Living Without Child Support
By Pamela Brasher
Editor's Note: Pamela S. Brasher is a walking testimony that the broken government child support enforcement system needs repairs. Although, many states frown unfavorably on the rising tide of private child support enforcement agencies Pamela's story is testament to the need for, and reasons, private enforcement agencies, like private security agencies, are knocking passionately on doors of government agencies with hand fulls of affidavits from hungry children and desperate parents to hand over cases that have grown cold and lifeless. This testimony will bring tears to your eyes and hopefully passion to your heart to help us fight for her.
Jim Harnage, Outreach Pastor and Minister, Owner, Silent Ministries Recovery Outreach, Inc. Child Support Recovery.
> There are over twelve million single mother households in the United
> States today. Each of these single mothers has a unique, yet similar story
> to tell. I am one of those twelve million single mothers and I would like
> to share my story with you.
>
> My name is Pam Brasher. I am forty-three years old and the single mother
> of three children ranging from ages eleven to seventeen years. I live in
> Southside, Alabama and I am employed by the City of Southside where I am
> the secretary to the Mayor.
>
> I am writing to you today because I believe you are sympathetic to the
> difficulties women face in a society which seems to care little for the
> welfare of single women and their children.
>
> I am one among thousands who have grown weary of defending my rights in
> the court systems and winning my cases only to receive nothing in return.
> I deserve justice not only for myself, but for my children as well.
>
> I am one of many who are unheard of…but highly noticeable. One of many
> whose hair is never in place, who is sleep deprived, who is running on an
> empty tank financially, emotionally, mentally, and physically. I am one of
> many who face the day with a look of contemplative concern that comes from
> too little sleep, limited food in the cupboard, and bill juggling since
> last year's tax return. Hercules himself would tremble at the range of
> responsibilities women like me face each day.
>
> No one is capable understanding or appreciating the method to the madness
> in my life unless they to are a single parent attempting to care for
> themselves as well as their children with little or no help from the other
> parent. The work load is overwhelming. Earning a living, preparing meals,
> caring for children, helping with homework, cleaning house, paying bills,
> repairing the car, handling insurance, and doing the banking, income tax,
> marketing, the list goes on and on. Only a single parent can see clearly
> how the house can sustain itself and stand against all the odds and
> restraints that are present in the social and legal system. I crawl out of
> bed each day because I have no other choice but to try and survive. I
> survive anyway that I can. I do it twenty-four hours a day, seven days a
> week. I am the famous juggler of time, activity, finances, and
> responsibility; I have defied the laws of gravity, physics, and economics.
>
> In October of 2004 I joined the ranks of many other women in society
> today. I became a single mother of three exceptionally bright children. I
> was awarded full custody, $1200.00 a month in child support ($92.31 each
> week, per child) and $300.00 in alimony. My ex-husband was ordered to pay
> all medical expenses (which has been paid by me since 2006), and the
> monthly mortgage on our home until our youngest son (who was six at the
> time) graduated from high school. He met and married a woman with two
> children in May of 2006. He purchased a nice home with a pool, on a golf
> course, and in the country club. He bought new furniture and appliances
> for every room. He had the best of everything. As the next two years
> passed, my ex-husband stopped paying medical and orthodontic payments. His
> life insurance policy, which he was ordered to be kept current by the
> courts, was canceled. He refused to help with school expenses and he
> became increasingly angry and abusive on the weekends he had with the
> children. During this time and after court ordered counseling, he was
> stripped of any visitation rights unless supervised. This was due to
> physical, mental, and emotional abuse.
>
> In January of 2007 I received a letter stating the mortgage on the home my
> children and I had lived in for seventeen years had not been paid in over
> four months and foreclosure proceedings had begun. In February 2007 the
> judge ordered my ex-husband to bring the mortgage up to date or be
> incarcerated. He made no attempt to make the mortgage payment on the home
> his children lived in, however, the mortgage payment of $1400.00 on the
> home his wife and two stepchildren lived in remained current.
>
> In June of 2007 my children and I were notified that we had ten days to
> vacate the home. We were emotionally and mentally devastated. We had no
> idea where we would go or what we would do. I knew that on my weekly
> salary it would not be possible to pay rent, much less utilities. Not to
> mention, I was still making a loan payment each month for siding on a home
> I was forced to leave. I don’t believe I have ever felt so alone and
> afraid. A relative offered to let us stay in his home until we could get
> back on our feet. I honestly don’t know where we would have gone or what
> might have happened to us if he had not been there.
>
> For four months my children and I lived out of two rooms in someone
else’s
> home. My son and I shared one room and slept on a mattress in the floor.
> My daughters shared the other room. Although I was thankful for the roof
> over our heads and the compassion my cousin had shown, the humiliating
> circumstances of being homeless and unable to provide a home for my
> children was almost more than I could bear.
>
> My former husband received a generous salary and benefits from a large
> corporation. The company provided him with a new vehicle, paid for his
> auto insurance, fuel, cell phone, and internet access. He was capable of
> meeting his responsibilities as well as any material needs our children
> may have had. However, he chose to provide a more than comfortable life
> for himself, his wife, and his two step-children, leaving his own children
> homeless.
>
> As for my obligations, I have always demonstrated the utmost in
> responsibility by ensuring the mental, physical, emotional, nutritional,
> and educational needs of my children were met on a daily basis. My
> children have and always will be my top priority.
>
> My ex-husband was incarcerated for six days for failure to bring the
> payments current. He was released after his wife (who works in
> administration for a local hospital) had a doctor send a letter stating he
> had an anxiety disorder and his condition required his immediate release.
> This came as quite a shock to me, considering I had been married to him
> for fifteen years and he was mentally and physically the picture of
> health. In the meantime, his income increased $1200.00 each month since he
> no longer paid the mortgage on the home his children had lived in all of
> their lives. His lifestyle did not change, but was better than ever. The
> legal system released him from jail. To this date he has not suffered any
> consequences for his actions. He went on with his life and his income
> increased while the children and I were without a roof over our heads and
> he still wasn’t providing court ordered medical payments.
>
> In October of 2007, after four months of being homeless, I was able to
> purchase a new home for myself and my children. It was considerably
> smaller than our old home and we were forced to sell most of our furniture
> and many family treasures, but we were determined to find the silver
> lining in our shattered lives. With only $94.00 remaining after the weekly
> mortgage and insurance payment of $230.00, our income was budgeted to the
> penny and dependent on the child support payments. We learned to do
> without many things, but we realized we still had what was
important…each
> other. The bond between my children and I is remarkable and unbreakable.
> We were determined we were going to survive. My oldest daughter, Anna,
> began working the summer of her freshmen year in high school. She
> continues to work to help support not only herself, but her brother and
> sister as well (all while maintaining a 4.3 grade point average). Anna is
> an amazing young woman. Her childhood has been stolen from her because her
> father refuses to meet his obligations as a parent.
>
> In February 2008, with bills due and cupboards bare, I received the news
> Mr. Brasher had willingly resigned from his well-paying job of eight years
> because it was too stressful and he was depressed. He had threatened to
> quit many times. Once again, the walls were closing down around me.
> Knowing that I would now be the sole person responsible for the well-being
> of my children, I swallowed my pride and made the humiliating walk through
> the doors of the Department of Human Resources in search of some temporary
> assistance, however, I quickly learned that because I am employed and
> considered to be a middle class citizen I was disqualified from receiving
> any financial aid from the government.
>
> For the past fourteen months I have been in and out of court (more times
> than I care to count) fighting for my children. During this time I
> received child support only when Mr. Brasher was threatened with
> incarceration. From August through November I did not receive any child
> support payments what-so-ever.
>
> In December 2008 I was awarded a judgment of $7,500.00 for back child
> support and $4,238.75 for failure to provide previous provisions of the
> Court regarding my oldest child’s vehicle and insurance. The issues
> regarding current child support obligations, past due medical receipts,
> and post minority support were addressed in court but were not mentioned
> in the ruling. However, the judge ordered Mr. Brasher to pay $200.00 each
> week in child support arrearages.
>
> Last week I received a final ruling in my case. I was awarded a judgment
> of $9,710.35 for child support arrearages and $3,723.24 for past due
> medical bills. Mr. Brasher’s child support obligations were reduced to
> $569.00 each month (or $43.77 each week per child). His court ordered
> child support arrearage payments were reduced from $200.00 each week to
> $100.00 each month. Again, the post minority support was not mentioned in
> the ruling even though it was addressed a second time in court. I honestly
> thought there must have been a terrible mistake. It will take him over
> eight years to pay back the past due child support alone, no interest
> factored in and not including the additional judgments I was previously
> awarded. It seems my fate as well as my children’s has been sealed.
>
> My circumstances are neither special nor rare. In fact, my story is
> entirely too common. I am a single parent who is owed child support; one
> of many who has worked with an attorney and the court system only to have
> my case continued and the court orders ignored. I have stood by and
> watched the courts give my children’s father a “slap on the wrist”.
I have
> tried to help myself, pursued my case with the state agency, and sought
> temporary assistance only to be denied or rejected. I am one of many who
> have run out of options and who are consumed with the feeling of despair
> and defeat.
>
> The prospects for the increasing number of children living with mothers
> who can not provide them with the basic necessities won't brighten.
> Although continued improvements in the collection rate are vital,
> providing support to single parents and their children means going beyond
> simply improving collection.
>
> The legal system falls short of supporting single parents when it comes to
> enforcing court orders for dead beat dads. Months go by before the courts
> will hear a case. They are often continued repeatedly and the single
> mother and her children are forced into bankruptcy, losing their homes,
> cars, and their dignity. The time frame for hearing court cases and
> enforcing court rulings is detrimental to single mothers whose daily
> survival depends on receiving their child support payments on time and
> without delay. It does not matter how many court battles we win or what we
> are awarded if the system cannot enforce the court order. We are left with
> nothing but a piece of paper stating we are victorious.
>
> I have been blessed with three amazing and exceptional children. They
> excel academically and are in the top of their class. Over the years, they
> have observed me struggling to survive financially and emotionally. At a
> very young age, they have learned the meaning of personal sacrifice. They
> deserve justice, a sense of security, and peace of mind in their lives.
>
> I have always strived to do the best for my family. I consider myself to
> be a strong woman; tough, and determined; however, due to circumstances
> beyond my control, I have reached the end of my rope. I am not sure how I
> can improve the situation I am in. I am not sure if I can break the
> barricades that are blocking me from providing the basic necessities and a
> home for my children. The current laws and programs do not provide the
> support single parents need to recover from the struggles they face.
>
> Again, I am a single parent, one of many who are alone; one of many who
> has visions of a better life for their children. It is my hope that you
> will help to raise awareness of the plight of single women in society
> today; their struggles and their fears; their courage and their strength.
> It is only when we come together that our voices can be heard; it is only
> then that we can fight for our rights and focus on regaining the
> confidence and dignity which has been cruelly stolen from us.
>
> On behalf of the millions of single parents across the United States, I
> would like to know my voice is being heard. An answer must be found. The
> children we are attempting to raise are the future of this country, but we
> cannot do it alone. Help me in my efforts to provide a better road to
> their future. Help me move a mountain.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Pamela S. Brasher
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Quick Questions and Candid Answers By Outreach Pastor and Child Support Recovery Agent Jim Harnage
Will I Go to Hell For Leaving My Husband?
No. You are already in hell if you remain in an abusive marriage. 1 Corinthians 7:39. The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband lives. If a husband no longer recognizes his spouse as to be so cruel to her and destroy her life then he and the marriage is already dead. The wife is free.
Will God be mad at me for protecting myself or children from abuse?
No. If you fear for your life and the lives of your children from a cruel and abusive marriage or relationship you have an obligation to self and the children to leave. If you must protect yourself to preserve life then you must do what you must. God forgives if there is anything to forgive. But why would God even need to forgive you for something that He expresses for you to do and that is to protect and preserve life?
Will I go to jail for protecting myself and my children? In this lop-sided and pro-criminal rights society today you probably will. However, it is important to a good attorney that you have documented evidence of police records, invasions, spousal rape reports, photos from the hospital of cuts and bruises, photos of destruction to the home and car and police reports to go with the photos, pastor's testimonies, neighbor's testimonies, affidavits, and lots of evidence of abuse and that your life was in danger. You must be street smart, quit the good-girl stuff, and learn how to survive or you will die with your children. The movie "The Burning Bed" with Farrah Fawcett teaches how not to dispose of an abusive husband.
What should I do about a cult-like pastor and church congregation who says I should not leave my husband?
Leave it. Report their actions toward you to the local sheriff, Department of Family and Children Services, District Attorney, State Attorney General, Governor, and contact Silent Ministries Recovery Outreach by phone or email.
I want to enforce my child support court order but I feel so sorry for my ex-spouse. He told me that his truck is broke down, that he has not worked in 6 years, and that the dog ate the fifty dollars that he planned to send to me. ( Come to think of it...we never had a dog.) What should I do?
Recieve a spanking, wake up, and get child support or purchase that ocean front property in Arizona.
Should I accept payments under the table?
Absolutely not. It does not count toward child support where there is a court order.
I am in arrears on my child support. I am about to lose my driver license. Can you help me?
Yes. We assist both sides.
I recieved a notice from the state child support division. It looks bad. Can you help me?
Yes, we can and will.
Can your agency assist me with personal defense items?
Yes.
Can Silent Ministries Recovery Outtreach, Inc. protect my child?
Yes. Silent Ministries Recovery Outreach, Inc can offer some resources in limited areas through Child Guard for protection or surveillance against predators.
May I recieve a cell phone if I cannot afford one to maintain contact with police?
Yes.
If I Am Laid Off And Unemployed Do I Still Have To Pay Child Support?
Yes. Being laid off does not excuse you from your court-ordered obligations. If it did then the agencies would be over run by dead beats who quit or get "laid-off" by cooperating employers so that they can go around the system. It is too easy to be paid under the table so ...nope, you are not off the hook.
Can Silent Ministries Recovery Outreach assist me with job searches and placement anywhere in the nation?
Yes.
What should I do if I am laid off and cannot pay child support?
First, contact the state agency who has your account. Explain the circumstances. Second, apply for unemployment and pay what your support agreement. Remember, you are not paying support just because the state says you must. You are paying support because you love your children and want them to have food, clothing, medicine, and other supplies. If you were married and had custody and were laif off you would still have to support your children.
My Ex Is Suing Me Again for Twice The Amount Of Child Suport. Can she do this?
Yes. She/he can file a hearing as many times as she wants to pay for them for an amended support agreement.
What Recourse Do I Have?
Get your papers together. Contact Silent Ministries Recovery Outreach,Inc. We will assist you with approaching the state on your behalf.
We are negotiators for both parents.
Show any changes that have occurred and how the increase will be detrimental to you. Also, call Silent Ministries Recovery Outreach Child Support Recovery, Inc. We know the new laws and will assist you with filing a counter hearing.
Remember, Silent Ministries Recovery Outreach, Inc Child Support Recovery is not biased and we do not discriminate.
Silent Ministries Recovery Outreach, Inc is here to assist both parents and we negotiate successfully 99% of claims with us.
Can Silent Ministries Recovery Outreach negotiate for me?
Yes. You must sign a Limited Power of Attorney applicable to your specific situation and we will go to bat for you.
Silent Ministries Recovery Outreach pastor and minister is also a registered investigator and recovery agent and has a 99% success rate. After speaking with Silent Ministries Recovery Outreach one will realize why we are tops at "no-holds-no-bones" negotiations.
My grandparents are being taken advantage of by an individual and need medication. Can you help us?
Yes. Silent Ministries Recovery Outreach, Inc. is a strong advocate of Elderly Care and Adult Protective Services.
How do I recieve these services?
Join Silent Ministries Recovery Outreach. Make us your family. Let us be your advocacy, negotiator, prayer partners, and extended family. Donations of any types keep this social service ministry fighting for children and families. Your contributions of any kind obtain you instant access to a wealth of social services as well as practical services on a scale to common to most. We go above and beyond to meet your needs.
Our staff consists of volunteers and specialists in family, social services, psychology, law, parenting, pastoral duties, administration, investigations, elder care, home inspectors, and much more.
I need, but cannot afford, a divorce so that I may collect child support. Can you help?
Yes. Complete our application.
Can Silent Ministries Recovery Outreach, Inc. locate my ex-spouse, or any other individual, even in another state?
Yes.
Can my organization or ministry become a part of Silent Ministries Recovery Outreach, Inc with exempt status?
Yes. There is a process and a fee.
Can Silent Ministries Recovery Outrteach, Inc help me locate an attorney?
Yes. Our dedicated team of researchers who will go to work for you to locate a pro bono attorney. it sometimes takes a few days however, we have located attorneys in as little as same day.
Are there options to an attorney?
Yes. Pro se is an option for an individual who wishes to prepare their own child support case, divorce, or other civil case. Silent Ministries Recovery Outreach, Inc. will assist with forms research and preparations if needed.
Note: Disclaimer.
Silent Ministries Recovery, Inc., Private Child Support Recovery, Silent Ministries Social Services, nor any of its owners or agents are connected with any government agency, nor are we an attorney.
Jim and Carolyn Harnage
Silent Ministries Recovery Outreach, Inc.
P.O.Box 1112
Lake Park, GA 31636
229-559-6832
229-300-4882
A 501(c)3 Organization
www.silentministries.org/
http://silentministriesrecoveryoutreach.blogspot.com/
http://walkwithchristgospelradio.com/silentministries/
http://domesticviolenceprotectionandrelocation.silentministries.org/
http://PrisonMinistry.net/smro
http://PrisonMinistry.net/root
No. You are already in hell if you remain in an abusive marriage. 1 Corinthians 7:39. The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband lives. If a husband no longer recognizes his spouse as to be so cruel to her and destroy her life then he and the marriage is already dead. The wife is free.
Will God be mad at me for protecting myself or children from abuse?
No. If you fear for your life and the lives of your children from a cruel and abusive marriage or relationship you have an obligation to self and the children to leave. If you must protect yourself to preserve life then you must do what you must. God forgives if there is anything to forgive. But why would God even need to forgive you for something that He expresses for you to do and that is to protect and preserve life?
Will I go to jail for protecting myself and my children? In this lop-sided and pro-criminal rights society today you probably will. However, it is important to a good attorney that you have documented evidence of police records, invasions, spousal rape reports, photos from the hospital of cuts and bruises, photos of destruction to the home and car and police reports to go with the photos, pastor's testimonies, neighbor's testimonies, affidavits, and lots of evidence of abuse and that your life was in danger. You must be street smart, quit the good-girl stuff, and learn how to survive or you will die with your children. The movie "The Burning Bed" with Farrah Fawcett teaches how not to dispose of an abusive husband.
What should I do about a cult-like pastor and church congregation who says I should not leave my husband?
Leave it. Report their actions toward you to the local sheriff, Department of Family and Children Services, District Attorney, State Attorney General, Governor, and contact Silent Ministries Recovery Outreach by phone or email.
I want to enforce my child support court order but I feel so sorry for my ex-spouse. He told me that his truck is broke down, that he has not worked in 6 years, and that the dog ate the fifty dollars that he planned to send to me. ( Come to think of it...we never had a dog.) What should I do?
Recieve a spanking, wake up, and get child support or purchase that ocean front property in Arizona.
Should I accept payments under the table?
Absolutely not. It does not count toward child support where there is a court order.
I am in arrears on my child support. I am about to lose my driver license. Can you help me?
Yes. We assist both sides.
I recieved a notice from the state child support division. It looks bad. Can you help me?
Yes, we can and will.
Can your agency assist me with personal defense items?
Yes.
Can Silent Ministries Recovery Outtreach, Inc. protect my child?
Yes. Silent Ministries Recovery Outreach, Inc can offer some resources in limited areas through Child Guard for protection or surveillance against predators.
May I recieve a cell phone if I cannot afford one to maintain contact with police?
Yes.
If I Am Laid Off And Unemployed Do I Still Have To Pay Child Support?
Yes. Being laid off does not excuse you from your court-ordered obligations. If it did then the agencies would be over run by dead beats who quit or get "laid-off" by cooperating employers so that they can go around the system. It is too easy to be paid under the table so ...nope, you are not off the hook.
Can Silent Ministries Recovery Outreach assist me with job searches and placement anywhere in the nation?
Yes.
What should I do if I am laid off and cannot pay child support?
First, contact the state agency who has your account. Explain the circumstances. Second, apply for unemployment and pay what your support agreement. Remember, you are not paying support just because the state says you must. You are paying support because you love your children and want them to have food, clothing, medicine, and other supplies. If you were married and had custody and were laif off you would still have to support your children.
My Ex Is Suing Me Again for Twice The Amount Of Child Suport. Can she do this?
Yes. She/he can file a hearing as many times as she wants to pay for them for an amended support agreement.
What Recourse Do I Have?
Get your papers together. Contact Silent Ministries Recovery Outreach,Inc. We will assist you with approaching the state on your behalf.
We are negotiators for both parents.
Show any changes that have occurred and how the increase will be detrimental to you. Also, call Silent Ministries Recovery Outreach Child Support Recovery, Inc. We know the new laws and will assist you with filing a counter hearing.
Remember, Silent Ministries Recovery Outreach, Inc Child Support Recovery is not biased and we do not discriminate.
Silent Ministries Recovery Outreach, Inc is here to assist both parents and we negotiate successfully 99% of claims with us.
Can Silent Ministries Recovery Outreach negotiate for me?
Yes. You must sign a Limited Power of Attorney applicable to your specific situation and we will go to bat for you.
Silent Ministries Recovery Outreach pastor and minister is also a registered investigator and recovery agent and has a 99% success rate. After speaking with Silent Ministries Recovery Outreach one will realize why we are tops at "no-holds-no-bones" negotiations.
My grandparents are being taken advantage of by an individual and need medication. Can you help us?
Yes. Silent Ministries Recovery Outreach, Inc. is a strong advocate of Elderly Care and Adult Protective Services.
How do I recieve these services?
Join Silent Ministries Recovery Outreach. Make us your family. Let us be your advocacy, negotiator, prayer partners, and extended family. Donations of any types keep this social service ministry fighting for children and families. Your contributions of any kind obtain you instant access to a wealth of social services as well as practical services on a scale to common to most. We go above and beyond to meet your needs.
Our staff consists of volunteers and specialists in family, social services, psychology, law, parenting, pastoral duties, administration, investigations, elder care, home inspectors, and much more.
I need, but cannot afford, a divorce so that I may collect child support. Can you help?
Yes. Complete our application.
Can Silent Ministries Recovery Outreach, Inc. locate my ex-spouse, or any other individual, even in another state?
Yes.
Can my organization or ministry become a part of Silent Ministries Recovery Outreach, Inc with exempt status?
Yes. There is a process and a fee.
Can Silent Ministries Recovery Outrteach, Inc help me locate an attorney?
Yes. Our dedicated team of researchers who will go to work for you to locate a pro bono attorney. it sometimes takes a few days however, we have located attorneys in as little as same day.
Are there options to an attorney?
Yes. Pro se is an option for an individual who wishes to prepare their own child support case, divorce, or other civil case. Silent Ministries Recovery Outreach, Inc. will assist with forms research and preparations if needed.
Note: Disclaimer.
Silent Ministries Recovery, Inc., Private Child Support Recovery, Silent Ministries Social Services, nor any of its owners or agents are connected with any government agency, nor are we an attorney.
Jim and Carolyn Harnage
Silent Ministries Recovery Outreach, Inc.
P.O.Box 1112
Lake Park, GA 31636
229-559-6832
229-300-4882
A 501(c)3 Organization
www.silentministries.org/
http://silentministriesrecoveryoutreach.blogspot.com/
http://walkwithchristgospelradio.com/silentministries/
http://domesticviolenceprotectionandrelocation.silentministries.org/
http://PrisonMinistry.net/smro
http://PrisonMinistry.net/root
FREE SAMPLE
Another added benefit of our family related blog is links to free samples. In this hard economic time any small free item helps!! I am looking for you!
I will only post free samples links on this blog if it is a simple request to the actual company. I will not post samples that required to purchase any trials or fill out silly three page surveys! Click and try dunkin donuts coffee free!
I will only post free samples links on this blog if it is a simple request to the actual company. I will not post samples that required to purchase any trials or fill out silly three page surveys! Click and try dunkin donuts coffee free!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Leg Curl Fitness Machines Recalled by Paramount Fitness Due To Crushing Hazard
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation
with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following
consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately
unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: Leg Curl Machines
Units: About 150
Manufacturer: Paramount Fitness Corp., of Los Angeles, Calif.
Hazard: A consumer's hand can become caught between the cylindrical counter
weight and the frame of the fitness machine, posing a crushing hazard that can
result in lacerations and finger amputation.
Incidents/Injuries: Paramount has received three reports of incidents, including
a finger amputation and two finger-crushing injuries.
Description: This recall involves the Paramount Fitness PL2100 leg curl machine.
The single station weight machine is designed to exercise the hamstring muscles.
Serial numbers involved in this recall include: PL21-9301-000 through
PL21-9510-099. The serial number is printed on the back of the weight stack
frame on the lower right. Model number PL2100 is printed on the exercise
procedure label on the front of the machine. The Paramount Fitness logo is
printed vertically on the frame.
Sold by: Paramount Fitness and fitness specialty dealers nationwide from January
1993 through October 1995 for about $2,400.
Manufactured in: United States
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the fitness machines and contact
Paramount Fitness to receive a free repair kit.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Paramount Fitness at (888)
825-8905 between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. PT daily, or visit the firm's Web site
at www.paramountfitness.com
with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following
consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately
unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: Leg Curl Machines
Units: About 150
Manufacturer: Paramount Fitness Corp., of Los Angeles, Calif.
Hazard: A consumer's hand can become caught between the cylindrical counter
weight and the frame of the fitness machine, posing a crushing hazard that can
result in lacerations and finger amputation.
Incidents/Injuries: Paramount has received three reports of incidents, including
a finger amputation and two finger-crushing injuries.
Description: This recall involves the Paramount Fitness PL2100 leg curl machine.
The single station weight machine is designed to exercise the hamstring muscles.
Serial numbers involved in this recall include: PL21-9301-000 through
PL21-9510-099. The serial number is printed on the back of the weight stack
frame on the lower right. Model number PL2100 is printed on the exercise
procedure label on the front of the machine. The Paramount Fitness logo is
printed vertically on the frame.
Sold by: Paramount Fitness and fitness specialty dealers nationwide from January
1993 through October 1995 for about $2,400.
Manufactured in: United States
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the fitness machines and contact
Paramount Fitness to receive a free repair kit.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Paramount Fitness at (888)
825-8905 between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. PT daily, or visit the firm's Web site
at www.paramountfitness.com
Your prayers are being answered
** SMRO UPDATE **
We closed on our first small property today for offices and residence for Silent Ministries Recovery Outreach, Inc. domestic violence, child support advocacy for both parents, youth and family ministry, and employment placement headquarters in Southeast Georgia. We recieved a positive response from individuals in this small town and others offered us a place of worship and seminars.
We have purchased a first vehicle and are praying about a van for transporting victims to and from court and to and from employment.
We have incorporated and applied for 510c3 church/charity status and recieved a letter from the IRS today that we are under review and should recieve notification in 60 days. Public records are available for anyone who requests in writing.Cost was $440.00.
However, a double blessing today from Walk With Christ Radio in Winter Haven, Florida and Brother Fred Metz and Family has blessed us with 501c3 status under their charter till we recieve our exemption. And!!! Brother Metz has given us a link in Walk With Christ Christian Radio, Winter Haven, Florida.
The link is...
http://walkwithchristgospelradio.com/silentministries
Some material is older but we are working hard to bring you more of our testimonies called "Through Our Greatest Storms."
Fred Metz and his son have done a great job reproducing these tapes onto MP3. If you have a praise report we would love to share it with thousands of listeners who need your testimony of faith. Send photos if you wish and we will add them to the Silent Ministries Recovery Outreach, Inc. family.
Please continue to pray for us. We are all working for you and we need your prayers and blessing.
We love you all;
Jim and Carolyn
We closed on our first small property today for offices and residence for Silent Ministries Recovery Outreach, Inc. domestic violence, child support advocacy for both parents, youth and family ministry, and employment placement headquarters in Southeast Georgia. We recieved a positive response from individuals in this small town and others offered us a place of worship and seminars.
We have purchased a first vehicle and are praying about a van for transporting victims to and from court and to and from employment.
We have incorporated and applied for 510c3 church/charity status and recieved a letter from the IRS today that we are under review and should recieve notification in 60 days. Public records are available for anyone who requests in writing.Cost was $440.00.
However, a double blessing today from Walk With Christ Radio in Winter Haven, Florida and Brother Fred Metz and Family has blessed us with 501c3 status under their charter till we recieve our exemption. And!!! Brother Metz has given us a link in Walk With Christ Christian Radio, Winter Haven, Florida.
The link is...
http://walkwithchristgospelradio.com/silentministries
Some material is older but we are working hard to bring you more of our testimonies called "Through Our Greatest Storms."
Fred Metz and his son have done a great job reproducing these tapes onto MP3. If you have a praise report we would love to share it with thousands of listeners who need your testimony of faith. Send photos if you wish and we will add them to the Silent Ministries Recovery Outreach, Inc. family.
Please continue to pray for us. We are all working for you and we need your prayers and blessing.
We love you all;
Jim and Carolyn
Join With Us in Prayer
Please join with us in prayer for kids and families around the world. Silent Ministries Recovery Outreach, Inc has applied for 501c3 status in order to better equip ourselves for carrying this free ministry as far as we can go.
Free cell phones, free attorney search, free food and clothing where reasonably available, free child support assistance, advocacy, and negotiations for both parents. We work for both mother and father and we do not show partiality. Inmate pen pal ministry, free Bible study lessons with certificate of completion, free printed materials, free inspirational books, free legal forms, and so much more is offered through this national ministry now.
All we ask is your prayers. We have our hands full providing advocacy and support for domestic violence victims, abuse victims, spousal and children services.
We are not a scam and we will continue to minister to you as long as we have breath.
This vision was born out of our own needs after a life-changing injury. After two years of being cooped up in this house I began to pray for others, reaching out to them via email, and the ministry grew along with the issues that came to us.
Eministry, email prayer ministry, was born. We now have nationally known references. Please visit our site at www.silentministries.org/ and pray for us.
We love you and God loves you.
Outreach Pastor and Minister Jim Harnage
Silent Ministries Recovery Outreach, Inc.
Lake Park, GA
229-300-4882
229-559-6832
Free cell phones, free attorney search, free food and clothing where reasonably available, free child support assistance, advocacy, and negotiations for both parents. We work for both mother and father and we do not show partiality. Inmate pen pal ministry, free Bible study lessons with certificate of completion, free printed materials, free inspirational books, free legal forms, and so much more is offered through this national ministry now.
All we ask is your prayers. We have our hands full providing advocacy and support for domestic violence victims, abuse victims, spousal and children services.
We are not a scam and we will continue to minister to you as long as we have breath.
This vision was born out of our own needs after a life-changing injury. After two years of being cooped up in this house I began to pray for others, reaching out to them via email, and the ministry grew along with the issues that came to us.
Eministry, email prayer ministry, was born. We now have nationally known references. Please visit our site at www.silentministries.org/ and pray for us.
We love you and God loves you.
Outreach Pastor and Minister Jim Harnage
Silent Ministries Recovery Outreach, Inc.
Lake Park, GA
229-300-4882
229-559-6832
Friday, April 24, 2009
Letter to Abuse and Domestic Violence Victims
Hi Jim Harnage here. I serve humbly as pastor and minister for SMRO, Inc. First a big sincere thanks to you for reaching out for help. This took courage and a desire to change your life and be the miracle God wants you to be.
Firs of all, I am going to call you a miracle by faith. Though there is much work to be down I am claiming you as a vessel, beautiful, precious, and shining with the love of God. You are our miracle today.
Since there is no way to cover this in a letter most of these thoughts and more are in our book, The Thing About Abuse”, and is available through SMRO or online through Amazon and Wordclay as well as our site at www.silentministries.org.
I would like to see you make a great stride today and order this book as a step of faith, put works with your faith and desire no matter how small you think your faith is right now, and order this book. If you cannot afford the book at $15.95 then I will be more than happy to send to you the book and you can pay me back along and along at any amount you wish from one cent monthly to the whole amount. The step is up to you.
But the point I am trying to make to you is, now that you are thinking of seriously making changes in your life for the better, begin today to sow seeds toward your miracle. Sounds evangelical? Yes, it does and you’ve heard all of the pitches. This is no pitch. We all are a walking testimony to what God, faith, desire, attitude adjustment, and work will do for anyone.
You have a legitimate request and sadly it is one which we deal with answers for every day. Of course, each situation varies; still the bottom line is the silent enemy of abuse and it must be dealt with before making other strides in your life whether marriage, family, love, financial stability, career, a healthy sexual life, making friends, accepting God’s love and all that God has to offer you, and there are so many more wonderful blessings to enjoy. But we got to deal with this first, okay? Long before we get you through this you will understand that we have been there with you.
Our staff and team all have experienced their trials and life-changing events. Each of us has made great changes and we are productive individuals today. But we each went through a great metamorphosis along the way. If you knew us then and now you would not recognize us.
I was a weak, ignorant, and spineless nerd. My wife of 32 years was penniless, possessed two outfits to wear, and had no idea what the world looked like just two counties over. Today, through prayer, undying devotion, radical changes in our attitudes, countless mistakes and starting over again and again, we are professionals, small business owners, and have a vision to assist battered and abused women and children. It would take volumes to tell you what God has done for us but we had to put legs to our prayers, works with our faith, practical measure to our ideas, and after all is said and done we have to trust God and make sure that our focus is on the inner man and not on those temporal things that are here today and gone tomorrow.
I am so sorry to hear that it seems like you are in a pattern. And again, you are not alone because many if not most miracles we work with, once they meet and become involved in one abusive relationship, more follows. I cannot explain that except in simple and plain terms. I am sending you in this email an article I wrote in response to a minister's stand that women should not leave an abusive relationship.
It is a pattern that you can control once you can identify its origins but it takes courage and resolve. It could take months to unlearn thought patterns and behavior but you can do it.
The first thing you must do is begin to identify it.
The roots of abuse grow in many types of soil,
First, there is the spoil of culture. There are cultures in the United States that still condone hitting women as an acceptable form of discipline. This behavior is grounded and founded in generations of training beginning with grandpa, dad, and passed down through the generations. Mothers who were abused handed down this ungodly behavior to their daughters. Once the daughters came to them crying for help the moms told their daughters to go home. They told their daughters it was ok and that their husband was just having a bad day. Many mothers who had many children did not want their daughters back in the home because they were unaffordable and had too many mouths to feed. So, unfortunately, they encouraged their daughters to remain with abusive husbands. Then that little bride, usually less than 16 years old was admonished by “mother” to go back home where her place was in the kitchen, barefoot, and having babies.
Inside these cultures sex was for the man’s gratification and to make babies. Sons learned the behavior from their dads and this generational curse continues in many cultures and areas, especially in the more impoverished areas of this country.
Another poisonous root that stabs and destroys the innocence of young girl’s lives is in the soils of religion. Even some ministers, in their ultra-conservative haste to preserve the bonds of holy matrimony, teach that abused women should return to abusive husbands. They focus on scriptures that teach that a woman is committing adultery if she leaves her husband for any reason than adultery. If a man does not love his wife so much as to hit and beat her and destroy her emotionally then that man is already dead and that relationship is already walking dead and she is free to remarry. The next questions you must answer are where to go, fall in love again with a man who will love me, how do I know he will love me, and so many other questions.
These ministers and even some ultra-conservative religionists wrest the scriptures into such a pretzel of ideas that it seems that they wring out the entire meaning of God’s admonishments that we are to love one another. They make it appear that the entire court of marriage rests solely upon the woman or spouse to reconcile relations and preserve the sanctity of marriage. If it was just their idea it would be fractionally tolerable, for each of us are entitle to our opinion. However, when they drag God into the fracas and twist the Word of God and use the Scriptures out of context to make a point and thus destroy lives by using religion and scriptures as a threatening thus endangering the woman’s life it is ungodly and a stink in God’s nostrils. I have to take on the entire subject from pastors and theologians to entire organizations when I teach this because, unfortunately, entire congregations faithful to these ultra-conservative ministers share his or her views. What child bride or marriage veteran can escape that hell when their parents and family are party to what I call occult religion?
This is wrong and it is slap in God’s face who teaches us that a man is supposed to love a woman as much as he loves himself for what man would hurt himself or not provide for himself?
I was raised in this environment. But even then I knew in my heart that this religion was wrong. But I was captive geographically, financially, sociologically, and in many ways I, too, was convinced of these ignorant ways myself from my own raising. You see, my pastor was also my father whom I lived with and worked around every day twenty-four seven.
I allowed my mother to dominate our lives and marriage. My mother handled our finances. My mother, revered as the maternal kahuna, made our decisions. She took our tithe out of our finances and we would go without buying groceries or paying light bills and suffer the lights turned off. Having no other counselor but family we took our problems and cares to the pastor, our father and my spouse’s in-laws and the only counsel we got was more of what we heard the rest of the time.
Once I accepted that these ideas and teachings were wrong and were destroying my marriage I made some changes that would later prove to be difficult but rewarding.
I literally packed my things into a small Datsun car and moved my child bride and me to another state. We were bound and determined to start over. The advantage I had was that Carolyn loved me and I love her and that I would die for her if necessary so strong was our love.
She waited tables and I worked wherever I could. It was not easy but we reminded ourselves that we would not be destroyed by religion and past brain washing.
There are drawbacks to making these decisions and you must have a plan. I encourage you to read a book by Susan-Murphy-Milano called Moving Out Moving ON. It will provide inspiration as well as instruction for those whose only chance at survival is to move away from the abuse and even then you must have a plan called “What if?” in case your abuser or even your mom or dad follows you with the purposes of returning you to that deadly environment.
We were ultimately ostracized from family. We received letters telling us we were dogs and that we were no longer a part of the family. This from Christians who sing on Sunday, “Jesus Loves Me.” We had to disconnect from that church environment and start a new one. At that time there were not many charismatics and we had to find comfort with one another and just know in our hearts that we were right even if a million people lined up against us. Today we are among millions of people who have become part of a loving bond of families who fight abuse and domestic violence in marriage and the work place. We endured threats. We made mistakes and we paid for them but today victory is ultimately ours and those people will stand before God and give account for their actions.
There are other deadly roots that are part of this silent killer of abuse such as financial dependence. Children are involved and that compounds the problem not that the children are the problem but do you keep exposing them to the beatings and abuse or do you take them with you and if so what do you need to complete that plan? If a spouse allows alcohol abuse, drug abuse, work stress, financial stress, loyalty to his mom and dad, or other factors turn him into a ranting, raging monster of fists, ball bats, broken windows and busted faces, why would he not destroy the kids, too? So you must take them with you.
Well, so much for part one of this encouraging letter.
You have friends and you have people who love you. We love you and we need you to stay string and resolve to change your life. Begin making plans now and follow through.
Today is a new day for you.
From Jim and Carolyn, Jason, Matt and Christy, Taylor, Aubrey, and Miranda SMRO, Inc. We love you.
Firs of all, I am going to call you a miracle by faith. Though there is much work to be down I am claiming you as a vessel, beautiful, precious, and shining with the love of God. You are our miracle today.
Since there is no way to cover this in a letter most of these thoughts and more are in our book, The Thing About Abuse”, and is available through SMRO or online through Amazon and Wordclay as well as our site at www.silentministries.org.
I would like to see you make a great stride today and order this book as a step of faith, put works with your faith and desire no matter how small you think your faith is right now, and order this book. If you cannot afford the book at $15.95 then I will be more than happy to send to you the book and you can pay me back along and along at any amount you wish from one cent monthly to the whole amount. The step is up to you.
But the point I am trying to make to you is, now that you are thinking of seriously making changes in your life for the better, begin today to sow seeds toward your miracle. Sounds evangelical? Yes, it does and you’ve heard all of the pitches. This is no pitch. We all are a walking testimony to what God, faith, desire, attitude adjustment, and work will do for anyone.
You have a legitimate request and sadly it is one which we deal with answers for every day. Of course, each situation varies; still the bottom line is the silent enemy of abuse and it must be dealt with before making other strides in your life whether marriage, family, love, financial stability, career, a healthy sexual life, making friends, accepting God’s love and all that God has to offer you, and there are so many more wonderful blessings to enjoy. But we got to deal with this first, okay? Long before we get you through this you will understand that we have been there with you.
Our staff and team all have experienced their trials and life-changing events. Each of us has made great changes and we are productive individuals today. But we each went through a great metamorphosis along the way. If you knew us then and now you would not recognize us.
I was a weak, ignorant, and spineless nerd. My wife of 32 years was penniless, possessed two outfits to wear, and had no idea what the world looked like just two counties over. Today, through prayer, undying devotion, radical changes in our attitudes, countless mistakes and starting over again and again, we are professionals, small business owners, and have a vision to assist battered and abused women and children. It would take volumes to tell you what God has done for us but we had to put legs to our prayers, works with our faith, practical measure to our ideas, and after all is said and done we have to trust God and make sure that our focus is on the inner man and not on those temporal things that are here today and gone tomorrow.
I am so sorry to hear that it seems like you are in a pattern. And again, you are not alone because many if not most miracles we work with, once they meet and become involved in one abusive relationship, more follows. I cannot explain that except in simple and plain terms. I am sending you in this email an article I wrote in response to a minister's stand that women should not leave an abusive relationship.
It is a pattern that you can control once you can identify its origins but it takes courage and resolve. It could take months to unlearn thought patterns and behavior but you can do it.
The first thing you must do is begin to identify it.
The roots of abuse grow in many types of soil,
First, there is the spoil of culture. There are cultures in the United States that still condone hitting women as an acceptable form of discipline. This behavior is grounded and founded in generations of training beginning with grandpa, dad, and passed down through the generations. Mothers who were abused handed down this ungodly behavior to their daughters. Once the daughters came to them crying for help the moms told their daughters to go home. They told their daughters it was ok and that their husband was just having a bad day. Many mothers who had many children did not want their daughters back in the home because they were unaffordable and had too many mouths to feed. So, unfortunately, they encouraged their daughters to remain with abusive husbands. Then that little bride, usually less than 16 years old was admonished by “mother” to go back home where her place was in the kitchen, barefoot, and having babies.
Inside these cultures sex was for the man’s gratification and to make babies. Sons learned the behavior from their dads and this generational curse continues in many cultures and areas, especially in the more impoverished areas of this country.
Another poisonous root that stabs and destroys the innocence of young girl’s lives is in the soils of religion. Even some ministers, in their ultra-conservative haste to preserve the bonds of holy matrimony, teach that abused women should return to abusive husbands. They focus on scriptures that teach that a woman is committing adultery if she leaves her husband for any reason than adultery. If a man does not love his wife so much as to hit and beat her and destroy her emotionally then that man is already dead and that relationship is already walking dead and she is free to remarry. The next questions you must answer are where to go, fall in love again with a man who will love me, how do I know he will love me, and so many other questions.
These ministers and even some ultra-conservative religionists wrest the scriptures into such a pretzel of ideas that it seems that they wring out the entire meaning of God’s admonishments that we are to love one another. They make it appear that the entire court of marriage rests solely upon the woman or spouse to reconcile relations and preserve the sanctity of marriage. If it was just their idea it would be fractionally tolerable, for each of us are entitle to our opinion. However, when they drag God into the fracas and twist the Word of God and use the Scriptures out of context to make a point and thus destroy lives by using religion and scriptures as a threatening thus endangering the woman’s life it is ungodly and a stink in God’s nostrils. I have to take on the entire subject from pastors and theologians to entire organizations when I teach this because, unfortunately, entire congregations faithful to these ultra-conservative ministers share his or her views. What child bride or marriage veteran can escape that hell when their parents and family are party to what I call occult religion?
This is wrong and it is slap in God’s face who teaches us that a man is supposed to love a woman as much as he loves himself for what man would hurt himself or not provide for himself?
I was raised in this environment. But even then I knew in my heart that this religion was wrong. But I was captive geographically, financially, sociologically, and in many ways I, too, was convinced of these ignorant ways myself from my own raising. You see, my pastor was also my father whom I lived with and worked around every day twenty-four seven.
I allowed my mother to dominate our lives and marriage. My mother handled our finances. My mother, revered as the maternal kahuna, made our decisions. She took our tithe out of our finances and we would go without buying groceries or paying light bills and suffer the lights turned off. Having no other counselor but family we took our problems and cares to the pastor, our father and my spouse’s in-laws and the only counsel we got was more of what we heard the rest of the time.
Once I accepted that these ideas and teachings were wrong and were destroying my marriage I made some changes that would later prove to be difficult but rewarding.
I literally packed my things into a small Datsun car and moved my child bride and me to another state. We were bound and determined to start over. The advantage I had was that Carolyn loved me and I love her and that I would die for her if necessary so strong was our love.
She waited tables and I worked wherever I could. It was not easy but we reminded ourselves that we would not be destroyed by religion and past brain washing.
There are drawbacks to making these decisions and you must have a plan. I encourage you to read a book by Susan-Murphy-Milano called Moving Out Moving ON. It will provide inspiration as well as instruction for those whose only chance at survival is to move away from the abuse and even then you must have a plan called “What if?” in case your abuser or even your mom or dad follows you with the purposes of returning you to that deadly environment.
We were ultimately ostracized from family. We received letters telling us we were dogs and that we were no longer a part of the family. This from Christians who sing on Sunday, “Jesus Loves Me.” We had to disconnect from that church environment and start a new one. At that time there were not many charismatics and we had to find comfort with one another and just know in our hearts that we were right even if a million people lined up against us. Today we are among millions of people who have become part of a loving bond of families who fight abuse and domestic violence in marriage and the work place. We endured threats. We made mistakes and we paid for them but today victory is ultimately ours and those people will stand before God and give account for their actions.
There are other deadly roots that are part of this silent killer of abuse such as financial dependence. Children are involved and that compounds the problem not that the children are the problem but do you keep exposing them to the beatings and abuse or do you take them with you and if so what do you need to complete that plan? If a spouse allows alcohol abuse, drug abuse, work stress, financial stress, loyalty to his mom and dad, or other factors turn him into a ranting, raging monster of fists, ball bats, broken windows and busted faces, why would he not destroy the kids, too? So you must take them with you.
Well, so much for part one of this encouraging letter.
You have friends and you have people who love you. We love you and we need you to stay string and resolve to change your life. Begin making plans now and follow through.
Today is a new day for you.
From Jim and Carolyn, Jason, Matt and Christy, Taylor, Aubrey, and Miranda SMRO, Inc. We love you.
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