I think that it is important to note that even in the midst of our trials with the city, there were many who were very supportive of our community. The letter by Ann DeHuff Peters, M.D., a research physician from UCLA is a great example of that support. Several of the children from our community were a part of her study. She was researching the effects of alternative lifestyles on the health and development of children. As can be seen in this letter, she really affirms us. I might add that she was a big help in getting us the status as a foster parents home as discussed in an earlier posting.
Clay discusses his experiences in assembling and producing the musical, "Come Together." This was a great, ecumenical production. I think that he was right that the musical itself was secondary to the real coming together of the churches in Chula Vista. Many of the cooperating churches were very supportive of us.
On a personal note, I found it very interesting that even some pastors who would rail against us, would call us when they had an emergency too big to handle. I remember the time that a pastor called saying that he had a young person on drugs that needed help. He was unable to help, but thought we would be just the ticket for her healing. Then he asked if he could bring her over to us.
This brings us to Ken's article. Why were we such a healing place? Of course the basic answer is that this was a place where Christ was free to heal; he is the healer, not us. But Ken's article gets to another part of the truth. Our households were a safe place! People could let down their guards. They could be open and honest with their hopes and fears; and still be accepted. I know that there are those who experienced actual and/or perceived abuses in the households. I am not dismissing these charges, but I still believe that day in and day out, the atmosphere in the households was one of acceptance and healing.
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