THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, March 12, 1995 TAG: 9503100195
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 07 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Medium: 72 lines
The following letters are in response to Ida Kay Jordan's column in the March 5 Currents, which addressed the topic of David Alexander and his Abundant Life Ministry.
I personally know David Alexander, the pastor of Abundant Life Church mentioned in Ida Kay Jordan's column (Currents, March 5). He carries no concealed weapons. He doesn't howl at full moons. He doesn't caress tombstones at midnight.
He simply wants to do what Jesus told all of us to do. Feed the hungry. Encourage the homeless. Minister to the saints.
Maybe he is unorthodox in his style. Maybe he jigs while you jag. Maybe he bows when you curtsy.
But he is too worthy of this excessive attention or castigation. Let the city and Alexander get on with bigger issues.
David R. Denny
Senior pastor
Cradock Baptist Church
Afton Parkway
March 8, 1995
Ida Kay Jordan did an injustice to the Alexanders' Abundant Life Ministry in her column. (Currents, March 5).
All of the churches of Cradock have worked with the Alexanders. I personally distributed forms for membership to the Property Owners Association with (with no money attached). I attended a meeting at City Hall with Alexander and others to seek clarification of requirements of all sorts.
I have been through the process of opening a business in Portsmouth in recent years. Business licenses are not issued until after use is established and the property is released by all inspectors and the fire department. I am of the opinion that a use permit is not required in this case.
This is not about change of minds, which, pardon the expression, ``God knows is needed.'' It is about closed minds. I regret that the column included only a portion of the story.
Rev. James E. Dorson
Pastor
Holy Angels Catholic Church
Afton Parkway
March 8, 1995
What isn't mentioned in Ida Kay Jordan's column (Currents, March 5) is the fact that Alexander purchased the building at 53 Afton Parkway (a commercial building) for a commercial business - The New Creation Family Fitness Center. A fitness center for the residents of Cradock to come to for an inexpensive evening out with their families.
Also, not mentioned is the fact that Abundant Life Church has its office and food pantry at 75 Afton Parkway, another building on Afton Square. A food pantry that last year distributed nearly $80,000 in food to the working poor of Cradock and others in need. Truly, a positive for the people of Cradock and the City of Portsmouth.
Last but not least is the fact that more than 600 people signed a petition in favor of the City Council issuing a use permit to the Abundant Life Church.
The vast majority of these people live in Cradock and all of them live in Portsmouth and are encouraged to see positive things happening in their city and especially their neighborhood.
Jeff Carson
Aylwin Crescent
March 8, 1995 by CNB