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My
name is Kelli White. You
probably don’t know me but if you’re reading this you may
know of or at least heard of my husband, James White.
He is the Director of Alpha and Omega Ministries in
Phoenix, AZ. Some
say he is a controversial man at times.
Last week is one such example.
On Thursday he was in studio with Tim Staples on the Bible
Answer Man broadcast in Santa Ana, CA.
Tim Staples is the Roman Catholic apologist that Jim
was going to debate the very next evening on Papal
Infallibility. The
radio broadcast went for a total of 3 hours, which is unusual.
The first hour was mostly of the two conversing back
and forth while the next 2 hours were taken up with phone
callers and their questions.
The discussion was lively to say the least.
The
debate on Friday night was in Fullerton, California, at
Plummer Auditorium. Jim
and Mr. Staples had met there approximately 4 years earlier
for another debate. The audience was primarily Catholic. Talk about stepping into the lion’s den!
While Mr. Staples decided to not debate the topic of
papal infallibility, Jim kept to the subject and opposed the
position quite well. Not
that I am biased or anything.
Mr. Staples also disrespected his opponent and the
audience by not sticking to the rules of the debate that had
been agreed upon before hand.
During the question and answer portion, Mr. Staples
decided to give dissertations instead of asking questions.
And then when he was asked a question he didn’t
answer it or took too long to answer it.
As I was sitting in the audience I at times had to sit
on my hands. I heard those seated behind me making such statements as,
“you’re a liar” or “that’s heresy,” when Jim would
respond to the questions he was asked.
It was hard for me to not turn around and say
something. But
God knows the hearts of all men.
It is our responsibility to share the truth of the
Gospel and let Him take care of the rest.
Let him who has ears hear!
While
Jim’s gift was evident on stage, seated in the audience was
a group of people without whose support this debate would not
have been possible: Warren
Smith, Eddie Dalcour, Chris Jensen, Rich Pierce, Simon, Jody,
Angelique and Abigail Escobedo, and our children, Joshua and
Summer. The kids
decided to sit front and center in the first row.
Although some of it may have gone over their heads,
from the look on their faces I think they enjoyed the debate
and are eager to attend the next one.
Warren, Rich, Simon and myself tended the book table
set up in the foyer of the auditorium before, during and after
the debate. Many
folks had the opportunity to express their thankfulness to us
throughout the evening. One young lady in particular
approached the book table at the end of the evening and asked
if I would give a note to Mr. White.
I said I didn’t think that would be a problem since I
was his wife. She
grinned and you could tell she was very grateful.
The
evening ended quickly as we were rushed out of the auditorium
due to some miscommunication with the event coordinators.
It will be interesting to see and hear feedback from
the debate. It is
my prayer that God will continue to use Jim, the ministry and
those involved to further His kingdom ‘til He comes again.
In
Him
Kelli
White (a.k.a. Mrs. James White)
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