During the months that followed, the Church has learned that the position that the County has taken against the Church was based, at least in part, upon false information put forward by Agent Mike Fargo of the IRS. He had never seen the Church or its pastor. He had the wrong address for six years. He had been watching and reporting on a local farmer thinking he was looking at the Church. The pastor never knew that the IRS had any interest in the Church business yet behind our backs Mike Fargo had been defaming its character.
The Church had complied with all the statutory requirements of both the State of Oregon and the United States. They had fulfilled all the requirements of the IRS. Why was the Church attacked? Why didn't Doug Ebner comply with Oregon Revised Statue 307.140? Why didn't Mike Fargo and Sergeant Duane Fletchel admit their mistake when they discovered the error? Why have all the records at the county been sealed? What are they hiding? Why hasn't any judge in Marion County defended justice? Why is there no day in open Court?
Is this more than just poor government?
One week before the sale of the property, the
three men received summons to court on the charges that were
previously discontinued two months earlier. One of the men
declined to go at all. He knew this was an apparent attempt to
place them under the court's control.
Pastor Paul and Abraham appeared in the gallery of the court on
the 15th of May. Judge Anglemeier refused to call the name that
was on the summons. She insisted that Pastor Paul sign a release
form on a nonjailable violation that did not have his name on
it. He held up the summons to show the judge but she refused to
make the simple correction. I have seen her do it readily for
others who were appearing before her. Why not for a member of
the Embassy of Heaven Church?
Abraham took a new name when he became a brother in Christ. He
told the court when he was called that he was the person who
the court identified with that old name. Three times, after
raising his hand, he stood up with the court's permission and
admitted that he was the man that they were looking for but that
he had a new name in Christ. The Judge refused to let him
appear. Finally he walked over to the deputy who was standing in
front of the gate into the bar and told him that he was the one
summoned to the court. The judge then ordered him arrested for
failing to appear. As he was being handcuffed, he asked the
judge if he was being arrested for failing to appear while he
was appearing? Her response was in the affirmative.
Four days later Abraham was brought to court again. He testified
that they held machine guns in his face while they robbed the
Church. He said he needed independent council. The judge
interrupted him and sent him back to jail.
Days later Abraham appeared before Judge Erstgaard who was
called out of retirement. Twice during Abraham's appearance in
front of Judge Erstgaard, the assistant D.A. stood up and
pointed out to the judge that the charges were only a violation.
The judge agreed that the charges were a violation and told the
assistant D.A. to sit down, and then sent Abraham back to jail.
Who is Judge Ertsgaard? He signed the original foreclosure
decree against the Church without proper notice.
Eventually a trial date was set in front of a Judge West. Judge
West is the Judge that signed the Writ of Assistance that the
county claims gave them the power to attack an unarmed Church
with an armed military force.
Why was the Church attacked with such force? Why were they never
given an eviction notice? There was no proper notice of
foreclosure given to the owner of record, the "Embassy of Heaven
Church." J.D. Bruce bought the County's interest in Church
property for the minimum bid of $119,000. J.D. Bruce, who says
he is dieing of cancer, has sold his interest in the property
with a quick claim deed for $119,400.
It appears Marion County had no interest in the Church property.
Have they broken the law and tried to cover it up? This appears
to be why they reactivated the obstruction charges making it
impossible for the men to stay out of jail if they continued to
uncover the truth about the county corruption.
We wanted to know why Abraham had been jailed nearly two weeks
on a nonjailable offense. The jail administrator told us that
they could not release anyone until they, "checked with legal."
We asked who would that be? His response was, "Michael Hansen."
All roads seemed to lead to Michael Hansen and the legal
counsels of Marion County. No one in the county will speak to
the Church except through Michael Hansen. Who is this mere
employed legal counsel of Marion County who seems to hold the
reins of government and the courts?
Abraham was released one hour after the sale of the property. He
had recited Bible quotes and sang hymns through the night with a
man also in solitary in an adjacent cells. When Abe came out
they embraced and blessed one another.
Abraham was bruised badly from being dragged up steps and having
guards knee him in the ribs and stomach. His spirit was good,
his resolve undaunted.
Why did the county do these things?
No Judge has been willing to let the grievances of the Church be
heard in court. The papers filed and the statutes clearly allow
the Church legal recourse, due at least to the county's failure
to notice the owner of record. Despite this clear violation and
others by the County the Church cannot get a day in court. There
is a preponderance of evidence that there has been a conspiracy
and cover-up. Still the judges of Marion County refuse the
Church , with fear and trembling, a day in court.
The Embassy of Heaven Church is mandatorially exempt
according to 508(C)(1) of the U.S. Codes. It is automatically
exempt according to the IRS regulations. The Church has complied
with the ORS 307.162 and 140 and the Oregon Administrative Rules
and qualifies as exempt.
Why was there no notice of a foreclosure hearing? Why did Judge
West decide there was no need for a court hearing before he
ordered a violent attack on the Church? Why are the county
records sealed? Why did the District Attorney Praull reactivate
the charges against the men of the Church three months after
they were discontinued? Why after four appearances in front of
judges and almost two weeks in jail didn't Judge Duane Ertsgaard
release Abraham who was in jail for what is a nonjailable
offense? Why can't the Embassy of Heaven Church get justice in
Marion County? Is Marion County still in America? Where is the
Law? Has the County and the State declared war on The
Church? Are they alone in their efforts?
Is there a darker and more sinister foe lurking
behind this scene of this religious persecution? Our
investigation continues.
Pastor
Paul Revere and his wife Rachel were just getting up when they
first heard the news that they were soon to have visitors.
Before they could answer the commotion outside they heard glass
breaking as the unlocked front doors of the Church were smashed
and men entered the Church led by dogs. Pastor Paul stated
that this is a Church of the Lord Jesus Christ and was promptly
arrested and charged with "obstructing government
administration." Rachel reported that at no time did they
display badges or any warrants and were dressed in jeans and
jackets. They claimed to have a "writ of assistance" signed by a
court administrator which they had just posted. Another
officer known to the Reveres, also arrived on the scene wearing
civilian clothes, and argued with the arresting officer as to
the need to arrest Pastor Paul who was obviously peaceful and of
no threat to any one. Despite the pleas of his fellow officer
the officer in charge could not be dissuaded. Also
arrested were Christian Livingstone, a Church member and
Abraham, a long time worker for the Embassy of Heaven Church.
Children services were present and quite ready to take custody
of Paul and Rachel's two young daughters. A long time friend and
neighbor intervened objecting strongly to the entire
proceedings. A young man with severe emotional and mental
problems, under the care of the Church, was visibly distressed
by the large numbers of armed men and the commotion of the day,
but Marion County was not interested in taking responsibility
for this man who was clearly in need of help and care.
Those people at the Church who were not arrested were
unceremoniously removed from the property and dropped at the
side of the road. They were allowed to leave with nothing but
the clothes on their backs and a "toothbrush." Doug Ebner,
the county assessor, and other Marion County officials and
employees are responsible for this travesty of justice and
damage to the Embassy of Heaven Church and injury to Pastor
Paul, his family and Church members everywhere. Members of
Doug Ebners own church took Rachel and her two children into
their home for safe keeping, while Pastor Paul languishes in
jail waiting arraignment on Tuesday. The Embassy of Heaven
Church has complied with the laws of the state of Oregon and are
a tax exempt Church. They have complied with the Laws of the
Land and are a Church separate from the state and holy in the
eyes of the LORD. They have been attacked, abused, defiled and
robbed. The punishment for those who have committed these
trespasses is in the hands of the LORD (YHWH) God and His Son,
Jesus the Christ, our King. All those individuals who
participate in these lawless actions whether by overt deed,
omission or complacent apathy are guilty and should be ashamed.
These peaceful, God fearing people, kind, charitable, generous
and loving in every way have been attacked in a cruel and
ruthless fashion. Their seal upon their "writ of assistance"
opens the way to a seal from a higher court who will judge them
as they have judged and do unto them as they have done. They
have sown the wind and they shall reap the whirlwind.
I
have little doubt that this attack on the Church is based on
bigotry, envy and hate. The apathy and ignorance of the general
public gives license to those bureaucrats who despise our
brethren as Cain did despise Able. I have been
corresponding with the Marion County Legal Counsel, Mr. Hansen,
and can find no reason this matter has progressed to this point
other than the the fact that some official(s) of Marion County
wanted to see Pastor Paul evicted/jailed/crucified. In his
letter January 5, 1997, he makes reference to OAR 150-307.162 as
the basis of their rejection of the Embassy of Heaven Church as
an exempt organization. He also states that I must place my
concerns in historical context. Hansen asks in the letter,
"Where is the Embassy of Heaven Church and its representatives
in all of this?" and, "Why won't it prevail itself of the
remedies provided for it by law?" My answer, January 18,
1997, to his questions I wrote, "the Embassy of Heaven Church is
where it has been since 1987. Its representatives are busy doing
the work of ministers of Christ's church. They are ministering
to the spiritual and educational needs of its members. They
engage in no other business but ministering to the needs of that
religious body. There has been stacks of communications with
Marion County officials trying to resolve all this." "Your
second question may be more to the point although it seems to be
a difficult point to make with those officials of Marion County
who seem unable or unwilling to put the Embassy of Heaven
Church's position into historical context. The fact is the
Embassy of Heaven Church has prevailed itself of the
remedies provided by law. Being a religious organization
and claiming the tax exemption the Embassy of Heaven Church
has filed with the county assessor a statement verified by
affirmation of the proper officer, Pastor Revere, according
to Oregon Revised Statue 307.162.4
The Embassy of Heaven Church has prevailed and is exempt
from taxation at the very least because Oregon Revised Statue
307.140 says it shall be exempt from taxation upon
compliance with ORS 307.162.5" "Now I understand that the county
administrators are bound by Oregon Administrative Rules
including 150-307.162 and also 150-307.140. It would seem to be
a simple step in logic to realize that Oregon Administrative
Rules, established by the Oregon Department of Revenue, are the
rules for Oregon Administrators." "150-307.162 is titled
Review of Application for Property Tax Exemption. The
Embassy of Heaven Church is not applying for a tax
exemption from Marion County or the State of Oregon or the
United States. The Embassy of Heaven Church is claiming
tax exemption. If it was applying for tax exemption it would be
giving authority to the county, state or its officers to create,
establish and exercise rules establishing it as a church. "
"For example, the Internal Revenue considered churches
automatically tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) even if they do
not apply. But they may apply. If they do apply the
I.R.S. has two basic rules or guidelines for their
agents. The I.R.S. is so lenient with religious organizations,
not because of any benevolent fondness for churches but simply
because they are bound by the Constitution of the United States
which does not allow them to make any rules that would
establish6 one religion and reject
another." "Even if the Embassy of Heaven Church was
applying for exemption and the assessor called upon its
administrative rule 150-307.162, he would be compelled to
determine the eligibility for property tax exemption based
solely upon the exemption statue specified on ORS
307.162.7 " "The Embassy
of Heaven Church has not availed itself of the application
process offered by the United States, I.R.S., the State of
Oregon nor Marion County because it has already prevailed its
right of exemption by law by claiming exemption as a religious
organization." "To place my concerns in historical context,
'Our forefathers, inhabitants of the island of Great Britain,
left their native land, to seek on these shores a residence for
civil and religious freedom.'"8
"In March 1775 a young Lawyer rode into Culpeper, Virginia. At
the whipping post he saw a man with his shirt removed and his
arms tied together. As he watched he saw him whipped with a
leather and wire whip until the bones of his rib cage showed.
When the young lawyer asked what the man had done, he was told
that he was a fundamentalist preacher who had refused to take a
license to preach. Even after they put him in jail with all of
his friends he has said, 'I will not take a license no matter
what you do.' Three days after, the young lawyer who witnessed
the lashing was so moved he wrote a speech, and later delivered
it before the Virginia assembly. He said, 'Is life so dear, or
peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains of
slavery? Forbid it Almighty God. I know not what course others
may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death.'"
"Twelve years later while criticizing the Constitution and
warning that it had been written 'as if good men will take
office!' He asked 'what they would do when evil men took
office!' 'When evil men take office, the whole gang will be in
collusion,' he declared, 'and they will keep the people in utter
ignorance and steal their liberty by ambuscade!'" "Was
William O. Douglas correct when he wrote, 'We must realize that
today's Establishment is the new George III. Whether it will
continue to adhere to his tactics, we do not know... the truth
is that the vast bureaucracy now runs this country, irrespective
of what party is in power...' I pray that this is not true."
"For the Embassy of Heaven Church to advance its claim of tax
exemption as a religious organization by entering into an
application process with Marion County or any government agency
would not be an advance of its claim but a retreat into
an era of religious freedom by permission only or no religious
freedom." "I must ask again: What is wanting in the
statement by the Embassy of Heaven Church claiming their tax
exemption? " "Thank you for your patience. May the LORD
God guide you in the days that come." End of letter to
Marion County Legal Counsel, Michael J. Hansen. Michael J.
Hansen can answer his own question now. The Embassy of Heaven
Church is in the hearts and minds of all those that Marion
County has put in their jails, and our hearts are with them as
we are with the Lord of lords, Jesus (Yeshua) our King.
If you would like to offer words of testimony and support to the
Embassy of Heaven Church and Pastor Paul please write: The
Embassy of Heaven Church 8777 Basl Hill Rd. SE Stayton, OR
97383-9630 in the Kingdom of Heaven 503-851-8777
He was not preaching in the wilderness for the money,
comfortable lifestyle, prestige and job security. He was
ridiculed, persecuted, imprisoned and beheaded.
Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized
of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from
the wrath to come?. He rebuked those who had taken up
evil ways in oppositions to the word of God and they did not
like him for his honesty. Bring forth therefore fruits
worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves,
We have Abraham to [our] father: for I say unto you, That God is
able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. The
Jews thought themselves saved by their profession of faith in
the lineage of Abraham and their doctrines. Christians often
profess their salvation by the blood of Jesus but often fail to
bear the fruit that should be present in those of true faith.
And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees:
every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn
down, and cast into the fire. John warned them that they
should follow a certain path to both prepare themselves and show
themselves approved.
And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then? He
answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him
impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do
likewise. Marion County has many churches, but it has taken
away a church from the LORD. Then came also publicans [tax
collectors] to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what
shall we do? And he said unto them, Exact no more than that
which is appointed you. It was appointed by statute
that if a church file a statement it shall be exempt. The
publicans of Marion County chose to exact more from the Embassy
of Heaven Church than their office had appointed.
And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what
shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man,
neither accuse [any] falsely; and be content with your
wages. (Lu 3:3, 14) Mike Fargo accused falsely and so
did Duane Fletchall. And Marion County sent soldiers with
violence in their minds and their hearts to take vengeance upon
the Church and those who administer to its congregation. Did
they bear false witness against their neighbor? Were they
content with their wages?
Marion County and the Federal government should have done their
duty with justice in their hearts. Now they have spent tax
dollars in an attempt to destroy a little church. Deputies,
civil employees, legal counsels from Washington D.C. all at
taxpayer expense. Yet they have not yet measured the true
cost.
"You'll just have to sue us," said Michael Hansen.
The church responded, "We're not vindictive. We only want the
county to restore what they took from the Church. We believe the
County erred in sending troops into the Church and confiscating
Church records, equipment and other goods. We want to see the
Church back on its property. We'd like to work one-on-one with
you and avoid expensive litigation. We'd like to save the County
money." At that time they had know idea of the massive, sinister
and diabolical plot lurking behind the seen. The County was
unimpressed. County Attorney Mike Hansen replied, "We're not
interested in saving money."
Elders of the church wonder and pray to the LORD whether
litigation is the way to go or if we should leave Marion County
in the hands of the LORD. I am sure that Marion county officials
would take delight in our departure, but they should not.
Marion County, the Mike Fargo and others would have been better
advised to listen to the council of Gamaliel, a doctor of the
law who warned the legal system of his day and ours.
If the Embassy of Heaven Church or only one member is counted as
a little one of the faithful, then the penalty has been written
for all to see.
Raid on the Embassy of
Heaven
No longer threats
But that
it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten
them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. And
they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor
teach in the name of Jesus. (Acts 4:17)
Marion vs. God
They too are deserving of the same lawless behavior they have judge to be right. We are men of law, God's law, which makes us men of peace but as they judge so shall they be judged.
We do not judge or administer His justice. God will take vengeance and shake the very foundations of their world.
If they will not repent of their ways then they will be compelled to depend upon those who they have judged to be wise. Their endless craft, procedures and administrative mazes can not protect them if they war against God.
Their blow against those who wish to serve the Kingdom of God rather than the kingdoms made by men can not harm God's kingdom but it can indict their own.
IRS and Marion County
SHINES LIGHT ON THE ADVERSARY
We reported that Marion County raided the Embassy of Heaven Church on January 31, 1997. That was not completely true. It is true that a Marion County Sheriff requested a writ of assistance. A Marion County Deputy posted it at the Church on the morning of the raid after he drove a large "Winery Tours" marked bus down to the Church loaded with rifle toting men wearing black jackets and blue jeans. It appears at this time that the city of Salem swat team had been called in due to the reports by Mike Fargo, an Investigator for the Internal Revenue Service, that Pastor Paul was "TOO DANGEROUS TO GET CLOSE TO." [Mike Fargo's I.R.S. field notes TDA History Record 5-24-91.]
Where did Mike Fargo get the idea that Pastor Paul Revere is dangerous? Sheriff's Sergeant Duane Fletchall states in his report that, "In years past, Paul Revere has been extremely against the use of guns or people being in possession of guns, and he would not allow them on his property." Sergeant Fletchall has known Pastor Revere for years and has been to the church many times. Pastor Revere has always preached the love of Jesus Christ. He has taken violence upon his own person many times and only returned the blessings and forgiveness that Jesus taught. Is Paul being persecuted? Is there something bigger, more sinister behind all this?
Pastor Paul has issued Kingdom of Heaven Passports for many years. Those passports have been successfully used to travel in other countries. He has also issued plates and licenses that are authentic as Embassy of Heaven documents. There has been disputes with local police departments and state agencies as to the validity of these documents. The Federal government even began an investigation concerning Paul's "license making activities" on behalf of the states where they were showing up.
In 1993 Pastor Paul asked Timothy Fidel of the Secret Service in Portland what interest the state has in the Embassy of Heaven Church. Mr. Fidel told Pastor Paul that the charges were dropped and the case was closed. It was clear that the documents were not forgeries. They were church identification. Where does the Church get the right to make their documents? In order to answer that question in a court of Law you would have to deal with the question of where does the state get the right to make their documents. Neither the state nor the Federal government seems to want to bring that query into the light or before the American people.
But is that the issue here? Nowhere in the federal investigator's notes do I find reference to the Church's documents. The letters from Marion County attorneys do not make mention of it. As a matter of fact, it is conspicuously absent from almost all the reports that have been forthcoming.
What does seem to be present is an on going attempt to vilify the church and its members especially Pastor Paul. There has been several overt attempts to link the church with violent anti government or militia groups. The original plan to arrest all the adults at the church and take the children to Children Service Division in Portland would have given an appearance in the news that something was wrong at the church. Those people who have not been to the Church and do not know Paul, his wife Rachel and their two lovely children would think they must have done something bad.
Is this all part of a grand conspiracy or the result of gross incompetence and personal prejudice and bureaucratic avarice and sloth? I have never been one for conspiracy theories. Conspiracies are things movies are made of, yet truth is often stranger than fiction.
Clarence Charles Schoeneman signed an affidavit on August 26, 1987 concerning his attempt to serve papers from a FAA court action. He wrote that he saw Paul Revere come out of the woods carrying a knife. The Pastor had been clearing trails for future retreats. The knife was a mere tool for cutting brush and was put away. Clarence made almost no mention of it and never mentions it used in any way, threatening or otherwise. Pastor Paul talked with Clarence for some time as Clarence represented himself as a patriot in trouble. He was there with his wife and child.
Clarence suddenly announced he had some papers to serve on a certain person. Pastor Paul explained clearly that he had a new name and a new life in Christ. He explained that he could not accept papers that were not made out to him. Any competent person reading either the affidavit or Pastor Revere's account in his newsletter could only come to the conclusion that a simple name change was necessary on the documents in question.
Mike Fargo reads the affidavit and states on page 4 of his hand written notes that, " HE [Pastor Paul Revere] DREW A KNIFE ON THE PROCESS SERVER. T/P (taxpayer) IS VERY DANGEROUS HAS GONE OFF THE DEEP END OF THE PROTESTER MOVEMENT. [name blocked out] FEELS HE COULD EASILY SHOOT SOME ONE." The affidavit does not make any mention of Paul or anyone drawing a knife or any other weapon on him. If this were the case that a man drew a knife on an official process server why was not an arrest warrant issued immediately? Why wasn't it mentioned in the affidavit? Clarence Schoeneman had an eyewitness, his wife, and he was acting for the U.S. District Court of Oregon.
I believe that from this one negligent and irresponsible misinterpretation by Mike Fargo flowed a series of deleterious events. That is not to say that there are not many more examples of incompetence, sloth and even malicious neglect of duty and decency that is just now beginning to come to light. The actions wreaked upon the church, Pastor Revere, his family and all the others has trampled upon and violated God given rights.
The affidavit gives clear and precise directions on how to get to the church, but Mike Fargo also failed to interpret them correctly. Since May 9, 1991 Mike Fargo has been going to the wrong location and interviewing the wrong people and examining the wrong property in his investigation of the Embassy of Heaven Church. He has been going to Roy Basl's farm a half mile down the road. He has been interviewing not Rachel Revere, but Roy Basl's wife Julia. She told him where the church was and who she was, but with a knowing grin he continued to look around the Basl's farm. Mike Fargo then came to the clever conclusion that a farm is not a church.
For almost six years the I.R.S. and other agencies continue to investigate and draw conclusions from erroneous and incompetent and possibly malicious reports by Mike Fargo and others. Roy Basl and his wife have been harassed by men watching their home. Questions have been asked about the health of Julia, Roy's wife, who had cancer at the time. Mike Fargo's questions may not have been out of genuine concern for Julia Basl's health. He thought Julia was Rachel Revere and he knew the I.R.S could not take pastor Paul's church, that he thought was a farm, as long as his wife lived. He writes in his notes that, "THEY ARE JUST HOPING HE [Pastor Revere] OUTLIVES WIFE." [Mike Fargo's field notes TDA History Record 5-24-91 page 4]
All during the negotiations with Marion County concerning the Embassy of Heaven Church's tax exempt status the officials of Marion County were swayed by personal prejudice. They evidently also relied on Mike Fargo, who knew that "a farm is not a church." Mike Fargo was still lost in the foothills of the Cascades and his own imagination.
Marion County had been releasing statements that a church cannot establish a tax exemption unless the I.R.S. has established the church as approved. In my letter of December 9, 1996 to Marion County Legal Counsel, Michael J. Hansen, I ask, "Is Marion County ruled by Law or the whims of an administrative bureaucracy?" I then cited the Internal Revenue Services' own regulations and rules and the first Amendment of the Constitution for the United States.
I again responded to Michael J. Hansen on December 22, 1996 as follows:
"In your letter of December 17, 1996 you state that, 'An exemption as a religious organization has never been granted to the Embassy of Heaven Church.' but you failed to tell me why."
"You also acknowledged that you read my letter quoting the Internal Revenues own reference that 'The following organizations will be considered tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) even if they do not file Form 1023: (a) churches, their integrated auxiliaries, and conventions or associations of churches,...' Are you saying that the Embassy of Heaven Church is not a church and therefore the I.R.S. does not consider them tax exempt? Or are you saying that Marion County cannot or will not consider the Embassy of Heaven Church a church until the Internal Revenue Service gives them written verification?"
"I was wondering, because you state in your letter that, 'no evidence has ever been presented by the Embassy of Heaven Church to Marion County that the Internal Revenue has ever taken that position in relationship to the Embassy of Heaven Church.' Are you saying that it is the law that a Church must bring written proof from the I.R.S. before a county will remove it from the tax rolls? If so can you site such a law?"
"You must have also read that, 'Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;' So, if there was a law, code or ORS that would allow a county official to establish one church as tax exempt while refusing another for any reason, then that law would be void from its inception, being unconstitutional."
It is becoming clear to us as we uncover more documents and information that Marion County was confident that the Embassy of Heaven Church was not a church because they had by faith taken the word of Mike Fargo and the I.R.S. as gospel.
On February 4, 1997, four days after the raid, Mike Fargo accompanied by Sergeant Duane Fletchall drove to the Embassy of Heaven Church. They intended to search through the rubble, left behind by the county for any overlooked coins. It was at this time Mike Fargo discovers that he has been watching the wrong place and the wrong people for 6 years. He has never seen the church nor has he seen Pastor Revere. His only comment was, "Boy! Did I have egg on my face?"
It would be better that Marion County did not believe in false gods with egg on their face but the story does not end there.
A writ of assistance was used by the county to grant a pretense of privilege in order to violate the rights of the church. It claimed that they had no right to the personal property of the church or the people at the church. The county found a bag of junk silver coins in the church sitting on an open shelf. Parishioners have donated the coins to the church over a long period of time. Sheriff Prinslow did not return the pre-64 coins to the church, Pastor Revere or its parishioners, even though it is clearly personal property. He instead gave it to Mike Fargo as his free will offering to those he serves.
Marion County claims to be a political subdivision of the State of Oregon but in this case it is not the county or the state whose interests they are serving. On page 9 of Fargo's notes he speaks of a telephone conversation with I.R.S. Attorney J. Wong in Washington D.C. He suggests, "we allow all county expenses given the huge job they've done." The I.R.S. can be a benevolent god if you serve its will without question and with diligent faith.
It is now beginning to make sense why Michael Hansen, County Attorney, said the county was not interested in saving money. The county is not paying the bill for the raid. They had bargained away their interest in justice to the I.R.S. The I.R.S. was footing the bill. As HIS light shines we began to make sense of the world.
When the church requested their coins back, they were shuffled in the direction of Henry Muelick in the Portland I.R.S. office. The church was told that they were not a church because they had not applied for 501(c)3 status by filling out form 1023. We told him churches are not required to file 1023's and that they are automatically exempt. He had never heard of such a thing. All the churches he had seen had requested the blessing of the I.R.S. We were the first that had any knowledge of the rules for filling out a 1023. He said if we could prove that this was true, we could get the silver back. We faxed numerous pages from the I.R.S. rules and codes, as well as the U.S. codes.
Henry became very difficult to get a hold of after he received the fax and nothing but the fax. He did call Roy Basl who had now finally discovered that the I.R.S. had been watching him for years thinking he was Pastor Revere. Julia Basl answered the phone. She said Roy was at work but there was somebody who wanted to talk to him and handed the phone to Pastor Revere who was standing close by.
Henry now had some new hoops for the church to jump through. I guess if you can't get them to bow down, the next best thing is to get them to jump up. It seems that the Embassy of Heaven Church was now the alter ego of Pastor Paul Revere, even though there has been articles of association established almost a decade ago.
Henry said if we could prove otherwise to Mike Fargo by 10 a.m. we could get the silver. Mike had sold it by the time we arrived at his office. He said, "There is nothing that I can do." I think he has done enough.
There is more being done. The same day Mike Fargo and Sergeant Duane Fletchall discovered that Fargo had been at the wrong address for six years, Duane Fletchall decides that Pastor Paul has been committing "theft by deception" for almost ten years. Duane made out an affidavit in support of a warrant to search all the personal property that the county had just turned over to a private storage company.
The Sheriff sent his deputies into the warehouse and they unpack all the crates and boxes. The moving people were livid but we understand how overwhelming Marion County can be. They came for evidence and they took computers and opened safes and took file cabinets and left a mess.
Within a very short period of time everything was back except for a small amount of coin they found and a few dollars cash which they kept. They then dropped the charges of "theft by deception."
What is the real purpose of this charge that comes ten years late and is dropped in as many days? Was it just to get a warrant to get in and see the records so that they could use the information to trump up associations that would defame the name of the church?
The church knows that violent men sometimes come to its doors. We are called to witness to the sinner. These men may not agree with Paul's peaceful nature but they do not deny his courage and his conviction. They respect his efforts and are restrained by his presence.
The greatest tragedy here is probably for the men who have done the deed. Pastor Paul Revere has always been a model of peace and patience. He ministers everyday to men of all sorts. He preaches peace and forbearance. He has been the first line of defense for those officers and government employees who must face disgruntled taxpayers and disillusioned patriots. They have struck a blow against the man of peace and he has turned the cheek.
Will their hearts remain hard like that of the Pharaoh, who charged foolishly and vengefully ahead into the midst of the sea and to his doom at the hands of the LORD? Or will they repent and come forward with repentance and the sword of truth in the light of day to slay the tyrant?
March 20, 1997
Few or none of these sideline critics have taken the time or energy to discover the facts, much less the law. They have not sought knowledge of events nor of the people.
More than one minister has voiced the need of "protecting what we have here" or that, "We don't want the things we have to be put in jepardy."
Few know and less understand that the Church has complied with the law and the legal statutes.
Are these chuches standing in the true teachings of the Father and His Son our King? Are you?
But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in [yourselves], neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. (Mt 23:13 )
[We are] troubled on every side, yet not distressed; [we are] perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; (2 Corinthians 4:8, 9)
a political subdivision of the State of Oregon
May 28, 1997
The attack upon the Church established by Jesus our Christ almost 2000 years ago continues today by His adversary Marion County, a political subdivision of the State of Oregon.
As many have heard, on January 1, 1997 in the early morning hours while thick clouds covered the foothills of the Cascades, a military force descended upon the Church. They came against the peaceful people of the Embassy of Heaven Church with machine guns, tanks and attack dogs with the intent of destroying a Church.
Deputy Steele admitted as the raid began that all the adults would be arrested for "obstructing government administration" and that the Pastor's children would be taken away.
There had been no obstruction. The doors were unlocked. As the pastor came from his office those unlocked sliding glass doors of the church shattered into millions of pieces. Dogs and un-uniformed men with rifles poured into the meeting hall. The Pastor announced, "This is the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ. Who are you?" Their answer was handcuffs and arrest. The war had clearly begun.
The other men suffered similar fates. Awakened by the rumblings of armored equipment and dozens of vehicles. Abraham stepped out of his trailer to see a line of men with machine guns and rifles marching toward him. He raised his hands over his head. He also told this invading army that they were trespassing because this land belonged to the Church.
While Abraham was still talking to the armed men in front of him with his hands raised over his head someone grabbed him and chained his hands and feet. He was dragged over to the other Church worker where they both were laid in the mud and the rain for over an hour before being hauled to jail.
While the county stripped away all the property of the Church the men languished behind prison walls for the bogus charge of obstruction of government administration. How did any of the men obstruct? It is very hard for me to believe that a peaceful and gentle man like Abraham was able to obstruct a line of men with guns in an open field with his hands over his head.
All three men were arraigned before Judge Loraine Anglemeier on February 4th. Seconds before they were brought before the court, she reduced the charges to a mere violation. Why?
A violation is not a jailable offense but more important the procedures and record of the court changes. An order for their release was given and then the judge issued a second order for all three men to be fingerprinted. Even though the men rejected in writing the order for fingerprints while the court was still in session the jailers moved a head. The men were told everything was taken care of and they were free to go. As they left one by one they were set upon, grabbed violently and forced to give their prints even though they had clearly requested a hearing. The men suffered severe pain and physical injury during the attack and brutal treatment at the hands of their captors.
Before their court date on the violation the people from the Church went to Tracy Praull at the D.A.'s office and were told that the matter was discontinued and there were no plans for any further charges against anyone at the Church.
During the months that followed, the Church has learned that the position that the County has taken against the Church was based, at least in part, upon false information put forward by Agent Mike Fargo of the IRS who has been investigating the Church for six years. His information has been false, his conclusions have been felonious. He had never seen the Church or its pastor. He has had the wrong address for six years. He has been watching and reporting on a local farmer thinking he was looking at the Church. The pastor never knew that the IRS had any interest in the Church business yet behind our backs Mike Fargo has been defaming the character of the Church.
The Church had complied with all the statutory requirements of both the State of Oregon and the United States. They had fullfilled all the requirements of the IRS for tax exempt status. According to the rules and regulations the Church was exempt from taxes.
Why was the Church attacked? Why didn't the county comply with Less than two weeks before the sale of the property, the church workers received a summons to court on the charges that were previously discontinued two month early. One of the men declined to go at all. He knew he did nothing wrong and recalled vividly the abuse he suffered while he was under arrest. This was an apparently an attempt to place them under the court's control and keep them from uncovering more evidence that might stop the tax sale.
Pastor Paul and Abraham appeared in the gallery of the court on the 15 of May. Judge Anglemeier refused to call the name that was on the summons. She insisted that Pastor Paul sign a release form on a nonjailable violation that did not have his name on it, nor was it the name that was on his summons. He held up the summons to show the judge but she refused to make the simple correction. I have seen her do it readily for others who were appearing before her. Why not in this case?
Abraham took a new name when he was called to the Church's ministry. He told the court that he is Abraham and that he was the person who the court identified with that old name. Three times he stood up with the court's permission and admitted that he was the man that they were looking for but that he had a new name in Christ. Finally he walked over to the deputy who was stand in front of the gate into the bar and told him that he was the one summoned to the court. The judge then ordered him arrested for failing to appear. As he was being handcuffed, he asked the judge if he was being arrested for failing to appear while he was appearing? Her response was in the affirmative. We ordered the tape of these unbelievable proceedings, but they sent us a recording of a divorce case under a different judge on a different date.
Four days later Abraham was brought to court again. He testified that they held machine guns in his face while they robbed the Church. The judge interrupted him and sent him back to jail.
The next day Abraham appeared before Judge Ertsgaard who was called out of retirement. Judge Ertsgaard signed the original foreclosure decree against the Church. Twice during Abraham's appearance in front of Judge Ertsgaard, the D.A. stood up and pointed out to the judge that the charges were only a violation. The judge agreed that the charges were only a violation and that the D.A. was to sit down and then he sent Abraham back to jail. Eventually a trial date was set in front of a Judge West. Judge West is the Judge that signed the Writ of Assistance that the county claims gave them the power to evict the Church from the property with armed men and tanks.
Why was the Church attacked with such force? Why were they never given an eviction notice? No one would bid at the auction of the land. The county would only give a quick claim deed. A title company said that the county did not have a clear title. There was no notice of foreclosure ever given to the owner of record, the "Embassy of Heaven Church." At the last minute J.D. Bruce of Sublimity bought the County's interest in Church property for the minimum bid of $119,000.
The problem is that the county has no interest in the Church. Marion County has broken their own laws and have tried to cover it up. They know this and they know we know it. In our opinion, this is why they reactivated the obstruction charges making it impossible for the men to stay out of jail no matter what they did.
After attending the sale of the property, I was impressed that we had to go to the jail. We wanted to know why Abraham had been jailed nearly two weeks on a nonjailable offense. The jail administrator told us that they could not release anyone until they checked with legal. We asked who that would be. His response was, "Michael Hansen." All roads seemed to lead to Michael Hansen. No one in the county will speak to the Church except through Michael Hansen. Who is this mere employed legal counsel of Marion County who seems to hold the reins of government?
As we waited for his release another man came out. He heard us talking about Abraham and said "I love Abraham."
It seems that they recited Bible quotes to each other and sang hymns through the night. They were both in solitary in adjacent cells. When Abe came out they embraced and blessed one another.
Abraham was bruised badly from being dragged up stairs and having guards knee him in the ribs and stomach. He said this was his hardest stay in jail. His spirit was good, his resolve undaunted.
Why didn't the county get an FED? Why did Deputy Tim Steele say on the day of the raid that this was not an eviction? Why did Judge West decide there was no need for a hearing? Why did the District Attorney Praull reactivate the charges against the men of the Church three months after they were discontinued ? Why after five appearances in front of a judge and almost two weeks in jail hasn't Judge Duane Ertsgaard released Abraham from jail for what is only violation, a nonjailable offense? Why can't the Embassy of Heaven Church get justice in Marion County? Is Marion County still in America?
WAKE UP AMERICA!
[ The Embassy of
Heaven Church is still operating in the area but everything
they live in has wheels under it. June 8, 1999]
Footnotes:
3
Return Strong's No. 1228 diabolos
{dee-ab'-ol-os} from 1225; adj AV - devil (35) - false
accuser (2) - slanderer (1) [38] 1) prone to slander,
slanderous, accusing falsely 1a) a calumniator, false accuser,
slanderer, i.e. Satan the prince of the demons, the author of
evil, persecuting good men, estranging mankind from God and
enticing them to sin... 4 Return ORS 307.162 "the institution or organization claiming
the exemption shall file with the county assessor, on or before
April 1 preceding such year, a statement verified by oath or
affirmation of the president or other proper officer of the
institution or organization, listing all real property claimed
to be exempt and showing the purpose for which such property is
used." 5 Return ORS 307.140
"Upon compliance with ORS 307.162, the following property owned
or being purchased solely by religious organizations shall be
exempt from taxation: (1) All houses of public worship and other
additional buildings and property used solely for
administration, education, literary, benevolent, charitable,
entertainment and recreational purposes by religious
organizations..." 6 Return "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment
of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..." 7
Return 150-307,162 (1) the
assessor shall determine the eligibility for property tax
exemption based solely upon the exemption statue specified on
ORS 307.162 which the applicant indicates on the application.
8 Return Representatives of
the united Colonies July 6, 1775 9 Return
Nihil inquius quam aequitatem nimis
intendere.-Aequitas non facit jus, sed juri auxiliatur.
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