Letters & Responses

LETTER

LETTER

2002

Dear Brother Harter,

My heart truly goes out to you and your staff. I understand about the tremendous expense of Miracle Valley. My ex-husband was the Miracle Valley bookkeeper for Rev. Allen during the last years of his ministry. Before that we spent nearly five years on the road with Bro. Allen as a jack of all trades, audio technician, and cameraman. Also, my mother worked as a bookkeeper for the tent meetings, so we saw first hand how hard Bro. Allen had to work to keep Miracle Valley operating. He had to preach to at least 100,000 people per week in order to generate the millions of dollars that it took to successfully run the entire ministry, including Miracle Valley. In addition to the meetings, it took continuous exposure on his TV and radio programs along with income from his magazine and books to produce sufficient revenue. More than that, it took hours on his knees before God every day along with multiplied weeks of fasting throughout the year. It require him to be still and alone in short, it required his life; it took complete dedication! We who labored with him saw first hand the price he had to pay for that ministry, physically, spiritually and emotionally.

I am truly sorry that you have had to take on Cochise County. Some of us worked very had to be accepted by the community when our children started grade school at Palominas. Until that time I had not given it much thought because life was Miracle Valley full time for us. But when I became a parent I realized I could not isolate my children from the world. It is important to be in good standing with the community.

Perhaps your difficulties would have been reduced had you done more research before purchasing the property. It would ahve been wise to know the Cochise County laws and what was grand fathered into them concerning water rights and property use prior to purchase. A competent lawyer or investigator could have researched this for you in advance, saving your ministry much legal expense and/or preparing you for hwat lie ahead. Bro. Allen taught us kids that God expected us to be wise in the laws of the land. We were taught to do our homework, know what we were coming up against, "count the cost" and then take it before God in Prayer. First, we had to do our part, and then God would do His. Practicing this concept may have helped you avoid some of the legal fees and trouble you have encountered. There is no substitute for knowledge and preparation done with the Spirit of the Lord.

As for your requesting former students and individuals from Miracle Valley to write letters of support, I can only speak for myself. I truly have prayed about writing a letter to Cochise County officials in your behalf. However, I keep thinking that if Cochise County officials had been presented with a solid and workable business plan detailing how your organization was planning to operate the school and use of the property letters may not have been needed.

Some of the things that are not clear to me are as follows? Is Harter Ministries a licensed non-profit organization? Is there a board of directors and what decisions do they make? If there is a board of directors, who is on it? How does a person become a board member? What qualifications and/or experiences must they have? What is the plan as to how funds are going to be generated to keep the school running once it gets started? There are some rumors there is a plan to use Bro. Allen's tapes and books plus old TV shows to generate a operating revenue. If this is the case, I see thsi as pure theft! Die the legal rights to use/market these items come with the purchase of Miracle Valley? As one of the "alumni" I truly feel that it is not your right to use these items to support your ministry. It also appears to me that the idea of restoring the Valley as a Bible College is to finish the ministry that Rev. Allen started. I believe his family and close friends feel that the ministry given to Bro. Allen was completed. Rev. Allen's ministry continues in those that went out from Miracle Valley. It goes on in us and we do not have to reconstruct what once was, but rather build on the foundation God gave us through him.

As for you requesting the Alumni to have our 2001 reunion at the Valley we thank you; however, I do not understand why you announced that the reunion would be held at the Valley without first speaking to our planning team. Your presumptuous actions made us feel like you wanted to control details of the MV Family Reunion. Besides, the planning team had researched various aspects concerning the 2001 reunion and already had plans in operation. These reunions are very personal family times for us. So few of us share these memories and experiences. I have suggested a camp meeting type reunion that could be held at the Valley that would be open to the public.

It is interesting to note that, of the hundreds of graduates from the Miracle Valley Bible College, very few have chosen to become involved with your endeavor. This speaks volumes to me. All cannot be snobs or unable to hear the voice of God. There is a reason they are not feeling moved in their spirits to get involved. We would love to see the Valley become a haven of rest for the lost and undone but under the Harter Ministry. It has been proven that one cannot build a ministry on the ashes of another's fire. You may call the grounds Miracle Valley but to us it will never be the Miracle Valley that we knew. If it is God's will for your start a bible college then He will provide the people to share the calling with you. I cannot understand why you think it is the "alumnis" responsibility to support you, that you must build on them and their efforts. Such words and actions seem designed to create in us a feeling of responsibility to support your efforts to finish Brother Allen's work and ministry. There are those that do not want to let the ministry pass into history but these people did not work and sweat with Bro. Allen on a daily basis. A. A. Allen's ministry was foundational. Many of todays ministries have built upon these principles. But as it happens with a foundation its purpose is to support and stabilize that which is to come after it. The foundation eventually gets covered up and even forgotten. Yet it stands sure, supporting the building above for all to behold and see. THAT building, the living tabernacle of God, is what is really important.

If God truly told you to start a Bible College, Day Care Center and an Assisted Living Facility then He will keep His word. God never lies. When He speaks He brings it to pass. When Miracle Valley was established there were very few spirit filled schools available for students to attend. That has changed over the years. Miracle Valley Taining Center as it was originally called, had a western ranch setting - with gardens, fruit trees, cattle and horses. We preserved our own food and students learn new skills while helping with the operation of the school. Most were inner city kids with very rough backgrounds and country life was a true training ground for missionary work and ministries for man. Bro. Allen's international meetings, magazines and radio programs advertised the school while bringing in funds. All this has to be considered when you are setting up a school.

I am certain the "alumni" of Miracle Valley do not want to see you fail. We are open to have our hearts moved by God. Two other groups tried unseccessfully to revive the ministry of Bro. Allen. If you have a true vision of God, then in His time God will bring it to pass. No man will be able to stand against it. Hopefully, you have a ministry that will support the necessary action. In that case we are behind you 100%. God bless you in your efforts.

Love in Christ -----

RESPONSE

RESPONSE

2002

Dear ____ :

I appreciate your letter that I received. I thought I would do my best to deal with those concerns that you addressed in your letter. I trust that you receive this letter in the humble spirit that it is written, and that the Spirit of God will speak to you.

First of all, I thank you for your concern regarding our work presently underway at Miracle Valley Bible College. I also respect the fact that you and your late husband worked for Rev. Allen and the Allen Revivals, Inc. during the 1960s. I did not have the opportunity of personally meeting Brother Allen, nor of attending any of his tent meetings. The only knowledge that I have of Brother Allen is what I have obtained through those who were acquainted with him, through his books and other writings, and what is shown on the Allen videos.

Now regarding our legal problems with Cochise County, I had hoped that if you had any questions regarding our legal battle, that you would have checked with us to obtain the facts. However, I had thought that it was explained to you during your visit with us last August. I am sorry that perhaps we did not fully explain our situation to you at that time.

First let me say that in the spring of 1998, ten individuals, including myself, spent ten days here at Miracle Valley. Each person was given a particular responsibility and there was much accomplished. One objective we had was to inquire with Cochise County regarding the zoning of this property. Our committee met with officials of Cochise County Planning and Zoning Department and expressed to them our intent for the property. They were very supportive of our ideas and are on record stating that this campus had always been a bible college and they would have not problem with it continuing as such. So as you see, we did our homework and research prior to our acquiring Miracle Valley in August 1999. This is why I wish you had checked with us prior to your statement in your letter - “perhaps our difficulties would have been reduced had you done more research before purchasing the property.”

Regarding the water problem here at Miracle Valley, this has nothing to do with Cochise County (except they did have to give approval prior to the building of the neighboring service station); it simply has to do with one man known as John McLain. Two months prior to our acquiring Miracle Valley, this individual came to the campus, stated to the caretaker that he was from the county and was required to install certain water lines. These lines were to be attached to the current water lines as well. The caretaker was an elderly woman who represented the A/G and who then allowed him to do what he wanted without the knowledge or permission of the A/G. So again, we had no knowledge of this for 5-6 months until after we obtained the campus. Our ministry flew Paul Allen to Miracle Valley I believe in May or June of 2000 and Paul even went to our defense by speaking to various individuals and writing a letter telling everyone that he was the son of A. A. Allen and that he had first-hand information regarding the waterlines and wells at Miracle Valley. We appreciated his support to us.

If you had read the legal issues on our web site at www.miraclevalleybiblecoll.org, you would have read legal documents recorded in Cochise County by our attorney and the county’s attorney. These recorded documents give explanation in detail. The Cochise County Attorney’s Office takes the position against a Federal Law known as the “Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000” signed into Federal Law on September 22, 2000 by President Bill Clinton. The County Prosecutor argues the Federal Law is not Constitutional, therefore, he concludes Cochise County does not have to adhere to this law. Our attorney responds by stating the fact that regardless what the County Prosecutor personally thinks about the constitutionality of this Federal Law, it remains to be a Federal Law and that the County Prosecutor must adhere to it until it, if ever, should be reversed or overturned by the Supreme Court.

Now, I did request former students and individuals from Miracle Valley to write letters of support for us on our behalf. But as you stated in your letter, “As for your requesting former students and individuals from Miracle Valley to write letters of support, I can only speak for myself. I truly have prayed about writing a letter to Cochise County officials in your behalf. However, I keep thinking that if Cochise County officials had been presented with a solid and workable business plan detailing how your organization was planning to operate the school and use of the property letters may not have been needed.” Well, as you can see, we did present Cochise County officials with a plan detailing our outline for the campus and obtained their approval in the spring 1998. In the fall 1999, the Zoning Department requested that we submit forms solely for the purpose of formality to their committee. We fulfilled their requests. They continued to require additional information such as their need for us to obtain documents from former students and staff during the years 1995-1999. The A/G gave us various leads to gather this information, the result of which, several of our staff traveled to California to obtain statements and signatures of students and instructors who were on campus during those particular years. However, certain Cochise County officials rejected these statements. Now, I do not want anyone to think the entire county is against Miracle Valley. Not so. Our opposition comprises of a small group who do not want anything to occur on this campus, particularly a Bible College. This was our reasoning for letter writings.

In a Board of Adjustment meeting held last August, the county had received only one letter for our support, and it was actually from someone who was never a student at Miracle Valley. Nearly a year ago, a man wrote to the county a very favorable letter regarding Miracle Valley, however, he was just a visitor who came by for a visit. It seems to me that those who were actually a part of Miracle Valley in the past would be the appropriate ones to write letters of support for Miracle Valley Bible College. So by the alumni not writing letters, they basically gave those particular people in certain positions of the county their support. However, let me say that while the county had 3 families at this meeting speaking against Miracle Valley Bible College and stating there has been no church services held on campus, all the buildings are in dire need of repair and need to be condemned and torn down, and that the several hundred students proposed to be on campus is too much impact on the local community.

However, God gave us the victory by our having over 50 people at the Board of Adjustment meeting. Ray Atchison, who has been here since 1958, stated to the opposition that he was in church nearly every month and that he never did see any of them in church services at Miracle Valley. So he questioned them by how could they make a determination that there was no church at Miracle Valley? A Methodist lady stood to her feet and gave all her support to us. Two Catholics stood and spoke for us and stated that, even though they perhaps did not agree with all of our theology, they would give their entire support to us including their finances. One of them gave us a check for $2500. Various others likewise stood to their feet and spoke very positive for us. I think it is a disgrace that God had to use “outsiders” to stand with us when He should have been able to use those who loved Miracle Valley and had attended Miracle Valley Bible College in the past, but nevertheless, we praise the Lord for the victory.

Now you address issues such as whether our ministry is a licensed non-profit organization, board members, etc. First of all, let me say that we have been registered with the IRS as a 501(c) 3 organization since 1986. We have boards and committees. Our boards and committees have plans on how to obtain the necessary funds for the continual operation of the bible college.

Then you mention the Allen tapes. You state, “As one of the alumni I truly feel that it is not your right to use these items to support your ministry.” First of all, you already stated that “There are rumors there is a plan to use Brother Allen’s tapes and books plus old TV shows to generate a operating revenue.” Why would you accuse our ministry of something that you state yourself is nothing more than a rumor? Do you honestly believe for one minute that we can operate a bible college from the revenue of old Allen tapes, etc? If you want to condemn those who make their living from a dead man’s tapes, then you should write to certain others. You do not need to write us at Miracle Valley. The only thing we have done is to develop an Archive Department that has various items from the Allen days as well as SABC years.

You state, “It also appears to me that the idea of restoring the Valley as a Bible College is to finish the ministry that Rev. Allen started. I believe his family and close friends feel that the ministry given to Rev. Allen was completed. It goes on in us and we do not have to reconstruct what once was, but rather building on the foundation God gave us through him.” Now if anything was ever off base, your statement certainly is. First of all, I am not at Miracle Valley because of Rev. Allen. I did not know the man. Although I respect the man, I am not here for A. A. Allen. He has been dead for over 30 years. Personally, I think it is others that need to realize Allen is dead and leave him alone.

Likewise I am not here because of past events related with Miracle Valley. I do not consider this dirt any more sacred than dirt found elsewhere in the world. Believe me, I am only here because of what God wants to do right now. God spoke to me to come here or else I would never be here. Personally, I prefer to live in a metropolitan area, not in a desert. I do not care to live on a campus where a person has to fight county officials, Satanists, Mormons, New Age people, and all the while deal with various individuals who still think Allen’s ministry should be resurrected. We have our own ministry and call from God. We seek to know God’s will for us, not God’s will for Allen. However, the message that Allen preached is the same message we preach. “MESSENGERS” come and go but the “MESSAGE” remains the same throughout all generations.

It really appears to me that others have made a “demi-god” out of Allen. They do not want Miracle Valley to succeed because it was Allen’s, and since he is dead, then evidentially, they believe Miracle Valley must die as well. I think something that everyone should realize is that Miracle Valley never was Allen’s. It was God’s. God gave this property for a bible-training center, so you see; it really never was Allen’s.

Regarding the MV Reunion please be advised that I did not make any such announcement regarding the reunion being held here. I was informed it would be held at the Baptist Camp a few miles away. Although our staff and I were disappointed that your committee chose a Baptist Camp (a few miles away) over Miracle Valley, we still respected your decision. However, your committee, consisting of 3 ladies, visited with me and requested our permission for the MV Reunion to visit Miracle Valley Bible College on a Saturday morning and of which I graciously gave. That is the only announcement that was ever made here at Miracle Valley. I never did wish to interfere with any of your MV Reunion plans. However, we have decided for the college to sponsor its own reunions in the future.

Your statement referring to the fact that although hundreds of graduates from Miracle Valley Bible College, “very few have chosen to become involved with your endeavor.” I will say that I have met personally with Rev. R. W. Schambach at this office. He shared with me that he is thrilled about Miracle Valley Bible College opening again. His only concern was if our staff and myself had actually obtained earned degrees or not. Of course, our degrees are earned and are not honorary degrees. Brother Schambach gave us his full support and an open invitation for Miracle Valley Bible College to set a booth up at all his tent crusades. We have had our staff set up Miracle Valley Bible College booths at Schambach’s Crusade on the Apache Indian Reservation, and likewise, his Crusade held last fall in Lexington, Kentucky. He stated to me personally that he fully supports our work here at Miracle Valley Bible College.

Rev. Bud & Rebecca Dunn also supports our efforts as well. They have faithfully sent monies to assist us, and have been our guests on several occasions. I have personally invited Brother & Sister Dunn to join with us on staff.

Peter & his wife in Chicago have graciously allowed me to speak at their church at Blue Island, Illinois and their congregation was a real blessing to the college. Rev. Bud & Sarah Yoder of Ohio both supports our work here at Miracle Valley.

One alumnus recently mailed the college a check for $5000 with a letter stating that Miracle Valley Bible College blessed his life and he wanted to see it bless others. Another MVBC alumni, Sharon Taylor King of Williamsburg, Kentucky fully support us.

Brother Allen’s own daughter, Mary emailed us stating that when she heard that we had opened Miracle Valley Bible College that tears ran down her cheeks because she knew her parents wanted a Bible College here.

Paul Allen sent email several years ago and stated that he had mixed feelings about our acquiring Miracle Valley, that he would liked to have seen someone who worked with his father obtained it, however, when he put himself in his parent’s shoes, he knew his parents would agree with our undertaking Miracle Valley Bible College here again.

Various others have supported us and continue to support us because they recognize our undertaking as God’s work. So you are incorrect in your assessment of our not having any alumni’s support.

Also, I renamed the campus Miracle Valley Bible College, not because of Allen, but because God spoke to me and said, “Go down to Miracle Valley and build My Bible College.” I figure if God called it Miracle Valley, who am I to call it something else.

Now Miracle Valley Bible College may never be the Miracle Valley Bible College that you knew because you were here under the Allen Ministry. Nevertheless, God is not finished with this campus. Allen preached the gospel; I preach the gospel. The gospel is the same throughout all ages. What Allen preached and the ministry he had is not just for Allen, it is for all people of all ages. A person must be careful not to make a “demi-god” out of Rev. Allen. Should this occur, the person makes sure that no one else is ever used of God in a similar manner. Thus according to the Bible, this type of a person does not enter heaven; however, he will stand at the door and prevent others from entering as well.

Now there is only one thing that keeps me here at Miracle Valley Bible College and keeps me fighting devils both in Cochise County and across the street with the occult. It is knowing that God called me here and I am here to do God’s will, nothing more and nothing less.

I know that originally Miracle Valley Bible College had a western setting, brought a lot of inner-city kids to this area, and impacted a lot of lives. I am sure it was a wonderful time. However, I am not here to do necessarily those same things. I am called here to develop a Bible College where “only those individuals who love Jesus Christ with all their heart and are dedicated to His work” can enroll. We are not an ordinary Bible College. Yes, there are hundreds of “ordinary Bible Colleges” all over the world, but there are few Bible Colleges where young people can be instructed both in the Word of God and in the power of the Holy Ghost.

Everything I do, I go to the Lord in prayer. The Lord has shown me what to do in establishing programs that will generate the necessary revenue for Miracle Valley Bible College so it can be ongoing until Jesus comes again. The Lord has also revealed to me on how to promote Miracle Valley Bible College, and I intend to do exactly as He has directed.

Now we were hoping that we would get some support from the alumni of both the MVTC/MVBC and SABC. It would be wonderful if they could come and give a few days of labor to paint and help fix things up a little. It would be nice to receive funds from the alumni to help us purchase materials needed such as remodeling a dorm room, etc. Now you ask, “Why should I even consider help from the alumni?” Well, I will tell you why. I thought that each person that had received something from Miracle Valley Training Center/Bible College might want to see other young people have the same opportunity as they did at Miracle Valley Bible College. Evidently, some alumni do not see the same thing that I do. I believe that other young people “called by God” should have the same opportunity as the alumni had when they were students at Miracle Valley. This is how I answer your question “Why should I even consider help from the alumni?”

Now you state in your last paragraph that you are certain the alumni of Miracle Valley do not want to see us fail. Well, I wish the majority of the Alumni would prove it by standing with us. Now I do not know of the two groups you write about that tried unsuccessfully to revive the ministry of Allen. I only knew of a Marvin Richardson who had made somewhat of an attempt to acquire Miracle Valley. However, again let me state that I am not here at Miracle Valley for A. A. Allen. I am here because of God. And if God should tell me to leave, I would be gone. But He has not told me to leave. The last thing God spoke to me was to “build His Bible College” and that is exactly what I intend to do.

While I was at Bible College some years ago, a wise professor shared something with our class. He said, “Don’t ever go anywhere unless God tells you to go and don’t ever leave unless God tells you to leave.” I have tried to follow that philosophy throughout my ministry and it has proven quite successful to me. With God’s help, I built a multi-million dollar church; grew a congregation from nothing to nearly 700; preached successful revivals, and seen God move in my own life. I know God has something very special for this Bible College. It is going to take a lot of work to make Miracle Valley Bible College successful in what God intends for it to be. Yet I believe that God will supply every need because I have seen Him do it in the past.

Now some may say, “If it is God’s will for Dr. Harter to be there, it will work out. If not, then it will not work out. So I will wait to see what happens before I decide to be a part of Dr. Harter’s work at Miracle Valley or not.”

This kind of thinking is very wrong. The scriptures declare it is God’s will that all men be saved and that none go to hell. But are all men being saved? No, they are not. The Bible also states that Jesus could not do many mighty miracles at one place because the people lacked faith. Can men limit and hinder God from accomplishing His will? Yes, they can.

God looks for individuals who will believe the Bible, and have faith to believe. This is what Brother Allen did throughout his life. He made himself available to be used of God and he simply believed all of God’s promises.

Most people are unsure of God’s will, so they wait to find out if Miracle Valley or Dr. Harter are going to make it or not. If we really get Miracle Valley Bible College going again, and it becomes successful in training others for ministry, then many will draw the conclusion that it was God’s will for us to be here and perhaps at that time give their support. If we are unsuccessful in what we believe God has called us to do here at Miracle Valley, then the people’s conclusion will be that it was not God’s will. But has anyone ever given consideration that it just might be that someone whom God has called is unsuccessful because no one helped along the way. Just as God has called me to Miracle Valley Bible College, God has called others to stand with me because this is not my work but God’s work.

Some time ago, a few ladies came by to visit Miracle Valley. They did not plan to come; they simply felt the leading of the Lord to come this direction. When they arrived, the Holy Spirit came upon them and they began to prophesy saying, “Behold, I have called and prepared you for Miracle Valley.” A little over a year ago, another person arrived and began tell us about a vision that Brother Allen had. He said that a night before Brother Allen had this vision; the Lord used him to give a prophecy. The Lord said, “If you people gathered here (about 5000 people in the building) if you don’t follow Me, don’t go on with Me into what I am leading you, but you turn back like the Israelites in the wilderness, then I will turn from you and I’ll find another people and I’ll still do what I said I would do.” Brother Allen turned to him and said, “My God, Doc, where would God ever find another people like this people?” He said the next night Brother Allen had a vision about another people. It was another generation. Now God is raising up what He said He would, a new people. Again, two ladies came by and said they were in this particular service and they heard this from Brother Allen’s own mouth, and this was what he began to speak to the people. He said that he had this vision and that he seen another people here. And he said, “Gene, we were not those people. But I seen another people and they were young people and all kinds of people. And I never have seen a people like that before. There will be another people that shall come here and I never seen anything like it.”

Now I knew nothing of these prophecies prior to my coming to Miracle Valley. I just know what God spoke to me. So we are going to make it because I am going to implement God’s will in my life. I would like for you and various others who have a love and a heart for Miracle Valley to be a part of what God is now doing again on this campus. We certainly covet your prayers.

Please remember that you and everyone else are always welcome to visit with us here on the campus at Miracle Valley Bible College whenever you like.

I do hope that I have answered the questions and concerns that you outlined in your letter. God richly bless you is my prayer.

Sincerely,

Dr. Melvin E. Harter