Pena - Scott Debate
On the nights of Oct. 20 and 22 brethren Adan Pena and Wendell Scott met in a debate in Pecos, Texas. The discussion was conducted in the Spanish language and was the second such public debate that has been held among the Spanish brethren. Brother Scott affirmed, "Cherokee Home is in harmony with the Scriptures." Brother Pena denied.
For the benefit of those who are not familiar with Cherokee, it is under the oversight of the elders of the church in Cherokee, Texas, and is exclusively for children of Latin American heritage. All of the brethren from the congregation where brother Pena preaches attended both sessions. Several came from Monahans. Only three persons of Scott's persuasion were present, and one of them came with him 550 miles from McAllen.
The debate was interesting and did much good. The brethren in Pecos heard the standard arguments, and saw how effectively brother Pena refuted them. Scott was in a dilemma from the very start because every time he cited a passage to justify Cherokee, brother Pena asked him why it would not justify Boles also. Scott could not answer because he will not defend Boles Home. He accepts only those "homes" which are under an eldership. He was challenged to show any essential difference in "homes under a board" and "homes under an eldership." Brother Scott was challenged to a reciprocal debate in McAllen, Texas,. where he preaches, but he refused as he always does. We reminded him that we had proof that he had been telling all over the country, even in Mexico, that no one would debate him on these issues any more. We pleaded with him to cease spreading such false claims. We hope the exhortation helped him.
Several months ago a letter was printed in this paper concerning brother Pena. It was signed by Earl Dale, Wayne Partain and me. It presented to the brethren brother Pena's need for support, and the article got results for a while. His needs were temporarily supplied, but now he needs support again.
Let me remind the readers of the circumstances in Pecos. The Spanish-speaking church with which brother Pena works was forced out of its meeting house by the English-speaking congregation because the Mexican brethren would not accept "institutionalism." Brother Pena's support was cut off. Since then the church has met in the Carpenter's Union Hall, and brother Pena has been working part time when his support did not come in. Now he is receiving very little support and is having to work nearly full time. His wife has also taken a job to enable him to have more times from secular work. The Pena's have nine children.
All of brother Pena's time needs to be devoted to the work among the Mexicans. The English-speaking congregation brought in another Spanish preacher to work against the faithful brethren. His aim is not to establish another congregation, but to disrupt, if he can, the one that already exists. Then Wendle Scott showed up. Every effort is being put forth to turn the Mexican brethren against brother Pena and from the truth, but so far none have been swayed.
Support from faithful congregations and individuals will keep brother Pena on the job full time. He is a capable, sound man as demonstrated by the way he conducted him self in the debate. He will appreciate your assistance and so will those of us who know him. His address is Box 651, Pecos, Texas.