and left them with just a few months to rearrange their lives. Many of them are ill and without any great resources.
Park Residents May Sue ChurchDAVID MILLS/THE LEDGER
The park, home to many retired missionaries and clergy, is owned by the
Peninsular Florida Distirct of the Assemblies of God church.LAKELAND - It hasn't come to it yet, but some residents of Bethany Mobile Home Park, who include retired Assemblies of God clergy, say they may sue their church to overcome an impasse brought about by the sale of their community.
Southeastern University, which is affiliated with the church, wants the land, and that has left many residents wondering where they will live.
..."Many homes in the park are too old to move, and in some cases the cost would be prohibitive.
Residents say that so far there's been no offer of compensation. Some have invested $10,000 or more to purchase and upgrade their homes.
"We've had calls from the Mennonites and the Baptists," said Linda Shelley, whose parents own a home in Bethany Park. "There's a lot of support in the community. They're shocked that our church left us high and dry."
More about this park, and some of their residents. They trusted the church, as this was set aside for them in the 50s as a retirement place.
Assembly of God Church sells mobile home park from under missionaries and retired pastors.This just struck me as sad. It is nice park, well-kept. Many of the people here are retired missionaries of that church or retired pastors. It is not a large park. The Assembly of God academic arm, Southeastern University, is growing into a massive entity here. From a small bible college it is now host to such "illumaries" as Sean Hannity and Zell Miller.
The retirees from church positions tried to talk to the church leaders, but it made no difference. I think Southeastern could have let this be, built their entertainment center elsewhere. Those who devoted their lives to the church are disillusioned.
DAVID MILLS/THE LEDGER
John Shelley, who moved from Canada to Lakeland with his wife, stands outside his home in Bethany Mobile Home Park on Friday. Residents have been told they have to vacate by Oct. 1 because the park has been sold to Southeastern University.