Expert: Rev. Stuart Woodward - 4/6/2004

Question
My husband had a nervous breakdown from many triggers and the psychiatrist told us he couldn't manage his grading business anymore from stress. He and his silent partner dissolved it.

God was getting his attention, he had strayed so far away. Now he's got his priorities in the right order, but he's got recovering still to do.

We've sold what the business owned to pay some business debts and let the equipment be repossessed or other people took over payments, except a dump truck which we paid for ourselves and kept and we are renting out our dozer to make it's payments. So when my husband is able to work again he'll have something.

Our partner just wanted out and since the bills are not in his name he's not paying and my husband isn't in a state to argue right now. These outstanding supplier bills (nurseries, concrete and stone, repair services, business property tax) are totaling $20,000. They are all in my husband's name.

I haven't found a job yet, and we have zero money. We are selling almost everything we own personally to pay for electricity, insurance, necessities, etc. God's been meeting our personal needs right on time as usual.

How do I contact these suppliers so they'll leave us alone for a while? Some come to our home and I don't answer the door. Some are understanding. A few have gone to the magistrate, but I don't answer the door since the first time he showed up.

It may be several months before we'll have income to make payments to these people. And then if working regular jobs it may take years to pay everyone especially with those that keep adding interest charges.

What should I do to calm them down? We don't want to file bankruptcy because we live in a small town and we want to pay these people, they are small businesses like we were.

Do you have any suggestions as to a letter with scripture to send to them that may help us from "hiding". I've had to tell my 3 and 5 year olds not to answer the door or phone.

I'm having to handle all of this to keep my husband's progress up. The doctor said one trigger could set him back right now.

One thing, God has made me so strong, more than I ever imagined I could be!

Answer
Dear Blake,
Thank you for your question. It is clear that you and your husband are going through a difficult time. I minister in England and the culture here, I expect, is rather different to your own. Here we would tend not to quote scripture in a letter to people to whom we owed money. For that reason you might want to try one of the other experts. However, I would be inclined to write a friendly letter explaining your situation and stressing your desire to pay what is owed rather than go bankrupt which would be your only other option. At the bottom of the letter you could simply include the words 'Matthew 5:7'. I am sorry I cannot be of more help but I do trust and pray that the Lord will see you through this time into better days.
Stuart Woodward