Napier Elim Church

The Dom Post reports:

The pastor of a Napier church that took at least $20,000 in donations from a disabled rest home resident has allegedly tried to “heavy” the man into signing a document clearing the church of blame.

Napier’s Oasis Elim Church pastor Bruce Collingwood confirmed he turned up at the rest home yesterday to ask Whetu Abraham, who uses a wheelchair, to sign the document.

Otatara Rest Care and Rehabilitation manager Lucy Dever described the move as disgusting. Staff stopped Mr Abraham signing the letter until he had legal advice.

Ms Dever trespassed Mr Collingwood from the rest home.

“He was standing over Whetu and [appeared to be] very angry. This guy was way out of line. He tried to heavy him into signing the letter.”

Mr Collingwood’s actions came after The Dominion Post revealed the church took nearly $12,000 from Mr Abraham last year and about $10,000 in 2008.

Mr Abraham, 54, is a partial tetraplegic with head injuries, after being hit by a car in 1986. Ms Dever said the church now had the last of his life savings and he could not afford dental care for rotting teeth.

Many churches do great good in their communities, helping those most in need. A small minority prey on the vulnerable, as appears to be the case with the Napier Elim Church.