Sunday, January 21, 2001

California parishioner defends Cox’s honesty

By Janis Amacker
Guest Columnist

Anyone who knows Pastor James Simmons will believe the story he has told his family and friends. He is the most honest, down-to-earth Christian man you could ever meet.

My 12-year-old daughter, Kristen, and I belong to Valley Baptist Church in Salinas, Calif., where James has ministered for the past year.

We have gotten to know him on a pastoral and personal level, and he has brought extreme knowledge, joy and comfort to all those around him in our church and community.

There has never been any doubt in my mind or our church family’s minds as to the authenticity of his story and his genuine hope to one day find out who he really is and to find his family again. Anyone who says anything differently does not know the man, or know God, for that matter.

James helped my daughter and me through some very trying times when our spirits were very low and we were having some difficulties in our lives.

His sermons were always very spiritually uplifting. He always took time to ask how we were doing and offered his constant prayers for us.

He is the most humble, selfless, honest person you would want to meet, and the time he spent as pastor at our church has left me with new strength in my own life that I never felt I would have again.

Before people accuse James, or “Barre,” of disappearing purposely, leaving his wife and child behind, they should stop and think about whether there is something missing from their own lives to make such an accusation about such a wonderful man.

I spoke with James on Jan. 7 about his feelings with all that is happening at this time, and he said it was all very “emotional” for him right now and that he is “overwhelmed” by it all.

Of course he is.

He is the one this has happened to, also, not just his family.

Although, this is a modern-day miracle from God, there are so many adjustments James and his family will have to make during this time.

We all should be sending out our prayers to James and his family instead of assumptions and accusations for what others want to believe has happened. The story James is telling is the only story to tell. It is the true story.

Let’s pray the rest of James’ life will be a happy, fulfilled, blessed one with his new church, his family and all those around him who will learn to know him and love him the way all of us have here in Salinas.

We will truly miss you, Barre (although you will always be “Pastor James” to us). We love you and pray for the best in your life from this point on.

You have touched us all with your kindness and true love of God.

Janis Amacker lives in Salinas, Calif.