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Prevo Honored On 40th Anniversary At Anchorage Baptist Temple“I don't know of any church like it anywhere in the country."Forty years in the desert ... 40 days and 40 nights of rain ... -- 40 is a key number in the Bible. And so it was Sunday at the Anchorage Baptist Temple, where Pastor Jerry Prevo was honored for his four decades of service. Parishioners saw a video chronicling Prevo’s history at the church: "In 1971, Jerry, Carol and their son Allen left all they knew in Tennessee and trusted God as they moved north to Alaska." At Northern Lights and Baxter, the Baptist Temple, through Prevo’s media outreach, has become perhaps the most recognized church in Alaska. "It's a tremendous thing,” said superstar evangelist Franklin Graham, whose relief organization Samaritan’s Purse has worked with Prevo in providing assistance to rural Alaska villages following fires and natural disasters. “I don't know of any church like it anywhere in the country." Some of the most moving tributes came from Alaska politicians, including Congressman Don Young, who endured a criminal investigation that ended in no charges being brought. “The one man that stood by me was Pastor Prevo," Young said. “Because he asked me, 'congressman, are you innocent in the eyes of God?' and I said 'yes I am.' 'Then he will help you.' And never once in four years I did not have that hand on my shoulder." And Governor Sean Parnell, who once attended school on the Baptist Temple campus, said that his one-time feud with Young is over, thanks to Prevo. Parnell: "Dr. Prevo is still involved in my life, bringing reconciliation and healing between me and Congressman Don Young." While the audience of 2,200 people came to praise Prevo, the speakers in the service did not shy away from discussing the pastor's controversial role in Alaska and Anchorage politics. Graham said Prevo has been under attack politically because he sticks to the Bible: “And he wants the best for this city, he wants the best for this community, for this state, and he holds to God's standards. And we need to support him and we need to get around him because it's going to get worse in the months to come." Prevo says being a lightning rod has been stressful, particularly when he expresses his opposition to homosexuality. "And every time that comes up, that's a tough time. Our church was set on fire, shots have been fired at my son, threats have been made to me and my wife, and so that's always a difficult time." But his parishioners like that he doesn't back down. "And he doesn't pull any punches,” said Donald Ross. “He says what he believes. He says what the Bible says. And that's what we want to hear." Forty years on, Jerry Prevo is still in the pulpit. |
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Greg said on Sunday, Oct 9 at 10:43 PM
As described in the bible, Jesus preached love, tolerance, and forgiveness of sins. He did not condemn and vilify as his so-called followers do today. He did NOT ONCE condemn homosexuality in any of the gospels. He DID, however, walk around in simple clothing, eat simple meals, and live a simple, low key existence. He did not seek to evade taxes, nor did he help his disciples to do so. He did not seek wealth or prominence. He did not seek praise or honor for his work- work vastly greater and more important than Jerry Prevo will ever hope to accomplish. Whether the man the bible calls Jesus ever really existed on earth is debatable (no historical document mentions him), but his teachings and beliefs (according to the book Prevo claims to represent) are very much at odds with the lifestyle and teachings of Jerry Prevo.
75041303cooljulie said on Sunday, Oct 9 at 10:08 PM
Prevo is the ultimate hypocrite. No surprise Don Young is buddies with him- two peas in a pod. Don screws over the Alaskan Natives in the same way Prevo screws over his followers. He loves to say the bible condemns homosexuality, but forgets it also condemns congregational leaders who are materialistic and vain. I've known many 'Christ-like' ministers and Prevo gives me the creeps. He's about as morally bankrupt as it gets. If there is in fact a hell with fire, he better be prepared to get toasty.....
75040784justsayin said on Thursday, Oct 6 at 12:45 PM
Word is that Prevo asked for two sets of books. When it was denied then they crucified those they cannot forget...or what they asked them to do...things are not what they seem...
74884079To A.B.T. Member..Nothing is wrong getting said on Tuesday, Oct 4 at 6:48 PM
Tax exemptions for the pastors, bishops, priest, etc for churches,housing, BUT when your janitors, school teachers, general workers for the church do, "THAT IS WRONG" Prevo had Glen Clarey go to the law makers & get the law changed to include TEACHERS. That is WRONG> I too go to the church, but do not condone having laws changed for personal gain, and that is what was done. People are NOT BLIND & STUPID. Prevo isen't preserving 'INTEGRIGY" BY making his own rules for profit. Shame on him!
74784252ABT MEMBER said on Tuesday, Oct 4 at 6:06 AM
Mike J...As a guy who attends and is employed at ABT...please check your facts before you make yourself look stupid. There are not 25 tax free properties. The Original church sign was set on fire...im not sure the year because it was before my time but i've seen the pictures. Shots have been fired at Dr Prevo's son...i know allen personally and have heard the story many times. I also would like you to explain what is wrong with a church providing their pastoral staff with housing? Is that Biblically wrong? illegal?
74748437Midgardian said on Monday, Oct 3 at 10:09 PM
Wow. He was honored by HIS OWN CHURCH. What an accomplishment(!)
74737541Really?? said on Monday, Oct 3 at 9:48 PM
First I've ever heard of the shots and fire. Thinking if that really happened it would have made front page.. hmm,
74737254CONGRADULATIONS TO PREVO.... said on Monday, Oct 3 at 8:24 PM
But, he could NEVER have done any of it without the support of the hard working middle and lower class congregations tithes, donations,sacrificial givings.No man is an Island, and all credit is not due him alone.He got where he is due to GOD'S grace & the people that SUPPORTED him his entire career.The people that stood by him all these years without any fanfare will get their rewards from GOD in heaven on judgement day.It won't be from paster Prevo that is for sure. Hope he realizes what the PEOPLE have done for him to give him the life style he enjoys now.There are too many "HAVE-NOTS", only a few "HAVES".
74735694Mike J. said on Monday, Oct 3 at 8:00 PM
My bad,there were shots fired near ABT... At a bear walking thru the neighborhood.
74734922Mike J. said on Monday, Oct 3 at 7:57 PM
Oh yeah, Prevo such a martyr. Expensive house, clothes, vehicle. And Prevo Corp basically providing $300k houses for their 'Pastors', at least 25 tax free properties. Would love to read more about the church fire, the gun shots and all, but doesn't seem to be much documentation. Not surprised.
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