False accusations by a Preacher of the Gospel?
By Guy Ward
UPDATE: Friday, December 15, 2022
Please scroll to the bottom of this article to where a line of asterisks are and it begins “Mr. Carlisle sent me the below message via Facebook Messenger” to read the update.
Note: This article was originally written in October 2022 but the decision was made not to publish it at that time. However because additional false claims have been made on his Facebook page, it was decided to publish it now in December 2022. Be sure to check out the Updates concerning his most recent hate filled Facebook post at the bottom of the page. He not only attacked me with false accusations but others as well.
The following post came from a friend who received it through Facebook messenger from a Mr. Josh Carlisle who claims to be the Pastor of the Hampton Road Baptist Church:
This is a complete fabrication. There is not an ounce of truth in it. I had heard that this rumor (lie) was floating around during the primary. I may have just found the source.
So, who is he telling this to? If he sent this to someone he doesn’t even really know, who else is he telling or sending this garbage to?
Why does this Mr. Carlisle hate me so? I don’t believe I have ever met this man and he knows NOTHING about me. If I did meet him, I don’t recall but he seems to ignore the Word of God. To say I have “dirty hands” is an insult to my integrity and believes, and if he was spreading this lie during the primary campaign, he may have ruined a good man’s reputation and I’m contemplating a lawsuit.
If he’s a preacher of the Gospel as he claims, he doesn’t follow his own teachings, but of course false prophets don’t. 1 Thessalonians 5:21 says, “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.”
Mr. Carlisle (I call him Mr. Carlisle because I personally don’t believe him to be a true preacher as he claims because no preacher would say such lies) breaks one of the Ten Commandments with his false accusations against me:
Exodus 20:16 – Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
In none of Mr. Carlisle’s posts and messages does he really give you documentation or links to the truth. In this article, you’ll find that everything I say is backed up with proof. Something that is evidently foreign to Mr. Carlisle.
In his post he said, “Go look at Guy Ward’s votes and the people giving to his campaign within 24 hours benefiting from his vote.”
Really? Well, let’s do that!
Here are two pages from my campaign’s 2022 first quarter financial report showing contributions to my campaign during this past regular session. Keep in mind the session ended on March 12, 2022.
How did any of these people who gave before March 12th benefit from my vote or votes? They didn’t. Let’s look at Mr. Jack and Mr. Rexroad on the first page and all three of the individuals excluding myself on the second page. All five gave before the session had ended. All are personal friends, and they were the only ones who gave before the session had ended. They gave expecting nothing in return. They know my heart and they believe in me.
He also said, “Check out the certificate of need vote and then look at who donated during the few days it was up for discussion.” Okay. Let’s do that.
Oh, its’ the same two pages from the same campaign financial report. Imagine that.
By the way, the Certificate of Need discussion took place on January 31, 2022. So, according to his accusations, those donations would’ve showed up around that time-period, but they didn’t. Hmmm, I guess he told a big lie, didn’t he?
NO ONE on these two pages of my campaign’s financial report who gave before March 12th benefited from the failure of the certificate of need bill by me voting against it. And why is he so worried about my one vote? There was eleven other members on the committee that voted against it too. I supposed they were bribed also according to his accusations.
Yes, my campaign received a $1,000 donation from the Hospital Association PAC after session. This is not a bribe. No one promised me anything for my vote on this issue or any issue for that matter. Political Action Committees donate to campaigns of those who support them during their term. Also, according to state code it’s illegal to promise a lawmaker a contribution to their campaign for their vote. The person doing this can face criminal charges and lose their right to lobby, which is very important to them. These individuals who lobby and advocate for bills will not take that chance. Anyone who tells you they do, is a liar.
And yes, the $1,000 donation was part of a fundraiser for my campaign that raised $5,150. Another claim by Mr. Carlisle is, “You will find several different donors names representing the same organizations.” OH REALLY? Which organizations are those? Is he impling the West Virginia Hospital Association and Mon Health?
Here’s another page from the same campaign financial report that deals with my campaign fundraiser on March 17, 2022:
Almost all the attendees have a connection with Fairmont State University and not with WV Hospital Association or Mon Health. David Goldberg, who helped sponsored the event and gave $500, is a good friend of mine and the CEO for Mon Health. However, I came to know him through his ties to Fairmont State University and not Mon General. You see, David at the time was the Chairman of the Fairmont State University Board of Governors. Dr. Mirta Martin, President of FSU at the time, also attended my campaign fundraiser as well to show her support though she didn’t give a contribution. You see, this fundraiser was more tied to my association with FSU than Mon General or the West Virginia Hospital Association. By the Way, Mon Health doesn’t donate to campaigns.
The West Virginia Hospital Association PAC later gave my campaign a second donation of $1,800, which brought it to the maximum of $2,800. Besides my two campaign contributions I received from them, here’s a list of all but two of the contributions they gave to campaigns after session:
The other two donations not listed were to the campaigns of Riley Keaton ($1,400) and Roger Hanshaw ($1,000).
All total, they gave to 49 legislators’ and first-time candidates’ campaigns for a total of $90,800. Again, these are not bribes and none of the legislators on this list were promised a contribution to their campaign for their vote. This is above board and legal. That’s why we have an Ethics Commission, and all legislators, lobbyists, and advocates must take Ethics training and sign a verification form.
By the way, the lobbyists representing healthcare are some of the best and most trusted people you’ll meet. They wouldn’t dream of offering a bribe because they’re honest people. After all, they’re representing the doctors and hospitals that take care of you. So, Mr. Carlisle is calling their integrity into question as well. They know about his false accusations and their lawyers are studying them.
Also, concerning the certificate of need issue, when Delegate Summers tried to do a strike and insert to a bill on the floor of the House to eliminate the certificate of need (the same thing that failed in committee), it was voted down on the floor 59 to 38, and 42 of those 59 nays were Republicans, representing the majority of the Republican caucus. The bill that died in committee would never have passed on the floor anyway. Here’s a copy of the roll call vote:
Please note that five Delegates (Hardy, Foster, Hanshaw, Householder, and Rowan) who voted to eliminate certificate of need received a contribution to their campaign from the WV Hospital Association. WOW! They voted against the West Virginia Hospital Association’s position and still received a donation. Imagine that.
By the way, Delegate Pinson, a true Baptist preacher who preaches at Grace Baptist Church, voted against this amendment and against eliminating CON. His campaign received a $2,800 contribution too. According to Mr. Carlisle’s reasoning, he must’ve been bribed too.
And then there was Delegate David Kelly who voted against it too and received a $1,000 contribution to his campaign. He also is a preacher.
So, why did so many Delegates go against eliminating the certificate of need in West Virginia? Most likely because Republican legislators in states like Indiana are trying to bring it back after it was eliminated several years ago. Proponents of certificate of need in Indiana argue that the process could prevent the rampant growth of hospitals that drives up the cost of health care. South Carolina went through the same argument this year too and decided not to eliminate it.
I proposed a certificate of need bill (HB4549), which would’ve eliminated probably as much as 85% of the certificate of need applications and gave hospitals and healthcare clinics a lot more leeway and help lower costs.
You see I don’t like the certificate of need process either, but we can’t eliminate it entirely because states are finding out that some controls are necessary to control costs, save jobs, and to specially ensure the proper healthcare. For some reason, Mr. Carlisle doesn’t believe that legislators can think on their own and that every idea from a lobbyist is a good idea. True legislators weigh the benefits against the drawbacks and then will make an educated decision.
Things changed in the healthcare industry after the Federal Government instituted Affordable Healthcare (Obamacare) in 2010. Today, almost 75% of healthcare in West Virginia is controlled by the government both state and federal. Where’s the free market? There isn’t any. A free market must have 100% to be effective. 25% doesn’t get it.
By the way, if anyone wants to check out my campaign financial reports, go to here.
And of course, if Mr. Josh Carlisle should read this and still ignore the facts, and still insists that his statements are true, he’s welcomed to file a complaint. Here is the number to call:
West Virginia Ethics Commission: (304)558-0664, WV Toll-Free 1 (866) 558-0664
Better yet, click here to go to their complaint form and fill it out. Just remember, complaints have to be factual and submitting false information can backfire on you.
So, why was the certificate of need such a hot button issue in my campaign? I guess that’s the worst thing they could find against me, and they blew it way out of proportion. By the way, the organization that wanted to get rid of the certificate of need, and me, was founded by anti-Trumpers called the Americans for Prosperity. They believe in open borders and a one world economy. I’ve told their lobbyist, and several other Delegates have too, to get out of my office because I don’t believe in what and who they stand for. They certainly don’t stand for Americans. The name of their organization is misleading. What does that tell you about my opponent in the primary and the person who Mr. Carlisle backs?
And then there’s another example of Mr. Carlisle’s false claims that was brought to my attention.
In this post he’s accusing the Mannington Fair of being prejudice. He also said the judges were 100% Democrats. Democrats? First off, what does he have against Democrats? Is he saying if you’re a Democrat you’re not a Christian? And how does he know they were all Democrats? He doesn’t. Again, a complete fabrication.
I checked on this and found out that no one knows what party the judges belonged to because the judges were chosen randomly from the audience. They just handed the judging papers out and asked people to mark their favorites in order from first to last. There’s no record of who was judge and who wasn’t. They were trying to avoid the appearance of being prejudice. I’d say that was a pretty good idea.
Then he says they stole $300 from his church. Really? Come on. What kind of Christian makes claims like that?
In my opinion, Mr. Carlisle is no preacher. He falsely accuses me, the Hospital Association, Mon General, the Mannington Fair Association and many other good honest people and organizations.
Where is he getting his information? I’d like to know. Is he making it up? Maybe. Is he getting it from someone else? Possibly.
The Bible says in 1 John 4:1, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.”
I, myself, am a Christian. I would never make such statements against anyone unless I had all the facts and even then I still wouldn’t unless it was going to keep someone from being in harm’s way or, as in this case, defend against false teachings. I’m not out to ruin a person’s reputation and life. If Mr. Carlisle is a truthful man, which I doubt, I suggest that he go to his source and ask for the facts. I’m sure he’ll be in for a rude awakening when that source can’t produce them.
If by chance he received his information from Delegate Phil Mallow, he needs to read the article entitled, “Why Delegate Ward and others have quit going to Phil Mallow’s Luncheons.”
Whoever it was, he’s going to find out that this person will start back peddling because this source knows that they are lying, and this source probably did it on purpose.
THEN, in a recent Facebook post dated December 10th, Mr. Carlisle continues his lying about me and other honest individuals. Here is a portion of that hate filled rant:
Here are responses to several of his false statements above:
• First, he says I claim to be a Baptist. This absolutely proves he doesn’t even know me. I don’t claim to be a Baptist but a Fundamentalist Christian. I belong to an Independent Church whose founder graduated from Bob Jones University.
• Again, he claims I took a bribe, which is an out and out lie. I’m willing to take a lie detector test to prove it and speaking about proof, where’s his proof. He refers to my Financial Reports but as I stated above, those don’t prove anything. He has no proof but then a liar never does.
• He says that I claimed on the Tom Rotten show that Marion County conservatives couldn’t win without me. I’ve only been on Tom’s show maybe three times and the last time was about seven months ago, and I don’t recall ever saying anything like that on his show.
• He’s calls me a RINO, yet I’ve been endorsed by such organizations as the NRA, West Virginians for Life, West Virginia Civil Defense League, West Virginia Farm Bureau, West Virginia Manufacturers Association, West Virginia Home School PAC, West Virginia Coal Association, and the Home Builders Association of West Virginia just to name a few of the conservative organizations that hand out endorsements. I’ve also have been a co-sponsor on many conservative bills including HB302 clarifying West Virginia’s abortion laws.
• He mentions Kevin Rogers who’s a big supporter of mine. Besides being a good friend, Kevin is a good businessman who gives back to his community with large donations. You couldn’t meet a better person, yet Mr. Carlisle condemns him because he and his wife gave a contribution to my campaign. Mr. Carlisle doesn’t know anything about these people, yet he condemns them. Really? What Christian does things like this? None that I know of.
• He mentions Delegate Larry Pack and falsely condemns him just for selling his long-term nursing facility, which by the way was not made exempt under HB4013. So, voting for or against this bill didn’t make a difference either way for Delegate Pack. In other words, the bill had no affect on his business.
• Also, he insinuates that I want to allow boys in girls locker rooms and to allow boys to play in girls sports. Really? Mr. Carlisle definitely proves himself a liar on this one. I voted for HB3293 relating to single-sex participation in interscholastic athletic events and I also was a co-sponsor on HB4015 establishing the West Virginia Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
In conclusion, Mr. Carlisle lately has been making posts condemning the act of homosexuality and transgenders. I’m not going to argue with him on this issue, but I just want to point out that some of the same verses that he’s probably claiming condemns these individuals, also condemns him.
1 Timothy 1:8-11 King James Version
8) But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully;
9) Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,
10) For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, FOR LIARS, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
11) According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.
Revelation 21:8 King James Version
8) But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and ALL LIARS, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
********************************************************* UPDATE, Friday, December 16, 2022 **********************************************************************************
Mr. Carlisle sent me the below message via Facebook Messenger. His original Facebook post appeared on Friday, December 9th. He removed most of the negative things he posted about me on Wednesday, December 14th, and eventually removed the entire post on Thursday, December 15th. To date, he has not admitted to wrongfully defaming my character or has given me an apology. His message below may be the closest I’ll get to an apology. However, taking it down to me is an admission that he was lying, but evidently, he can’t help himself because he continues to lie even in his message to me as you will see. Here is his message and following are my comments:
He begins by saying I attacked him. Really? I think he’s got that backwards. I’m just defending myself against the lies he’s been telling about me. I’ve never said anything negative or positive about him until he started posting lies about me on Facebook.
Then he says that I have joined an allegiance with a lady that says he’s Satan’s pastor and that I gave affirmation to a video she posted. I’m not sure where he comes up with that but I’m assuming he’s talking about a lady that I’ve known for quite a few years now. We both served on the board of an organization that benefited Marion County students. Now if he’s referring to that recent video that she posted on Facebook where she was crying her eyes out about the hurtful things he said about her in the same Facebook post that he lied about me, I did click on the Caring Emoji because I felt sorry for her. I didn’t click “Like” or “Love” but “Caring.” And why was she crying? Not only did he defame her reputation with his post, but he put her child in danger of persecution and bullying from other students, and possibly being harmed physically. I don’t call that very Christian.
By the way, I’m in no allegiance with her as Mr. Carlisle claims. Another total fabrication. We’re friends but we don’t agree on many issues. For instance, she’s Pro-Choice and I’m Pro-Life. We have our debates but there’s never any animosity between us. We always end our conversations with wishing each other the best.
He said, “I am not going to go back and forth proving what I have said or haven’t said and punching holes in your story.” How can you punch holes in the truth? You can’t.
Then he says, “If you truly want me to burn in hell and think I am Satan’s agent, then I guess I will just leave it in the hands of the Lord.” Where in the world did he come up with that nonsense? I’ve never said that about anyone. This guy keeps making things up and he doesn’t want to admit he’s wrong, which is the first step to forgiveness in God’s eyes.
He says he doesn’t hate me. I’ll accept that as truth though he has said very hateful and hurtful things not only about me, but also about many others.
In conclusion, this reminds me of one of Jesus’s parables. Most likely Jesus was speaking to the Pharisees when he told it.
Luke 18:9-14 King James Version
9. And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
10. Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
11. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
12. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
13. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
14. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.