Petition Against False Accusations - Homestead Heritage Response

Dear Friends,
A group of embittered former members now seek to spread through public media the most malicious of false accusations about our community. Upon hearing of this, many other former members have asked that we provide a context for them to repudiate these false accusations. Per their request, we have set up this petition.
Note: Due to problems with pranksters falsely posting signatures, your name will not appear below until your identity has been verified.

Although I am no longer associated with Homestead Heritage, I was closely associated with them in the past, either as a member and/or because I was raised there. Therefore I have been fully acquainted with their teachings, way of life and the environment they provide for their children. I may disagree, even strongly, with their doctrinal teachings, religious practices, way of life or all of the above. My experience during the time I was there was that their church ministry would never tolerate, much less promote, make exception for or cover up the heinous crime of sexual abuse of children. I therefore consider any publication or broadcast associating their ministry with such behaviors to be defamatory and not representative of their character, teachings or practices as I experienced them. This is my own opinion given of my free will, and not because of any pressure exerted upon me by any other person or entity. Therefore, in affirmation of the above statement, I sign my name below, along with the approximate length of time I was associated with Homestead Heritage.

Paul Barbieri (16 Years

Submitted on: November 13, 2011, 11:00 am

David Chesney (23 Years

Submitted on: November 13, 2011, 11:32 am

Dan Salmeri (18 Years

Submitted on: November 13, 2011, 11:58 am

Sharon Salmeri (26 Years

Submitted on: November 13, 2011, 12:12 pm

Deborah Chesney (23 Years

Submitted on: November 13, 2011, 1:10 pm

Richard Annunziato (34 Years

Submitted on: November 13, 2011, 1:12 pm

Batsheva Annunziato Schnasa (18 Years

Submitted on: November 13, 2011, 1:26 pm

Jonathan Wheeler (25 Years

Comments:I can say with 1000% certainty, anyone bringing accusations to the contrary, is dishonest and has ulterior motives. Anyone aiding these individuals on their personal vendetta crusade, by airing their false accusations, is aiding in a public lynching of a innocent group of good people, who are trying to help their fellow man on the path of life. I respectfully request any media persons, please live up to your journalistic ethics, and fully know both sides of the story before airing false accusations. Please don’t rush to air the accusations because it’s a salacious story. Please know people’s good names are at stake. If you don’t do your duty to fully investigate a story, you will be doing a great harm to an innocent group of good people.

Submitted on: November 13, 2011, 2:30 pm

Laura Ruth Desselle (29 Years

Comments: There is not a way on this earth, no matter how you disect, distort or outright lie that there is ANY sins of molestation or abuse, even psycological abuse that is harbored in that church. If there is an instance of that in someone I can assure you it is iradicated and turned over to the law as soon as possible. Can a church, or any institute for that matter presume to always know anothers heart and thereby protect themselves from any ‘bad apples’? All they can do is choose how to respond when they become aware, and to institute safe guards to attempt to prevent any such things. I am not sure how else you can look at these accusation except to say, 4 people are in prison, not because an investigation or ‘to catch a predator’ camera caught them, but because the leadership board turned them in! I have watched the many sickening scandals on abusers and the part that makes you sick is the people who refused to step in and stop it. I am grateful for the hope of in the future raising my precious little children in a place safe guarded on all sides by brothers and sisters willing to step up and STOP any hint of abuse.

Submitted on: November 13, 2011, 2:42 pm

Fred Puttrich (24 Years

Submitted on: November 13, 2011, 2:59 pm

Joshua Tindell (18 Years

Submitted on: November 13, 2011, 3:07 pm

Joe Barbieri (16 Years

Submitted on: November 13, 2011, 3:31 pm

Josiah Torres (16 Years

Submitted on: November 13, 2011, 3:33 pm

Richard Torres (30 Years

Submitted on: November 13, 2011, 3:50 pm

Lisa Torres Murillo (18 Years

Submitted on: November 13, 2011, 4:11 pm

Regina Linzer (18 Years

Submitted on: November 13, 2011, 4:23 pm

Michael Desselle (10 Years

Comments: I have been all over the world in my life and member of several churches, Homestead Heritage I can say for 100% sure has the most strict and best moral principles of any group I have seen. No other group comes close. These accusations are a completely false without even a grain of truth.

Submitted on: November 13, 2011, 4:49 pm

Daniel Brandstadt (21 Years

Submitted on: November 13, 2011, 4:53 pm

Abigail Heath (27 Years

Submitted on: November 13, 2011, 4:56 pm

Adam Heath (19 Years

Submitted on: November 13, 2011, 4:58 pm

Daniel Martinez (21 Years

Submitted on: November 13, 2011, 5:29 pm

Lauren Leas (25 Years

Submitted on: November 13, 2011, 5:49 pm

Pamela Newton (3 Years

Comments: I hold my brothers and sisters in Christ at H H in highest honor. Without their kindness, my family would not be living for God, nor would we know the Truth of the Gospel. Their genuine expression of love has given us a pattern to follow and has kept us through many perilous times. I am eternally indebted. In Jesus Christ be the victory and in him the glory!

Submitted on: November 13, 2011, 5:58 pm

David Scarbrough (9 Years

Submitted on: November 13, 2011, 6:14 pm

Ben Dodson (15 Years

Submitted on: November 13, 2011, 6:29 pm

Jesse Schocke (13 Years

Submitted on: November 13, 2011, 6:38 pm

Priscilla Martinez (24 Years

Submitted on: November 13, 2011, 6:47 pm

Tim Evans (21 Years

Submitted on: November 13, 2011, 6:51 pm

Daniel Owen (10 Years

Submitted on: November 13, 2011, 6:54 pm

Nathan Wheeler (24 Years

Submitted on: November 13, 2011, 7:03 pm

Reese Wheeler (25 Years

Submitted on: November 13, 2011, 7:03 pm

Tom Strazza (20 Years

Comments: During the 20 years I was associated with Homestead Heritage their way of life was christian in their values and belief.I am appalled to hear that someone would even make such an accusation! Whoever is saying such things is grossly mistaken and they should move on with their life instead of disrupting something that is good and pure.

Submitted on: November 13, 2011, 7:14 pm

Isaac Wieboldt (17 Years

Comments: The high standard of integrity, discipline and morality upheld within this community is common knowledge among anyone who is or ever was a member. The enforcement of laws, ethics and morals was the strictest I’ve seen anywhere. My brothers and sisters in arms and I put ourselves in harms way every day to defend freedom of religion and freedom of speech. Freedom of speech should not be confused with libel, slander and defamation. An investigative journalist would be wise to double check his or her facts before broadcasting a story fueled by the vindictive testimony of malicious individuals who couldn’t live up to the high standard. Just like the military it’s not for everybody and it is definitely not for the faint of heart. As someone who was born into and raised within this community, I had the opportunity to pursue a life as a member. I chose not to for the simple reason that I wanted to pursue a life bearing arms in defense of my country. This being a peaceful community I could not do both. So, I made a decision. I have not regretted it for minute. I was taught as a child to take personal responsibility for my actions and my life. This lesson has served me well in my career as a professional soldier.
SPC Isaac Wieboldt, MP
United States Army
Kirkuk, Iraq

Submitted on: November 13, 2011, 7:22 pm

William Evans (21 Years

Submitted on: November 13, 2011, 7:28 pm

Jennifer morton (Patterson) (20 Years

Submitted on: November 13, 2011, 7:32 pm

Hannah Simpkin (23 Years

Comments: I greatly respect Homestead Heritage and all they do for the cummunity. It saddens me greatly that false lies are said to hurt such a wonderful church. I only left homstead for personal reasons. I can certainly say 100% that there standerds and way of life have helped me be the person I am today.

Submitted on: November 13, 2011, 7:54 pm

Abel Martinez (18 Years

Submitted on: November 13, 2011, 8:02 pm

Michael Barbieri (15 Years

Submitted on: November 13, 2011, 8:10 pm

Toby Puttrich (18 Years

Submitted on: November 13, 2011, 8:17 pm

Bennett Sherman (18 Years

Submitted on: November 13, 2011, 8:23 pm

Simeon Adams (17 Years

Submitted on: November 13, 2011, 9:17 pm

Jeanene Barbieri (17 Years

Submitted on: November 13, 2011, 9:28 pm

Hadassah Barbieri (16 Years

Submitted on: November 13, 2011, 9:42 pm

Danielle Schacht (19 Years

Submitted on: November 13, 2011, 9:57 pm

Uriah Simpkin (19 Years

Submitted on: November 13, 2011, 10:04 pm

Matthew Collins (28 Years

Submitted on: November 13, 2011, 10:06 pm

Bryan Borman (21 Years

Submitted on: November 13, 2011, 10:15 pm

Abbey Borman (27 Years

Submitted on: November 13, 2011, 10:15 pm

Caleb Wheeler (19 Years

Comments: Some have agendas, some have personal issues, some have probems they can’t face, some just don’t want to face anything…. Last I remember, you have the right to all the above… So why, I mean why, hate on the ones who tried to make these problems not an issue? Live simple and don’t hate… it’ll make your life alot easier… trust me! –Caleb

Submitted on: November 13, 2011, 10:33 pm

Anna Stein (20 Years

Submitted on: November 13, 2011, 10:34 pm

Gloria Alexander (17 Years

Submitted on: November 13, 2011, 10:36 pm

Stephen Schacht (36 Years

Comments:I truly am very thankful to God for Homestead Heritage. The abundant love, patience, and example given to me by the ministry at Homestead Heritage has wrought a change in my life. I believe that change would never have happened without that ministry coming into my life. I can speak for the character and integrity of this church, again, with a deep thankfulness.

Sincerely

Stephen Schacht

Submitted on: November 13, 2011, 10:58 pm

Ben Linzer (18 Years

Submitted on: November 13, 2011, 11:00 pm

Randy Oakley (13 Years

Comments: “Love God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself” is at the heart of everything I have experienced in association with the Christian community of Homestead Hearitage. Their very lives speak this witness.

Submitted on: November 13, 2011, 11:23 pm

Amy Oakley (13 Years

Comments :The “character, teachings and practices” of the people at Homestead Heritage have only ever expressed a desire to live quiet and peaceable lives, sharing the love of God with each other and the world. I have learned through their ministry to try to walk completely in the light of truth. Therefore, I believe that the heinous crime of sexual abuse of children would never be tolerated, covered up or condoned at Homestead Heritage. The ministry and the church as a whole is committed to rooting out anything that would hinder that pure love from flowing in their lives.

Submitted on: November 14, 2011, 12:29 am

Aliyah Jacobson (20 Years

Submitted on: November 14, 2011, 12:48 am

Doug Taylor (21 Years

Comments:As Paul, Silvanus and Timothy defended their ministry to the Thessalonians, I believe these same words could be said of the ministers of Heritage Ministries, whom I love, respect and hold in high regard.

For you recall, brethren, our labor and hardship, how working night and day so as not to be a burden to any of you, we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. You are witnesses, and so is God, how devoutly and uprightly and blamelessly we behaved toward you believers; just as you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children, so that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own Kingdom and glory. (IThess. 2: 9-12 NASB)

Submitted on: November 14, 2011, 6:30 am

Carol Klingensmith (32 Years

Submitted on: November 14, 2011, 6:37 am

Joe Slack (16 Years

Submitted on: November 14, 2011, 7:12 am

Jediah Stewart (21 Years

Submitted on: November 14, 2011, 9:07 am

Ellie Annunziato (21 Years

Submitted on: November 14, 2011, 9:14 am

Isaac Adams (21 Years

Submitted on: November 14, 2011, 9:48 am

Regina Adams (Stein) (19 Years

Submitted on: November 14, 2011, 9:58 am

Todd Patterson (15 Years

Submitted on: November 14, 2011, 10:17 am

Asher Linzer (17 Years

Submitted on: November 14, 2011, 11:45 am

Jonathan R Brown (18 Years

Submitted on: November 15, 2011, 12:22 pm

Jamey Turner (15 Years

Submitted on: November 15, 2011, 3:00 pm

Dahlia Torres (23 Years

Submitted on: November 15, 2011, 9:57 pm

Naomi Stevens (DeLong) (18 Years

Submitted on: November 15, 2011, 11:48 pm

Carolyn DeLong (24 Years

Submitted on: November 15, 2011, 11:57 pm

Benetta Mickens (26 Years

Submitted on: November 16, 2011, 12:21 pm

Jonathan Martinez (19 Years

Submitted on: November 16, 2011, 4:56 pm

Francine Korahais (31 Years

Submitted on: November 16, 2011, 10:29 pm

Miriam Salmeri (24 Years

Submitted on: November 17, 2011, 7:26 am

David Gentry (15 Years

Comments: In the fifteen years I’ve never seen a member of this church willfully disregard a state or federal law, especially any law which would precipitate a 1st,2nd, or 3rd degree felony charge. Any statement made that charges Homestead Heritage or any of its ministers with willfull disregard of state and federal laws or insubordination are nothing less than malicious and malevolent slander against a people straight forwardly instructed to obey all laws.

Submitted on: November 17, 2011, 10:42 am

Samuel G Schwennesen (21 Years

Submitted on: November 17, 2011, 4:36 pm

Josh Collins (18 Years

Comments: I left this church for personal reasons, nine years ago. I was gone long enough to be convinced that the filthy, criminal sins that this church is being accused of is what is to be found out there. This church would never tolerate, much less hide, such behavior. I am on my way back; I support everything this church stands for.

Submitted on: November 17, 2011, 8:13 pm

Tommy Murphy (5 Years

Submitted on: November 21, 2011, 4:23 pm

Paula Young ( 12 Years

Submitted on: January 4, 2012, 7:51 pm

David Young (10 Years

Submitted on: January 4, 2012, 7:53 pm

Stephen Breault (7 Years

Comments: While my family was a part of what is now Homestead Hearitage we were shown nothing but Gods love and care for us. I feel that a part of the reason my sons are living good christian lives stems from their teaching and bringing us into relationships with brothers and sisters that showed us Gods love.

Submitted on: January 13, 2012, 6:34 pm

Mary Anna Beckworth (17 Years

Comments: I spent all of my childhood at Homestead Heritage and the least I can say is I have nothing but good memories!! Even though i don’t feel like it is for me, i never felt wronged or abused what so ever. My parents were the best parents I could ever have dreamed of having! I know that what I learned from being there has helped me be the person I am today. I love everyone there dearly!

Submitted on: February 12, 2012, 1:48 am

Jonathan Morton (17 Years

Comments: Thank you to everyone who is taking a stand for what is right.

Submitted on: February 14, 2012, 10:17 am

Daniel Morton (19 Years

Submitted on: February 23, 2012, 8:16 am

Hannah Matthews Williamson (22 Years

Submitted on: February 28, 2012, 8:19 am

Laura Schoenthal (Beckworth) (16 Years

Submitted on: April 29, 2012, 5:29 pm

Janelle Stewart (24 Years

Submitted on: May 1, 2012, 11:34 am

John Palmer (22 Years

Submitted on: May 13, 2012, 9:00 pm

Raymond Reveile ( 21 Years

Comments: I would have signed sooner but was not aware of it till today.

Submitted on: May 20, 2012, 8:31 pm

Connie Braziel (7 Years

Comments:I look forward to that day soon I will be home with you. I wanted to add as it is written: Philippians 1:3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

As in looking forward to the perfecting of this Saint, I know without the foundation God in His mercy allowed for me through your ministry I would not be able to give this testimony. In fact just the last three days I experienced God according to your tract, Experiencing God!

Submitted on: June 25, 2012, 6:45 pm

– 90 Signatures –

A note to all who signed the petition:
Many of you had already signed this petition before I ever knew it existed. Both the petition and your response took me by surprise. We know that you do not agree with or endorse us in many things, and we do not want to read more into your signature than you intended. But we wanted to thank you for taking a stand for what is right. We’ve been told that some of you came under considerable pressure and even bullying for doing so. Nonetheless, only one removed their name as a result. That people still care about what is true and right greatly encouraged us. I read each of your names and the number of years you were with us, and with each name came a flood of memories and tears. You are part of our hearts, our life. We have never stopped loving you. You are still dear to us. And I hope it does not offend you for me to say that we have never stopped looking forward with hope to the day when you would come home.
–From Brother Blair, Sister Regina and your family at Homestead Heritage