Swinger’s club loses peace bond fight UPDATED Dec. 16
By George Schwarz
The Amarillo Independent
The Route 66 Swingers Club didn’t prevail in a peace bond hearing held Friday against Russell Shane Grisham, a member of Repent Amarillo, but Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace Debbie Horn gave the religious group fair warning – stop the escalating aggression against the swingers.
Horn’s ruling came after a 3½ hour hearing in a makeshift courtroom in the Santa Fe Building.
“At this time, I don’t have grounds for a peace bond,” she said, adding she agreed that Repent Amarillo’s aggression had escalated.
And, she added, some of Russell Grisham’s behavior possibly constituted illegal behavior, but dealing with that was out of her jurisdiction.
Shortly before the hearing began, the nine members of Repent Amarillo who were present stood and held hands as they prayed.
Cristal Robinson, the attorney for Oren “Mac” and Monica Mead, owners of Route 66 Party and Events Rental on Sixth Avenue, argued that (1) the ongoing use of bullhorns and protesting at the club, (2) a conversation with Oren Mead, recorded on video, telling him a “surprise” was coming, and (3) the militaristic Repent Amarillo Web site and Russell Grisham’s buying the Route 66 Swingers Club Web site, which now depicts a coffin, were threats that justified a peace bond.
“Oren and Monica Mead did not know them (Repent Amarillo) from Adam,” Robinson said in her opening statement. “They have entered the private lives of the citizens of Amarillo and are harassing and stalking them. This Amarillo Taliban must be stopped.”
Robinson and Grisham sparred repeatedly as Grisham accused the attorney of asking irrelevent questions … “I will not answer until you ask me things pertaining to this case.”
After calling him to the stand, Robinson showed Russell Grisham the Web sites. He denied that they were threats and that he was a soldier in the army of God.
He also said he had nothing to do with the “warfare map” on the Repent Amarillo Web site other than setting up the template.
Robinson showed Grisham a copy of the swingers club Web site that Repent Amarillo had purchased after the domain rights had lapsed. The site shows a coffin above which are the words “R.I.P. Route66swingersclub.com, You won’t be missed.”
The “R.I.P.” for “rest in peace” applied to the Web site, not to the people, Grisham said, further insisting that seeing those words as a threat was “out of context.”
Grisham was particularly resistant when Robinson tried to establish that Repent Amarillo was running license plates, something which Grisham denied at the hearing and members of the group have repeatedly denied.
When Robinson confronted him about being untruthful on an assumed name filing with the state, Grisham said, “If you want to handle that in another court, you can.”
Members of Repent Amarillo whispered throughout the hearing and at various points laughed at Robinson, even snickering and passing notes as both Meads described their fears for their safety.
Both Oren Mead and Monica Mead testified that they feared for their lives, wondering if the Repent group would torch their building during a party or sabotage their cars.
Monica Mead cried during and after her testimony, saying she was tired of being stalked and feared for her life.
“They know when he’s out of town,” she said, referring to her husband’s traveling for work.
“I’m tired of being attacked.”
Two other members of the swingers club told the same story.
“It’s becoming more than we can deal with,” Oren Mead said.
Later, David Grisham, Russell’s father and head of Repent Amarillo, said the swingers were upset because his group had exposed the club to the public.
“At the swingers club, we’re making a stand for righteousness,” he said. “We have not broken the law. We have carried it out to the edge.”
Horn told the nine members of Repent Amarillo sitting in the courtroom that they had probably breached some laws that were not in her jurisdiction.
“I think you’re walking a thin line,” she said, advising both sides to take a deep breath and step back. “For both sides, I don’t see a good ending.”
Horn told both sides they could file another complaint if either felt a threat to life or property.
“You’re scaring them for their physical life,” Horn said. “They’re not scared for their afterlife.”
SIDEBAR
According to the Travis County Law Library’s Web site, a peace bond is issued when, “Someone has threatened to harm you or your property, and you believe she or he will carry out the threats.”
If a peace bond is issued, the defendant must deposit money with the court; if he violates the terms of the bond, he forfeits the money.
December 11th, 2009 at 8:34 pm
Amazing! Having preached the Gospel around the world in the past 20 years in places across the USA including, Skid Row (Los Angeles) where as many as 25,000 homeless fill the streets, to the projects of NYC, and New Orleans, Baltimore, and Philly (and) having preached in the Red Light District of Amsterdam, and across the Muslim nation of Turkey – - Amarillo, Texas has got to take the cake!
For the owners of a sexually deviant club to feel “threatened” by people there: taking pictures of their tags, calling them by name, shining lights, or telling them that they will spend eternity in hell – - would be laughable if the swingers lifestyle wasnt so tragic.
What it really comes down to is that after operating in “the dark” for so long, they have now been exposed for their sin. Jesus said, “The condemnation is that men loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil.”
Just as the Word prophesied – - in the last days men will call good evil and evil good. On the day of judgment it wont be a “peace bond” that these folks seek – - it will be the mercy of a Holy God who will judge them for their perversion. I pray they come to a genuine relationship with Christ before that day.
December 12th, 2009 at 10:47 am
The swingers don’t give a flip about your afterlife. We want to be safe NOW!!!!! And your freaky militant people threatening us and stalking us on a daily basis doesn’t facilitate a feeling of physical safety. Perhaps we should visit you in your home and make you feel UNSAFE!!!!
The interesting thing about people who “preach the gospel” is that they generally don’t preach to people who want to hear that crap. But they don’t get much choice because christians are pushy and self-centered, self-righteous jack-*sses. They firmly believe that THEIR way is the ONLY way. Well guess what buddy…I happen to LOVE the swinger way!!! So put that in your bible and misinterpret it…like you do everything else!!!
December 12th, 2009 at 2:13 pm
ah pastor troy from RAVEN ministries comes to the rescue!!!
most people probably would not feel threatened by repent amarillo if they didn’t break the law on a regular basis. what they do is not witnessing. it is flat out confrontation. not to mention the fact the those who are pointing the finger are guilty of many of the same things they are condemning.
December 12th, 2009 at 2:59 pm
I have been following repent Amarillo and the swingers club for quite awhile now and this takes the cake no doubt. I am not a swinger and I am not part of a group that tells others they are going to hell or a “surprize” is coming. That does sound like a threat and I am amazed that these people who say they are for the good of everyone are acting as if the devil is directing them and not God. Why would God’s people do that? I would think that God would want them to talk to them and not threaten any person for any reason. So what is their motive? Pastor Troy you are part of this group so maybe you could shed some light on the negative preaching and threats of surprise. If I was part of your group I would be ashamed of the actions that have been taken to “save” people within the swinger group.
December 12th, 2009 at 5:06 pm
OOOO, Pastor Troy!!! You, my friend, are missing the pointas the majority of your members are! The swingers are NOT afraid of God nor are they afraid of being judged. This has absolutely NOTHING to do with our judgement! This has to do with people’s safety. The swingers are NOT saying that you and your militant group cannot stand on the sidewalk and peacefully assemble. They are NOT saying that you DO NOT have the right to believe as you do and they are NOT saying that you do not have the right to speak to them about God! What they are saying is that your tactics are threatening. You and your group are breaking the law every single time you go out there. You refuse to see things from the bigger picture and you, sir, are the one (as well as your group) that will find yourselves in a pickle come time for your judgement day. I agree that each one of us will have our own judgement day, but I assure you that I am by no means afraid of standing up and taking responsibility for the actions of my own life. BUT no one is responsible for the life or actions of anyone else and they will NOT have to answer for them. If you will take the time to consider the bigger picture, you will see that there are thousands of cult groups very similar to yours all over the world today. There have been several of them throughout the years (very similar to your group) that have been in the media due to their actions. You probably know of the ones I am speaking of; however, the one that hits close to home for many of us is the one in Waco, Texas. Perhaps you remember hearing about the religious group that was lead by David Koresh. They too were like you and your group. They too thought that their way was the ONLY way! This was a tragedy as there were innocent children in there that were not given the choice of what they believed was right or wrong. These swingers are NOT asking you to stop believing or witnessing. They are asking you to do it peacefully and respectfully. See, nothing you do or your group does will EVER stop the swinging lifestyle. NEVER, Pastor Troy! So, taking pictures of people, getting license plate numbers, calling people’s employers, threatening people, following people around, and any other actions you plan to use by force will NOT work. It is only going to cause things to get out of hand and in the end… we will ALL lose! Perhaps instead of critizing what the judge stated to you, you should actually sit down and consider the reasons behind the statement. Because yes, you have the right to believe as you see it…. BUT we have the right to believe things as we see it to. That is what is so great about this country. BUT, you do NOT have the right to stalk, harass, threaten, and even harm people of this country because they do not agree with the same things as you do! So, believe me, Pastor Troy….. it is you and your group that will have ALOT to answer for on judgement day. And if I find myself in hell….. i will save you and your group a seat!!!
December 12th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
Once again the cult show they are not in touch with reality. It is obvious that the owners feel threatened by your cult and as such have the right to seek help. Can you understand that? guess not. Do you know that they also have 1 st amendment rights. again guess not.
Am I to be impressed with where you have been. Well I’m not, Just shows you are willing to show your closed mindedness around the world.
I have a idea for you why don’t see if the owners will sell your cult there building. then you will have a place since your cult can’t seam to be welcome in any Church town.
December 12th, 2009 at 6:33 pm
Glory to GOD for our VICTORY!!!
December 13th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
I am still amazed at the hatred Troy and Russell. Where does this come from? Hate crimes are illegal and it looks as though the APD and city need to be looking into your group. Where is our city officials on this and why haven’t they responded? As a concerned citizen I demand to know why this is allowed to happen. Cival Rights are being dismissed on one side and not on another.
December 14th, 2009 at 1:04 pm
wow Russell…are you reading the same article I am?? It isn’t a victory. You were told to back off…BY A JUDGE!! But I bet that since you can’t seem to listen to the police, you probably won’t abide by a court ruling either. Maybe you have some of the same gay tendencies your daddy has and you want to go see Bubba in jail??
December 14th, 2009 at 3:04 pm
I almost died laughing at Raving Minitries claim of “Victory” ! If their gaol is to “save” the swingers I would think the only victory they could possibly have would be to convert at least one of them. We must ask then what their real ambitions might be.I think their actions have shown they are trying to get the owners of the building to close down the parties. That would be a strange goal. Where do they think the group will go next. Perhaps they will buy a house close to Mr Grisham and have parties there.Nothing illegle about a home owner inviting guests to his home.That way Mr Grisham would not have to travel so far to protest. His group could meet at his house and get warm and have refreshments and facilities close at hand. They would not have to pollute the air as much running their motors to keep warm.I am sure all of his neighborhood would be quite happy with his bull horns and blinding lights. Perhaps he does not realize that there are at least a dozen swingers that live within rock throwing distace of his home.Congradulations Mr Grisham swinging has been around longer than Christianity. Sane men realize that they cannot save the world especially from what many consider harmless fun. So your mission must be to harrass them into moving their meeting place. Perhaps closer to your home.Harrasssing them will only drive them into hiding for a bit at best.Your Victory is an empty one. Faith is a poor substitute for logic and reason. Raving “MAD” Ministries has such a (not so much) well thought out goal. They have failed to convert their “Targets” so they will bully them into moving closer so they can be more comfortable while protesting. “The only thing worse than being incompetent is not knowing you are.” IF they were not such fanatics( fanatics of all religions are scary) they should be pitied.”Men never do evil so completely and cheerfully as when they do it from religious conviction.”(Pascal)
December 14th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
It is so sad that this man is so full of hate that he has to try and spread it even more so. Doesnt matter if you are gay, lesbian, any business that he disagrees with, swinger, whatever. The City of Amarillo needs to do the stand up thing and protect ALL CITIZENS from this man and is twisted followers. You cannot force feed your beliefs on anyone and still be effective. I think the man was out of his mind protesting the Halloween Haunted Houses…was he deprived as a child and not allowed to Trick or Treat? Did he allow his children too? Why does he think that someone of a different life choice is such a sinner? Why does he find humor in making someone fall and hurt themselves and to blame it on alcohol, when indeed the lady does not drink and had not drank that night? What kind of Christian is this? His remark when she fell was not of concern for her safety or welfare, and he stated “I dont care about your health, I want to save your soul.†Some “Christian†attitude!
Didnt Jesus teach us to forgive? Maybe David Koresh Grisham skipped that lesson? I guess he also missed the lesson on casting stones? Seems he has been working that throwing arm a little too much lately in my opinion. Hope that he learns to forgive as our Heavenly Father has taught us before someone gets hurt and he gets rid of the hate in his heart for his fellow man.
This “man†(in my opinion, he is a monster!) has chased, threatened, stalked, followed people, harassed….is this the Christian Way? I was raised in a Christian church and home and this is NOT what we were taught. If he is such a good Christian…then why did two very large churches in this town ask him to not associate his “ministry†with their church? His “ministry†is not concerned with saving souls, they are striving to ridicule those that do not subscribe to their beliefs and will make your life a living hell until you do. But there again, a “Christian†would not make your life a living hell now would he? A “Christian†would not use threats, stalking, bullying, etc as a means to “save peoples soulsâ€. He did not try to “witness†to the derelict who was on the streets the same night that there was an event on 6th Street, but pursued people going into the building, calling the lady a whore (casting stones? NO…not him!!!) and has even had his “followers†run to cars to photograph and on one occasion stand so close to the car that the occupants could not get out of their car.
Mr. David Koresh…I am sorry…Mr. David Grisham and his son have back talked the police on many occasions and the City of Amarillo Police Department doesnt do a thing about it. I am truly ashamed of our local police department and have absolutely no respect for a one of them since they are not here to “Protect and Serve†ALL OF THE CITIZENS OF AMARILLO. Someone with the City is going to have to stand up and man up and PROTECT ALL CITIZENS of Amarillo regardless of race, creed, lifestyle, business or organization.
Mr. Koresh…sorry my bad…Mr. Grisham has walked a fine line as stated by Judge Debbie Horn has stated, but has often jumped across that line only for the City of Amarillo Police Department to turn their heads and say….â€Oh they have a Constitutional Right†to protest. Okay…protesting is one thing, this other crap is another. Is it going to make someone getting hurt to make this a “HATE CRIME†before the City of Amarillo MANS UP?
December 15th, 2009 at 1:14 am
Main Entry: in·san·i·ty
Pronunciation: \in-ˈsa-nə-tē\
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural in·san·i·ties
Date: 1590
1 : a deranged state of the mind usually occurring as a specific disorder (as schizophrenia)
2 : such unsoundness of mind or lack of understanding as prevents one from having the mental capacity required by law to enter into a particular relationship, status, or transaction or as removes one from criminal or civil responsibility
3 a : extreme folly or unreasonableness b : something utterly foolish or unreasonable
the definition of insanity sounds familiar does it not?
December 15th, 2009 at 4:00 pm
What church do the repent amarillo and raven people attend?
December 15th, 2009 at 5:11 pm
They attend their own church, Miller. This is because no one else will accept them. My understanding is that Mr. David Grisham got kicked out of the church he was in…. but I do not know that personally. Um…. definitely gives ya something to think about.
December 15th, 2009 at 8:53 pm
Ezekiel 18:23-31 “Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked?” declares the Sovereign Lord. “Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?… Because he considers all the offenses he has committed and turns away from them, he will surely live; he will not die… Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit…”
Ezekiel 33:11 “I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways!…”
December 15th, 2009 at 10:15 pm
Troy have you discussed that scripture with the Amarillo group? It seems they do not understand that either. Your group here should also “rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit”.
Note to Amarillo City: When something happens who will be the one in the national light to defend the negligence of those that should have listened but chose not to take any action with so many complaints to the police and higher officials in this city?
Remember Waco, Texas.
December 15th, 2009 at 11:08 pm
exactly…..they seem to think it’s “ok” to lie and spread lies in the name of God. hardening the hearts of others towards God seems to be all they are doing.
December 16th, 2009 at 12:38 am
seems to me that they are rooting for the other side.
December 16th, 2009 at 6:25 am
Troy
That might work if I were a christian, fortunately I’m a Deist. If you want to try and prove something, don’t use scripture.
December 16th, 2009 at 7:02 am
Besides, I thought this was a discussion on rights as laid out in the Bill of Rights and not a discussion on theology.
As I see it, each group has a right to gather without fear of harassment. It would seem that the cult has crossed those lines many times. I think even the JP knows that by her comments, and yet, RA has not heeded the warning, instead, Little Grisham is gloating (Thought there was something in the bible where gloating and pride were bad). I have not commented much on these articles because I have been butting heads with Grisham since all this started and know him and his little group don’t care about anything but what they believe. They are trying to strip people of their rights through coercion and blackmail. They have an infatuation with the “swingers club”. They don’t protest anywhere else, they don’t harass anyone else. Troy, I am assuming its your little horde now since Grisham has joined your group. Let me ask you this, what is your goal here and explain why, without using any type of theology.
December 16th, 2009 at 7:22 pm
So what’s the name of their church? Where do they meet? I wasn’t aware this was a church. Is “Pastor” Troy really a pastor?
December 16th, 2009 at 10:45 pm
who knows! They don’t have a church, unless thompson park is a church
December 18th, 2009 at 7:15 am
I refuse to call Troy a pastor. He is sadly mistaken if he thinks endangering motorists by shining multi-million-candlepower spotlights in their eyes is not a threat to the safety of the public to such an extent that it is a felony assault in Texas. No pastor would ever think of endangering the welfare of the public like that. Nor would a real follower of Jesus break the laws by violating local nise ordinances. Also, has Troy thought about who the real sinner is once he calls attention to “sinful activities” and then someone goes to that activity? The sin is on the person calling the sin to light, for it is the person who advertises that calls people to the door.
I have been ridiculed because of my faith. I have been called that “Orthodox” person. Your ridicule of my Church shows just how ignorant you are. No real Christian would EVER dare to tear down the Church. The Orthodox Church is the OLDEST Christian Church in the world, dating back to the Apostles themselves. Perhaps you should come and see just what the Orthodox Church offers and believes, Troy. Your soul won’t burn in hell if you are who you say you are. You might just learn something, too.
Of course, if you’re the phony blow-hard heretic I see you as, you won’t show your face. Let me tell you a story. We asked our members for special donations for our Church doors that we wanted to replace. Within a few days, on the Orthodox Palm Sunday, no less, a car ran through the Narxis and destroyed the old doors. We got our new doors because of an accident. Or was that really an accident? I have met Jesus face to face at St. John’s Eastern Orthodox Church. It happened April 8, 2004 during my father’s funeral. You cannot dissuade my belief that I am where I should be. I have seen heretics like yourself destroyed by their own pride and self-indignations. Remember Jesus’ wordss? Did he not say, “Judge not, lest ye be judged?”. Your judgement will be far more severe than the swingers club. Oh, and I’ll let you cast the first stone, since I’m not without sin, either.
December 18th, 2009 at 7:16 am
Noise
December 19th, 2009 at 7:11 pm
So I see that those with the actions of hate in their heart will not speak on that hate they have. I believe they have fallen asleep or maybe they are rewritting the bible again to suit their needs. Which is it?
Also where is the APD and City on this hate group right here in our little city of Amarillo?
What other citizens of Amarillo would like to meet me down town to watch this group in action? I bet if we had a hundred or more people show up to just watch this group they would show up then.
December 20th, 2009 at 12:57 am
if you notice….the term “pastor” seems be used rather liberally within repent amarillo and raven ministries.
December 20th, 2009 at 1:02 am
they are firing insults at this link as well….www.amarillo.com/stories/121809/new_news12.shtml
March 10th, 2010 at 8:59 pm
Both Grishams are sick individuals. Can’t wait to picket David’s house in May.