Robert Aho of BrabenderCox: A Liar Never to be Trusted

Robert Aho is a "professing Christian" who attends Cornerstone Chapel

A Letter to Robert Aho's pastor, Gary Hamrick

Dear Pastor Hamrick,

I'm writing to you in obedience to Matt 18, but it's not my Christian brother who has trespassed against me, it's my professing Christian stepson. Because he refuses to listen to me or to his mother, I'm incapable of confronting him, nor can I tell the matter to his church. If you'd kindly indulge me, I want to tell this matter to you, his pastor. The person I'm referring to is your long-time church member, Robert Aho.

Please allow me to give you some background; for we share a bit of common ground. I'm 66 years old and have been born-again for 26 years. I became born again in Los Angeles and was baptized by Xavier Ries at the Calvary Chapel Pasadena. When I was saved, a Christian suggested that I listen to Chuck Smith and so I did. For years I listened daily to the CC lineup on LA radio. I listened to C Smith, Greg Laurie, Raul Reis, Bob Coy, and several others. When I had questions, I'd often call the CC Costa Mesa hotline and speak to Joey Buran. I appreciate the solid biblical teaching (through the bible) I received early on from the Calvary Chapels.

About 20 years ago I met Rob Aho's mother, Barbara Aho. She's a Christian and we got along because we had similar "watchman" ministries that warned Christians about the various dangers and minefields that they may encounter.

Four years ago, when Covid 19 was shutting down Los Angeles, Barbara invited me to stay with her in Deland, Fl. She had been widowed from Rob's father for years and was living alone in a large 2 bed 2 bath apartment. I accepted her kind offer and later we were married.

Shortly after moving in with his mother, Rob Aho spoke with me on the phone. It was the first and only time I've ever talked to him. Did he welcome me with open arms? He literally screamed his threats, "You better get out of my mother's house now you freeloader. I know you are nothing but a loser..." It didn't matter at all to Rob that I had worked 40 years in Los Angeles, that I was retired on SS, and that I was helping his mother with about $700 / month.

Since then, Rob and his family were invited to his mother's apartment for Christmas Eve dinner. Even though Rob had traveled to Orlando, he refused to attend this dinner. Why? According to his mother, Rob refused because, "I'm a dangerous man with guns." The fact that I have never owned a gun didn't matter at all to Rob.

Thanks largely to Robert Aho, my marriage to his mother has been destroyed. The core of the problem is that although he's a church member, he's never been born again by saving faith in Jesus Christ.

Robert Aho has also had many poor Christian role models. I've learned that his father, Tim Aho, a professing Christian and church member, committed adultery with dozens of women and Robert Aho's sister, Molly Rickenbach, who recently died, was also just a professing church member and never born again.

According to Barbara Aho, Rob's wife, Sharon Aho, is also just a professing Christian. To her credit, she survived Anorexia Nervosa, but still idolizes her father, a false Christian and pastor in the Eastern Orthodox religion (which is akin to being a Priest in the Roman Catholic Church).

It's my hope that Rob Aho will one day take a long hard look in the mirror. I thank you for your time and any attention you may give to this matter.

Sincerely,
Robert Johnson

Letter of Concern Regarding Robert Aho

Dear Pastor,

I am writing to you with respect and a sincere desire to protect the spiritual health of our church community. After much prayer and reflection, I feel compelled to share some concerns regarding the conduct of Mr. Robert Aho, in the hope that you, as our shepherd, might offer guidance, discernment, and appropriate oversight. My intention is not to condemn or to speak harshly of anyone, but to bring forward observations that I believe are important for the well-being of the congregation.

Over a period of time, I have observed a pattern of behavior from Robert that raises serious concerns. These concerns relate primarily to how he interacts with other members, how he represents himself in spiritual matters, and the influence he appears to have on the atmosphere within certain church groups. The behaviors in question include, but may not be limited to, inconsistent honesty in communication, boundary-crossing in relationships, and actions that seem to undermine unity and trust among believers.

To be as clear and fair as possible, I will describe these issues in general, neutral terms. In several instances, Robert has made statements about other members that were later reported to be incomplete, misleading, or taken out of context. In other situations, he has engaged in conversations that appeared to sow doubt or suspicion about church leadership decisions, without bringing those concerns directly to the appropriate leaders. There have also been occasions where his involvement in ministry or fellowship settings has been marked by controlling or dominating behavior, making it difficult for others to participate freely.

These are not isolated incidents, but rather part of a recurring pattern. For example, there have been repeated situations in small group settings where Robert has redirected discussions away from the agreed topic toward his own viewpoints, sometimes dismissing or minimizing the contributions of others. There have been ongoing reports of private conversations in which he shares sensitive information about others without their consent, or frames events in a way that casts certain individuals in a negative light. Additionally, some members have expressed discomfort with the way he offers spiritual counsel, feeling that his advice can be overly directive, lacking humility, or not fully aligned with the spirit of grace and accountability taught in Scripture.

The impact of these behaviors on individuals and on the wider congregation has been significant. Some members have reported feeling anxious, mistrusted, or unfairly judged after interactions with Robert. Others have withdrawn from certain groups or ministries to avoid potential conflict or misunderstanding. This has contributed to a sense of division and unease, particularly among those who are newer to the church or more vulnerable in their faith. When people feel that conversations are not safe, or that their words may be misrepresented, it becomes harder for them to be open, to grow, and to fully engage in the life of the church.

On a broader level, these patterns can erode confidence in the integrity of our fellowship. When there is a perception that gossip, partial truths, or manipulative behavior are going unaddressed, it can weaken trust not only between members, but also in the church’s ability to handle concerns in a biblical and transparent manner. This is especially troubling when we consider our witness to those outside the church, who may be watching how we deal with conflict, accountability, and care for one another.

I want to acknowledge my own emotional and spiritual struggle in bringing this to your attention. I have wrestled with fears of misunderstanding, of being perceived as judgmental, and of causing further tension. I have examined my own heart, asking the Lord to reveal any bitterness, personal bias, or unforgiveness that might be influencing my perspective. My desire is not to attack Robert’s character, but to be honest about what I have seen and heard, and to entrust the matter to godly leadership. This has been a heavy burden to carry, and I share it now in the hope of seeking peace, clarity, and healing.

With that in mind, I respectfully request your guidance and intervention. I ask that you prayerfully consider these concerns, seek additional information as you deem appropriate, and, if led, speak directly with Robert in a spirit of truth and grace. It may be helpful to listen to others who have had similar experiences, to discern whether there is a broader pattern that needs to be addressed. I trust your judgment in determining what steps, if any, should be taken—whether that involves pastoral counseling, mediation, accountability measures, or other forms of loving correction consistent with biblical principles.

My hope is not for punishment, but for truth, accountability, and restoration. I believe that when issues like this are handled with wisdom, humility, and courage, the entire body of Christ is strengthened. I am praying that the outcome of this situation, whatever it may be, will lead to greater transparency, healthier relationships, and a renewed sense of safety and trust within our church. I remain open to further conversation if that would be helpful, and I am willing to participate in any constructive process you deem appropriate.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and for your faithful service to our congregation. May the Lord grant you discernment, compassion, and courage as you consider these matters. I am trusting God to use this difficult situation to bring about growth, healing, and deeper unity in our church family.

With respect and in Christ,

[Your Name]