Lanthorn.com
Last updated Thursday, September 25, 2008 at 8:35 AM
GVL/ Katie Mitchell
Jolting sermon: Preacher Michael Venyah gets passionate and causes much controversy on Grand Valley State Universities Campus this Monday and Tuesday.
Outspoken preacher sparks controversy
By Kyle Meinke
9/24/2008
A Lansing man has been condemning gays and other groups this week, a message that is inciting resistance among many students.
Michael Venyah, co-founder of Soulwinners Ministries International, began preaching Monday near the blue Transformation Link on the Allendale Campus. His message claims each Grand Valley State University student is going to hell for homosexuality, listening to rock and roll, wearing "slutty" clothes, smoking cigarettes, masturbating and other "sins."
"You all are headed to hell," he shouted at a group of students who gathered around him. "You are all hypocrites. You all are heathens. I am not a sinner, I am perfect. But you're not; you're all headed to hell."
Venyah, 40, is joined this week by his wife Tamika, their two young children, Paul and Anna, and three others. Their message has attracted large crowds of students and staff throughout the week.
"The message in a nutshell is obey Jesus, or burn in hell," Venyah told the Lanthorn Tuesday. "The way people respond to the message is, in general, very resistant. The majority of people don't like to hear our message. But the Bible shows us that when prophets preach, most will show resistance."
Student reaction
Opposition has come in a variety of ways.
Signs, like "Hate does not represent me, my faith or my community," have dotted the crowd. Some broke out into hymns or formed prayer groups, while other students engaged the speakers in verbal confrontations and arguments.
Film and video student Dan Rickabus led a group of musicians Wednesday that began playing music under the Transformation Link, forcing the speakers to the grass near the VanSteeland Arboretum.
"Everyone was so angry (Tuesday), so we're just trying to bring some love to the scene instead of crazy amounts of hate," Rickabus said. "And what has love? Music. That's a lot better than just being pissed, (which is) what they want."
Soulwinners plans to continue speaking through Friday, but some are claiming the university should step in before then. Sophomore Becky Takacs said the group should be removed from the campus for committing bias crimes.
"These are hate crimes disguised as free speech," she said. "They are persecuting everyone. He called me a 'lustful individual' because I'm engaged. I saw another girl break down in tears because he pointed at her and said 'You're nothing but a pervert.' We should have the right to go to class without feeling intimidated and threatened."
Other students, such as senior Jim Sanford, maintain the group should be allowed to stay, but the group is abusing its right to free speech.
"It does seem like maybe they are pushing this a step too far," the Middleville native said. "(Tamika Venyah) told a girl flat out that if you are raped or sexually molested you are going to hell, because that is sex before marriage."
Even Christians are disagreeing with the message.
"I am compelled to wonder how many people they have ever converted, with their threatening message, verbally-abusive tactics and down right disrespect for people," said senior Derek Plumb. "How can they misinterpret the Bible so badly where they are claiming to represent a man so loving and peaceful and forgiving, but in ways that are disgraceful, rude and hurtful?"
Both the Department of Public Safety and the Dean of Students Office have received numerous complaints and request for service. DPS officers have been deployed to the scene, but the group has committed no crimes, said Brandon DeHaan, assistant director of DPS.
Free speech or bias incident?
Officials have been reluctant to impede Venyah's visit, citing his constitutional right to freedom of speech.
"The First Amendment is an overarching consideration from a legal perspective," said Tom Butcher, legal counsel for GVSU. "People generally have a right to say what they want. A university as a state entity can regulate reasonable time, place and manner, but not content of speech."
The university has designated the Transformation Link area as an open forum space, as well as the Cook-Carillon Clock Tower Plaza. Soulwinners reserved the area prior to its arrival, a step requested, but not mandated, by the university.
Butcher said these areas are provided specifically for the purpose of free speech without regard for content, and those offended by that speech have the option either to not engage the speakers or to completely avoid the area.
Bias incident protocol is reserved for incidents in which speech turns into behavior, or when speech occurs within unavoidable or personal quarters such as dormitories, Butcher added.
"The Constitution gives all of us the freedom to express ourselves, which means that the institution can't restrain that right based on content -- even if its content we find absolutely objectionable or despicable," said Bart Merkle, GVSU dean of students. "But what students should keep in mind is they want to engage people in shouting matches -- that is what they want. I always encourage people, if you don't like what you're hearing, don't spend a nano second on them."
Bob Stoll, the director of the Office of Student Life, said numerous students have approached him wondering why GVSU does not stop the group.
"What (those students) need to understand is that most universities provide areas on their campus for open dialogue," he said. "On a college campus, you want to encourage the expression of ideas, even if they don't reflect your own. That is part of the educational mission, to provide a forum for good dialogue and freedom of speech."
Soulwinners Ministries
Venyah first came to GVSU last October, and has returned for the duration of this week as part of a tour of Midwest college campuses. He is scheduled to preach from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. today and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday.
Last week, he spoke at Ferris State University, and said he plans to travel to Western Michigan University next. During the semester, he plans to visit nine Michigan schools and a few more in neighboring states.
Venyah started Soulwinners in 2004 and began touring the country in a motorhome. The Venyah family typically travels alone, but they are often joined by "other brothers and sisters in Christ," Venyah said.
The preacher said he plans to return to GVSU in March or April, but that a possible trip to India might cancel that visit.
news@lanthorn.com
Comments:
19 comments
: 5/1/2009
It is not that what he is saying is false. No.. it is true. The bible makes that clear. Either we believe the bible or we don't. However, the *manner* in which he says it shows that he knows little of the the spirit of Christ. For in truth, it is NOT by what a man preaches that we should "know" him. The bible disagrees with this preacher. For ANY man can read words and quote them... Even SATAN!! quoted scripture.. People it is NOT enough JUST to quote scripture.. Rather, the WOrd tells us that by their fruits do we know them.. So what are their fruits? The bible, and I love the Word, talks heavily on the holiness, righteousness, but also mercy, meekness, longsuffering... it is THESE things that makes a man of God a man of God. Sure Jesus did not mince his words.. But he was not a man who shouted and slandered and pointed fingers in the street " for he shall not bend a read" in the market place.. Rather, though I know not the man in question, I suggest that people pray for him.. For like Paul of Tarsis.. he truly believes this is the work of God. He is zealous and is laying down his time for God. Yet, like Paul, he is *harming* the body more than healing it. Instead of threatening behaviour or adversity... Meet this man with scripture and let the Lord convict his heart. For if he will not hear scripture, then why would he preach it?
: 12/6/2008
No Crimes Committed?
DPS said that there was nothing that could be done because no crimes have been committed, what about harassment or disturbing the peace? I think if GVSU allows this to continue they may have to arrest this group for inciting a riot. DPS and the Office of Student Life should really take another look at this situation. I understand the right to free speech, but what about the rights of the students and staff on campus? Students and others on campus have the right to walk to class or to their places of employment without fear of being threatened, intimidated or harassed. The have the right to feel safe on campus. I am all about free speech but I think this group has crossed the line.
blank : 9/26/2008
commen
I this the issue isn't free speach is a question of slander. Calling a young girl is slander. Slander as we all know is illigal and wrong, and thats when the university should step in.
Alaina : 9/26/2008
Preacher
I do agree that Grand Valley is home to many different groups and they are all entitled to their opinion. However, this group does not need to come to our campus and insult our students. My friend was listening to them speak and they used her as an example and called her a whore. They also picked out other students calling them sinners. If that was any other group, students would react the same way. Actually, I would hope that Grand Valley would not allow groups to come on campus and verbally abuse their students.
Carlos : 9/25/2008
Preacher
Although I don't agree with everything these people have to say, I wish when interacting with them, students would be a bit more polite and treat them with respect. Although many students have treated them with respect, there have been some who have been disrespectful and rude around them. If this behavior was happening with someone supporting, for example, homosexuality, to say the least, no one would stand for it, and it would probably be considered very hateful. But when it comes to the perhaps “extremist Christian,” who “everyone” disagrees with, no one seems to mind when someone acts rudely. I thought we were supposed to accept everyone for having different viewpoints, even if those viewpoints might offend us? Why such a double standard?
: 9/25/2008
Hannah, thank you for summing up exactly how I feel. I have never felt as much love on the GVSU campus as I did today. All those students from different walks of life came together to tell these people that what they are doing is wrong. It was incredibly unifying.
d. bruce chapmanovitch : 9/25/2008
The Venyahs
The Bible warns of False Prophets. Mr. Venyah has failed to accurately quote from the Bible, and certainly isn't speaking with the power of the Holy Spirit. There isn't a person on the earth who lives a sinless life. The presumption of speaking it, let alone thinking it, explicitly implies he is in deception. When God speaks through a man, people are convicted of their sin and not condemned by it. When listeners are walking away, shaking their heads and saying things like, "I'll never become a Christian," it then becomes time to look at the speaker as a tool of the devil who doesn't have a clue that he is.
Hannah Hulsey : 9/25/2008
Look at the Bigger Picture
At first, a lot of what they were saying really got to me. I am not a very religious person at all, but I was getting pretty riled up when one girl said "my God accepts everyone" and the preacher said "well your God is the Devil". They are saying offensive things, yes, and they are turning people away rather than bringing them in. But today I was out there for maybe three hours and we were laughing and enjoying ourselves as we came together to fight for what we believe in. We held up signs and danced and sang...we hung out with people we'd never even seen before, just because we were fighting for the same thing. We crowded around one guy who was reading loving, passionate passages from the Bible and when he said something we agreed with, we all applauded him for making his point. I think that this was the purpose of them coming. I think that rather than being angry, we should be thankful. It brought us together and a university and a community, and I know that because of that, I gained a little bit more faith than I had before. That is what's important about them being here. We shouldn't be mad that they came, we should thank Grand Valley for allowing them here because in my opinion, the real truth is that we should love and defend each other from the evils that we believe are out there...and that is what this experience has done for us.
b_alumni : 9/25/2008
Precher
someone please hit him in the head with a sign.
Jason : 9/25/2008
Leave them alone.
By standing there and arguing, counter-protesting, or just lingering in the area, you are amplifying their voices. Just leave them alone. If you want to see what they are about, you can briefly walk by. However, don't give in to them. They WANT you to argue with them.
Alumnae : 9/25/2008
Preacher Man @ GVSU
In my time at GV, there was a different group of men and women like this Preacher Man who gathered outside Au Sable Hall just as is happening this week. I recall many students in pure anger screaming back our just sitting there crying. Its important to remember, Grand Valley Students, that our beloved campus is home to an abundance of faiths and no matter what interruptions are faced, its students and faculty always have the strength and love for each other and God to overcome all trauma inflicted. No matter how angry students today are because of this Preacher Man, learn from it what you disagree with, and become a stronger follower of whatever path you may choose.
: 9/25/2008
"Don't mess"
I agree with Ben. Students want to get all pissed off by his message and counteract it. But we could be so much more effective if we didn't even give him credence, if we all just walked by. I would love to see them try to shout their message to a non-existent crowd. That would be my challenge to the university.
Seasoned Vet : 9/25/2008
Crossed the lin
They have NO right to call anyone any names or put any student in tears according to their beliefs. I got in his face so he could feel how he was treating others, and just think, he has rights and we pay the tuition:?????????
Ben : 9/24/2008
"Don't mess with a missionary man"
It is completely useless to argue with these people. If they’re dead-set on believing the world is flat, absolutely nothing you say to them will convince them otherwise. I know this because I grew up surrounded by that kind of mentality, and for a while I was even part of it. Rewarding their efforts with any kind of reaction is only going to give them more reason to fight for their cause. Talking back to them, arguing with them, giving them press coverage—all of this is just adding fuel to their fire and brimstone. They came here with a message, and we showed them it was heard. When these people come back (and they will), do not waste your breath on them—save it. Do not give them any fruit for their labor; do not even throw rotten vegetables. They feed off of the attention we give them, so let us give them what they deserve: nothing. Let their hungry hate feed on our silence, so they may starve—and die.
anonymus : 9/24/2008
preacher
If I went to church and this guy was preaching I'd get up and leave in the middle of the "sermon"
Parent of GV Student : 9/23/2008
Preacher Man
I would like to comment on the faculty member that said this article was a waste of time, if you felt that the reporter and the Lanthorn wasted their time and efforts, then why in the world are you reading the article, didn't you waste your time reading it. I feel any news is good news, and is worth reading whether it pertains to political issues, religous issues or some other issue. If an article creates conversation among people then the paper did its job.
Nathan : 9/23/2008
Preacher
This man is offensive. Not only to the students of Grand Valley, but to Christians as a whole. His message of hate is not correct. The truth is we all deserve to go to hell. But Jesus died on the cross so that we do not have to. Every sin that we committed Jesus took with him and nailed it to the cross with him. And the fact is, we are all sinners; including that self-righteous "preacher". If I am going to hell, then so is he. Just because I don't go to his cultic church or posess the same values as he does not mean that I am going to hell. God loves everybody. Every single one us was saved from our first breath. All we have to do is accept it. It does not matter what you have done, where you come from, what religion. We just have to accept that we are saved. Who is this guy to judge? Jesus did not say go out into the world and condemn everybody! Jesus said go out into the world and preach the gospel!!! But this man's distorted view says that no matter what I do, no matter what I say, I'm going to hell. So why did Jesus even bother coming done on a "damned" earth and offer him up as a sacrifice?!!!
Thomas : 9/23/2008
Kids?
He brought his kids? How old are they? Perhaps they should be in school, and not joined with their parents keeping people distracted from their own education. If they are young enough, perhaps someone should contact child welfare.
alumni : 9/23/2008
stop
I can’t believe that this man’s rhetoric warrants a “breaking news” headline on the The Lanthorn. This sort of press and reaction will keep him coming back. Don’t acknowledge him in the paper, and students shouldn’t acknowledge him when they pass on campus
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