Reverend asks forgiveness

Dear Editor:In March of 2011, I was interviewed by one of your reporters. ("Apocalypse Begins May 21, Downey Minister Warns," 3/24/11) The subject was May 21, 2011, a date that will truly "go down in infamy." Harold Camping, the general manager of Family Radio, set a date for the end of the world, a date I believed and helped him promote, sadly. The world obviously did not end, but thousands of people on a global scale suffered immensely because of his teaching. This was his fifth date that failed. The first was in 1994, then 1995, 2004 and two dates in 2011. But May 21, 2011 was not just another date predicting the return of Jesus because Mr. Camping said that, on that date, Jesus would return to take away his chosen ones and punish those left behind with five months of hell on earth. The majority of the 7 billion people on this earth would suffer horribly until Oct. 21, 2011, when the entire universe would be destroyed. The end result of all this fear mongering was that many churches were damaged, families were broken, some left their jobs, while others cashed in their pensions and gave their money to Family Radio. One man lost $140,000 and many others suffered bankruptcy. But the worst thing about all this is at least seven suicides occurred, one of whom was a friend of mine. Harold Camping shows no remorse regarding this horrible event. And he is still telling people not to go to church. I sent a six-page letter to Family Radio and to The Downey Patriot regarding my 30-year history with Family Radio and protesting what had happened. I will send anyone an e-mail copy that asks for one. I tell everyone now: protect your children. No more suicides. Do not listen to Family Radio, 1280 AM. Harold Camping is planning to do this again soon. I am begging your readers for forgiveness. Please protect your children from this man whom I once trusted but do not any more. Rev. Audie Derryberry Downey

********** Published: April 11, 2013 - Volume 11 - Issue 52