Church reaches out to 'victims of cult'

Calvary Bible Church of Milpitas, California is reaching out to provide help to followers of Harold Camping's "Family Radio," which they believe to be a doomsday cult, and asks them not to do anything rash on Sunday, May 22.The 89-year-old Camping owns the Oakland, California-based Family Radio Network, heard on more than 150 stations around the world. Camping uses it to promote his strange understanding of the Bible that includes mathematical predictions of Jesus Christ's return on Saturday, May 21 and the end of the universe on October 21 of this year. Calvary Bible Church is very concerned about the wellbeing of Camping's followers, who sincerely believe his predictions. Camping contradicts the Bible, which says that no one knows the date of Christ's return. Jesus said that even He did not know it, but Camping claims to have figured it out. Camping's followers believe so strongly that they will be "raptured" (ascending to Jesus in heaven) on May 21, that some of them may have emptied bank accounts, cashed out retirement funds, and sold possessions in order to donate money to help Camping spread his message. Calvary Bible Church is concerned that Camping's devotees may become depressed and do something rash, when May 21st passes and they realize they have been misled. They are especially concerned that those who have given away a substantial portion of their savings might consider suicide when they realize that Jesus has not returned, as Camping promised, and they are financially ruined. The church wants to reach out to Camping's followers with a message of hope. "Do not despair," said Pastor Jacob Denys. "You are not alone. We offer you help and Biblical counsel." The church plans to have their doors open to Camping's followers in need of counsel. Those interested may call or visit the church to find help. Camping's followers are invited to attend their Sunday Morning Service on May 22 at 10:00 a.m. - the day after Camping's promised second coming of Christ. "We realize our offer of assistance may not be well-received right now," said Pastor Denys, "but we hope on May 22 they will see it is an offer made in Christian love. We know that you will be hurting when you realize that you have been deceived, and we will be here for you." Contributed by Calvary Bible Church.

********** Published: May 12, 2011 - Volume 10 - Issue 4