Georgia 'Y' Reinstates Evangelist's Membership
by Allie Martin
July 27, 2004
(AgapePress) - A dispute has been resolved between the YMCA and a Georgia evangelist who says his membership was revoked because he was witnessing for Christ.Earlier this month, Larry Lee -- founder of Down to Earth Ministries -- says his membership to the East Cobb YMCA in Marietta was revoked by club officials who were upset that he witnessed to two teenagers outside the facility. In contrast, YMCA officials said Lee's membership was terminated not because of his witnessing efforts, but because he engaged the young men in "unsolicited, troubling conversation," gave them money, and provided contact information for his ministry. For his part, Lee explains that he often offers people money for playing trivia games as an ice-breaker. (See Earlier Story)
Now Lee says his membership was reinstated late last week after a face-to-face meeting with local YMCA officials.
"We've been dealing with something where both sides of the story have not been on the table," the evangelist explains. "[Now] both sides are out there, which is excellent -- that's how things get resolved, when the facts are laid on the table and people act in a reasonable fashion."
On the organization's website, executive director Tom McCleskey echoes Lee's comments. "As both parties took the opportunity to sit down and communicate reasonably, it became clear that this member was not and is not a threat to the safety or security of children," McCleskey states.
"Therefore, the member has been reinstated as a member in good standing. Both the YMCA and the member agree that the safety of our children deserves the highest priority, and both are committed to upholding this important standard."
Lee believes God has used the situation for good. "A lot of people heard the gospel through this whole scenario," he says. "And I think it also showed that reasonable people can listen to their God-given conscience and work things out in a reasonable way without running to get into a courtroom environment to have other people resolve the issue for them."
Lee shares that he has agreed not to witness to teenagers on YMCA property. However he says he will be allowed to talk to adults about Christ.
