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 .

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

******************

From: [edited]

To: Rocky Scarfone

Sent: Monday, April 10, 2000 10:22 PM

Subject: Did I tell you?

Hey Rocky--
 
    Thanks very much for the message.  Again, I'm honored to be of any help.   I guess parts of Tom's story could be true, but we know the parts he plagarized and it invalidates the whole thing!   I think in the end, Robertson may be embarrassed when Tom is exposed.  Whatever, you are doing a great job and I think it's wonderful this thing hasn't hindered you from doing God's work!

    Did I tell you about CRI - the Christian Research Institute?  I think I sent you their website.  equip.org
    Anyway the president, Hank Hannegraff has this incredible talk show, if you ever have time to listen, you can get it through  lightsource.com.   That's a great one too!  Has a whole bunch of different Christian speakers.   Even has our pastor, John MacArthur.  He's pretty awesome.  You'll see a bunch of his books if you go to any Christian Book Store.

wilson

*******************

Sent: Sunday, July 23, 2000 8:18 AM
Subject: I've got a Copyrighted FOF cassette tape for you


Dear Mr. Scarfone:

I have purchased two Mafia to Ministry tapes from Focus on the Family.
The latest one was last winter. It is Copyrighted 1996. I would like to
send it to you.
Would you please give me the correct mailing address. And, if it is not
too expensive, please send me some hard copies of the fraud of Tom
Papanier and a brochure of Youth of America, Lighthouse...
I will also be purchasing your book House of Cards. Please give me the
details for that as well.
Thank you.
Sincerely,


Daniel A. Fiedler

***********************

From: [edited]
To: <fraud@youthofamerica.com>
Sent: Thursday, July 06, 2000 1:26 AM
Subject: Re: tom papania


Rock,
I am very impressed by your enthusiasm and equally impressed with your
punctuality.  I do appreciate your honesty and now I understand more fully
what you meant by your response to my initial email.  However, I still
hold  that I never said you were lying.  I just wanted to understand more fully.
You've won me over.  More importantly, the facts won me over.  I just wish
I  would have had that information before I got him to come speak at our
church.
Well, I didn't personally, but my dad is the pastor and I got him to
contact Mr. Papania.  I had simply heard the tape given to me by a friend and as
interested as I am in the Mafia, it was absolutely intriguing.  It was only after he left that our minister of education searched the internet for further information on him.   He found a page put up by Youth of America and gave it to my Dad.  I happened to come across it on his desk and was very disturbed by it.  So, I searched the internet myself.  I think it's interesting that I could not find one site that defended Mr. Papania.
But, I guess you already know that.

I hope that you'll let me know if any major event happens to stop his, i mean, your story from being abused any longer.  Keep your head up.  God works in mysterious ways.   You know it.

Best wishes,
Justin Page
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