[Original post source here: Andrew Marinelli, via Facebook (9/17/25) ]
Once again, the Z is soliciting donations and positive stories to encourage donations. We're now 4.5 years out from the beginning of 2021's scandal, 3 years from the (confidential) settlement between the Z and the MinistryWatch reporter, and 2.5 years from the dismissal of the lawsuit against Bethany and I. I’ve not heard a single word of repentance toward Bethany (and what about Warren?), and the Z's actions against Bethany were particularly egregious.
Why? Because she was accused of things she never did. At least they sued me for things I actually wrote and did. The same is true for Warren Smith. But Bethany? Much of what they sued over were things she didn't touch and things that I did without her knowledge. They sued her in absence of evidence but when confronted with this fact, they carried on.
Is it any wonder then, that after 16+ months of suing (11/19/21 - 4/3/23), they dismissed the entire lawsuit - one business day after attorneys entered the case for us.
Those attorneys filed their appearances on Friday, Mar. 31st at 2:47pm and 5:35pm. At 3:51pm, Monday April 3rd, Z88.3 and their president Jim Hoge filed dismissal of all claims against us. We retracted nothing; no negotiation occurred, and we did not bind ourselves to any confidentiality.
I suspect that the Z used donor funds for this lawsuit. I am concerned that they self-reported using 23% of their 2023 expenses for advertising. The JOY FM came to town; now have you seen all of the Z's "Joy" billboards that followed? To this day, I stand behind Carter Kenyon and Jim Davis for their courage. I'm honored that other staff members trusted me with their stories. Hurt people connected with my kind, courageous wife.
For now, I'll post this - from April 16, 2021. Jim Hoge sent this email, which helped set the chain of events in motion. Carter Kenyon and Jim Davis are men of conscience. Despite their incomes and years of employment with the station, they went on the record (as did others) in May of 2021. Their time with the station then came to an immediate end.
While this is Jim Hoge's email, he is the president of a station that violated and attacked my wife. She has not seen a penny of restitution. They sued her in a lawsuit that he put his own name on (personal capacity). The board did not stop it. And no individual employed by the station (presently or since filing of the lawsuit) has said a single word of comfort or repentance to her, let alone challenged her or asked any questions. She has not been approached in any way, no matter how discrete or even anonymously.
If they are the "Your Z" they claim to be, you should be able to ask about these things and be met with love and respect. No cloak of confidentiality could be claimed over suing us. No such agreement was reached nor even discussed. I don’t want one, and I believe the same is true for Bethany. I invite you, unreservedly, to ask them about us, and should you receive any sort of response, further, to approach us with what you're told.
May God bless every person at the Z, Jim Hoge, absolutely, included. I disagree with what was done, and with the silence, but they are fellow image bearers. I am beyond fortunate that God loves me. Surely He loves them too, which I must never forget. I wish no revenge and acknowledge: I must always be oriented toward forgiveness.
But I count it as no revenge to warn people before they donate their money, or as they consider where they (or their children [!!] ) might look for spiritual truth and encouragement. Beth and I did not dream that things would unfold this way. It’s not my place to assume that others won’t be hurt in the future or aren’t being hurt right now. May those who’ve already been hurt be seen, supported, and loved.
If you have questions, that door is open, whether I know you or not. You matter - a great deal.
May we all remember to trust in God, even when those who say His name don’t act like it. None of that changes that He loves us.
Peace to you, and to all at the Z.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I (the same Andrew) am currently the contact point for this (clearly sparse / under development) website. If you're hurting or looking for help, please feel especially welcome to get in touch. If you are from the Z, in no way are you excluded.