Paul Black

Paul Black - Cornerstone Fellowship - Fredrick, Maryland

March 28th, 2006

Dear Shirley,

Thank you for the opportunity to evaluate the fruit of Patricia’s ministry to us and our congregation. While we do not know the details of any concerns expressed, we feel more than able to testify concerning her character and ministry.

Patricia has been a great source of encouragement to us personally. Whether we see her at a conference or spend time with her when she is in our area, she always is a source of wisdom that contains life, truth and hope.

As Pastors, we are determined to equip all of our members in the fullness of God’s truth for their destinies. This includes our call as a Body to the region and the nation. These are difficult days when the world seems to be getting darker at an accelerated rate and the need for the standard of God to be raised within the Body of Christ is critical. We personally, in our ministry, have experienced the backlash of this stance from the religious mindset. That is why we value the integrity and ministry of Patricia, as she believes the best of the Body of Christ and believes, along with us, that this is truly our inheritance – to be a light in the darkness and impact the world for His Name’s sake.

Patricia has always ministered at Cornerstone Fellowship in a high level of integrity and truth. And while the truth is not always easy to receive, to those who will receive, it does bring freedom. We have never received any feedback of offense or criticism when Patricia has ministered here. The testimonies have always been of revelation that has brought a fresh excitement to seek His Kingdom with a renewed passion.

Cheryl and I regret to learn of the circumstances Patricia finds herself in at this time. We are not surprised that she is responding in humility and having a willingness to open herself up for a “fruit inspection”. We feel strongly that Patricia’s life and ministry before us and our congregation exhibits the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. We duly note that she conveys the truth with exuberance but has never caused any offense.

I do believe that the days are approaching when more of us who are attempting to hold the standard of God high before His people and this world will have to endure what the Lord spoke of in Matthew 5:11 " Blessed -happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous [that is, with life-joy and satisfaction in God's favor and salvation regardless of your outward conditions] are you when people revile you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil things against you falsely on My account." (Amplified version)

Cheryl, the Trustees and I would like to re-iterate our support of Patricia and her ministry and look forward to our time together in September when she is scheduled to conduct a Glory School here at Cornerstone Fellowship.

If there is any other way Cheryl and I can serve or encourage Patricia, please feel free to contact us.

In Christ,

Paul Black
Senior Pastor
Cornerstone Fellowship