The sprawling Hanoum Estate in Oakley – leased by Jerry Hanoum pastor of the Mountain View Christian Center – has gone into foreclosure.
Press file photo
Press file photo
Jerry Hanoum
Photo by Tim Vaughn
Photo by Tim Vaughn
The Mountain View Christian School’s lease with the Oakley Union Elementary School District will expire in June.
Photo by Richard Wisdom
Photo by Richard Wisdom
A local pastor with a history of lawsuits, tax liens and bankruptcy is under fire from parishioners for questionable financial dealings, and may have been operating illegally after his church's corporation was suspended in 2009 for failure to pay taxes.
On Monday, members of Pastor Jerry Hanoum’s Mountain View Christian Center (MVCC) staff removed supplies and materials as Oakley Union Elementary School District (OUESD) workers changed the locks on seven rooms at Almond Grove School, which is currently being leased by MVCC and Trinity Christian School. Superintendent Rick Rogers said the church had violated a promise made in January to vacate the rooms as part of a deal to reduce the monthly rent from $19,250 to $12,000. Church officials ignored an e-mail from Rogers in early March, and a 48-hour notice to vacate the rooms that was e-mailed Friday, Rogers said. About 75 students were relocated to other rooms as the result of the room closures.
“Unfortunately, this is just another example of Mountain View violating the terms of their lease agreement,” said Rogers. MVCC and Trinity have occupied Almond Grove School since 2008. Their lease expires in June. Rogers said there had been no request by MVCC to extend the original lease agreement. “With only three months left on the lease, our best course of action is to simply let the lease runs its natural course so the students at Mountain View are not harmed.”
MVCC has frequently fallen behind in rent payments, reaching a maximum of $156,000 in arrears last year. After making several promises to pay, Hanoum sent a letter to Rogers on Oct. 5 apologizing for another delay, but assuring him the money was in hand.
“Since our last meeting our funds have been deposited and are in our bank,” Hanoum wrote. “They are going through USA and international bank regulation checks, which is required by the security exchange commission (sic) along with other federal regulations.” He closed, “Please be patient as we are subject to these regulation checks, but our funds have been deposited.”
But the following day, Hanoum sent a letter to the congregation saying the church was still in “a crisis situation” and in “dire need” of contributions to pay the rent. Many construction workers had been laid off, his letter said, and “This has affected us to the place that the city school board (sic) is threatening to take our facility. We need to raise $400,000 to catch up this year and take care of next year’s facility cost.”
This week, Hanoum declined to answer questions about the international investment or why, with that money “in our bank,” $400,000 more was needed. “I can’t speak to any of that because that is privy information to our membership,” Hanoum said.
MVCC has since paid $175,000 for rent through the end of 2010, but nothing has yet been paid for 2011. The total rent from January through June would be $72,000.
Hanoum, 61, opened Mountain View Christian Center in Brentwood in 2005, serving as pastor and president of the 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation. The other officers were his wife Sharon (they divorced in 2009) as the secretary, and Brentwood resident and contractor Jerry Dellinger as chief financial officer.
Prior to coming to Brentwood, Hanoum ran San Diego International Christian Centers, Inc., which declared bankruptcy in 2000, defaulting on $1.5 million. A contributing factor, Hanoum said, was his first wife Yvonne’s cancer.
“At the time of the bankruptcy we owned a building in downtown San Diego, but when she got sick we weren’t able to keep up with the payments,” he said. Yvonne died in 2002, said Hanoum, and his creditors were repaid. “I eventually paid it all off. It’s all been taken care of.” He said he did not recall dates or amounts paid and did not provide documentation.
According to records filed with the California Secretary of State, the state Franchise Tax Board first suspended MVCC for non-payment of taxes in 2006, reinstating it the same year. A second corporate suspension came in September of 2009 for failure to file a required annual statement of corporate officers for three years and for unpaid corporate taxes.
The first problem was rectified in 2010, when the corporation reported changing its officers to Jerry Dellinger (president), his brother Scott Dellinger (secretary) and Dustin Hanoum (chief financial officer).
The back taxes owed to the FTB, however, have not been paid. As a result, the church’s status as a nonprofit corporation has been suspended for a year and a half.
When asked about MVCC’s suspended status, Hanoum said he had just learned that the corporation had indeed been suspended.
“We did get our state license suspended,” said Hanoum. “But everything is fine. We can still operate.”
Dellinger agreed. “I do know that the state has suspended us due to payroll taxes,” he said. “I don’t know for how much but I do know it’s a pretty nice number. But federally we’re fine, we’re OK.”
The status of the organization with the federal government was unclear as of press time, but according to the the State of California, when a corporation is suspended it has lost all of its rights and privileges and cannot legally operate.
The opulent, 5-acre Hanoum Estate on Knarlwood Road in Oakley, privately leased since 2005 by Hanoum under the auspices of the MVCC, has been showcased as an event center and retreat for ministers and their families. Financing for the construction and development of the property – it includes two lakes with fountains, gazebos, four garages and a 19,000-square-foot main building with sleeping quarters for 10 - was gathered in large part through donations from the MVCC congregation and private investors.
Art Mijares, a former member of the MVCC and vice principal of the church’s school in Brentwood, was approached by Hanoum with an offer to invest in the venue in 2005. According to Mijares, Hanoum solicited a select group of MVCC members to invest $100,000 each in the project with promises of a 12-percent return within three years.
“Jerry (Hanoum) approached me and said for $100,000 he could let me in on this deal,” said Mijares. “I said I didn’t have that kind of money and he asked me how much did I have. I told him I had $25,000 but was saving that for my daughter’s wedding. He told me that if I invested that money with him, then they would do my daughter’s wedding at the Hanoum Estate for free.”
Mijares declined the offer and said it was not long afterward that he was told there would no longer be a place for him on the MVCC staff. But Mijares said there were others who did invest and have yet to see a return.
“I said no, but other people I know did give him money and I know one person who went to court and got some of his money back. But there are others who weren’t as lucky. In my eyes, the ministry is going downhill financially and morally.”
Most recently the property has been used by Hanoum and MVCC as a safe house and retreat for the families and victims of child and sexual abuse. Hanoum has also launched the Hunted Child website and video series, designed to provide information to families about child predators for a membership fee of $4.95.
The goal of Hunted Child, according to the website, includes bringing a bill before Congress entitled The Mark for Mark Act. “With the passing of this bill, every person who has been convicted of harming a child will be required to have a Mark on his or her name and/or body, to identify that individual as a danger to children,” the site states. “An abused child carries a Mark on his or her life forever. It is time to put a Mark on those who have Marked our children. The mark can be removed only when that individual has gone though treatment and extensive counseling and has proven beyond doubt to be responsible.” Even were the Mark removed, the site states, the individual would still wear a GPS device for the rest of his or her life.
In February, the Hanoum Estate property went into foreclosure, and Hanoum said that while the ministry is struggling to stay afloat, he feels confident Hanoum Estate will remain a place where the families and victims of child and sexual abuse can seek refuge.
“We’ve put a program together where families can come and stay and heal,” said Hanoum. “And we’re not going to let that go … We know that we are in a situation where we need to take care of some things and we are not going to quit until we do. We are taking care of so many people who are hurting. We’re just doing what we can to help them heal and move on.”
When asked to comment on the foreclosure proceedings and what it might mean to MVCCs future, Hanoum was less forthcoming. “I won’t comment no more,” he said, “because you are getting into areas I’m not comfortable talking about.”
He knew his time in court was ahead of him and what he says here would apply to the terror he must have internalized when he realized his charm would not save him under cross examination in court:
When asked to comment on the foreclosure proceedings and what it might mean to MVCCs future, Hanoum was less forthcoming. “I won’t comment no more,” he said, “because you are getting into areas I’m not comfortable talking about.”
He chose to kill himself rather than face his accusers in court and deal with the outcome of a trial.
Alternating between incredulity and mirth, I read your post and I must say...
the fact that you had heard things of an unsavory nature prior to your affiliation with Mountain View begs the question as to why you never really checked it out.
What you essentially said in your reply was "Yeah, sure we all knew he was crooked as Lombard Street, but we didn't care 'cause we liked him and he was a great speaker."
I recall him at the pulpit, dismissing these accusations of impropriety as the work of Satan, or the machinations of a handful of mean-spirited, jealous colleagues.
In your own words you "drank the Koolaid." (which I assume was grape flavored) You knew the man was unfit and unqualified in every sense to pastor a church, yet you not only allowed him to do so, but facilitated his con games financially.
And NOW...you want people to leave you and your "Pastor" ,your illegal non-profit family-owned corporation- posing- as- a- church, and your school with teachers and staff who seldom see a paycheck, alone and just go away and forget they got royally screwed.
Sorry to disappoint, but I don't think that's going to happen. This isn't a case of a couple of disgruntled congregants getting in a huff because things aren't going their way.
These are small town folks deciding they want to be rid of Harold Hill (ref: "The Music Man") forever...
This is dozens, perhaps hundreds of small, wounded strands binding together to form a strong cord; people who literally mortgaged away their financial futures, borrowed money from their kids' college funds or their retirement accounts in the belief that they were doing God's work.
These are politicians who have to answer to taxpayers for allowing misuse of taxpayer property and funds, workers compensation and payroll tax auditors, and a host of vendors and debtors who are getting stiffed in a most unChristian way.
These are my friends who on the verge of insolvency were told that if they didn't TITHE to MVCC, they would never be blessed and if they questioned the financial dealings of the church they were "faithless."
Oh, I know, I know.. As soon as the bio-diesel or alternative green whatever contract comes in, everyone will get paid back, the church will get out of hock, the school will "break ground" in a new place, all the mortgages will be paid back, world peace will come about, and Chicago Cubs will win the World Series.
I think the truth is closer to this: the inner circle of loyal tithers who kept their mouths closed and said what they were told to say in clandestine meetings will get any monies sheltered off shore. All others...
SO SORRY...
Or maybe, just maybe, Jerry will ride in on a white horse waving a big fat check and SAVE the church and the school...
and Pastor Kim will stike up the choir to sing a rousing victory ditty from Hillsong, her face streaked with tears of joy and $50 mascara. OK then...
Attitudes like yours and the other true believers are the reason people like Jerry, televangelists, and other rip-off artists continue to survive, thrive, and prey on the elderly, infirm, ignorant, young, and those on major guilt trips.
"Feel guilty about the horrible life you lived? The people from whom you stole? The spouse on whom you cheated? Well... give me all your money and time and I will use it for the KINGDOM (as if it already doesn't belong to God...sheesh!)
It's stock snail oil pitch, 3 card Monty patter,dressed up in a suit and dolled up with generous dollops of religious imagery and a scripture or two.
The Bible you Jery D and Jerry H defenders like to quote when it is convenient (don't judge your pastor) has specific things to say about the qualifications of a pastor.
First and foremost, a pastor MUST (this is not optional according to Scripture) be above reproach.
This does not mean perfect, but it does carry a higher standard of behavior than the rank and file flock.(Titus 1:6, 7; 1 Tim 3:2)
What does ABOVE REPROACH mean, exactly?
A Pastor must be an example to the flock (1 Peter 5:3)
A Pastor must be respectable (1 Tim 3:7)
A Pastor must be spiritually mature (1 Tim 3:6)
Pastors must retain self-control (Titus 1:8; 1 Tim 3:2)
A Pastor must be upright and live with integrity in his life inside and outside the church.
(Titus 1:8)
A Pastor must have financial integrity and not be greedy for gain (Titus 1:7; 1 Tim 3:3; 1 Peter 5:3) (oooooopsie!)
A Pastor must be humble - not arrogant (Titus 1:7)
A Pastor must be devoted to his wife;a one-woman man (Titus 1:6; 1 Tim 3:2). (ooopsie again!)
A pastor must know how to manage his own family (Titus 1:6; 1 Tim 3:4-5)
A pastor must be a lover of good (Titus 1:8)
There's more.. but you get the picture.
I don't think Pastor Jerry is the devil incarnate. I think he is a prideful reprobate D-Level con man who blames everyone else when he gets caught. (did you even read what he says in the articles above?)
The devil would, I hope, be a lot smarter and less obvious...
Good luck with your corporation...err, church and your flim flam... I mean, pastor.
I'll leave the lawyers and journalists and tax auditors to do the rest.
And I trust the TCS parents will see through the bogus "it's all lies" email your secretary sent out.
PS: I didn't accuse Jerry's wife of anything- I printed an email from a former Vacaville church member. Jerry, on the other hand, blamed his wife's cancer for his bankruptcy, rather than his own dirty dealings. Think about that...
I think you missed the point of my posting. I'm sorry you feel you've been wronged by Pastor Jerry and/or MVCC. When you came to MVCC you came from another church that you felt wasn't meeting your personal or spiritual needs. I encourage you to do the same now and join a congregation that fulfills your needs. That's why there are thousands of churches out there.
I applaud you for being so diligent in your fact finding, it's nothing we all haven't heard before. It's nothing that you can't easily find by googling Pastor Jerry. But nice move trying demonize his dead wife and her motives when she's not able to defend herself.
My point was to move on from this topic and situation and leave us "stupid" (your words not mine) people to our church and our school and our Pastor. You think Pastor Jerry is the devil incarnate - we get it. I choose to drink the kool-aid. Now please go live your life and leave us to ours.
ENOUGH ALREADY!!!!!!!
In response to "enough already" from JANAL
The only MUD being slung is the truth, my dear. Hard as it is for you to hear it, apparently.
The facts are fully documented and publicly available to anyone who dares do the due (diligence, that is.)
That you find the truth "hateful, disgraceful, and juvenile" does not invalidate what has been posted here.
The record speaks clearly and Hanoum has a documented track record that requires one draw only one of two possible conclusions:
Considering Jerry did the exact same thing in Vacaville, San Diego, and Brentwood, Jerry Hanoum is either:
1. The dumbest, unluckiest businessman/pastor ever
born
or...
2. A calculating, methodical, greedy con artist
with an ego as big as the National Deficit
I am betting on the latter and I think my money is safe.
The lives Jerry Hanoum affected were, as you posted "real lives." And what he did by blatantly co-mingling the funds of Trinity and MVCC is almost certainly one of the causes of the current situation. He created the domino effect and I have friends who lost thousands of dollars in his ponzi schemes. Shall we post a copy of the bogus contracts he handed out that offered as collateral a piece of property he NEVER OWNED?
Oh, but that was probably just a small oversight on his part, right? He's.. (gag) only human so we must be loving and forgiving and open our hearts and wallets to him in Christian love.
Are you people all this stupid?
The best thing that could ever happen is the collapse of MVCC and Trinity. That way the kids don't have to see how idiotic, blind, and sycophantic adults can be.
Get off the high horse rhetoric of "don't judge". You have higher standards for your kids than you do for a man IN CHARGE of a flock, a man with a fiduciary responsibility and a mandate to be transparent and above reproach.
PS: Here is part of an email sent to me by one of Jerry's ex congregants in Vallejo:
"There was a group of us who tried to oppose him in a Biblical way, using the Matthew 18 process and Jerry played his trump card and excommunicated all of the dissenters.
He had friends in the police force and many of us were worried that he would use that leverage to bring trouble to us. There were a few of us who had proof that Hanoum was pilfering from the collection plate and that he was having extramarital affairs.
A small group of people went to visit a Reverend Vickery, I think it was in Santa Cruz, to tell him what was going on. When someone wanted to tape record the meeting the “Reverend Vickery” said that he would walk out of the room (So much for accountability).
When presented with good evidence that would stand up in any courtroom, Vickery took all of the papers and threw them in a waste basket, claiming that the charges were not provable. Hanoum was allowed to remain in the church but I think that he saw the writing on the wall and he started looking for avenues of escape.
A couple of years later he moved to San Diego, where I understand he did all of the same things. I think it was there that his wife Yvonne died. We tried to tell her about her husband, but she resisted and even visited the businesses that some of us worked in to cause trouble. Some could say that she was trying to defend her husband, and that would have been honorable, but others say that she probably liked their opulent lifestyle and didn’t want it to end. "
This has become a hateful, disgraceful and juvenile mudslinging event and it has got to end. You are all adults and are acting like children with the he said she said game. These are human beings and real lives you are affecting. Not to mention the detrimental domino effect it is causing on the congregation, the school families and the staff of the church and school.
Did Pastor Jerry make mistakes? Sure he did. HE'S A HUMAN BEING!! Did Art Mijares make mistakes? Sure he did, guess what, HE'S A HUMAN BEING TOO. As far as I know the only infallible being is God himself.
Do I think the mistakes Pastor Jerry made where done with purposeful malicious intent to harm people and destroy lives? Not for one minute. And while I may not agree with some of the things Art has done, I think the things he's said and done he believed where for the safety and protection of his family and loved ones.
But the bigger picture here is the congregation and the school. This petty back and forth on the message boards here is more than just words on a screen. It has a real world affect on real people, it is putting up road blocks and closing doors to opportunities these families may have had because the rumors and gossip are coming out beyond this message board. With the doors being slammed shut you are not shutting down just Pastor Jerry, you are leaving children without a school they love, a school where they are loved and where they are an individual and not just a number on a state roll call sheet and an income for a public school.
You are leaving a congregation without its family and fellowhip that they have built bonds with over the years. There are many good Pastors and people here that don't want to break up their family at MVCC.
Please let it end here. Let the families and kids heal. Take the hate and anger and let it go and replace it with love and positive energy that is directed towards something positive and productive. I know God has a purpose for all that has happened and all of us. God bless and God heal us all.
Give me a break!
Do you really believe that they do not know what is going on and that they are clueless as to what they have funding for years?
Come on, even the least savvy investor does not give away money without doing some form of due dilgence. That had to know something was amiss with Jerry Hanoum. They chose to disregard everything they knew in pursuit of financial gain and some form of absolution.
Oh, that's right.. I forgot. All the school and church's money is in some offshore account, funding the latest and greatest pyramid scheme.
(in case you were unaware- the project du jour is a bio diesel scheme) Details about that are cloudy to all but Scott Dellinger's closest minions, but I am sure it is on the up and up....NOT!
As far as the Dellingers being a good example. I suppose they ARE good examples of how NOT to treat people and examples of what happens when keeping up with the Jones' becomes more important than the Word of God.
They have no interest in the sheep- only the fleecing of the sheep. Right now, I see that they are busy trying to extricate themselves from this mess they have gotten into.
I wouldn't be surprised if they turned the tables on Jerry and denied all involvement. They were VICTIMS like the others who lost money.
However, I do not believe that the focus should be allowed to be exclusively on Hanoum. Many of the inner circle knew full well what they were getting into before the first dime lined Jerry's pockets.
As a matter of fact... did you know that this bio diesel venture provides the "faithful" followers with perks, such as having their mortgages paid for in full, being given leadership roles and TITLES, and I suspect, being given assurance that their dirty laundry (aired originally under the provision of clergy confidence) will never see the light of day.
This gives new meaning to the old adage "Scratch my back and I will scratch yours."
Lest you think otherwise, this is all information which was freely shared amongst the TCS and MVCC staff. No one until now, has attempted to deny this.
So, you see, many people have a lot more at stake than just money. They risk at least exposure of their dirty deals to the public, and beyond that, their very souls are in danger.
Scripture tells us that a little (leaven) compromise ruins the whole batch of bread. Here we see a case where leaven was copiously poured in with arrogance and pride, with no regard to the consequences.
How then, can they complain about being judged?
In the end, Truth will prevail. Jesus said, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life, no man comes to the Father but by me". Jesus also gave us, who believe and belong to Him, this commandment, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teaching these new disciples to obey all the commandments I have given you And be sure of this, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." The LORD will take care of His church. If there is need for correction, He will discipline us because
He loves us and does not want any to perish. So let us be about our Father's business as commanded in his Word. I love ALL of you at MVCC and TCS. It is the LORD who will bring us through such a time as this.
I agree with you on one thing, your intro about vengeance being the Lord's.
For the record, my name is Carol Mijares. I am Art Mijares' daughter (in-law). I am not hiding behind a screen name moniker, because I am not here to hurt anyone. I am sure you know me and know my character if you attended Mountain View in the past 7 years or so, it's been about 2 years since I left. I attended Mountain View and enjoyed my time there.
I could go on and get really nasty, but I won't go there. That's not who I am. And I am not here to go into MVCC or TCS dealings, because honestly, I could care less at this point.
I do find it interesting how you've turned an article written by the Oakley Press on Jerry Hanoum into a personal attack on my father (in-law) and I'm am deeply offended. Makes me wonder what your true character is. As far as your business dealings with Mr. Mijares, I'm sure you may have lost $5 because he forgot to bring you back a sandwich on his lunch run. However, he is not a business man by any means, and has never been, so that little white lie doesn't hold up.
For the record, Art Mijares did not contact the Oakley Press, they contacted him. Art Mijares answered questions he was asked honestly and actually declined to answer other questions about Jerry Hanoum's character or personal life. The reason why the reporter called Mr. Mijares was because he did apply for the Oakley school board (they did choose another candidate) and the MVCC issue just so happened to have been brought up the same exact night as his interview. At the end of the discussion about MVCC, Mr. Mijares wanted to clarify that he was no longer affiliated with MVCC and that he appreciated the leniency shown to TCS because of the great group of people he knows work there/attend school. The reporter was in attendance at this meeting and contacted him a few weeks later.
Why don't you call the reporter directly and check the validity on that.
I love many of you who still attend Mountain View and my heart breaks for those of you who have been hurt. But you need to keep your eyes on the prize, the one in heaven. Not the earthly things or people, because people let us down, pastors let us down and yes, I was devastated by what I experienced at MVCC and lost my faith for some time. I truly cared and wanted to make a difference while I was there, deciding to leave was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made because of my love for the people there. But God had other plans for me, plans that didn't include MVCC.
And "standswiththewind" I ain't mad at you I just want the TRUTH about Art to be known, the truth in your heart, deep down that you know to be true about Art. Your energy would be better spent defending your pastor than attacking my loved one.
Sincerely, Carol Mijares
I believe it was actually you who was on the attack in your earliest post. I'm surprised that you shield Pastor Hanoum and attack Mr. Mijares for stating his opinion...a witch hunt you will call it? I suppose that Mr. Mijares created the entire situation with the school district and the newspapers. How could that be? Is Mr. Mijares responsible for paying the school's bills. Please.....
I don't believe Pastor Hanoum actually created the financial crisis, but everyone who fudged their income to obtain a residence definitely had a hand in the pot of the crisis, which includes 86% of foreclosures because the unemployment rate rose to 14%. You are not the only person in Contra Costa that understands the economy, but thanks for the explanation. Let's stay on key here.
There are allegations and people want answers. When people are so angry and defensive it really leads one to believe that there's something shady going on.
For someone who is a "parent" of a student and doesn't even attend MVCC, you seem to have a lot of inside knowledge on Hanoum, very interesting!
And another thing, no one has condemned TCS. Your allegations become more and more humourous, so maybe you should stop while you are ahead!
I agree, the TCS teachers are wonderful and the article should have outlined what miracles that each and every one of them are. They are definitely sent from HEAVEN! I'm happy to hear that the school has helped your child, that's definitely a blessing. Praise the Lord for that!
Yes we all have heard the same story with the delinquent rent and the non payment of tuition. Over and over actually. So much i'm getting very tired of it!
You know who's actually amazing? The Dillinger family! God bless that family for all that they've done! They are definitely the genuine family at that church and school! I wish that they would stay and Hanoum would move onto the next community!
No more greiving the Spirit!
I am not Pastor Hanoum, nor do I agree with the allegations placed upon him. I agree that Pastor Honoum needs to provide a public statement explaining the circumstances and facts of how his financial situation has come to be soley for the purpose of saving MVCC and TCS. However, what I wanted readers to understand is this: 1. The financials of the church were and are being handled by the headship and the debts will be paid back as they've been in the past. There was no reason other than vengeance for Mr. Mijares to create this public witch hunt. Pastor Hanoum has explained the financial situation of the church and school openly and humbly to his congregation. 2. While you all think Pastor Hanoum and the Headship of the church are living high, that couldn't be farther from the truth as most if not all have or are experiencing foreclosure and loss of employment because all of their expendable funds have been contributed to keeping the school afloat. 3. I have a real and personal understanding of how business investments and ventures can go depending on the state of the ecomonomy. While Pastor Hanoum was striving to build a school which would benefit this community and create a safe haven for Pastors and victims of abuse through the Hanoum Estate, the economy continued to decline and income stopped coming in from investors involved. The inability to meet the rent or pay mortgages became an ugly downward spiral. This is not an example of an extravagant pastor living the high life while his congregation are left to suffer! Quite the contrary! His investments and ventures for the school and church were already in play 6 years ago long before the whole economy took a dive. The only thing one can do when placed in that type of situation is pay for what they can, negotiate payment deferrment for what they can't and buckle down on all spending and wait it out for better times. Pastor Hanoum has lost out in his investments just like everyone else. Are you going to blame this man for creating the recession too??? And by the way... God wants his people to spread his gospel, he wants us to prosper and have wealth. Why is it when a pastor gains wealth through his own private business affairs outside of the church, is he to be condemned by others less fortunate for living in a nice home or driving a nice car? 4. I don't attend MVCC and no, I've never drank any Hanoum-koolaid. I am speaking out on behalf of TCS. This school is something to fight for, no matter who heads it. TCS has phenominal teachers who really care for the students, a curriculum for academic excellence and enrichment programs for children in need, emotionally and academically. My child's life has been changed greatly from attending this school! Don't condemn TCS for what you think Pastor Hanoum has or has not done. There are families here who want this school to survive and flourish. There are parents here who want to see their children's relationship with the Lord grow stronger. There are good people here! Oakley needs this type of private education for our children. Regarding why the rent is delinquent.... simply because many of the parents cannot and have not paid their tuition for months and the school will not turn their children away because the parents are financially struggling. Please put things in perspective and get the whole story before passing judgment. And lastly, I've had business dealings with Mr. Mijares in the past that went bad where I lost money. But, I didn't run to the press and make claims that his behavior was unethical or immoral. I took my loss because that was the risk of doing business, I forgave and I moved on. I suggest that people sit back, take a breath, see that the bigger picture here really is to save the school.
Very interesting indeed! Seems like you've drank the Hanoum "kool aid"! Let me tell you something, the only person who's HURTING THE CHILDREN are the headship of that church and school!
Seems to me that Mr. Mijares simply stated his dealings, at least that's what i've read, you must know more and that's why you're so defensive. Either that or you are Jerry Hanoum as it seems like you are personally attacking Mr. Mijares!
Why? Leaked a little too much TRUTH for you? I know that the truth can be a little hard to handle sometimes, but The Truth Will Set You Free!
Who lives in million dollar estates and can't pay their bills?
I suppose it's okay that the school district just wipe the back tuition clean due to Christianity, right? Oh, I'm so sorry, we don't know the story on that, right? Isn't that what you claimed?? How about you tell us why our children were evicted from thier classrooms when they arrived at school? Again, who hurt the kids?
The bible also said that "he" will come like a wolf in sheeps clothing. Like a thief in the night! Beware as he will appear as one of you!!
I haven't heard Jerry Hanoum once tell what he's lost in all of this, have you? Oh, except possibly his reputation!
There's always three sides to the story. One side, second side and the TRUTH! Why doesn't Pastor Hanoum shed some light?
One day you will wake up like the rest of us! Don't worry, there's nothing to be ashamed of!
God will judge us all, I just hope that dear Pastor Hanoum has an opportunity to be legally judged before God judges him!
i alwways wanted to belive in my Pastor as well, but we all must realize that some choose a path for the wrong reasons and do terrible things.
How many truly good Pastors do you know who are divorced?? How many truly good Pastors are divorced and have a completely different story than their ex-wife.. which seems to be the same as all of his other victims? How many Pastors have left so many followers in the rubble?
Where there is smoke, there is fire.
Lord help him
It’s beyond me and many others, as to why Art Mijares, a man who believes he’s Christ-like would create this kind of public controversy for a Pastor who is well admired and supported in this community. Could it be that he still holds a grudge for being let go by the Church? Could it be that he’s upset that the Oakley School District declined his application last month to sit on the School Board?
Did Mr. Mijares even consider how many families and children would be hurt by his “personal vendetta” against Jerry Hanoum? Did Mr. Mijares even think that Pastor Hanoum is and has been doing everything humanly possible to rectify his business ventures that had gone bad? This article was written in a manner which was biased, one-sided, factually un-attributed and mean-spirited. And all for what? What does it accomplish?
Did the Brentwood Press reporters even consider reporting the other side of the story as to what the real facts are behind why the church is delinquent in their rent to the school district? What about reporting how much MVCC and TCS have contributed to the members of this community? Or did the newspaper run out of print space, since the list is so long?!
Jerry Hanoum is not perfect, none of us are, except maybe Mr. Mijares, right? Pastor Hanoum and the members of his congregation have all greatly suffered personally and financially in their commitment to provide excellent education for their students, safety for those in danger and food and shelter for those in need. His intentions are good and for the benefit of saving lives and souls.
This economic downturn has financially devastated many of us and we are in a daily battle of survival, trying to keep our homes and our jobs. No one could have anticipated or for-seen how bad and how far this recession would take us. Investments have been lost, retirement savings are gone, yet we choose to stand beside the Lord in unity and we continue to bless those who are against us.
Bless you Mr. Mijares! May you find forgiveness in your heart for whatever wrong-doings you feel Pastor Hanoum has placed on you and may the Lord lead you to a higher place. Perhaps the Lord will help you to shift your earthly focus to making Oakley a better community as opposed to tearing down the people who are doing so now.
Too many of us try to serve two masters: God and work or God and bank accounts. It is impossible because God says we shall not put any other gods before Him