As I read the Oct. 17 article followed by comments and the letter posted regarding Pastor Stoot’s arrest, I began to wonder if any of these people have ever dealt with Pastor Stoot.

I have. I’ve seen him take action during the holidays handing out food baskets to the community, I’ve seen him hold workshops for people who have lost their jobs and needed new skills. I’ve seen him with truckloads of toys for the community and clothing and diapers and toiletries items. I’ve seen him raise funds to help people pay their rent and utilities or the cost of a funeral. I’ve seen him take the choir to the Everett men’s shelter and women’s shelter to offer encouraging words and inspirational songs to those who may have lost hope and faith. When my electricity was on the verge of being turned off and I couldn’t put food on the table, Pastor rallied the parishioners and my lights stayed on and I had food on our table.

He has given so much to this community over and over again. The school – one of the best schools in the district where 4-year-olds are reading and writing at a kindergarten or first grade level. The community basketball court where kids, teens and adults have not only played basketball but have enjoyed Easter egg hunts and cookouts.

These people are all part of the community. They aren’t just black people. They are people. In my opinion people who say that he is “playing the race card” really show just how hateful and racist they are. Rev. Paul Stoot, Sr. is an honorable man and like any honorable person he should be treated with respect. I respect Paul Stoot for everything he has done for me, for my community and for everything he will continue to do no matter how he is treated or abused by the same community he loves.

Yolanda Jackson

Everett