From: Kent Blanton <kent@southcalgary.org>
Date: Sun Sep 7, 2003 1:59:57 PM US/Pacific
To: Barry Pendergast <barrypendergast@shaw.ca>
Subject: RE: Camp Caroline open dates

Barry,

It's your call, but I would still like to meet with you for lunch. We
have a deep and true friendship that should be able to withstand any
stormy times in life. Proverbs says a true friend keeps closer than a
brother and that true friends sharpen each other like iron sharpens
iron. That means that are still their during the hard times, but they
are also willing to risk speaking the hard things to one another if
necessary. I believe we have that kind of friendship.

I would certainly agree that you need to sit down with Jim and address
any differences that have arisen. This is biblical. Anything less than
this would not befit a child of the King. However, I don't feel it
necessary for you to meet with Jim before we have lunch. In fact, I
believe God could use me as a part of providing some wisdom and
perspective if you are willing to receive it.

I would also encourage you not to make hasty decisions about pulling out
of ministry, other involvements, or anything right now. You are
obviously dealing with some high emotion levels. This is never a good
time to make any major decisions. We can sometimes make rash decision
when we are emotional that we later regret. The way to deal with issues
effectively is to identify them and deal with them in an calm, honest,
straightforward and Christ like manner. Issues don't go away if we don't
address them. We simply carry them like baggage into the future wherever
we go.

I can still do lunch on Tuesday if you are willing to reconsider, but
would rather save the Samaritan's Purse trip for another time. Let me
know.

Your friend,

Kent