor. But I will say that I feel bad for his family and of course, the people who were victimized by his sick self. I hope he gets help, truly repents (a quality that seems to be lacking in this man of faith, he is only sorry he’s been caught, by all appearances) and never tries to “preach” anywhere again! But he probably will! Look at Jimmy Swaggart!
April 5th, 2007 at 9:53 pm
Just A Woman, I think you have a very good point. The early Christian church was quite egalitarian in its leadership, according to accounts in Acts. Paul said, “In Christ there is no male or female.” Unfortunately, it didn’t take long for patriarchal society to reassert itself and put a stop to that, using the opinion of one person (”I do not permit”, not “God does not permit”) to put women back in “their place”. I believe God calls men and women to be pastors; it’s humans who put limits on those callings.
I think female clergy may have been quicker to pick up on the warning signs and more likely to listen to women in the congregation who had concerns about Rick Ousley. No guarantee that things would have turned out differently, but at least there would have been a broader perspective.
April 5th, 2007 at 10:05 pm
Kathy, the Word of God puts limits on leadership. He also limits certain men from serving, not just women. And there are reasons for what God does, whethrr you agree with God or not.
Look, if you want to discard the Bible, go right ahead. But please don’t stoop to lying about the early church.
April 5th, 2007 at 10:07 pm
“Author: Anna says
Comment:
Women are weaker because of hormones?
That’s the funniest thing I’ve ever heard come out the mouth of a dumb ass.”
Full Court Replies
Long-Term Effects of Estrogen Deficiency and Menopause
Osteoporosis
One of the most important health issues for middle-aged women is the threat of osteoporosis. It is a condition in which bones become thin, fragile, and highly prone to fracture. Numerous studies over the past 10 years have linked estrogen insufficiency to this gradual, yet debilitating disease. In fact, osteoporosis is more closely related to menopause than to a woman’s chronological age.
Galatians 4:16 Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?
April 5th, 2007 at 10:23 pm
Full Court, your ignorance doesn’t make me a liar.
April 5th, 2007 at 10:25 pm
I have let you blather on without comment for some time now. However, I can’t let your recent comment go without a response.
Full Court Says: You don’t let me do anything. Kathy does. This is her blog. And I thought commenting whas what the comment section was for.
Bill: For someone who professes to believe women should be, dare I say, subservient in the church, you are certainly willinng to tell the rest of us to shut up and listen to the views of a woman….as long as said woman is you.
Full Court: Yes Bill, I do believe the Bible and it does say that women are the weaker vessel. It says that women should not teach men in the church and it also says that only men should be pastors. And I don’t really care if you learn anything from me or not but I have certainly never told you or anyone else to “shut up.”
Bill Says: I have been blessed to be in the congregations of wonderful female clergy. And frankly your shallow theology is pathetic compared to theirs which focuses on the spirit of the Gospel (taking Matthew Chapter Five literally and focusing less on Leviticus, for instance).
Full Court says: I have never focused on Leviticus so what are you talking about? And any woman who is pastoring can not be theological deep because she is completely at odds with Scripture.
Bill says: So if you want to browbeat others to your limited way of thinking, I encourage you to use your own blog.
Full Court says: What a weak person you are if someone posting what the Bible says is browbeating you. Of course you are not being “browbeaten” and you know it.
Bill Says: You are not going to convince those here who believe gays are not predestined for hell and that our Father calls women to the ministry that you are right.
Full Court says: I do not believe that anyone is predestined for Hell. Anyone can hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ and repent and be saved. Anyone who does not IS very certainly going to Hell.
Your father may call disobedient women into “the ministry” but my Father does not.
Bill says: I encourage you to focus on your audience.
Full Court says: Hey, I thought you Liberals were all about dialog. Guess you were lying about that also? What can’t you deal with someone telling you what the Bible says?
Bill says: My god loves for me to worship to guitar music with gay perople and learn from female pastors who preach from the NIV or even The Message. If your God is not big enough for that I am sorry for you. Because it is you who are limiting Him.
Full Court says: 2 Corinthians 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
April 5th, 2007 at 10:33 pm
Full Court, if you don’t want to be yoked with “unbelievers”, why do you keep coming here? You aren’t going to convert anybody with your nasty attitude.
April 5th, 2007 at 11:12 pm
All those in favor of “Half Court” putting his comments on his blog, and not cluttering up Kathy’s blog, say, “Aye.”
I, for one, am kinda tired of reading his responses . . .
April 5th, 2007 at 11:48 pm
My attitude is great, you guys are the ones who are being ugly. I post what the Bible says and you all just crumble and start being ugly. What is it with Liberals that you can’t stand the Bible?
April 6th, 2007 at 12:39 am
For the record, let’s stay on point this time around….
Here’s the truth, I have seen the pictures that confirm Ms. Jones accounts and I have now heard the tapes. This is a man that I’ve known for over 15 years and there’s NO doubt this was RO. Some of the things he said on tape, would “rock” your world. (as Rick used to say alot)
To be clear….Ms. Jones IS Ms. Jones, and I don’t care about IP addresses or who posted where.
I’m so sick and saddened!!! The thing that really concerns me are the group of new Christians that Rick seem to attract to our church for many years. Some are defending him still and do not want to believe any of this. That is how he’s always gotten off of the hook for many issues during these years at Brook Hills. Rick attracted people who didn’t like church anymore, had lost touch with pastors in the church, and Rick connected again. His divorce attracted many that had gone through the same, and when this first broke I was convinced that RO would now establish the BEST and BIGGEST marriage ministry in the world!! After hearing what I’ve heard, I just don’t believe that can ever happen.
Rick has changed all of his numbers and he’s even closed off communication with old friends, and board members. So who is he leaning on???? and what is he telling them??? I’ve heard one argument that supposingly came from Joyce about the events and why they couldn’t be true…..what is shocking is that Joyce has heard the tapes and knows better. And if anyone just talked to Ms. Jones, they will find out that these slants that RO is putting on the events are totally false. She can validate her side with pictures and tapes. Since only a handful of people have heard this (or wanted to hear), I wonder what they might say if they knew the entire story. The tomb is empty and the throne IS occupied, but its not occupied by Rick the King any longer!
April 6th, 2007 at 1:49 am
I should add that I actually spoke to Ms. Jones at length about some of the claims coming from the RO camp. She not only counters these with her own accounts, but she has tapes that tell the REAL account.
If someone says he couldn’t have been there, …..well he was and the pictures tell it
If they say that he was lured to her with the promise of money for his ministry,…..well that was HIS own ideal of what story to tell (again proof with tapes)
It’s time for the Bham news to dig deeper, they only scratched the surface. If they don’t, he will be preaching again sooner than the three months mentioned in the first article.
April 6th, 2007 at 7:57 am
Genesis….And the lord spake and said “woman thou hast consorted with the snake and thou shalt suffer from the loss of estrogen and the weak bones. Thou shalt crawl on thy belly and call the man your master. Be subservient to the man and thou shalt always remember thy place. Grow thy hair and keep thy mouth shut when thou art in the presence of the superior man. Only the man may speak my praises; thy needs to stay in thy place….
April 6th, 2007 at 7:58 am
I’m glad I have a good relationship with Satan, since I am definitely going to Hell!! But at least I’ll have lots of company with the gays and the liberals!!!
April 6th, 2007 at 8:19 am
I’m with Jennifer.
And I say a loud “AYE” with Just Wondering about people spilling their own rhetoric at their own blogs, not in other people’s comment sections
And in response to Court’s questions about, “Why can’t LIBERALS stand the Bible?”: I’m sure there are a lot of people in this world who are not “LIBERAL” that don’t agree with or believe in your Bible. It doesn’t mean that a person is an “evil” Liberal if they don’t believe in the Bible. I know many judgemental Conservative Republican’s without a kind hearted Christian thought in their heads.
No one crumbled in these comments, just disagreed with what you write. And while you’re judging who is and isn’t going to hell, remember that you are instructed NOT to do so in the Bible, and that it sends those who do judge straight to hell also. Such convoluted rules to follow.
Just because you believe all the things that some person compiled in a book a long time ago, doesn’t mean that everyone else does.
And while every Bible thumping Christian worries about where a woman stands inside a church, or about gays and Liberals in this world and is blowing smoke about them going to hell, why don’t they spend their time worrying about what Jesus would really be dealing with if he were alive at this time: poverty and all the children suffering from starvation and all the world’s disease?
Spend your time finding ways to fix the important things and stop blabbering chapter and verse. So you can quote Bible sayings…..WOW.
I’m sure that guarantees you a seat right next to J.C
April 6th, 2007 at 9:25 am
Full Court,
Are you calling my female pastors “unbelievers?” Yes, I am a terrible liberal hate monger for disagreeing with you on that point.
Also, since I am a liberal Bible hater, why do I read it every morning? Oh, I guess it just so I can argue with a godly woman like you.
My Sister, get a grip. I am not out to get you. However, I will not stand for you trashing persons I know to be called by God. He has not given you that authority!
April 6th, 2007 at 10:08 am
Wow! Now I understand. Women can’t be pastors because they get osteoporosis. By that logic, premenopausal women can be ordained, and men that get osteoporosis (yes, it happens) should resign because of brittle bones. Or hypertension. Or migraine headaches. Or diabetes…
This is insane. Let’s please agree to disagree and move on.
For the Record, your post gave me chills and deja vu of Jimmy Swaggart. How long did he (JS) lay low before he resumed preaching? At least he cried on TV in repentance. I’m afraid the B’ham News can only dig deeper when other victims come forward and tell their stories without fear.
April 6th, 2007 at 10:33 am
Mr. FullCourt, Thank you so much for spreading the gospel here on this bastion of the Liberal elite. Its so good to see a Man of the Lord standing up for his faith against such demonic oppression. As a fellow believer i think its high time we took a stand against these pro-homosexual/pedophile people who are corrupting our culture. I know that Focus on the Family, one of my favorite God-Centered organizations has a program to help free homosexuals from their destructive death-style. I wonder if he has one for Liberals too.
April 6th, 2007 at 11:44 am
First of all, I am not a Mr. Secondly, I don’t really care for Dobson.
April 6th, 2007 at 12:00 pm
FC, they didn’t just contact Donna Jones. They also contacted the reporter. Should be easy enough to call him up and verify that. Then again, when you have a situation that happened years ago, there isn’t much of a way that you can provide substantial evidence other than heresay. That doesn’t mean that it did happen, but it doesn’t mean that it didn’t happen, either.
By the way, what proof do you have that you spoke to Greg Garrison– ever?
Schadenfreude? Isn’t that the pot calling the crystal black? Your entire blog seems to be dedicated in finding problems with Christians, rubbing it in, and delighting in pointing out their faults.
Apparently, you have some big issues with MANY parts of the Bible, so please don’t mock personal beliefs of others. You are, by the way, a woman, so by your own belief, you are in no position to teach Biblical theology to anyone else. You also said at one point that you felt “convicted” for posting on this blog. How many of your own “values” are you going to continue to violate? Doesn’t speak well for your belief in them. Your defense, by the way, sounds mindblowingly similar to Newt Gingrich’s reasons as to why women should not be allowed in the millitary.
One of my two associate pastors happens to be a woman, and she has been nothing less than a blessing. There are things in a woman’s life that only another woman can relate to, and sometimes you need a woman AND a church leader to help you through those. If Priscilla was good enough to lead churches right alongside Paul (and teach other male church leaders), then Debbie is good enough for me. Priscilla isn’t a lie. She’s right there in that same KJV you read, or at least let others tell you about. I doubt you actually read it, or you’d know that. The fact (not assumption, fact) that women were teachers in the early church is inescapable. Women in the early church were in fact quite liberated– arguably more so than today. If women teachers are so wrong, then could you please explain to me why there were so many referenced by Paul himself? Let’s not also forget Deborah, who was appointed by God to be a judge over Israel.
I believe you’ve now had TWO MALE PASTORS who have told you that you are dead wrong. Yet, you continue to state that you know better. Again, why should I adhere to your personal doctrine when you don’t seem to practice it yourself?
And good grief! Get yourself a dictionary if you’re going to use big words you don’t understand! You obviously have no idea what a “liberal” is, otherwise you’d realize how stubbornly ignorant you sound.
Women are unqualified because of hormones and osteoperosis?! That has to be the most insane logic I’ve ever heard! Does that make men unqualified because they can get testicular cancer?
Linda… LOL, I hope that was satire! If it was, it was bleeding brilliant! Just be careful about referencing James Dobson, since FC seems to equate him with the Antichrist on her (yes HER) own blog.
Kathy, let me know when I need to start posting Monty Python quotes again… And by the way, I can teach you how to use that IP blocker if you so desire. Hate speech is one thing that I have a low tollerance for.
April 6th, 2007 at 12:10 pm
Almond, once again, you make comments that have no basis in fact. First of all, I do not doubt for one minute that what Donna Jones claims happened, happened. Ousley admitted it.
The point is that DONNA JONES claims other women have contacted her. The reporters do not make that claim, and it is not verified. It is a lie for you or Kathy to publish that other women have come forward according to Greg Garrison or the Samford newspaper. ONLY Donna JONES has claimed that.
Secondly, we know that someone claiming to be Donna Jones posted under several alias and created different “stories” about Ousley. So we do know for sure that whoever that person is has committed fraud.
So the deal for me at this point is pointing out that while you liberals are very happy to report what Ousley did, you show an amazing hypocrisy in declining to point out the other side of the story and the fraud that is happening.
Like most liberals, you suffer from selective persecution.
About Priscilla, she didn’t pastor or lead a church. There is no indication at all in Scripture that she did anything except assit her husband.
Acts 18:2 And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.
Acts 18:18 ¶And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.
Acts 18:26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.
Romans 16:3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:
1 Corinthians 16:19 ¶The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
Speaking of hate speech, do not accuse me of something I have not done.
THAT is the mark of a true hater, and a true liberal.
April 6th, 2007 at 1:00 pm
Oh Almod, you’re back to Almond again…what joy!!
April 6th, 2007 at 1:01 pm
Half Court, you wonder why I question your reading comprehension and spelling abilities, particularly when you insist upon adding a “n” to my nicname… Until you can get it right, I’ll take that as an invitation to make some creative changes to your own choice in nicknames.
Half Court says: The point is that DONNA JONES claims other women have contacted her. The reporters do not make that claim, and it is not verified. It is a lie for you or Kathy to publish that other women have come forward according to Greg Garrison or the Samford newspaper. ONLY Donna JONES has claimed that.
Actually, Jones said that GREG GARRISON told her that other women had called him. That is a quote from the Crimson article, not a lie on my part or Kathy’s. If you don’t believe me, go back and read the original post. Like I said, that shouldn’t be too hard to prove or disprove, since all you have to do is pick up the freaking phone and call the Birmingham News and talk to Garrison himself.
Half Court says: Secondly, we know that someone claiming to be Donna Jones posted under several alias and created different “stories” about Ousley. So we do know for sure that whoever that person is has committed fraud.
Actually, I had a certified network administator and computer engineer check into that one. I sent him the IP address that Kathy sent me via email. He checked with AOL, the provider, who came back with four seperate members who were logged on and assigned that particular IP information from their proxies during the times of those particular posts. The ISP was happy to help out, so your claim is now debunked. If you wish to claim otherwise from here on out, I suggest you get off your rear and contact AOL yourself. It takes only a few hours for them to get back to you, depending on how busy they are. Otherwise, unless you happen to have about 8 years of training in computer sciences, I have no reason to listen to your weak arguments on the situation.
Half Court says: So the deal for me at this point is pointing out that while you liberals are very happy to report what Ousley did, you show an amazing hypocrisy in declining to point out the other side of the story and the fraud that is happening.
Actually, I’m a libertarian. Get a dictionary. You are, by definition, the “liberal,” particularly if you support government bans or regulation on alcohol, abortion, or well anything. I’m an extreme conservative who believes that the government has no business telling me what to do with my private life.
Half Wit says: About Priscilla, she didn’t pastor or lead a church. There is no indication at all in Scripture that she did anything except assit her husband.
Actually, Priscilla helped to teach Apollos. Ever read Acts 18:24-26? 24And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at lexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. 25This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. 26And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. (KJV) Aquilla didn’t teach Apollos. THEY taught Apollos, and THEY were coworkers. Would you also like to try to explain away Deborah, Phoebe, Mary, Tryphena, Tryphosa, Euodia, Syntyche, and Persis? In 1 Cor. 11:5, Paul also makes it known that it is not unusual for a woman to prophesy (or “reveal the will of God”) in church. Once again, you need to read your Bible more. EVen the KJV makes these points quite clear. No background history needed.
Half Court says: Speaking of hate speech, do not accuse me of something I have not done.
Wow! Never thought you’d have trouble reading your own comments and blog. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were Pastor John reborn!
You still have not, by the way, addressed your own hypocrisy. If someone tells me that a woman has no business teaching theology or Biblical applications, it had darn well better be a man that does it. At least then it wouldn’t be hypocritical of him to do so. You however seem to have no problems being a woman who preaches when it’s against your own ideology. So tell me again why I should have any respect toward your views when you don’t respect them or live them yourself. Better yet, why don’t you explain to me why I should take anything you say seriously– especially when (I repeat) TWO MALE PASTORS (who should know so much better than you) have told you that you are dead wrong.
April 6th, 2007 at 1:28 pm
Priscilla assisted her husband, as evidenced by the Scriptures I posted. So why are you still flapping about what is already ascertained.
And once again, Donna Jones CLAIMS that Greg Garrison told her something about other women. I see no proof that GREG GARRISON said anything like that. Nor do you have any. And the fact remains that 4 different people claiming to be from 3 different states all posted from the same computer within hours of each other, all claiming fantastic tales against Rick Ousley.
Someone has committed fraud, and as much as YOU want to assist that person by claiming it did not happen, it did.
So take the log out of your eye and rage just as much against the wrong done to Rick Ousley as you rage about the wrong done by Rick Ousley.
As far as your theological blatherings, get back to me when you believe the whole Bible and I will be happy to discuss it with you. But until you believe, spare me your rantings about what you do not believe.
John 5:46 For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me.
47 But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?
John 12:48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
April 6th, 2007 at 2:29 pm
Full Court, do you actually review your comments before you click “post”?
“Secondly, we know that someone claiming to be Donna Jones posted under several alias and created different “stories” about Ousley. So we do know for sure that whoever that person is has committed fraud.”
Huh? Someone claiming to be Donna Jones posted under several aliases? If this mythical person posted under different aliases, how would we know this person claimed to be Donna Jones?
Three people, one who said she was Donna Jones and two others who said they were family members, posted from the same IP address. This is certainly not outside the realm of possibility.
There was one other post that had the same IP address — the first one with the user name “Nancy Long”. There was a second post with the user name “Nancy Long” that had a different IP and different email. This was all detailed in comments at the previous post, but you seem to have a reading comprehension problem.
If you’re determined to exonerate Rick Ousley, “prove” that Donna Jones is making up stories, or call those who don’t agree with your theology unbelievers, please do it at your blog, using your own bandwidth. Your blog etiquette is deplorable, and my other commenters are tired of your personal attacks and questionable logic.
April 6th, 2007 at 2:32 pm
I hope you all pray as much as you talk about others fallings.
April 6th, 2007 at 3:15 pm
Kathy,
I am thinking Enough is Enough is right. Maybe we need to put the cabash on this thread. It has already deteriorated into the same unhealthy discourse that caused you to end the previous discussion. It appears that the folks at TCABH who need healing have found more healthy avenues in which to address their issues.
Having Full Court call my faith inadequate or worse and me responding in an un-Christian manner does noone any good. Does anyone remember what day it is? I think it is time for the Christians among us who disagree with her and Full Court to agree to disagree on theological issues and to remember on this holiest of days to Whom we belong.
I end my sermon now.
April 6th, 2007 at 4:25 pm
Half Court said: Priscilla assisted her husband, as evidenced by the Scriptures I posted. So why are you still flapping about what is already ascertained.
You are correct. she did assist her husband… in teaching scripture to Apollo. What part of the word “they” did you not understand?
Half Court said: And once again, Donna Jones CLAIMS that Greg Garrison told her something about other women. I see no proof that GREG GARRISON said anything like that. Nor do you have any. And the fact remains that 4 different people claiming to be from 3 different states all posted from the same computer within hours of each other, all claiming fantastic tales against Rick Ousley.
So I’m assuming that you’ve picked up the phone and called Greg Garrison to ascertain that this was untrue? No? Then you have nothing to go on, and your argument is null and void. I’ll make this really simple, I’ll make a quick phone call or send an email to Greg Garrison and find out for both of us. Case closed. And what part of the fact that AOL itself vindicated the posters did you not understand? Would you mind showing us all a copy of your technical degree, please? The only one that I seeing making obviously false claims is you, considering that you’ve already misquoted the article at the top of the page. THAT actually CAN be proven.
Half Court said: So take the log out of your eye and rage just as much against the wrong done to Rick Ousley as you rage about the wrong done by Rick Ousley.
As far as I can tell, I haven’t “raged” about either end of the situation. If I can remember correctly, and as it is easily readable in my previous posts, I’ve actually offered my prayers and thoughts to both parties. The only one that I’ve “raged” about is you. Forgive me, but I don’t respond positively to people who take advantage of the open wounds of others so that they can rub in a little lemon juice.
Half Court said: As far as your theological blatherings, get back to me when you believe the whole Bible and I will be happy to discuss it with you. But until you believe, spare me your rantings about what you do not believe.
I don’t believe? That’s a first. At least I believe what I “preach,” and like it or not, that comes straight from the Bible. I’ve done a lot more research into the Bible than you apparently have. You don’t seem to have even read the book. You apparently don’t believe your own theological arguments. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be discussing them, as you yourself admit that you are unqualified to do seeing as how you are a woman. And I KNOW you didn’t just compare yourself to Jesus by quoting John 5:46-47 and John 12:48. Those verses are referring to believing Jesus, not those who pick and choose verses and creatively interpret them to support their personal views. I believe what Jesus said. You don’t even believe yourself, or at least you don’t follow what you say you believe, so I have no reason to follow suit.
Bill, I hate to think that yet another thread would deteriorate as a result of the same person. Rather than running off everyone else and allowing nobody to post, I’d suggest blocking the troublemaker. Then again, it’s not my blog, so it’s more your call. Either way, I’m on your side on this one. Though I couldn’t fight off the urge to respond one last time…
April 6th, 2007 at 4:39 pm
Just got off the phone with Garrison. I need to specify before I post this:
NO ALLEGATIONS ARE BEING MADE, AND THIS WOULD NOT GO TO PRINT WITHOUT FURTHER INVESTIGATION.
That being said, Garrison did tell me that other women have contacted him and stated as much. Granted, those statements cannot be backed up and haven’t been investigated, so IT IS NOT PROVABLE AT THIS TIME AS TO WHETHER OR NOT THESE STATEMENTS WERE TRUE. So it appears that Ms. Jones was telling the truth in that others had contacted Garrison, but Garrison himself stated to me that this would not have been something he’d have printed because they haven’t looked into it further to determine whether or not the statements were true.
I even hesitated about printing it here, since Garrison had not seen the Crimson article and seemed disappointed that they would print second hand heresay like that when they could have just as easily contacted him or not printed it at all. I can also see as to why that particular tidbit probably should not have been printed at all. It leaves a lot of room for speculation.
April 6th, 2007 at 5:16 pm
ALmod,
You know it’s not my call! I defer to the master of the site.
April 6th, 2007 at 5:51 pm
Kathy, no one is trying to exonerate Rick Ousley. However, the blogging world would like to know what YOU and your cabal would like to exonerate the poster calling herself Donna Jones who claimed to be 4 different people in 3 different states who was actually ONE individual posting from the same computer.
What is so hard for you to understand about that?
I am not the only person who has pointed out that your comments are not true regarding Greg Garrison and “more women” coming forward.
Your credibility is completely destroyed.
April 6th, 2007 at 6:02 pm
Almond, doesn’t it bother you and the rest of your liberal cohorts that 2 women claiming that their children were molested by RO never did anything to stop him?
Which is it? Now we have two or three different stories. Donna Jones claims two women contacted her who slept with RO. Donna Jones claims that Greg Garrison TOLD HER that two women who’s children were molested by RO contacted him. Greg never says if that is the case or not.
And keep in mind that the 82-year-old Aunt Marie said she knew nothing about computers but posted 2 posts full of Internet lingo. And “David,” supposedly in Arizona but posting from Donna Jones’ computer in Texas. And Ann, posting once again from the computer of Donna Jones. And supposedly the completely unrelated person from yet a third state posts from DONNA JONES COMPUTER.
You people can not be so ignorant as to believe that something is not rotten in Denmark. Does it decrease Rick’s fault? Of course not.
It just means that whoever is cyberstalking RO seems to have a fatal attraction problem.
And for you people to ignore and deny the obvious just shows what your agenda is.
And there is no such thing as Good Friday. The Bible says Jesus was in the tomb 3 DAYS and 3 NIGHTS. A Friday crucifixion would not allow for 3 days and 3 nights in the tomb.
April 6th, 2007 at 6:07 pm
Kathy said “Three people, one who said she was Donna Jones and two others who said they were family members, posted from the same IP address. This is certainly not outside the realm of possibility.
There was one other post that had the same IP address — the first one with the user name “Nancy Long”.”
Kathy, those 2 supposed family members of Donna Jones said they lived in another state, Arizona.
They said they did not know the 4th poster using Donna Jones computer, Nancy Long, who claimed to be from Alabama.
So, we have Donna Jones, Ann, David, Aunt Marie and Nancy Long all posting from Donna’s computer in Texas. While they don’t all know each other and live in 3 different states.
It would be interesting to see how many other ISP numbers matched from your blog.
April 6th, 2007 at 8:15 pm
Kathy,
Up until now, I have assumed that Full Court was well meaning but woefully misguided. Clearly this sad creature is delusional. We should pity her mental illness.
April 6th, 2007 at 8:19 pm
Yeah, FC, but you’ll never know. If my credibility is destroyed, why do you bother coming here? Have you ever heard the expression “take it with a grain of salt”? I quoted a newspaper story, and I have no obligation to “prove” anything related to the story or regarding my commenters. You really are clueless about the nature of blogs and the Internet.
Please remember that the Holy Spirit “convicted” you about posting here. That won’t be a problem in the future. You have come here and called me a liar, trashed your fellow commenters, called fellow Christians unbelievers, and tried to force your own narrow theology on others. All that, and you even had the gall to blogwhore one of your own posts. If you intended to give Christianity a bad name, congratulations. You succeeded.
Don’t let the door hit you in the ass on your way out.
April 6th, 2007 at 8:30 pm
What we’ve got here… is failure to communicate. Some men (women) you just can’t reach. So you get what we had here last week.
April 6th, 2007 at 9:02 pm
FC, actually, YOUR credibility has been destroyed, as I now have provided proof that can be followed up on by anyone who has the time to do so that
(1) There actually WERE 4 different people.
(2) Garrison did state to Ms. Jones that he’d been contacted by other women.
By the way, hacker friend noticed a previous association (quite humorous) for you with a certain activist group… What’s up with that? I’d say youthful indiscretion, but this went WAY further than that for me.
You said: Almond, doesn’t it bother you and the rest of your liberal cohorts that 2 women claiming that their children were molested by RO never did anything to stop him?
Actually, yes it does. But that has nothing to do with whether or not these people exist or whether or not they contacted Garrison or Jones.
You said: Which is it? Now we have two or three different stories. Donna Jones claims two women contacted her who slept with RO. Donna Jones claims that Greg Garrison TOLD HER that two women who’s children were molested by RO contacted him. Greg never says if that is the case or not.
It’s both. And yes, Greg Garrison did state that he told Jones just that. He also stated the same to me.
You said: And keep in mind that the 82-year-old Aunt Marie said she knew nothing about computers but posted 2 posts full of Internet lingo. And “David,” supposedly in Arizona but posting from Donna Jones’ computer in Texas. And Ann, posting once again from the computer of Donna Jones. And supposedly the completely unrelated person from yet a third state posts from DONNA JONES COMPUTER.
Actually, I have explained that situation at least four times now, and you apparently haven’t read it. If you want the explanation, you’ll just have to go back and read it like you should have done four times now. I don’t feel obligated to repeat myself endlessly for you.
You said: You people can not be so ignorant as to believe that something is not rotten in Denmark. Does it decrease Rick’s fault? Of course not.
What do the Danes have to do with this issue? Do you have something against Danish people?
You said: And there is no such thing as Good Friday. The Bible says Jesus was in the tomb 3 DAYS and 3 NIGHTS. A Friday crucifixion would not allow for 3 days and 3 nights in the tomb.
What does that have to do with anything? Jesus also probably didn’t die during the spring, nor was he born in the wintertime. The state officially dated and named the holidays– not the church. Thank Emporer Constantine for that one.
You said: So, we have Donna Jones, Ann, David, Aunt Marie and Nancy Long all posting from Donna’s computer in Texas. While they don’t all know each other and live in 3 different states.
Actuallly, we have some other comments that were originally posted under other “identities” that parroted you to a tee. They happened to be using anonymisers before you “showed up.” I think you have some splainin’ to do, yourself. I’ve explained the IP situation with the others, but this situation with you actually seems to be the most suspicious.
Kathy, you know I had to get in the last word…
April 7th, 2007 at 12:58 am
So, I see this story has spawned yet another blog that FC has decided he/she should dominate with his/her accusations, misleading statements and general nonsensical bible thumping. For Pete’s sake, FC, Get over yourself already!
If I may, I’d like to just point out yet another inaccuracy in FC’s tirade against Donna Jones. The whole issue about the “Donna Jones postings” supposedly being from various people in various states but coming from the same IP address is bunk. I read the rants and they just didn’t seem to add up as I remembered the facts to be so I went back and checked the original blog after the Ousley story broke and here’s what I found: “Aunt Marie” and her son “David” (who would therefore be Ms. Jones’ cousin) never once said either of them were from Arizona. Nor did “Ann” who is called Ms Jones’ dear friend. In fact, Aunt Marie and David said they were IN Texas to help Donna deal with the situation. Is it so difficult to think that yes, they may have in fact been not only in Texas, but right there in Donna’s home when they posted their messages? And, clearly the same could be said for Ann, I would think.
FC, show me where any of the above ever said they were in or from Arizona, please. Actually, I’ll save you the time. I ran a search on the word “Arizona” and the first instance it came up was someone talking about Ousley having preached in that state years ago. The other instances were in comments about the one woman’s daughter who had a relationship with Ousley and that daughter now lives in Arizona.
Get your facts straight before you come in with both guns blazing and firing at anyone who doesn’t share your warped view of the world, FC. Hmmmmm … or should we call you “Joyce?” I’m beginning to wonder with the way you attempt to assassinate anyone pointing out Ousley’s shortcomings.
Just wanted to put that out there. Thanks for the forum, Kathy.
April 7th, 2007 at 3:04 am
AGAIN, I’m going to say this ONE more time. THIS is how RO always shook the hook throughout his tenure at brook hills. Let people talk long enough and they’ll find something else to fight about.
This situation is NOT about a one time affair that RO referred to in the Bham News article. Most people that don’t want to know the truth won’t even come to a blog like this. Or, if they do, they quickly get lost in the other arguments and lose interest……case in point, RO with time wins again.
But why is Greg Garrison NOT investigating more?? He could substaniate alot of things VERY easily. Maybe he just doesn’t want to kick the dog while its down either. Even though he didn’t have sex with her at 15, is it not a potential crime to make out, with french kissing with her AND her younger sister?
Everyone should understand, Ms. Jones can confirmed any of her claims!! I can’t beleive RO was stupid enough to leave messages on her cell like he did, and have pictures taken of the two of them. Before you say it or think it…….what does that prove???….These weren’t pictures out in public, we’re talking hotel room and laying on the bed cuddling pictures. Messages that RO left Ms. Jones on her phone confirm her claims of meetings that RO debated with friends, and reasons that he told people that he was going to meet her. On one message, he informs her of what the story “should” be so that they can get on the same page. On one of the weekends that RO claimed that he was with his wife……well he was only for the first weekend until she left to visit family living elsewhere. As soon as she left, RO called Ms. Jones and left another message that the coast was now clear.
What has upset people like myself is that this went on for years!! While RO finger pointed at others, let others be prosecuted who made claims against him, and went so far as to let the lay pastors kick a family out of the church in a public forum. He humiliated that family and let his “hit” crew humiliate others knowing all along that when people said he was the wolf in sheep’s cloths, they were dead on right.
I’ll say this again, I’m sickened, and I’m mad. I’m also torn because I hate it for RO and family. I wish he could have snapped out of it without all of this having to take place. There’s no winners here…….I’ll be extremely sad if horrible things occurs to RO and family, but then again, I’ll have extreme pains if he makes the “huge” comeback. That too will make me bitter. There’s no win for RO and there’s no win for any of us either.
Here’s the BIG question, what SHOULD happen to RO…..how far should this go?
April 7th, 2007 at 8:29 am
But why is Greg Garrison NOT investigating more?? He could substaniate alot of things VERY easily. Maybe he just doesn’t want to kick the dog while its down either. Even though he didn’t have sex with her at 15, is it not a potential crime to make out, with french kissing with her AND her younger sister?
He never said he wasn’t. Just that he couldn’t prove anything yet and that the claims would need to be investigated futher in order to substantiate. It’s possible that he’s still looking into it but hasn’t gotten anything yet.
April 7th, 2007 at 4:44 pm
Can someone please elaborate on the taped conversations, cell phone messages and pictures that have been referenced here? Are they explained in more detail somewhere else?
April 7th, 2007 at 5:57 pm
I can’t elaborate on that for you MWO. I haven’t heard or seen them. I did however have the opportunity to speak to Donna Jones over the phone earlier today. I was able to look her up, since her number is unlisted. She was definitely the same one who commented on the last post.
April 7th, 2007 at 7:37 pm
WOW. I thought I had an eventful day until I read the comments from today.
ALmod, thank you for the Bible lesson. Well done.
And thanks to “half court” for a glimpse into mental illness.
I’ve got to admit to never hearing of this story until I read this post since I don’t get the B’ham News or watch much local news coverage. But now I’ll be waiting with interest to see how it all works out.
April 8th, 2007 at 11:53 pm
What do you want me to say about the pictures and tapes?? I’ve seen them and heard them…..they explain themselves. More importantly they validate Ms. Jone’s counters to some claims that came from the other camp. It’s not just “him” vs “her” with these
April 9th, 2007 at 8:38 am
For The Record:
How did you come about them? When were they recorded? Who is in posession of them? Where are they being played and displayed? Are they on the internet somewhere?
Not doubting you - just would like some details about their existence, etc.
April 9th, 2007 at 9:01 am
Just wanted to say “Thank You” to all of those who seem to be seeing the truth as it is FINALLY! The emails, calls and prayers have meant more than you will ever know.
After going to sunrise service yesterday morning and listening to the wonderful message that Bro. Hogan brought which was continued from a service/play I attended on Thursday night “The Path”. It opened my heart and eyes even more clearly.
I now have a restored faith that speaking out about Rick Ousley and my experiences was absolutely the correct thing to do. Jesus died on the cross for all of us and seeing that scene acted out Thursday night while we held these huge nail’s (like the one’s they used to nail him to the cross). I have never felt more thankful for my family and friends and how much Jesus gave up for each and everyone of us.
Everything happens for a reason. I sinned but I know that I have been forgiven and that God is using my mouth and my experience to help others. It has not been easy, just as people turned against Jesus some have felt the need to threaten and curse me. As I continue to keep my faith and knowing that God has a real purpose in this I will continue the Journey until it is completed.
I’m sorry to all of those that have been hurt through me speaking out. To better define that last statement I mean, Rick’s daughters, Friends (that THOUGHT they knew who he was), past and present members of Brook Hills Church, Student Life staff and students that were at camp’s that Rick Ousley led. Lastly Samford University Athlete Department. So many are now speaking out about being wronged by Rick Ousley. Students and Staff have told me they have not heard one word from Ousley or anyone associated with him. He NEVER even called to say he was VOLUNTARY STEPPING DOWN AS CHAMPLAIN THEY HAD TO READ THAT IN THE PAPER…..Nor Rick or Mr… Platt would or have returned calls to the University as of the last time I spoke with the University on Friday. I’m really praying for these student’s and I ask you to do the same.
A blog ask this question ?
Here’s the BIG question, what SHOULD happen to RO…..how far should this go?
This question was posted by someone that I have grown to respect and Thank God for. I grieve for him because he was a Friend of Rick’s that was also lied to. Someone that stood next to Rick on many different issue’s and now feels used and no one can relate to that more than myself. As to how far should this go? It should go ALL THEY WAY TO THE END…….UNTIL THE WHOLE TRUTH IS OUT. I refuse to let this get pushed under the carpet for him to preach again in three month’s. Me and my God have come to far for that to happen.
God Bless You And Yours,
Donna Jones
April 9th, 2007 at 9:36 am
Peace to you, Donna.
April 9th, 2007 at 10:20 am
Donna,
Keep the faith. Know there are plenty of us supporting you and hoping as you do that Ousley never sets foot on the altar again. Take comfort in family and friends beside you.
Happy (belated) Easter to you, and to all the bloggers.
April 9th, 2007 at 6:16 pm
Kathy,
Can you please let me know if you have shut this blog down? When searching the net it no longer shows up and several have ask me so I’m going to the source to ask. Thanks for your time and I will check back for an answer.
Donna Jones
April 9th, 2007 at 6:22 pm
I put “Birmingham Blues” in the google search engine. It appeared on the page. FWIW
April 9th, 2007 at 6:44 pm
Thanks for the Information I will pass it on.
April 9th, 2007 at 7:19 pm
You’re welcome.
April 9th, 2007 at 7:57 pm
Donna, I closed the comments on my original post of the story. The blog is still here, alive and kicking.
April 10th, 2007 at 1:21 am
Ms. Jones has the tapes and the pictures…..I guess I shouldn’t say tapes, because that almost implies that she secretly taped RO, and she didn’t…. These are actually phone “messages” that he left on her cell phone. She made a practice of keeping messages that Rick sent for at least a while on her phone.
These taped messages counter a couple of arguments that have been made from the RO camp. 1) that there was no way that RO could have been with her on one of the Samford football trips ~ well, not true…..he’s wearing last year’s football shirt in a picture she took with her cell phone, and he left her a message saying that he (and the team) were in the plane on the Birmingham tarmat…..soon to be coming her way….. 2)someone else was told that RO had been “lured” to meet Ms. Jones because she offered him alot of money for his ministry (some say one million, another account said two)….again, I’ve heard the taped message where RO tells Ms. Jones the story that he has told “just” in case his wife called to confirm. While he didn’t mention the amount to Ms. Jones, he did mention that he had told her that Ms. Jones was going to donate money to his ministry 3)Some said that his wife accompanied him on one of the alledged trips so there’s NO way that he could have seen Ms. Jones…..well sorry to disappoint, but RO did travel with his wife for a speaking engagement. Ms. Jones and her best freind were in the congregation to listen as well. That afternoon, after RO’s wife left to go visit family in that part of the state, RO called to set up the meeting with Ms. Jones for the rest of the week.
For the life of me, I can’t imagine having the confidence to let someone take pictures of me (some cuddling on the bed) and also leave phone messages. I guess this shouldn’t surprise me after learning about checking into the cabin with Ms. Jones and not trying to hide it from the rentee. In fact, they even invited that person (mentioned in the paper) to have dinner with them at the cabin one night. As “slick” as “rick” has been over the years to avoid trouble, I’m amazed that he got so bold. The tape that bothered me the most was one where he was on the way to preach….had about 5 minutes before he was going to arrive at the church, and he goes into a very pornagraphic message.
Now, if someone doesn’t believe Ms. Jones, maybe they should call one of the gentlement listed in the paper in the article. They all heard the tapes and aknowledged who it was on them. Without a doubt, it’s RO.
I know alot of people, including myself, that is VERY troubled by all that I know. It would be easier to keep my head down and pray for the man if I knew he wasn’t still carrying on with half-truths or flat out lies. Ms. Jones feels that unless he is completely stopped, then he’ll just start all over again in the future. I don’t know if the Bakers or Swaggarts of the world completely were broken or not…I don’t even know what they are doing presently but I “think” they’re still in the ministry. In my heart, I expect RO to make a come back unless someone with a mainstream paper gets a hold of this and “sees it through”. I would like to believe that all of us deserve a comeback…..we’ve all sinned and come so short of deserving God’s glory, however……I don’t think it’s going to taste very good whatever this outcome is. It’s going to be awful to see this man lose his house, his wife, and his lifestyle. It’s also going to be awful to see the comeback and doubt every word the man says.
I guess that why the Bible says “judge not” because there is NO winner in this mess. God has to handle it with the wisdom that only HE can have. If you calously say, well, he deserves it then you’ve got no compassion in you at all. If you say that he doesn’t deserve this at all, then you’re foolish. I’m so torn…..my children are so torn…..friends that defended him for all of these years on a variety of issues are torn…..
I pray for Ms. Jones because she too is VERY torn. She can’t believe that she fell for this for so long either and she is trying to follow God in all of this. So, what should be next?? I’m reminded of that scene in a movie where Jack Nickolson barks at Tom Cruise and says “YOU CAN’T HANDLE THE TRUTH”……..If you said the same thing, you may be right.
April 10th, 2007 at 10:02 am
For The Record Says:
I’m reminded of that scene in a movie where Jack Nickolson barks at Tom Cruise and says “YOU CAN’T HANDLE THE TRUTH”……..If you said the same thing, you may be right.
WOW….This totally gave me chills because I can see RO acting just like Jack Nickolson and saying that exact quote. Thinking all the while that he is UNTOUCHABLE.
For The Record - I’m sorry for all the hurt, sadness and betrayal that you have experienced through this whole ordeal. It hurts when you trust someone and stand by them because you love and trust them and then find out the whole relationship was based on lies. I thank you for your trust in me and the truth that I have spoken. I encourage you to keep talking about this in the Alabama area. There are more contact’s that I have made to continue seeing this through until the end.
Prayer I said this morning on the way to work-
Lord, Your word says that those whose hope is in You will not be put to shame. I confess my sins and repent. Your word assures that when I do this You forgive me and purify me from all unrighteousness. I choose to exchange my regret for hope in You and ask for Your mercy and grace as I trust in You in this.
Have a Blessed Day,
Donna Jones
April 10th, 2007 at 11:17 am
The other night I had a vision. I was sleeping on the roof and a sheet was descending from heaven. On the sheet were various animals and a woman. Then I heard the Lord speak, in an audible voice and tell me that it was ok to eat of the animals that God had created. Nothing that God created was detestible in His sight. I immediately rose, went over to the sheet that had descended next to me. I picked up the knife and fork that had magically appeared and prepared to take in this feast. It was then that I heard the woman. “Just what do you think you are doing? You haven’t taken out the garbage or mowed the lawn. Get out there and take care of your responsibilites!” I had no choice but to reply, “Yes dear.”
And the moral of the story is…
April 10th, 2007 at 5:17 pm
I think the moral of that story is EAT FAST! The incredible feast will wilt and spoil in time, but the garbage and lawn will be there long after you’re done eating. Let ‘em wait. Priorities, people!
OK, now to the real reason I’m here … kudos to you “For the Record” for confirming the tapes and pictures and the audacity of Ousley to live by a completely different set of rules than he preached. I cringe at the idea of ever seeing that fraud take to the altar again, especially in a forum designed to influence young people. My biggest fear is after the “three-month suspension” (if it even lasts that long) he will again appear, having been “saved” or “healed of his demons” and then pick up right where he left off.
I just can’t say it enough … don’t let this story die on the vine, people! I’ve done what I can from an outsider’s standpoint to get this into the hands of those who might be able to run with it, but to be honest the Southern Baptist population is not real prevalent in my region. Sure, the story has some legs from a “preacher gone wrong” angle, but for Ousley to really be affected by his misdeeds it needs to be out there in the mainstream media — outside of B’ham. If you’re as outraged about this story as I am (and I know some of you are), do something about it! Make a call, send an e-mail, send a link to this (and the previous) blog to a journalist who pulls some weight and can make a difference! I’ve seen mention of a radio show Ousley was apparently a regular on. Are they talking about this? If not, WHY NOT?? The worse thing we can do is turn a blind eye to his actions and the negative affect he has had on what appears to be a number of women’s lives.
I know I might sound like a broken record, but PLEASE, get the word out and don’t let Ousley and his spin-doctors get away with sweeping this under the rug!
Thank you. I now return you to your previously scheduled blog.
April 10th, 2007 at 7:16 pm
vision:
Wow! That sure is a short “to do” list! I wish my list was that short. My vision was a little bit different in that the woman took the knife and fork from me and then handed over a long scroll which contained my “to do” list. I have to cook the meals, bring her a plate at the computer, clean all the dishes, wash the laundry, bring her coffee so she can stay awake while she hijacks other blogs and examines closely for “matching isp numbers” (whatever that means)…..bathe the kids, put the kids in bed, take out the garbage, mow the lawn, home school the kids, clean house and I better not dare step foot in a SBC church or bring my NIV into the house. Seeing that she was the one with the knife, “Yes, Dear” is the only reply.
April 10th, 2007 at 7:32 pm
fc’s dh…. YEE-OWCH!
April 10th, 2007 at 10:42 pm
ABC’s 20/20 has got a segment this coming Friday night about “preachers gone wrong.” Too bad John Stossel didn’t know about Rick Ousley.
It still totally blows my mind to think of the things he preached KNOWING what was going on in his private world!
April 11th, 2007 at 11:37 am
Maybe it would be wise for all to consider that maybe there was more going on with RO than just womanizing; that a man that would keep this secret for so many years may have other issues.
Evidently, from what has been posted on this blog, there were intimidation tactics used by RO towards members of BH that felt something was wrong and tried to speak up. What is it that would cause a “minister” to handle situations this way?
April 11th, 2007 at 1:15 pm
PTSD Mom, very good point about intimidation tactics. My husband and I attend Brook Hills because we believe in the Lord above and NOT Rick Ousley.
My Husband is very much more open to reading people more than I am. On several occasions people were ask to leave the church. WHY? They spoke up within the church and questioned different things that Ousley was doing. Dr. Platt is the best thing that could have ever happened to Brook Hills.
There are so many fact’s that I agree need to come out. How can a Pastor like Ousley make the salary he did and always play the poor pitiful me and be in financial trouble expecting the church to bail him out (which they did more than once). What ever he wanted from cars, building his new home he USED CHURCH MEMBERS. Where they going to say NO to the Pastor? We feel it was NOT a CHOICE
Why are we just now hearing about the fact that both Rick and Joyce came from divorce’s. We all were led to believe that this was one big happy family. When this was brought up we were told to drop this talk immediately.
Rick preached family and how close he was to his, now there is news coming out which was already questioned once but after hearing and reading all be the Father and the Grandfather all in the same? This takes on more light as if reading the Anna Nicole Smith tragedy all over again. Can we handle the truth? I think everyone deserves the truth no matter how we have to get it.
For The Record, you seem to have the evidence to tell more of this tragedy and there are others. I do encourage you to contact Dr. Platt, B- News, radio stations, news stations or whom ever can do more to finally stop this man. There have actually been crimes committed here. Has anyone even thought to stop and think about that?
Taking money for a benefit under false pretence, I could list more but if you read the bogs and connect this all you can see a trail a mile long.
Why aren’t more people speaking out? Same reason as before? They are being threatened to keep thee mouth’s shut. That is so Wrong. I don’t Know Ms. Jones from Texas nor have I spoken to her or even emailed her. I wish she would have spoken out sooner and I thank her for her courage but at the same time my family prays for her safety.
April 11th, 2007 at 1:47 pm
Brook Hills Member: What are you insinuating with this statement?
>>Rick preached family and how close he was to his, now there is news coming out which was already questioned once but after hearing and reading all be the Father and the Grandfather all in the same?
April 11th, 2007 at 4:00 pm
My Wife and I are both stating what we have heard from so many other’s and what we saw first hand, that we believe that Mr… Ousley could be the Father and the Grandfather of the child born to his step-daughter.
This was brought up to many times to count but like everything that Mr. Ousley did he did not want out in the open we and others we hushed and were told never to discuss this again.
My Wife was simply showing that there has and is a pattern with Mr. Ousley. Why so many secrets? Why so many people told to NOT speak of this again?
I actually saw a man within our church try to speak one night and he was pulled in a room and kicked out of the church. I can only speak for myself but my bible teaches me this is not the way I’m to act much less people who are looked up to and have authority within a church.
My wife made a couple of typo’s which is why I guess you questioned her statement. Our family has been effected and hit hard with the news that came out about the Ousley’s. You see at one time we were very close to both Rick and Joyce (best friend close). We had a friendship which we cherished so when they told us something or ask us for something we were there for them. All the time we gave, our love, travel, loan of money etc. hit us back in the face way before this story broke the news. All this has done is make us relive our night mare.
I pray for all those involved and for the Texas lady who spoke out may God be with you, bless you and guide you in the direction you should go to see this story is finished and the whole truth is out. What has been written and heard is just the tip of the ice burg.
Have a Blessed Day!
April 11th, 2007 at 5:42 pm
Thanks for asking that, Kimberly. I was more than a little confused — yet intrigued — by that statement as well.
Then again, I’ve found this whole thing pretty intriguing and I don’t even, as they say, have a dog in the fight. And, as for Just Wondering’s insight that 20/20 will be running a “preachers gone wrong” story, I’m wondering (and HOPING) that he/she may have sent some of this info on to John Stossel. If not for this story, it could be helpful in creating an interesting follow-up!
April 11th, 2007 at 5:50 pm
Donna,
Thank you for your courage to speak out about this situation. I am curious about a few things though. Was there a physical relationship all those years you’ve known RO or just phone calls here and there and the physical relationship only started/resumed in 2005? Were you ever married since I think I remember reading RO lead you to believe he would marry you some day? I’ve heard thru the grapevine he was getting 3 months salary, he was looking for other work, and his house is up for sale.
April 11th, 2007 at 8:44 pm
Brook Hills Member, I believe that you must be telling the truth. Your words are filled with hurt and passion. For many years I have wondered about a few things.
How did RO gain this kind of control? Who participated or enforced situations such as the man being taken out of the room? Where were the elders when all of this was happening?
With a church as large as Brook Hills there had to be alot of money going in. Did the church not compensate RO appropriately? Who made the decision to “bail him out”?
I am so sorry about your hurt. It appears that your relationship with RO was one sided. I have learned that we cannot do much about the things that happen to us, but we can do alot with how we handle those situations. It takes courage to speak out as you two have.
April 11th, 2007 at 9:55 pm
Brook Hills Member: I just wanted to make sure I understood what was being said. Those are very serious accusations with some speculation though.
I just want anyone reading this blog to understand there is a very innocent 9 and 1/2 year old out there with an adoptive family. There is a large difference between fact and speculation.
There is one point I disagree politely with your wife’s earlier entry. It was widely known that Rick and Joyce were both divorced when they married each other. We were made aware of that when we were first visting the church so many years ago. It was also part of Joyce’s testimony. She never hid that, nor did she broadcast it either.
Please know that I am not defending Rick Ousley. I just want everyone (myself included) to post only truth and not speculation.
In all of this quagmire of sin and rebellion, the only thing I’m sure of is God is so in control. God alone is just, and He will reveal everything that is truth in His time. I don’t even want to fathom what the consequences are if that (father) is the truth.
Thank you,
Kimberly
April 11th, 2007 at 10:49 pm
Brook Hills Member: I also wanted to post I understand the heartbreak you are experiencing from all of the revelations. I am not insensitive to the pain in your post(s). Right now, many couples, individuals, former ministers, and current ministers are grappling with some dimension of heartbreak. It’s an added heartbreak to those who so fervently believed in the beginning that it was a one time occurence.
Rejoice knowing that Dr Platt is at Brook Hills now. The widespread church chaos days are behind. Healing comes from Jehovah Rapha and the future of Brook Hills is not dreary nor burdensome. It is eternal with Jesus truly heading the congregation.
April 11th, 2007 at 11:06 pm
Question:
I have missed a few things along the way. I am not sure that I am understanding something correctly.
Did RO hold a fundraiser so that he could take a year off to write a book? Surely, I am misunderstanding. Somebody please tell me if I have misunderstood.
April 12th, 2007 at 1:40 am
Well, I do have ALOT more info but why is Garrison and company NOT looking. What is his relationship with RO…….cause I thought the article (while printing some of the facts) stopped way short in alot of other areas. Garrison asked Ms. Jones if he could listen to the tapes if he wanted to, and even though she said of course…no problem….I’ve got nothing to hide…he never called her back to listen. He just wrote the article after calling a couple of pastors whom Ms. Jones claimed that she had talked to to confirm that Ms Jones had called them. He also confirmed that RO had been canceled at some places and knew that it was related to the events that had been made public…..point is, there’s ALOT more on these tapes that complete this story.
It also opens Pandora’s box, and this could be very dangerous for RO.
Someone asked why the church would continue to bail him out financially…..well, a small committee did that and the church body had no ideal. He was making 6 fugures easily and an excess of perks and at the time living in a very affordable small garden home. Later Rick approached a member that was fairly new in the building business to build his house for him. He choose to build it at “cost”……but RO knew how to play the game, and get things like this done without any problem. He would conveniently let a car dealer friend know of car issues (or affordability issues for a new car) and wham…..new car. Someone ask him to play golf, he’d tell them “well, I’d love to but I’ve really got to watch my finances”….what do you think happened next? He had gold clubs that would make a professional jealous, and free cloths to match…..amazing isn’t it??
I don’t want to get off issue here, but there’s alot more disturbing issues still floating in the air, with people waiting on the right phone call to tell it all. As far as posting these claims, …………well, if people will just get the word out again about this site re-opening the subject, I think you may see more.
Kimberly, I read and believe that you want to make sure that what is posted her is the truth. I’ve done that without any question…….now here’s a question for you. Don’t you have an opinion about the issue mentioned above? ….you have insight