Fresno Church Congregation Turns to God during Difficult Time, by Maureen Naylor, ABC 30, September 16, 2007

Fresno Church Congregation Turns to God during Difficult Time

By Maureen Naylor
ABC 30
September 16, 2007

http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=local&id=5660184

Accusations of child sexual abuse rocked a Fresno church earlier this week. For the first time since the allegations came to light the church congregation met for Sunday services with a message of faith for church members.

Church leaders say they are praying for his family, trying to heal, and focusing on faith.

An interim pastor took over the 10:30 Sunday service at the Sierra Heights Baptist Church, usually presided over by Pastor John "Jeb" Bonine. Glen Paden encouraged the congregation to turn to God during this difficult time when many are questioning why.

"The congregation sets a very high standard for pastor, for a spiritual leader, when those are broken, when they fail, when they fall, there is remorse, there is disappointment," says Pastor Paden.

Bonine, a 43 year old married father of eight, was arrested at his home Monday accused of sexually abusing two girls under the age of 14 who were not members of his church.

Church leaders say they are working with a counselor and would address the youth ministry about the situation and encourage parents to talk with their children. Mansel Trimble, Sierra Heights Pastor, says "We just maintain that God is in control, and God provides our strength, our power, our comfort and our direction. As people, we fail and stumble, but God does not."

Melody Valdez has attended this church since she was little and was surprised by the serious allegations. "Anything's possible, but we're just praying and hoping that the allegations are not true. He's a good pastor, and from what I've seen, he was a really good father, to me I don't think that's him," says Valdez.

Bonine is still an employee and the church will wait until the justice system unveils the outcome. "At this time, these are allegations and charges, so it would be premature to discharge him, not knowing all the facts, and where this is going," says Trimble.

Church pastors passed along their own message to the congregation Sunday. "This church is bigger than any leader whoever comes, and it will survive this crisis or whatever may come. Because the church is not the people's church, the church belongs to God, preached Pastor Paden.

Bonine is being held at the Fresno County jail without bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday, September 27th.