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An angel for ORU

ORU Acting President Billy Joe Daugherty (left) listens Tuesday as Mart Green discusses his promised $70 million gift to the financially troubled school. In the foreground are members of the school’s board of regents. STEPHEN PINGRY / Tulsa World

 
By ZIVA BRANSTETTER World Projects Editor
Published: 11/28/2007  1:00 AM
Last Modified: 11/28/2007  1:44 PM

For more: Read the latest ORU stories, view the lawsuit and other documents and watch slide shows and video.


Family to donate $70 million if reforms made

Oral Roberts University -- whose namesake founder told believers to "Expect a Miracle" -- received an offer of a $70 million bailout Tuesday if the school will reform its practices.

The money would be enough to wipe out a massive debt troubling the school, but the offer by a Yukon businessman came only after Oral Roberts' son, Richard Roberts, had to leave the ORU presidency.

Mart Green, whose family founded the Hobby Lobby chain of craft stores, promised the gift provided the university shows "good governance" of its finances.

Green said at an ORU press conference that his family already gave the university $8 million to address immediate financial needs.

After a 90-day review process the remaining $62 million will be donated, provided that the review's findings are "mutually satisfactory to both parties," he said.

Green has no previous connection to ORU, but he called the school "God's college."

Green said he met Richard Roberts and Oral Roberts for the first time this week and that both were "very supportive" of the changes he believes are needed at ORU.

The changes, which were also noted by a recent accreditation review, involve improvements in leadership, finances and governance, Green said.

"ORU must restore its broken trust, its battered reputation and its beaten spirit,'' he said.

Richard Roberts resigned Friday as ORU's president following allegations in a lawsuit that he and his family misspent university and ministry money.

The resignation apparently was the key to Green's donation decision, which he said he made recently after following news coverage of ORU's troubles.

"When we saw Richard Roberts resign on Friday, that was the door that we said, 'All right, that was the leadership issue that has been taken care of,' " he said.

As part of the review, "we will be looking at the financial things, the legal things, the lawsuits and all that. We will do a complete business review," he said.

"The assets of this organization are its students, its faculty and its alumni, and we said we do not want to see this organization going down, and we are going to answer the call."

Green said he would expect "greater transparency" at ORU.

Significant changes in the school's board of regents may also be warranted, he said.

"As a board, they were at the helm when some of this happened," Green said.

If ORU accepts the money, Green and his family would hold two seats on its board of regents, he said.

The funds would be used to address immediate needs and help the university pay off its $52 million debt, he said.

Other items, such as a new student center, could also be considered, he said.

"But with that money there have to be changes, and that is what we have to work through together, to find out if we can come to agreement on that," he said.


Ziva Branstetter 581-8378
ziva.branstetter@tulsaworld.com


Who is Mart Green?

Home: Yukon

Family: Married to Diana Green for 25 years.They have four children.

Hobby Lobby: His father, David Green, started the Hobby Lobby chain of craft stores in the family living room in 1972 with $600.The chain now has more than 350 stores.

Mardel: Mart Green established the Christian and educational supply store in 1981, when he was 19.The chain now has 26 stores.

Bearing Fruit Communications: Green founded the nonprofit media company charged with ‘‘making known the relevance of God’s word for today’s world.’’

Every Tribe Entertainment: Green founded the full-feature film production company in 2002.The company’s movie, ‘‘End of the Spear,’’ was released in 2006 and won the grand prize at the Heartland Film Festival.


By ZIVA BRANSTETTER World Projects Editor

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Report Comment
buddy, tulsa (11/28/2007 1:11:35 AM)
"Significant changes in the school's board of regents may also be warranted, he said."

Rock on Mr. Green

Report Comment
CA GRAD, (11/28/2007 1:26:33 AM)
I am truly speechless regarding the press coverage and the current situation at ORU. I have always taken great pride that I graduated from Oral Roberts and will continue to take great joy in my decision to attend an university that has always been devoted to advancing the gospel, educating the whole man as well as healing the broken hearted. Regardless of what people think Chancellor Roberts and Former President Richard Roberts' decision to relinquish their authority should be recognize. On another note, I wish the my former professors well in their new endeavors regardless of what the outcome of the lawsuit.
Report Comment
Fifty Dollar Fine, (11/28/2007 1:38:22 AM)
From the article (Ziva, girl, you are on fire tonight): " Splitting up: Separating ORU and the evangelical association "was actually an agreement many years ago with the IRS and over time they have blended together," Pearsons said.

Although the two are separate nonprofit entities, 14 of the 15 key officers and trustees of the evangelical association are also listed as key officers and trustees of ORU.

The ministry spent most of its $12 million in revenue last fiscal year on its weekly television shows, direct mail and other outreach efforts.

Separating the two won't be simple, Pearsons said.

"There's a lot of overlap that takes place, and so we just have to sit down, go through that and make sure the proper separation is there," he said.

.

Let's see how long they tie themselves up in litigation to keep them "overlapped" for as long as possible.

Report Comment
Skeptical at Best, Troy (11/28/2007 1:38:51 AM)
From the New York Times, the REAL story:

Mr. Pearsons said that because of pending litigation, the regents would not disclose the results of an outside investigation into accusations presented to the board.

Report Comment
Alumnus, Tulsa (11/28/2007 1:43:37 AM)
Thank you Mr. Green !

You have saved ORU ! I hope you follow your investment in ORU thoughout the years. Please

assure us that the university will "get its act together". So many rely on the future of ORU!

Report Comment
Another alumnus, (11/28/2007 1:53:22 AM)
There is still so much to do at ORU, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. And no, it's not the headlight of an oncoming train. ORU has a real chance to be an excellent university. All of us wh love ORU are happy about that, and somehow, I hope that people who haven't been that crazy about ORU might be willing to reconsider the school's value as real changes are made.
Report Comment
Firstsai, University of Kansas (12/1/2007 12:37:14 PM)
There's a sucker born every minute...
Report Comment
DJ CLAY, Tulsa, OK (12/1/2007 1:34:06 PM)
ORU is a great school, I met some great people and my beautiful wife their. I completely agree the LR & RR are completely disengaged with reality...Once Lindsey & Richard are replaced the SCHOOL WILL ONCE AGAIN RISE TO PROMINENCE, because it will be honoring God...I feel so strongly about this that I put together another Parody Song about the latest RICHARD debacle and ORU'S impending return to prominence. You can find it by googling ORU Slim Shady. - DJ Clay 1/2 of the "Original" ORU SLIM SHADY.
Report Comment
Valerie, (12/16/2007 7:34:24 PM)
The only kind of prayer I'm going to pray about ORU is "Thy will be done." The whole thing is such a mess it's impossible to know the truth.
Report Comment
RobinC, DuBois (11/29/2007 10:52:28 AM)
To 294: You are so correct. I"m upset because this family set themselves up to be spiritual leaders and the conduit through which God speaks. Seed Faith, Expect a Miracle, etc. all these sermons to impressionable young adults looking for guidance in a chaotic world.

What do these students get? A first hand look at deception,greed and self-promotion all while under hiding under the guise of doing the Lord's work.

That's what disgusts me.... There are no people to look up to anymore as role models.

Report Comment
Dove, Gomex (11/29/2007 12:56:09 PM)
Who is this guy? What does he believe? Does anyone care? He comes with money and we all say he is an angel. Maybe he is a cultist. Maybe he has plans for this Univ. Be careful! Watch out! By the time all those televangelists get to him he will be broke. They are excited at the prospects of getting some of that money coming their way.

.

Watch out ORU! This may be a set up.

Report Comment
Light-7, (11/30/2007 2:04:32 AM)
Thank you Mr.Green for restoring the dream of an honest, bible trusting school.
Report Comment
Fifty Dollar Fine, (11/30/2007 10:55:10 PM)
#296 Dove - "Maybe he is a cultist."

.

If that's the case, he'll fit right in.

Report Comment
Pastor Bruce, Verdigris (11/30/2007 11:16:15 PM)
Cowboyneok ... me thinks you are very confused. You are stuck in the anti-conservative mode! It doesn't matter whether one is Democrat or Republican .... it only matters that they be a true Christian. I know members of bot parties who are as lost as the day is long, and members of both parties who are Christians, trying to struggle with why each party is more interested in their personal agenda than they are with God's plan. Get off the political kick and get back in the Bible, my friend.
Report Comment
Pastor Bruce, Verdigris (11/30/2007 11:16:29 PM)
Cowboyneok ... me thinks you are very confused. You are stuck in the anti-conservative mode! It doesn't matter whether one is Democrat or Republican .... it only matters that they be a true Christian. I know members of both parties who are as lost as the day is long, and members of both parties who are Christians, trying to struggle with why each party is more interested in their personal agenda than they are with God's plan. Get off the political kick and get back in the Bible, my friend.
Report Comment
Voting for the MAN, Tulsa (11/29/2007 4:17:31 AM)
WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH POLITICAL PARTIES? It seems if you are gay or do not believe in GOD you bad mouth republicans. Do you consider the MAN and what he stands for?

Pray for ORU and its presidency also the USA leaders.

GOD is needed to deliver the ungodliness in this country. MART GREEN AND BJD maybe friends. I hope BJD will not accept main leadership at ORU because he is a good man and everyone wants to belittle him. He does not need any more stress.

Report Comment
expert in shortcomings, Springfield, Missouri (11/29/2007 4:34:02 AM)
In reading all of the previous posts, one thing has jumped off the page at me... basically (2) sides, one encouraging temperance and not going off the deep end about human beings in leadership positions failing and perhaps acting badly and the other position encouraging demise, destruction and throwaway persons. It makes perfect sense, however, one group is keenly aware of their own shortcomings and consequently is hesitant to be overly aggressive toward others who are afflicted with the same disease of being human("ALL have sinned and come short of the glory of God!") and the other group which has not yet mastered the art of looking inward which is most times far more difficult than striking outward("Get the beam out of your own eye, and then you will be able to see the sliver in your brother's eye.") And to those of you who say that you are only "doing good" by being a part of this process, I must ask you to answer a question honestly. Will you be just as adamant about curing the ills in your own life as you are about straightening out ORU, or is it just that you are simply better than those you are accusing and they need to change immediately while your issues(we all have them) are not nearly as pressing? When we compare ourselves with ourselves, we can sometimes look very good, however, no one measures up when held to the standard that God sets for us. If we would occupy ourselves with improving ourselves, we would not have the time to worry about the failings of others. You cannot want to apply the law to others and then expect to get mercy for yourselves. This reminds me of something that John Newton said, who, after his conversion, wrote the song "Amazing Grace", " I have realized two main themes in my life, that I am a great sinner, and that God is a Great Saviour". I truly hope for the best in all our lives as we endeavour to be more like Jesus Christ on a daily basis!
Report Comment
Midwest,USA, (11/29/2007 6:37:35 AM)
201. 11/28/2007 11:50:32 AM, Friend, Moscow

"To 193: Thank you so much for your acknowledgement that they do good works. I came across these articles about ORU by accident, and I am completely disheartened by the words and attitudes of the American people. I always looked to the American church as an example, but now I am so disappointed. It is simply shocking to me. It may be called freedom of speech, but this is simply rude. I appreciate your kind and truthful words about these ministries. I am sure some have not done all things right, as it would be hard for any large organization to do everything right, but I am fruit of these ministries and I am thankful for them."

-------------------------

--Friend, I am shocked also. America is free speech and ANYONE can comment on this blog. The TW moderators of this TW blog have chosen to do very little "policing" of these blogs. If they did, it would be a major task.

--This really is no different than ~2000 years ago. They had the non-believers and believers. They had legalists, fundalmentalists, Christians, etc. Christ talked about false teachers coming. He told us to be on the look out for them. Some of the bloggers are alluding to that fact. I don't know that because I am not going to make false accusations. As you pointed out, some of the people have done good in your land.

--All I know is HE WAS INNOCENT and they crucified Him.

--It is a privilege to live in these times. Peace talks. China and Russia flexing their muscle. The bible is unfolding right in front of our eyes.

--Let's keep our eyes focused on Christ. God bless you friend and us all. Come quickly Jesus!

Report Comment
RobinC, DuBois (11/29/2007 8:47:51 AM)
First off, I am a graduate of ORU and thoroughly enjoyed my years there.

This business with Richard just angers me to no end. Do I believe he is guilty? Yes! How can he live in a multi-million dollar home(s) yet lead ORU into financial ruin? Did he contribute anything personally to help out the University founded by his own father or did he expect his followers and alumni to foot the bill???

I thought that ORU and the Roberts' ministry was the ONE ministry not run by shysters. Now it seems I have been completely bamboozled by a family of self-serving charletans who used people to further themselves financially.

Report Comment
Midwest,USA, (11/29/2007 8:51:21 AM)
266. 11/28/2007 5:22:58 PM, EYES WIDE OPEN, WICHITA, KS

@#262 FROM #242 EYES WIDE OPEN

The Greens gave a "gift" of $8 MM and will "give" the rest after they look at the books and are satisfied that ORU is going to make a course correction. They were not interested in "giving" to the titanic before it sank. The two seats do not give them controlling interest. It gives them two votes and tickets to the board meetings.

Please stop shouting and turn your cap lock off. Thanks...............

Report Comment
ORU Alum, Charlotte, NC (11/29/2007 10:15:41 AM)
To 292: Don't worry...man will always fail but God will not. Praise God for Mr. Green! I'm GLAD he waited until Richard was out...otherwise the money would've been squandered. I believe great days are ahead for our university!
Report Comment
Terry, (11/28/2007 11:11:08 PM)
Read about Randy & Paul White. The world is making fun of the Christians now! So much junk going on. Go read onine the Tampa Tribune news about them. Of course Randy's gonna stay as the pastor...what else could he do? Now I betcha the ladies will line up to try and turn the head of the single pastor who's divorce is now final! What's so sickening, is the pastor in San Antonio, Rick Hawkins, is the guy Paula line up her ministry with, and he is involved in a huge sex scandal. It's in the news as well in the WOAI San Antonio News. How screwed up is everyone??? Both Rick and his son divorced recently! How sick is the church??? I thought God said he hated divorce!?!
Report Comment
dtaylor, (11/28/2007 11:28:28 PM)
gods word says that he hates divorce, i think most people hate it too.
Report Comment
cowboyneok, Tulsa (11/29/2007 1:34:36 AM)
I think anyone who still believes ORU didn't violate IRS rules when they helped Miller's mayoral campaign is delusional. ORU should lose its tax exempt status, and so should ALL THE OTHER REPUBLICAN KKKRISTIAN organizations. If they can't stay out of politics then they need to pay taxes LIKE EVERYONE ELSE!

Report Comment
cowboyneok, Tulsa (11/29/2007 1:36:51 AM)
If ORU stuck to worshipping Jesus instead of the Republican party and money then they wouldn't BE in this trouble in the first place.
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