Dear Mr. Rocky Scarfone,
I teach a 10-week "Foundations of Christianity" class at our local church. An associate teacher had been so impressed after hearing the taped testimony of Tom Papania that he requested that we play it as the introduction to the "Sin & Salvation" lesson, giving the students the opportunity to come early and hear the tape. Because it came from a trusted source (a reputable bookstore on-campus at Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa), I didn't take the time to investigate further. I should know better.

I heard the tape for the first time that evening. Although it sounded far-fetched, God has changed the lives of people far more evil than Tom Papania. The impact of the tape was that it had a "softening" effect on the students, many of whom don't know Christ, opening their hearts to consider what the Bible has to say about Sin & Salvation. So any reservations I had, I kept to myself, having other, seemingly more pressing responsibilities.

One of the students, a professed non-believer, did some research on Tom after the lesson, and of course landed at your web site. She brought your allegations to our attention, and I have spent the last several hours sorting through your material. I am convinced by your evidence (and the obvious lack of any evidence presented by the defendant, at least accessible on-line) that Tom is a fraud.

It's not the first time this has happened within Christianity. John Todd, a self-professed "High Priest Witch", made the rounds in the early '70s with his testimony, taking in many of the famous and respected, and there have been many others, one or more one notable deceptions each decade. Jesus People USA (Cornerstone Magazine) has been instrumental in debunking such individuals and exposing their deception. You may want to enlist their help. This is the first I've heard of someone robbing someone else's identity. As a note of encouragement, after 22 years of following Christ I have seen that God gets his work done in spite of the "tares" the enemy plants among the "wheat", and if fact uses such deceptions to strengthen his people's commitment to the truth.

Considering you have to carry the torch regarding this issue, my opinion may not seem to lighten your burden. But consider people can easily identify God in those who relentlessly pursue the truth, in spite of any expense, effort, time, or embarrassment it may cost, especially if they also evidence the fruit of the Holy Spirit and a commitment to biblical principles in the process. It "just so happened" out that Tom stole your identity, providing a motive for you to expose the deception and (in my opinion) fulfill your calling. As you raise a standard of truth, it prevents other charismatic leaders from so easily deceiving God's people, at least for a while. I fully support your use of the legal system to bear out the truth, and am grieved by some of the bizarre opinions of some of our Christian brothers and sisters on that issue. I believe it is not only reasonable to do so, but a Christian's responsibility as God's ambassador.

Regarding our class, we will quickly correct things for the record; as you might expect, our next lesson "just happens to be" on deception and spiritual warfare. Also, I will contact those in leadership at Calvary Chapel. I don't know how long ago Tom's tape was purchased from their bookstore, but I will find out where they stand now and encourage them to investigate the truth (if they have not already). Should you wish to contact me, I am available by email or my direct dial line at the office (714) 937-5425.

God bless you as you remain faithful to God's calling,

Mark Van Druff

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---- Original Message -----
From: "Jim Fowler"
To: <fraud@youthofamerica.com>
Sent: Thursday, August 03, 2000 11:25 AM
Subject: RE: Tom Papania


Dear Rocky Scarfone:
I'm writing this letter in support of efforts to reveal the truth in
the Tom Papnaia case.  Just yesterday, a co-worker asked me to listen to a
tape she brought to work.  She said it was a powerful testimony for
Christ. It was the Tom Papania tape.  Being a Christian, I was anxious to listen
to this.  I listened to the tape on my way home, and was very much moved by
this man's "rags to Christ's riches"  testimony.  I couldn't wait to tell my brother
(a Baptist minister in N.C.) about this story.  As soon as I got home, I got
on the internet to search for a place to buy the tape.  One of the first
sites I found was your story, and the tragic deception that Tom Papania has
brought forth.  After reading almost all of the text on the site,

I was convinced of the fraud.  I then sent an email and a fax to Pastor
Fred Kelly.  I simply asked him how he could continue to support this man, and
was he doing what Jesus would want him to do in this situation?  I think
that is an easy question to answer, so I'll see if I get a response.
I want you to know I fully support your cause, which is telling others
how Jesus can truly change lives.  Let me know if there is anything I can
do to assist.  I could send out mass emails or something.  In the mean time,
I will pray that Tom and his supporters do what Jesus would do - tell the
truth about this.

Thanks so much for your attention to this letter!
Jim Fowler

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From:edited
To: fraud@youthofamerica.com <fraud@youthofamerica.com>
Date: Monday, August 02, 1999 2:32 PM
Subject: RE: ALLEGATIONS OF FRAUD


DEAR ROCK   I JUST READ YOUR WEB SITE  AND IM APPALLED   AT THE ALLEGATIONS  U REPRESENTED    OUR FAMILY JUST SAW VIDEO OF TOM PAPANIA LAST NITE  IT  BROUGHT TEARS TO MY HUSBANDS EYES   I EVEN THOUGHT OF HAVING HIM SPEAK AT OUR CHARISMATIC CATHOLIC CHURCH HERE IN SOUTH FLORIDA   NOW IM CONFUSED  AND THATS JUST WHAT SATAN WANTS IS CONFUSION        I   CAN SEE AND UNDERSTAND HOW U FEEL IF WHAT U STATE IS  TRUE   I HAVE A ? FOR U  WHY WOULD THESE
DIGNIFIED PASTORS  STAND BEHIND A MAN IF HE WERE NOT TELLING THE TRUTH...THEY RISK THEIR REPUTATIONS AS WELL AS TOM'S  AND MORE IMPORTANTANTLY THESE R MEN OF THE CLOTH WHO R HELD IN  HIGHER REGARD WITH OUR LORD  AND HAVE A WHOLE  LOT MORE TO LOSE  THAN SAY JUST TOM OR YOU  NO OFFENSE INTENDED       

PLEASE RESPOND TO THIS LETTER AS I AM ABOUT TO RECOMMEND  EITHER THIS VIDEO OR THIS WEB SITE TO OTHER CHRISTIANS      I AM A TRUE SERVANT OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST  AND EXPOSE ALL EVIL  UNTO MEN     

THANK YOU  BARBARA
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From: edited
To: fraud@youthofamerica.com <fraud@youthofamerica.com>
Date: Sunday, July 25, 1999 9:06 PM
Subject: Tom Papania


I am originally from Brooklyn, I did not have the greatest life or family
upbringing either.....I never got into family business outside of what we
did in the streets.......I have turned my life around and now walk a
different path. I have listened to the tape and was touched that maybe there was someone out there who might have had some of the same experiences............It felt good to know that I am not alone. If it is all a lie then where does the lies end and the truth begins. One thing I do knowin my heart that which ever one is not sincere will pay dearly

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----- Original Message -----
From: "Falcon Video Productions" <falconvp@ameritech.net>
To: <fraud@youthofamerica.com>
Sent: Wednesday, January 10, 2001 3:53 PM
Subject: truth?


I gave myself to Lord 2 years ago this month and am struggling with some
issues that I was trying to find answers for and this morning when I woke up I decided to watch a tape I was given at the beginning of my walk entitled "The Tom Papania Story".  I thought maybe I could find some answers in his message and
after watching it again I decided to find his web-site for more inspiration but what I found is something that broke my heart.

How can this be?  How can someone so convincing be so unreal?  I find myself in a place I thought I was getting away from...a place of mistrust.  How do you know who to listen to and who to trust?  I didn't know as a little girl and am now as
a grandmother I  still fall into that trap.  I have struggled all my life to do the right thing and try to make my life and  my children's life better.  I reached a point
where I knew I had to give it all to God.  He is making changes in my life but when I need to get something cleared up,

I find stories like these and it makes me doubt all over again.  Who is telling the truth and why would something so bad happen to someone who is trying to do God's work?   How can a person like Mr.Papania be a fraud?  How can such a hopeful story be wrong?  If this is true, my heart breaks for you and your family.
I can't imagine how your family must feel....is

God trying to teach all of us a lesson from this story?  Are you telling
the truth?  Is Tom telling the truth?  What can I do?  I will take the time to try and go through all of your stories but in the mean-time I needed to respond in some way.

What can I do?

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