Jacksonville Pastor (A hidden story)

This first letter is a letter I sent to Pastor Darrell Gilyard before the current charges were brought against him. The second letter was written a few days later after the story broke.

Shiloh Metropolitan Church Jan. 5, 2008
1118 W. Beaver Street
Jacksonville, FL 32204
Psalm 147
Pastor Darrell L. Gilyard:

Gods’ Graces to you, your family, and your parish. I hope and trust all is well with you.

It has been sometime since we talked. I’m sure you remember me. I was involved with the sound system for your new sanctuary. I am a member of your church. I have been to Shiloh several times over the past few months and before. I also watch your services on television.

I asked you once in the parking lot after one of your services, “How do you know when the Lord calls you to service”. Your response was short and to the point and I will never forget it, “You just know”.

I have been thru many changes in the last couple years or so. And I tell you now with all sincerity that the Lord is stronger in me now than ever in my life. He is working thru me to spread His Way to people I run across on a daily basis.

So this is why I am writing you, as I am confused.

First let me say I apologize for attending your services two Sundays ago. I enjoyed your message, the music, and the faithful, but I feel I am not wanted. As you know I am caucasian. On Sundays I dress not to impress, but to show my glory to God. Sundays are a celebration to me, and I feel obligated to express my beliefs as He directs me to do so.

I feel I intimidate your parish. I can sincerely say I mean no harm to you, your family, or your parish. However, I feel as though I am received as a threat to you.

For this I am deeply saddened. I have always respected you from the first time I met you, even though you were in your socks (good to be comfortable isn’t it). I enjoy your services, the music and your faith. I admire your honesty and integrity.

At this point I feel it best I curtail myself to watching your services on TV when I can. I do not want to distract from your message and I certainly don’t want to make people uncomfortable. I try my best to walk in the Ways of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, King of Kings and God Almighty.

All I want to do is worship with you, learn from you, and share with you. You are a fountain of strength and wisdom. God has blessed you in ways only He knows.

The last time I was there I tithed almost $400. My commitment to you and your parish will always be a part of my life and memories.

(2)

Two Sundays ago I waited over 20 minutes after the service to talk to you. You left and I was able to say three words to you in the hallway, “Victory is ours”. And victory is ours. Every day is a victory in the eyes of the Lord. I am committed to making the world around us as good as I possibly can as I await His Glorious Return, which I feel is very close at hand.

But, we must clear a path for Him, grow the faithful and eliminate the hatred that is rampant in this world. No God, no Saviour wants to dirty His Holy Feet with the dirt of hatred, lawlessness, jealousy, and the unfaithful. It is our duty to carry out the mission of the churches, spread the Word, save souls, and cleanse the world thru these efforts of the hatred and lawlessness that boggles my mind and clouds my thoughts.

I have the deepest love for you and your parish. I respect your privacy and security. If this message says anything at all, please take from it my apologizes for the distractions I caused by attending your services and wanting to share Gods’ Graces with you. I will not attend any more services until such time that I am invited to do so. You open your arms to everyone, but at the present time your fists are clinched when I am in your presence.

You are a strong warrior in Christ. Sometimes the intentions of two warriors clash. I don’t want a fight. I want to be accepted in peace and the understanding that I have something to offer. But mostly I want to learn from those who have walked in the Faith much longer than I have.

I sincerely hope that at some point I can be welcomed at your services and that we can share in the Glories of serving our Lord.

I wish you no harm. I only wish you accept me as you did many years ago when we first met.

Yours in Christ ….God Bless Shiloh and God continue to Bless you sir.

Respectfully:



Bryan A. Stross
Jacksonville, FL. 32207
Email: strossba@sensoryllc.com

Matthew 13



Here's the second letter...I am still deeply saddened by this happening.

Jacksonville Florida Times Union Newspaper
Letter to the Editor:
January 9, 2008 Proverbs Chapter 12

We lost a warrior this week. Saddened hearts grieve over the loss of a once respected and honored leader of our community.

Mr. Darrell L. Gilyard was a friend of mine. I met him many years ago during the construction of the new sanctuary. I was charmed by his charisma and moved by his testimony, as all of us were.

I am a member of Shiloh, perhaps one of a hundred or so caucasian members in a 7000 member congregation. I attend services occasionally and always enjoyed his message.
But a mans legacy is not built just on his words. His deeds are much more a reflection of his truth, or lack of it. No man can confess his sins to another and expect salvation from God. True forgiveness only comes thru the Lord and to Him we will all one day confess.

I pray for Mr. Gilyard that he will find this forgiveness and eventually atone for his fornications. But given the lost trust he has dispelled on this congregation and community, that atonement will be long in the making. Those that really need our prayers now are the victims in these senseless crimes. Lives have been changed forever and our community efforts should be directed at rebuilding shattered and innocent lives.

I left a letter in the Pastors in box this past Sunday. I had no idea this investigation was ongoing. I’ve thought about retrieving it, but I hope Reverend Al Letson gets it and reads it. I know Reverend Letson also and have always thought of him as a man with integrity and honesty. In good hands like his and the many others of this congregation, Shiloh will remain a “beacon of light” to those seeking relief from the darkness.

Maybe it is time we all did a little house cleaning of our own. Look around yourself and cherish the good and cast out anything that even smells of something bad.

If Mr. Gilyards past was known, Shiloh should’ve done a better job screening a potential leader such as this. No, Shiloh is not at fault for his actions. But we are at fault for being blind to Mr. Gilyards dark side. It is unfortunate that with all the good he did for this community in the past 15 years, we’ll remember this most of all.

Let’s move on with the cleansing and let the chips fall where they may.
It is all in Gods hands now and it always has been. Jeremiah Chapter 17
Respectfully:


Bryan A. Stross Jacksonville, Florida 32207
Owner/Operator Sensory Solutions L.L.C.

I think I'll go to church at Shiloh Sunday. I am sure Reverend Letson will welcome me. It is a beautiful sanctuary that I helped build. See you soon.