March 28. 2023

Dear Friends.

It is with a heavy heart that we share with you the disheartening news concerning our coworker, Dean Bruer. He has been accused of living an immoral double life, and there seems to be ample evidence to support these claims. Dean has never labored in our state, but he was a member of our ministry, therefore his error affects each of us in this ministry. In our current generation of social media, we are sure that most of you are already aware of this issue.

The integrity of our ministry is called into question when one amongst us betrays the holy trust shown to us by our friends. Our purpose as Christians and as messengers sent with the gospel, is to manifest our belief by our life and behavior among all people.

One part of the armor of God is to have our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. This indicates that the influence of our life testifies of the peace we have because of the gospel we have accepted. It is meant to be a living sermon of invitation to others who are searching for peace. When a messenger of the gospel betrays that testimony, the repercussions are felt throughout the fellowship.

It is with reverent godly fear that we apologize for this misconduct. We hope and pray to be worthy of the trust you have shown to us in the ministry.

We believe in boundaries. The Lord promised us a hundred-fold of homes, family, and children. However, it is with the awareness that these things are given to us for the gospel’s sake. What we receive is given to us because of the message we carry, and we carry that message with professional responsibility.

We purpose to maintain professional boundaries while in your homes and with your children. We ask that you help us with this. Please teach your children cues for avoiding questionable behavior. Children do not have the maturity to understand the complexity of human behavior, but they can be taught simple cues for safety.

For example:

1.           Do not be alone in a bedroom with an adult other than a parent or assigned caretaker
2.           How to appropriately embrace an adult
3.           Topics of conversation that are inappropriate.

It grieves our heart to have to say these things, but if we work together, we can facilitate a safe environment that will promote a spiritual fellowship that edifies faith.

As members of this ministry, we want to assure you of how much we love and care for you. We are heartbroken by the disgrace of human failure, but our faith in the Lord’s ministry is unchanged. This is the ministry that our Lord established in the earth. Human failure can compromise its testimony, but it cannot undermine its validity.  Judas Iscariot was also a part of this ministry, but in the wake of his betrayal the Holy Spirit still impelled this same ministry forward.

We want to assure you that we will do what we can to assist those who are victims of this abuse. We encourage you to visit with the workers in your field or with us if you have concerns or questions. We will be confidential in-as-much as we can. It is our legal responsibility in the case of underage victims to report abuse to the proper authorities.  We understand that this is a very difficult journey for everyone. We remind all that by bringing to light this horrible behavior, we may be saving others from being victims of the same abuse.

As workers in Texas and New Mexico we have taken, and continue to take, instruction from a course recognized by the state of Texas regarding proper boundaries with minors. We have also asked our staff to read the book “Boundaries.” We are also looking into other materials about the eradication of abuse and steps that can be taken to defend from and detect inappropriate behavior.

We are reminded of the statement of Paul in 2 Timothy 2:19 “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal. The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let everyone that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”

Your brothers in Christ,

Lyle Schober and Westin Price

Lyle’s Phone: [redacted]
email: [redacted]

Westin’s Phone: [redacted]
Email: [redacted]