"Watch This" Pt. 10 ~ Bishop Eddie Long "Takes A Little Time Off"

Jeremiah 33:14-18 ~ "14-Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will perform that good thing which I have promised unto the house of Israel and to the house of Judah. 15-In those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land. 16-In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this is the name wherewith she shall be called, The LORD our righteousness. 17-For thus saith the LORD; David shall never want a man to sit upon the throne of the house of Israel; 18-Neither shall the priests the Levites want a man before me to offer burnt offerings, and to kindle meat offerings, and to do sacrifice continually."

"If you go out there, the news said I stepped down,"...
" I haven't stepped down, I've actually stepped up."...
"I'm still your pastor. You'll still receive my direction,"...
"You've given me some weeks to take care of some family business." 
(Source-The Huffington Post Black Voices)

I'm sorry, my initial report was wrong and one can view the video below the commentary to see why...the bishop has decided to take an extended and undetermined vacation to deal with family issues. He didn't say that he was relinquishing the pulpit or the pastorate and didn't say that he was "stepping down" from being pastor as many are saying including the commentary page that I am referencing. Watch the video and tell me what you think, it's pretty clear to me. The bishop is going on a "potentially" long sabbatical. 



Here is the initial report from Pimppreacher.com. which I believe is in error so far as describing what Long did as "srepping down". That's not the case. The following information is from a person who was there at the time:

"Eddie Long took the stage at 8:00 AM. Everyone surrounded the pulpit and he continuously wiped away tears. He told us over 5 times that him and Vanessa still love each other. He said, about New Birth: "We are a family. She is your mother, and I am your father." 

He talked about the impact the allegations have had on his family for years, including long before this last year. He said the greatest thing the church can do is continue to show up, and continue to give money. We don't need to listen to the media. 

He compares his situation with the Israeli battles where Moses had to keep his hands raised and Aaron would hold up his arms when Moses was tired. He said the battle has lasted longer than originally thought, and he needs us to hold up his arms. 

Eddie Long said he needs to take time away to take care of his family and we shouldn't worry. He always puts good people in front of us. He said to still believe in all the prophecies of 2011 and that he already had all of 2012's lesson plans laid out. 

The attacks from the media were taking a toll. There are things he'd like to say but can't because he's been advised not to, but he said the divorce has nothing to do with infidelity or the allegations. He said he is not Superman and he doesn't want to be compared to him. He then said he would pray for our families, and he wanted us to pray for his. 

After this he sat down and a guest preacher, ( Indian man first name Samuel. Couldn't understand the last name) preached for an hour from 2 Kings 4-8. He spoke about the 4 keys to the church and how New Birth had everyone of them. He said we can go anywhere for church, but only Mew birth for fellowship. Afterwards, we had offering and Eddie Long left after the offering was collected. 

As I was leaving, I saw a line of people in front waiting to shake Eddie Longs hand. I stood in line and asked him, "When are you coming back Bishop?" he said, "I'll be back soon. As soon as I can"

There are many things that one could say regarding this whole fiasco. It seemed to be a "no-brainer" that a leader with over 400 counts of impropriety against him would either step down from his position or step aside and work vehemently to clear his name. it seems that the pressure and continued negative publicity took its toll. It doesn't hurt that the money of persons like this is effected. That usually does the trick.

Update: CNN Video Reveals "Correct" Reporting:

Remember, YOU are the only reason that a charlatan leader continues in his ways of charlatanism. When you decide that it's over and discontinue your support of both attendance and money, things will change. Until then, don't complain about the python that squeezes the life out of you after you've nurtured it and caused it to grow. You knew it was a snake to begin with, and snakes do, what snakes do!

Blessed!