"We, the Board of ABWE and ABWE Administration ask for your forgiveness."
[Don Johnson] In any case, I think you are charging ABWE with something they didn’t do.
[raised eyebrow]
Really? I thought that ABWE is the agency that wrote and published this:
Dear Hurting MK’s:
To our beloved MKs and your families who have suffered decades of sorrow and pain not only at the hands of Donn Ketcham but also from our mishandling of the abuse, we, the Board of ABWE and ABWE Administration ask for your forgiveness.
The Board and Administration of ABWE have spent hours reading your stories and comments, listening to the personal testimonies of some who have had first-hand knowledge of the field through the years, and searching for anything that could shed light on the actions taken by ABWE. The information is clear, and we are heartsick at what we have seen and heard.
So to each of you, dear ones, who through no fault of your own continue to live with the pain of the consequences, we ask for your forgiveness. Though we cannot ask forgiveness for the sins of others, we do humbly and sincerely ask for your forgiveness for our sins.
Concerns regarding Donn Ketcham’s repeated inappropriate behavior with the opposite sex on the field could have resulted in his termination as early as 1975, but continued indiscretions should have resulted in dismissal no later than 1985. Regrettably, we did not terminate him as a missionary but rather gave repeated opportunities for counseling and remediation which allowed him time and opportunity to sin against you. Please, please forgive us.
A precious 14-year-old child should never have been asked to sign a confession. She was the one who had been abused and sinned against. This was indeed a grievous wrong. Would you please forgive our sin against you?
No matter what the law required at the time, no matter what the outcome would have been, no matter whether it would have resulted in prosecution or loss of his medical license or not, Donn Ketcham’s pedophilia was not reported to either the law or the medical boards of any state. This was wrong. It was failure of the most serious kind. There should have been an immediate filing of reports and an on-going attempt to pursue giving the truth to appropriate authorities from 1989 to the present. This failure is simply inexcusable. It seems too much to ask, but we must ask… will you forgive us?
Knowing Donn Ketcham’s propensity to lie, we were foolish to allow him to make his confession to his sending pastor without a representative from ABWE being present. We also did not name his crime of pedophilia in our letter to supporting churches. This enabled Donn Ketcham to reveal only what he chose to reveal. Consequently, he was able to hide the ultimate crime of pedophilia from his sending church. This was so wrong. Please, forgive us.
Once the pedophilia became known in 1989, no comprehensive investigation was done to determine if there were additional victims. This was inexcusable. After learning of additional victims in 2002, an investigation was begun but never completed. This was wrong. Please forgive us for this failure.
It is obvious that our leadership was greatly concerned for sparing Donn Ketcham’s family any additional public disgrace, but such concern came at the high cost of ignoring the needs of the innocent MKs and others who had suffered at his hands. While it may be considered gracious by some to have handled it discreetly, it was not gracious or compassionate towards those who were sinned against by him. It was wrong, so very wrong. We failed you. We hurt you. We are ashamed. It seems incomprehensible to even suggest that you forgive us in light of all we know now; but we must ask, if you could find it in your hearts, to please, please forgive us.
…but I’m only reading the http://abwe.org/news/article/abwe-board-and-administration-confession/ original ABWE statement on the matter .
"Our task today is to tell people — who no longer know what sin is...no longer see themselves as sinners, and no longer have room for these categories — that Christ died for sins of which they do not think they’re guilty." - David Wells
Don and Roland,
I am sorry, but there is no justification about how they handled this. Maybe they did try to report it. But they were not clear with the churches about what happened. Their actions still allowed many, many people to be prey for a pedephile. John Brian is correct. This was to protect the ministry and maybe the perpretraitor’s family. There was very little thought of the victims. Their actions violates the timeless truths of Scripture.
Again, I applaud ABWE for their recent actions. I think that is why I keep commenting on this. We, in our orb, can learn so much from this.
I am sorry, but there is no justification about how they handled this. Maybe they did try to report it. But they were not clear with the churches about what happened. Their actions still allowed many, many people to be prey for a pedephile. John Brian is correct. This was to protect the ministry and maybe the perpretraitor’s family. There was very little thought of the victims. Their actions violates the timeless truths of Scripture.
Again, I applaud ABWE for their recent actions. I think that is why I keep commenting on this. We, in our orb, can learn so much from this.
Roger Carlson, Pastor Berean Baptist Church
Maybe we should all walk away from this for a while?
It does appear that folks have made their views pretty clear and there isn’t much movement, so maybe it’s time to wrap this one up.
Jay, I think Don’s point about “something they didn’t do” refers specifically to the “illegal” part, not the “wrong” part.
Not being a lawyer, I’m not going to weigh in that one.
But in any case, maybe a better focus now is the future rather than the past?
It does appear that folks have made their views pretty clear and there isn’t much movement, so maybe it’s time to wrap this one up.
Jay, I think Don’s point about “something they didn’t do” refers specifically to the “illegal” part, not the “wrong” part.
Not being a lawyer, I’m not going to weigh in that one.
But in any case, maybe a better focus now is the future rather than the past?
Views expressed are always my own and not my employer's, my church's, my family's, my neighbors', or my pets'. The house plants have authorized me to speak for them, however, and they always agree with me.
[RPittman]Roland…you keep bringing this up like it somehow makes what they did less wrong simply because it was a part of that “environment” and “mindset”. I am old enough to remember how things were “then”. It was wrong then and it would be wrong today. When it happened and the prevailing attitudes of that time matters not. Just like the racist policies of major fundamentalist (and other) schools and churches across the south and myriad other pragmatic philosophies and practices that were wholly embraced by many “fundamentalists” were wrong and even some of the current things that are being done under the banner of fundamentalism today are wrong.[Jay] What ABWE did is so egregious that I don’t think I could fund any of their future missionaries, although I’m willing to back off that stance now that ABWE is contracting with GRACE or the other agency. Now they’re putting things to rights, but I certainly don’t know if I would want to support an agency that had covered in the past.Jay, you’re probably too young to understand because this incident took place before your time. You had to live in the environment and understand the mindset. ABWE followed the conventional wisdom of the times as far as I can tell. The main idea was to protect the ministry and the innocent parties, which seemed a good idea at the time. On the other hand, you are judging from a different perspective—a different time and place. I don’t think you can really understand the whole situation unless you have lived in both times. Although you may disagree with the original decision, you cannot blame those men for intentionally covering up unless you have some evidence. What they did was to cover up in effect but it was the acceptable thing to do at the time. I’m sure that we have our own foibles for which our children will harshly judge us. Perhaps it is a time to condemn the wrong decisions but extend mercy based on understanding. I don’t think anyone can argue that children are still at risk because of this incident.
As for Proverbs - If I know that ABWE covered for a criminal, then I have reason to avoid them. As I just said, I’m willing to reconsider that, but ABWE isn’t going to be my preferred missions agency for a while.
Wrong is wrong in every place at every time for every people of every background. And when we know something was wrong, we need to acknowledge that it was wrong and apologize and do our best to make amends. In my opinion, it’s our stubborn refusal to admit that we have messed things up in the past that has cost us major credibility today and which is why many of our younger fundamentalists have walked away to movements that they perceive to be more transparent and honest. Until we can get to the place as a “movement” (or whatever it is that we currently are) that we will transparently and with brokenness deal with the messy garbage of our past and present, I fear we will have little influence in the world.
We piously post here that we don’t/won’t support ABWE missionaries for “separation issues” as if that is making some sort of huge impact in the world of orthodox doctrine while Rob Bell is in the #2 spot on Amazon with a heretical book that 90% of seminary students are discussing in their dorms (either publicly or privately). We’re rearranging chairs on the Titanic while our next generation looks at dialogues like the one on this thread and mutters “they just don’t get it” as they walk across the street and join people who are theologically unsound and it’s like we don’t notice. And when someone, like ABWE, as least makes it effort to get it right or make it right, we jump on them from every angle.
I can’t for the life of me understand why the actions of ABWE in trying to repair a past error and the desperate cries for help from the victims has brought out all this controversy on this thread. Once again, I find this whole thing breath-taking.
Dan Burrell Cornelius, NC Visit my Blog "Whirled Views" @ www.danburrell.com
I may have misread the story. In addition to the story linked in the OP, I had read http://www.abwe.org/news/article/abwe-responds-to-mks-blog] this article .
I thought that one of the articles said that ABWE had reported it to the police, but been rebuffed. I don’t see that in either article, so I’d like to acknowledge my error.
My objection to Jay’s post was the use of the word ‘criminal’. I still believe that the law has changed with respect to reporting and so on. Nevertheless, the OP says that ABWE did not report the crime to the authorities at the time. In hindsight they realize they should have done so, regardless of the legal requirements of the day.
Does that help? I am not defending the past actions of ABWE in any way. The current leadership of ABWE is not defending them. What I am concerned about is the level of rhetoric that is going on here. I don’t see this forum as part of the solution or the problem and that makes most of this discussion gossip in my book.
I thought that one of the articles said that ABWE had reported it to the police, but been rebuffed. I don’t see that in either article, so I’d like to acknowledge my error.
My objection to Jay’s post was the use of the word ‘criminal’. I still believe that the law has changed with respect to reporting and so on. Nevertheless, the OP says that ABWE did not report the crime to the authorities at the time. In hindsight they realize they should have done so, regardless of the legal requirements of the day.
Does that help? I am not defending the past actions of ABWE in any way. The current leadership of ABWE is not defending them. What I am concerned about is the level of rhetoric that is going on here. I don’t see this forum as part of the solution or the problem and that makes most of this discussion gossip in my book.
Maranatha!
Don Johnson
Jer 33.3
Don, thanks for the note…I appreciate your clearing that up. FWIW, I couldn’t believe that you actually were trying to defend what was done, and I was really surprised. I should have asked you for a clarification, and for that I apologize. I don’t think that anyone here is actually trying to defend what happened other than possibly RPittman.
If Aaron wants to lock the thread, that’s fine with me. I just couldn’t believe that people didn’t see a problem with what was done by ABWE and was objecting lest anyone think that was had been done was OK in the eyes of God or the Law. I am very glad that ABWE seems to be moving quickly to correct what had happened, and this is becoming, IMO, a good example of what agencies should do when they find out about this in the past. Of course, it would be best to make plans so that it doesn’t happen, but I think we’d all agree that isn’t really possible - there’s just no 100% way to prevent abuse from occurring.
If Aaron wants to lock the thread, that’s fine with me. I just couldn’t believe that people didn’t see a problem with what was done by ABWE and was objecting lest anyone think that was had been done was OK in the eyes of God or the Law. I am very glad that ABWE seems to be moving quickly to correct what had happened, and this is becoming, IMO, a good example of what agencies should do when they find out about this in the past. Of course, it would be best to make plans so that it doesn’t happen, but I think we’d all agree that isn’t really possible - there’s just no 100% way to prevent abuse from occurring.
"Our task today is to tell people — who no longer know what sin is...no longer see themselves as sinners, and no longer have room for these categories — that Christ died for sins of which they do not think they’re guilty." - David Wells
I was thinking that this thread was just getting instructive in the last 5-10 posts. There are deep things to think about here.
I actually agree with Rpittman that this was the standard way to handle things—to value reputation and organization as a first priority in these matters. While I dont think he is aware of the injustice done in this particular case, i see his point perfectly. I understand it b/c I’ve been in the position of marrying a national, and having a board have to make personal decisions about my life. So I have well considered (and feared and stressed out about) all the 100s of factors that go into that decision (concerning reputation, effect on other missionaries, etc) that have nothing to do with my personal life or God’s will for me.
And i think it’s an instructive point to consider on several fronts.
Like Jay, does he understand that his slash-the-budget response is exactly what motivates these kinds of cover-ups? How much is the “accountability” mission boards have to supporting churches turned on its head so they feel they have to protect their reputation in order not to lose supporters for the many missionaries in their charge? Like in this example, the offender was the son of the GARBC prez and that was a huge factor in how it was handled, perhaps the main fact. Now the tables have turned and supporters know and are sympathetic with the victim(s). So now we tip the other way… .
So how do we as churches not create this environment? Create an environment where truth is told. Is it even possible? (Incidentally, this is so very related to the parenting topic we were recently discussing on the SACH thread.)
I think it’s a good time to pause and look at ourselves and our own ministries and lives and see what ways we are protecting ourselves and our repuations in false ways. I admit I have done it on some levels. And what ABWE did is so very possible for any of us to do. Just mix the right pressures together and …
Then, spiritual authority/abuse. It’s really amazing that so many people were so unquestioningly silenced at that time. That makes me think, too. No one spoke up? Asked quetsions? No one wanted to risk it. So what kind of spiritual authority am I under? do they let me tell the truth about sin? About their sins (appropriately)? What kind of spiritual authority am I? Do I admit my sin when appropriate and not force others to cover for me?
Anyway, I think there is a lot to learn. Like Dan was getting at. I’m not saying things are right in other camps, but we can take a good look at ours and see some of our blind spots. It’s easy to judge, but then God will humble us and show us that we are just the same.
I actually agree with Rpittman that this was the standard way to handle things—to value reputation and organization as a first priority in these matters. While I dont think he is aware of the injustice done in this particular case, i see his point perfectly. I understand it b/c I’ve been in the position of marrying a national, and having a board have to make personal decisions about my life. So I have well considered (and feared and stressed out about) all the 100s of factors that go into that decision (concerning reputation, effect on other missionaries, etc) that have nothing to do with my personal life or God’s will for me.
And i think it’s an instructive point to consider on several fronts.
Like Jay, does he understand that his slash-the-budget response is exactly what motivates these kinds of cover-ups? How much is the “accountability” mission boards have to supporting churches turned on its head so they feel they have to protect their reputation in order not to lose supporters for the many missionaries in their charge? Like in this example, the offender was the son of the GARBC prez and that was a huge factor in how it was handled, perhaps the main fact. Now the tables have turned and supporters know and are sympathetic with the victim(s). So now we tip the other way… .
So how do we as churches not create this environment? Create an environment where truth is told. Is it even possible? (Incidentally, this is so very related to the parenting topic we were recently discussing on the SACH thread.)
I think it’s a good time to pause and look at ourselves and our own ministries and lives and see what ways we are protecting ourselves and our repuations in false ways. I admit I have done it on some levels. And what ABWE did is so very possible for any of us to do. Just mix the right pressures together and …
Then, spiritual authority/abuse. It’s really amazing that so many people were so unquestioningly silenced at that time. That makes me think, too. No one spoke up? Asked quetsions? No one wanted to risk it. So what kind of spiritual authority am I under? do they let me tell the truth about sin? About their sins (appropriately)? What kind of spiritual authority am I? Do I admit my sin when appropriate and not force others to cover for me?
Anyway, I think there is a lot to learn. Like Dan was getting at. I’m not saying things are right in other camps, but we can take a good look at ours and see some of our blind spots. It’s easy to judge, but then God will humble us and show us that we are just the same.
I don’t see this forum as part of the solution or the problem and that makes most of this discussion gossip in my book.
If we were engaged in speculation about ABWE, I could see why one would consider this gossip. But we are talking about documents published by those directly involved and events that are public record. That is not gossip. It is uncomfortable, yes, but it is not gossip. The reach of the ABWE, the crime itself and its repercussions are all broad enough to necessitate the kind of publicity and discussion it has engendered. The ABWE has been very specific about how their actions allowed a pedophile to continue to victimize children to this day. Their confession and repentance provides a blueprint of what to do and what NOT to do for other ministries and churches to follow. Every person involved in any aspect of ministry should read it, study it, and pray over it.
Maybe I’m misreading something, but angels preserve us when a doctor can drug a young girl and rape her, it is dismissed as an ‘affair’, and we defend immorality and lies with ‘they had good intentions’ and ‘it wasn’t a crime at the time’. Excuse me while I go http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php] http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-angry032.gif and then http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php] http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-sick009.gif followed by http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php] http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-sick004.gif .
[Anne Sokol] Then, spiritual authority/abuse. It’s really amazing that so many people were so unquestioningly silenced at that time. That makes me think, too. No one spoke up? Asked questions? No one wanted to risk it. So what kind of spiritual authority am I under? do they let me tell the truth about sin? About their sins (appropriately)? What kind of spiritual authority am I? Do I admit my sin when appropriate and not force others to cover for me?
Anyway, I think there is a lot to learn. Like Dan was getting at. I’m not saying things are right in other camps, but we can take a good look at ours and see some of our blind spots. It’s easy to judge, but then God will humble us and show us that we are just the same.
BINGO.
Well said, Anne. Well said indeed.
"Our task today is to tell people — who no longer know what sin is...no longer see themselves as sinners, and no longer have room for these categories — that Christ died for sins of which they do not think they’re guilty." - David Wells
[RPittman][Dan] As for PC, do you know what I mean by political correctness? It is simply adopting the milieu of your group. It is the identification with a social context in matters of thoughts, language, postures, and, most importantly, agreement in beliefs to the exclusion of opposing views in other contexts. One uses similar ideas, similar expressions, etc. It’s simply identification and adaptation to one’s circle by evidencing some of the group’s common characteristics. Perhaps it is rather like the long-drawling Southerner who moves North to work and eventually returns home with a northern accent and espousing new habits that causes the home-folks to think he is putting on airs. Without intending to be offensive, the first time that I heard you speak, I thought you had the PCC stamp, which you’ve now shucked. There is, I would argue, some PC in all of us. No man is an island.What you define here is what you describe in the way ABWE handled the situation initially. They were simply doing things the way the were done back then. Seems hypocritical to blast the present handling for being PC but defend the past handling because it was PC.
Why is it that my voice always seems to be loudest when I am saying the dumbest things?
[RPittman][Chip Van Emmerik]No burrs here, Roland. I did chose my words carefully; I said exactly what I meant. That’s why I said it “seems”. You have given the appearance in this thread of riding both sides of the fence, defending a pet position on one side while attacking a similar position you do not like on the other side.[RPittman]Chip, you have added nothing to the discussion but you have made an innuendo that I am a hypocrite. You are so wrong in some of your assertions. For example, I have never defended ABWE in their original decision if you mean by defending to argue that their actions were right or justified. What I have done is try to balance the issues by bringing to light factors that were being neglected or not discussed in face of various emotional rants. Mature, educated adults should have the ability to weigh and balance all the factors on both sides. To note a factor that would be a mitigating circumstance is not to endorse or defend the whole. It is simply being fair and balanced. Life is not all black and white, you know. There are contradictions, entanglements, inconsistencies, prejudice, partial knowledge, etc. in all things human. IMHO, to be fair and objective as possible, we must state positive and negatives from both sides even when we are dead set against the opposing position.[Dan] As for PC, do you know what I mean by political correctness? It is simply adopting the milieu of your group. It is the identification with a social context in matters of thoughts, language, postures, and, most importantly, agreement in beliefs to the exclusion of opposing views in other contexts. One uses similar ideas, similar expressions, etc. It’s simply identification and adaptation to one’s circle by evidencing some of the group’s common characteristics. Perhaps it is rather like the long-drawling Southerner who moves North to work and eventually returns home with a northern accent and espousing new habits that causes the home-folks to think he is putting on airs. Without intending to be offensive, the first time that I heard you speak, I thought you had the PCC stamp, which you’ve now shucked. There is, I would argue, some PC in all of us. No man is an island.What you define here is what you describe in the way ABWE handled the situation initially. They were simply doing things the way the were done back then. Seems hypocritical to blast the present handling for being PC but defend the past handling because it was PC.
Chip, please allow me to give you a little lesson in word choice. By saying that it “eems hypocritical” implies something about my mental state whereas to say that I am being contradictory judges only my arguments as inconsistent. What are you trying to judge? Me or my arguments? (Somehow, I get the impression that I’m a burr in your saddle.)
Am I being contradictory? I think not, at least not in my own mind. The original decision was flawed but I understand how and why it was made, I think. Yes, it was PC in the given climate of the times. Now, I don’t agree but at least I understand and am not making wild statements charging men with intentionally sinister motives. ABWE’s present course of action is commendable in that they are trying to do what’s right and best. I don’t question their motivation. However, they seem to be following the present PC pattern of addressing these issues.
ABWE is to be commended that they have adopted a good policy and procedural manual. It is professional and well-written. The challenge now, as it is with all of us, is to implement and maintain these policies and procedures.
Why is it that my voice always seems to be loudest when I am saying the dumbest things?
People have said that ‘this isn’t the same board’ and shouldn’t be held accountable for the sins of others. I have been unable to track down the names of board members at the time that this abuse occurred. Who were the board members in 2002 who said that action would be taken and then did nothing?
I would like to point out that this was not just a problem with ABWE not ‘understanding’ how to deal with a pedophile. The missionaries who knew what was happening were bound to silence. They were forced to evaluate the effect on their ministry if they spoke out. And there were several that I know of who refused to keep silent. One man had his funds frozen and was forced to leave his ministry immediately because he had no money. What justification does ABWE give for destroying the ministries of missionaries to protect this man. I do not believe this was about protecting Christ’s reputation and the ministry of others, but about who this man was.
When will ABWE acknowledge and apologize to these missionaries, both those who were forced to keep silent and live with guilty consciences, always wondering if their ministry was effective enough to outweigh the evil they had allowed to go unpunished, and those who spoke out and had their ministries destroyed? Will they apologize to those nationals who suddenly were ‘deserted’ by their missionary and had no understanding of what had happened?
How many other missionaries have had their funds frozen/withheld by ABWE to force them to do what the board wanted in other situations?
This is why I no longer have confidence in ABWE as a mission board. I believe they may be sorry for what they did, but they only acknowledged it when it was already made public. Who will call them to a full confession of all the evil that has been done because they had the power to do it?
I would like to point out that this was not just a problem with ABWE not ‘understanding’ how to deal with a pedophile. The missionaries who knew what was happening were bound to silence. They were forced to evaluate the effect on their ministry if they spoke out. And there were several that I know of who refused to keep silent. One man had his funds frozen and was forced to leave his ministry immediately because he had no money. What justification does ABWE give for destroying the ministries of missionaries to protect this man. I do not believe this was about protecting Christ’s reputation and the ministry of others, but about who this man was.
When will ABWE acknowledge and apologize to these missionaries, both those who were forced to keep silent and live with guilty consciences, always wondering if their ministry was effective enough to outweigh the evil they had allowed to go unpunished, and those who spoke out and had their ministries destroyed? Will they apologize to those nationals who suddenly were ‘deserted’ by their missionary and had no understanding of what had happened?
How many other missionaries have had their funds frozen/withheld by ABWE to force them to do what the board wanted in other situations?
This is why I no longer have confidence in ABWE as a mission board. I believe they may be sorry for what they did, but they only acknowledged it when it was already made public. Who will call them to a full confession of all the evil that has been done because they had the power to do it?
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
~ Psalm 19:14
Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.
~ Proverbs 13:10
SRees,
You have quite a lot of accusations there and serious in nature. The problem is that we who are reading have no means of knowing if they are true. We don’t know you or your sources, nor do we have documentation.
So we are in the same position in relation to you that you say you are in relation to ABWE: that is, we lack names and other specifics.
At this point, the climate being what it now is, I suggest all who have stories to tell personally —that is, all of your sources, should go public with their stories and substantiate as best they can (if they can). If they cannot substantiate them, they should let them rest. In any case, they should go after resolution themselves rather than telling their stories to uninvolved parties who will then post their non-confidence in ABWE in web forums.
There’s just really no motion toward a solution in that.
In other words, if indeed there was a time when ABWE used intimidation etc. to silence people, the time in which that can be effective in this case is past. ABWE is trying to make things right and the public attitude is certainly supportive of victims. So victims should go after resolution openly.
You have quite a lot of accusations there and serious in nature. The problem is that we who are reading have no means of knowing if they are true. We don’t know you or your sources, nor do we have documentation.
So we are in the same position in relation to you that you say you are in relation to ABWE: that is, we lack names and other specifics.
At this point, the climate being what it now is, I suggest all who have stories to tell personally —that is, all of your sources, should go public with their stories and substantiate as best they can (if they can). If they cannot substantiate them, they should let them rest. In any case, they should go after resolution themselves rather than telling their stories to uninvolved parties who will then post their non-confidence in ABWE in web forums.
There’s just really no motion toward a solution in that.
In other words, if indeed there was a time when ABWE used intimidation etc. to silence people, the time in which that can be effective in this case is past. ABWE is trying to make things right and the public attitude is certainly supportive of victims. So victims should go after resolution openly.
Views expressed are always my own and not my employer's, my church's, my family's, my neighbors', or my pets'. The house plants have authorized me to speak for them, however, and they always agree with me.
I do understand where you are coming from. Many missionaries and their missionary kids have made their stories public. My interest in this is not in punishing people. My question is, How do we trust mission boards who are accountable to no one? Are we supposed to say, Well, this was in the past and I’m sure everything is good now, and blindly go on? This is not just about ABWE, but about the way our modern mission boards are run. I’m sure some are extremely upright and honest, but how are we to know the difference? I do believe this is extremely serious in nature - I don’t make accusations lightly. I would honestly like to know who the board members were who governed ABWE at the time this happened. I would like to know who the board members were in 2002 when this issue was brought up again. If they are still sitting on the governing board of ABWE, I don’t want to support them.
It also includes EBM - as I understand it, no criminal activity was involved in their failure, just unwise decisions. But in trying to stay afloat, they used funds that were not to be used for those purposes. We also have found that in spite of the fact that we sent 10% monthly to cover administrative expenses, they were still taking 8% from our missionaries’ support. Did the local churches have any say in EBM’s decision to buy a new building? Did they know that EBM hadn’t been audited annually? Did they know that it was going through financial officers yearly? So perhaps, the failure isn’t so much with EBM as with the local church for not demanding financial statements and audits.
And there are still more boards that don’t release the names of their governing board members or their financial statements and the local churches continue to support them.
Your emphasis is on the victims - the past. Mine is on how the local church will support its missionaries - the future.
It also includes EBM - as I understand it, no criminal activity was involved in their failure, just unwise decisions. But in trying to stay afloat, they used funds that were not to be used for those purposes. We also have found that in spite of the fact that we sent 10% monthly to cover administrative expenses, they were still taking 8% from our missionaries’ support. Did the local churches have any say in EBM’s decision to buy a new building? Did they know that EBM hadn’t been audited annually? Did they know that it was going through financial officers yearly? So perhaps, the failure isn’t so much with EBM as with the local church for not demanding financial statements and audits.
And there are still more boards that don’t release the names of their governing board members or their financial statements and the local churches continue to support them.
Your emphasis is on the victims - the past. Mine is on how the local church will support its missionaries - the future.
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
~ Psalm 19:14
Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.
~ Proverbs 13:10
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