CHAPMAN FINES DR. HARTER GUILTY

Dear Friends,   Miracle Valley Church held 30-day Revival services on its property during the month of April.    However, this was in conflict with the Regulations of Cochise County Planning & Zoning Department which puts REVIVALS under the heading of SPECIAL PUBLIC EVENTS.    During the month of April, 2005, United States citizens known as Minutemen from all over the country were coming to Cochise County and help patrol our border with Mexico by looking and reporting to the Border Patrol individuals who entered the USA illegally, including those who brought drugs into our country.    Dr. Harter believed this would be a golden opportunity to witness and share our Christian faith.  A month-long revival was planned.     Miracle Valley permitted the Minutemen, as well as various others, to come onto its campus so that we could share Jesus Christ with everyone.    Some of our guests testified that tears swelled up in their eyes while they sat in our services.  Others said that they could feel something wonderful here on campus.  Of course, every believer in Jesus Christ knows that is the Spirit of God dealing with people.  God moved and blessed us in a wonderful way.  We were thankful to have this opportunity to share Christ with so many people.   However, we went before the Hearing Officer, John (Jack) Chapman at 10 AM on Thursday, September 15, 2005. We had previously requested that Mr. Chapman excuse himself as serving as the Hearing Officer in our case and allow us to have someone else.  However, Mr. Chapman rejected the request and continued to serve as our Hearing Officer.    Now our reasoning for requesting a new Hearing Officer is simply because of the following: Several years ago, Dr. Harter and Miracle Valley went before the Palominas Volunteer Fire Department Board because the PVFD had leased from the previous owner one of the buildings at Miracle Valley.  Since Dr. Harter had purchased Miracle Valley, he needed this facility to store tractors and lawn equipment.  There was some disagreement and Dr. Harter requested that PVFD's lease not be renewed.  John (Jack) Chapman was a member of the PVFD board. Dr. Harter attended a special meeting held by the Border Patrol in Cochise County.  John (Jack) Chapman served on this board as well. Miracle Valley went before the Board of Adjustment (BOA) regarding the issue as to whether a childcare center is an accessory use to a local church.  There were suppose to be 3 people on this board, however, there were only 2 (Ed Cottingham and John (Jack) Chapman, Chairman) because the third person, for whatever reason, was unable to attend.  Mr. Cottingham made a motion FOR the Bible college, however, Mr. Chapman REFUSED to second the motion, and therefore, our matter was unable to be voted upon.  The result, we lost.  We believe that the action taken at the BOA was already pre-planned. Now the Hearing Officer that we were appointed to go before was, yes, you are right, none other than John (Jack) Chapman.  Our attorney requested that we be assigned a different Hearing Officer, however, we were denied.  Although our attorney did an enormous job of defending Miracle Valley, and by all rights, won our case, nevertheless, Mr. Chapman, found us guilty and has imposed a fine of $9,655 to Dr. Harter and Miracle Valley for sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and permitting guests to be on our campus.  Strange is it not?  It certainly seems that John (Jack) Chapman is everywhere and serves in key positions throughout Cochise County.  We are concerned as to the fact, "Is this what the citizens of Cochise County really want?"  We really do not think so!   As many of you know, we have overnight guests visiting all the time.  They have come to attend our Camp Meetings, Seminars, Revivals, and simply just to visit historical Miracle Valley.   Of course, we plan to appeal the Hearing Officer's decision.    Now did Miracle Valley and Dr. Harter believe they got justice with John (Jack) Chapman?  Not at all!  However, prior to our meeting, and having been acquainted with John (Jack) Chapman in the past, we pretty much already knew what the outcome would be.    However, justice will ultimately come.    Miracle Valley hired the services of a court reporter and every word spoken was recorded.  As soon as it is available, it will be posted on this web site for your review.    We covent your prayers.   Read what the Hearing Officer John (Jack) Chapmen wrote -   For Page 1 - Click the following link. http://www.miraclevalleybiblecoll.org/cochisecounty/Chapman1.jpg   For Page 2 - Click the following link http://www.miraclevalleybiblecoll.org/cochisecounty/Chapman2.jpg