8/21/2023
Dear Friends,
This is Bob and Viv Hansen, owners of the Eagle Bend, Minnesota convention grounds. We feel it is imperative for us to convey some messages prior to our conventions coming up in October of this year. This will be a longer convention letter than you’ve been seeing because we want to clarify some points and help you understand our thoughts and motives. We have not wavered from our intentions of having a convention this year because we believe we have been moved by the Lord to do so. We have loved hosting conventions here in the past and we are looking forward to seeing you all coming to enjoy some restful and peaceful days.
That brings up the issues that we are facing in our fellowship. The victims and the survivors of child sex abuse or sexual abuse are our number one concern. Some have inferred that by having convention that we are insensitive and uncaring towards the victims of child sex abuse, and/or sexual abuse. That is totally untrue! We are so, so sorry for what these precious souls have had to endure through physical and mental anguish and it tears our hearts apart just to think of all they’ve had to suffer because of these wicked deeds done to them. We hope and pray that these victims will get comfort for their soul and hearts, the healing that is needed, and the love and care and respect they deserve. We will always listen to and believe the victims! We will never side with the predator and since we bought this place in 2000, our mission has been to provide a safe place for people to come and worship freely and have sweet fellowship. Over these 23 years, this has involved prohibiting certain individuals and removing certain individuals from this convention place, and we have never failed to do that IF we knew about a predator. As we have all learned, predators can be unknown to many, many people because of their deceptive grooming abilities and behaviors. While we believe that the fellowship and the ministry are made up of almost all or nearly all people with good hearts and righteous motives, we understand that there could be someone who could be amongst us who is a predator. Therefore, as we will explain a little bit later, we have put into place some safety protocols that we believe will help us to provide a safer place for people.
Another subject that we want to cover is the short staff that we have of workers. We feel very sorry for those workers and understand that they have had to endure great mental and physical stress through these times. So we know that we will need many good volunteers to step up to help us all, to make this a doable and spiritually profitable convention for everyone. Our health has failed some and we are not as able as we once were but we will do what we can.
Now for the safety protocols. We have decided that there can be NO walking path as provided in the past, north of the grounds. There is just too much area out there that is not supervised or cannot be observed by anyone and we decided we will take away that risk for our friends. You can walk up and down our long driveway and walk on the gravel road and for the most part, should be safe doing so but please observe the traffic and move well over to the side of the road when traffic approaches.
Secondly, while we have not been actively posting on social media, we have been actively reading and listening to your concerns on social media. One of the parent’s concerns has been of their children entering a community bathroom when they couldn’t be there with them because of difference of gender or other responsibilities, like taking care of their other children. So what we have decided would reduce or eliminate that concern is that we will have clean portable toilets positioned all through the grounds in well lit areas and especially close to the meeting shed so children can go out to these portable toilets and come back into meeting quickly.
Thirdly, there will be security cameras positioned throughout the grounds. Of course, they won’t be installed in private settings or sleeping areas or bathrooms because of privacy issues. They are installed in common spaces because we will be recording all movement. We don’t know the entire value of these cameras, but we do believe that it can be a deterrent if there are some evil deeds being considered and if we need to go back and review some activities.
The fourth concern is making sure that the visitors that we have coming are safe. While we will not know most of these people, we believe they are coming with good hearts and righteous motives. But, again, because predators can be so deceptive, we know of credible third party professional sources that are available for us to search out these people’s backgrounds. And at any time, if we are informed that we have a visitor with allegations of sexual abuse or unacceptable behavior coming here, or is here, we will take immediate and appropriate actions to prohibit or remove that person.
Our zero tolerance policy is very strict. It always has been, and it always will be, as long as we are owners of these grounds. Our definition of zero tolerance is that there will be no accused, alleged, or convicted predator or individual allowed on these grounds, IF we know who they are. We will always be on the side of the victims or survivors or potential victims. If there is a false accusation against a person and later, has been declared not guilty by law enforcement and/or other credible sources, we will reconsider our previous decision.
Our fifth concern is about those who have been enablers to these criminal and evil deeds. On one hand, though, we want to be very careful and thoughtful about accusing somebody who may be in a God given place of authority of something that they are not guilty of doing. We may not have firsthand, or even second hand knowledge of those people, and what they have done. However, if we do have adequate proof that any person/persons have been involved in those activities, we will prohibit them from being here.
Lastly, and most importantly, if anyone sees any suspicious behaviors or criminal behavior, please contact 911 immediately. We would want you to contact us as soon as possible. Our phone number will be posted around the grounds. We will be there as soon as possible to assess the situation and take appropriate actions. If you are hesitant to call 911, please feel free to call us and we will be with you as soon as possible to discuss the situation with you.
Another thing we would like to address is young parents who have children. We hope with all our hearts that you will feel free to come to the convention because of the safety and refuge provided here. However, we respect your choice whatever you choose. We had young children once ourselves, and we understand the challenges of keeping young and energetic youngsters under control, and under your supervision constantly. We have a large convention grounds here and we should have plenty of open area for young children to play and we encourage that the grounds would be used accordingly. There is one restriction that we will have to place this year on children. In the past, they have enjoyed playing in the woods northeast of the convention grounds and we will have to prohibit children from being in those areas. The reason for this is because the children are too far away from the main part of the grounds, that area is unsupervised and can’t be seen easily by observers. However, the woods behind the campers has always been a delightful place for children to play, and that can be easily seen by others and observed so that should be a safe place for children to play also. We want the youngsters to enjoy convention as much as we did growing up. We really appreciate you loving and caring parents who we know will do your best at knowing where your children are and thank you for your diligence in that endeavor.
We are in uncharted waters. As far as this fellowship is concerned, because what has been allowed to happen, the evil minds, and evil hearts of people, have created great damage to this fellowship. We are very saddened by it all because of the mistrust, the lack of trust, and just unsure of where to turn at times. We want you to know, and believe, that none of the above was written with the spirit of arrogance or pride. For months now, we have been tearfully and prayerfully, pleading with the Lord for His guidance. So we humbly want you to know, that we have the same, if not more love and respect for the humble and good hearts of this fellowship. Thank you for your consideration and welcome to convention!
Sincerely,
Bob and Viv Hansen
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This was so encouraging and uplifting to read, thank you Bob and Viv Hansen for making convention’s a safe place from the start🌷
wow, what a way to cover your a## with a letter.. such a sad state of affairs that owners have come to the conclusion that this is the best way forward. warped minds
Wow – thinking group conventions may be the most dangerous places in America nowadays. Kids will be scarred for life knowing they have to use a portable toilet due to pervs and preds and peds hanging out in the bathrooms. If it is this dangerous being with “God’s people”, how will these kids react when they have to mix with the people in “the world”?
So they are damned if they do something and damned if they don’t. Shall all workers and conv owners consult the almighty Max first so they get it right?
Sick of Max, I like Max! Max has a great perspective and often with good intuition, recall of events, connections and most of all, an incredible sense of humor. Let the first amendment be for anti-Maxer, not just for you. Cheers!
If all workers and convention owners consulted the almighty Max first, most likely they WOULD get it right!
Very sorry that you are sick, but what makes me really sick are the thousands of CSA/SA victims that have endured this horrible crime by those that they trusted – workers or “friends” or maybe both. These victims were then ignored, slandered, lied about, and shunned by the very same people that committed or knew about these criminal acts. I personally know a fair number of former group members and workers and immediate family members whose lives have been totally ruined by this group due to CSA/SA and its cover-up by group leadership. In fact, my wife had a major panic attack this morning due her CSA years ago by her good friend’s “professing” father. It was triggered by reading about all of the perps and preds and pervs that still are allowed to attend “meetings” in her hometown. She is still shaking like a leaf on a tree.
To answer your Q – yes I would cancel every single convention worldwide. They are just a holdover from William Irvine’s Faith Mission days. If you think conventions are Biblical, please cite chapter and verse.
Thank you Max for your comments.
Your comments encourage my soul always .
I am sick the cover up of CSA of many workers and many friends .
Please pm your email if you wish I do have info of more corruption in the ministry.
Justice – Thanks for your very kind words of support and offer of additional group info on corruption. Unfortunately, me and my wife have already overloaded on this evil embedded in the group. It started for us when we were both young teens decades ago – my wife by a older CSA perp in her meeting and me by a well known and respected CSA infected older worker in the South. Nobody did nothing – did not want to rock the boat. It continued with our very young daughter when a middle aged male worker was caught in the closet with her and continued when an older “professing” boyfriend started to groom her. We had a meeting about this with the overseer and workers “in our field”. The did nothing – so we got the local police department involved to issue a restraining order. Our young good looking male kid professed through the serial CSA pred Corfield and was being groomed by him until we left the state. I always thought that we were all one-offs, until the Bruer news broke and then all the sordid CSA/SA news that followed.
Additionally, I have a relative that allowed a worker with a long history of CSA to have gospel meetings in their house – they told their kids to lock their bedroom doors at night. Another relative had a known CSA pred in their “Sunday Morning Meeting” for decades. Another relative that is still “professing” today has a history of exposing himself to kids, including me back in the day. Other relatives have been first, second and third generation workers, with at least one running cover for a really bad CSA pred in the group. Other relatives have preached to CSA peds in prison.
With all this, some in the group call out people that are putting the facts together and say that they have “weak minds” or “questions in their minds” or “do not believe that The Way is perfect, but the people are not” or some other ridiculous malarkey. One cannot make this stuff up. It is like a bad nightmare that never ends. God will end it all in His time – we will all answer to Him.
How is convention any different then sending your child/ children off to a church camp for a week with no parents in attendance?
How is that safe?
Concerned, church camps do not have “celibate” males that are looking for easy victims. Since leaving the “truth” after decades, due to a male workers assault on our teen daughter, we now go to a church that host a large kids gathering over four days every summer. There has been no incidents of sexual abuse. First, the church has a real zero tolerance for ANY misbehavior, and second, there is no celibate males looking for an easy target, and third, IF there was even a hint of improper behavior by anyone, that person would be gone (see rule number one). The “truth” religion allows all these rules to exist in its fellowship, and therefore has massive problems, which will continue because these rules are part of the church culture.
The camp for a week hasn’t had hundreds of sexual assaults because it’s not full of two by two celibate pedaphiles.
Interesting as there is a special clause about “abuse enablers” written in extremely fuzzy wording. If taken literally this would include nearly every senior worker in North America the last 100 years!!
However the “adequate proof” loophole carefully inserted will likely be used to exempt all allegations that would prove to be too sensitive to apply to the higher ranking “servants of God”
We need to remember that this “adequate proof” stipulation is the very same justification have workers used for a hundred years to justify disregard and to diminish CSA victims.
“Adequate” is an extremely subjective concept that can be twisted out of shape at will … and senior workers are extremely adept at using it.
Thank you Edgar, this needed to be brought to light.
Edgar – I believe during your time in the work you heard of things and didn’t act. I also note you married a much younger lady from your country that you went to sow the gospel. Should you be damned until death for it?
Reply to “Question for Edgar” Yes, looking back on my life in the work, I didn’t always react to issues I that I could have. Sorry!
In the end it was my reaction to moral failures in the group that got me and my family expelled 2001.
Regarding my exit from the work 1981 to get married. Yes, it was because I fell in love with her (Katarina) and chose to leave the work so that we could be together. She was 2 years younger than me if that is somehow signigicant to you.
After 9 years together (part of the 2×2 fellowship the whole while) she passed away 37 years old of a congenitive lung disease) Our daughter (Emma) was 6 at the time.
A time later, I married Mireille (present wife) .. we now have 6 children (including Emma), all adults — all now bringing us immense joy.
Yes, Mireille is considerably younger than I am, and “professed” until our families expultion 2001 … We have been married 33 years now and by our own feelings, live a happy and fullfilling life. I am now 77 years old.
‘Damned until death’ (your suggestion) … That’s not my call!!
Thanks for the honest response – it is helpful.
I guess we all make mistakes then in not reacting (for various reasons) and I do think some of the condemnation being hurled at folks is bringing out the worst in people. Its the same them v us, as American politicians.
I don’t think you should be condemned, neither do I think all involved should be condemned. There are hundreds of mums and dads who didn’t report to police, they reported to workers – this is a huge part of the problem, but most blame is being placed at the workers only. This isn’t helpful, the head of the house isn’t a worker.
All these cautions and guidelines, do not fix the problem. This is only a band aid covering up a very ugly, unclean festering wound. Choose to look the other way, clean just the outside of the cup, there is still a train wreck needing to be fixed. Why? The convention owner answered that question, “As far as this fellowship is concerned, because what has been allowed to happen, the evil minds, and evil hearts of people, have created great damage to this fellowship”. What was ALLOWED TO HAPPEN. It was not a one off, and stopped. This wound was never attended to in the first place and has been there for years, swept under the rug, quashed because the outside of the cup had to look clean, always! Throw a suit on it, put a bun on it, say some gimmicky little gems, but do not call a pig a pig and certainly, don’t get rid of the pig. At this point, the wound is no longer a wound. The little wound can no longer be covered by a band aid. The entire organization is afflicted throughout, from top to bottom. The top three are all compromised with damage they have allowed to take place, as are most, if not all, head workers. Some have even been convicted and sentenced for not reporting sex crimes AND are still head workers ( you can’t make this stuff up, it’s so crazy). This culture has filtered down to the staff, who if not involved in nefarious exercises, in many cases are culpable for watching something, or knowing of a deed and not acting due to fear of repercussions and the culture established by those at the top of the organization. That little wound, covered up by a band aid, has turned into a very sick patient. ….Putting up signs at a convention, closing trails, shutting off the woods as a play area is one way to keep the wolf at bay. What do you do when a mom is at home alone fixing dinner, with the kids playing in another room, the dad is still at work and the wolf is there ready to eat, and the big three haven’t and will not care what the wolf does, as shown from prior inactions? Instead, they accommodate the wolf. Look at the recent Wings For Truth post (Sacramento Decision Change is the latest, posted August 19, 2023). From the top down, that is the problem. Unfortunately, the top of the organization does NOT start with God as the head. Also, the top of the organization is going no where. So a very ugly, sick, organization is left.
There is not one honest, professing friend out there that will look anyone in the eye and honestly say that every overseerer and senior worker didn’t know about CSA within the fellowship. What did they do about it? They moved them to the next field for them to do it again. Quote from above: “Our fifth concern is about those who have been enablers to these criminal and evil deeds.” Would this be considered “enabling”?
Exactly, B&R. We only know how deep the rot goes when people are brave enough to publish names, such as the Montana 13 workers. But most have not named names so we just can’t know. But in that one case, 13 workers knew and did little to nothing. Now multiply that by 550+ victims…there have obviously been so many coverups. It’s disgusting.
I think everyone should know that Bob and Viv have been fighting this fight every year. Long b4 it became popular to have zero tolerance tgey have insisted that no perp is to attend. They have been met with resistance every year, and sympathizers with perps have tried to lobby for perp attendance almost every year. If you knew Bob and Viv, you would realize they are 100 percent committed to having a safe site, but have recieved nothing but abuse for standing on side of victims. Please recognize that the easy choice would be to cancel, but they are only trying to provide a safe environment. Doctronal issues are a completly different topic in my view with this religion, and need to be addresses, but as a convention ground owner, they are not in charge of doctrine.
Tad, be that as it may, the liability for what happens on their property lays with them. It is a harder choice to cancel than to go along as normal, I think. I don’t see mention of not having sleeping dorms and this is a massive red flag. Other convention owners have wisely opted to A) cancel convention B) Not offer sleeping arrangements at all or C) offer only camping areas instead of communal dorms.
Former Convention Attendee, “the liability for what happens on their property lays with (the convention owner)”. Yes, you’re correct, but also the mother organization, Christian Conventions, could be named in any law suit and that’s where it would get interesting. Going down the rabbit holes of the big three and the head workers, to find out what and where the money is. I had a source tell me at least a portion of the money was kept simply in a suit case. Other sources said funds are kept under ” friends ” names. If that is the reality and the top of the hierarchy has no known assets, all liability would come back to the convention owner, who has known assets. All convention owners would most definitely have an umbrella insurance policy, that would cover general liability damages, above their existing property insurance coverage. That being said, insurance is for “accidents”. Intentional acts are not covered and a sexual assault, sexual abuse or molestation are often presumed to be acts of intentional harm, subjective intent notwithstanding. While personal umbrella policies may grant broader coverage, most such policies simply follow form, such that an intentional act exclusion in the underlying policy will apply to the umbrella policy as well. That means the convention owner will be on the hook from the day suit papers are received. A lawyer would not be sufficient for such a defense given the likelihood the plaintiffs would open up the crime to include assaults that predate the crime committed on the convention grounds, so a team of defense lawyers would be needed. Depending on the part of the country where the assault took place, would dictate the lawyers hourly rate but none come cheap and a tab totalling $50,000 or more can be accrued in weeks, especially leading up to trial. Most likely a settlement would be attempted to be reached quickly to avoid further attorney fees, but again this cost would come directly out of the convention owners pocket if the intentional act exclusion is in place on the insurance coverage, which it usually is. My advice would be for convention owners to consult with an attorney and their insurance provider about intentional act exclusions. Also, it would be suggested that an agreement be signed with the worker in charge, with a known bank account verified with sufficient funds to cover for the intentional act exclusion. Do not assume anything. Convention owners are, and should be liable for anything that takes place on their property. With all that has happened in the past, it likely will happen again and everyone deserves to be safe. People will not continue to overlook sexual abuses even though that has been the custom for many years. Victims should not be forced to live in silent shame and it appears that time has come and gone, and the victims are getting a voice. Soon the leadership in the “truth” organization will be forced to hear that voice
Tad Eckel: Are you serious? Is that really what is posted!!?? Just two more people who knew about this CSA/SA and hid the fact while while it continued.
For years!!!
AND did not demand a bright light be shone to expose all of the corruption!
There is always a fast scattering for darkness by those who like to be hid.
Who can better protect their own from danger, than those who are informed and aware of lurking-predators. Better, YET: WHEN they are informed of the very name and Danger. So, the informed can even transfer their knowledge to other places and situations where the Name and Danger can be protected against.
So if they knew about it forever, why just now are they putting safety measures into place?
sick of max: This is sickness! When Good Men Do Nothing!
Yes, including: Like not even knowing what is actually written in Our Holy Bibles concerning Jesus and His 12 apostles ministry to Israel.
Bob and Viv should stop having conventions and contributing to the financial exploitation of the members. Providing an environment for sexual assault of children is a despicable way to make a living.
Oof. I don’t think convention owners quite understand the liability they hold over ANY harm that happens on their properties. All convention owners should have liability insurance that covers sexual misconduct as the buck stops with them, not the non-organization non-group that is called the 2x2s. And what insurance company is going to insure such a secretive group with no real policies for CSA etc?
With appreciation to Bob and Viv Hansen! Decent godly balanced people!
There will ‘ALWAYS’ be the ‘Edgar Masseys’ and the ‘Maxs’ .The weak minded are swayed by such.😀
Will take the company of Edgar Massey any day of the week. Do not know him personally – just through the online account of his life. Sounds like a mighty fine person to this old cowpoke.
I’m just baffled by what these weak minds come up with ie. A child will be scarred for life by using a port a potty? He also has claimed in a previous post that a pedo can be detected by merely asking them questions that any Christian knows and they won’t know the answer. Whatever question that is let us please start asking it upon the workers arrival to each home. 🙄
Not sure who has the weak mind here but what I was trying to say is this: If a parent tells their kid they cannot use the regular bathroom at a church convention due to a pervert lurking inside and a portable toilet has been set up to keep you safe from peds, that will effect his or her brain, maybe forever. I never made your second claim about asking questions to peds – unlike many group members, I have zero tolerance for these types of people and would never talk to one. Please provide the date of that comment when you find the chapter and verse that states convention is biblical. Not going to waste anymore time on this unless those two items are provided.
Tad Eckel- thanks for standing up for Bob and Viv!
Bob and Viv are doing all they can to provide as safe of a place as they can. If you know of a perp or someone who has covered up a csa / sa crime, etc. and is going to Eagle Bend, tell Bob. Every one who goes should / must be be responsible to watch out for any unacceptable behaviors and report them to 911 or if the issues do not raise to that level, tell Bob. Over the years I have personally observed young children being allowed to “run wild” with no adult supervision this is never a good idea. As a parent you need to be responsible for your own children. Would you go to for example, the MN state fair and allow your children to run wild? I think not. I personally have zero tolerance for csa,sa, gender harassment, really any kind of harassment, tax evasion, dishonesty, etc. or those who have covered it up. Yes I can name many names of workers who fall into one or many of these areas and have no respect for them or their actions, and believe they need to get out of the work and face the fact, be exposed for what they have done as well as face the consequences of all the pain and suffering they have caused others.
However going off on Bob and Viv for doing their best to provide a place that is as safe as they can is simply not acceptable to me.
Thanks Jon Eckel, I appreciate your post🌷
I have complete understanding for these convention grounds owners. This crisis within 2x2ism has put them in an impossible situation in many ways.
Feeling responsible for what may go on their property .. Yet not fully in control of all the parameters involved. And well aware of all the eyes upon them — and comparisons to other convention property owners.
This letter hasn’t just fallen down from heaven — Many points are strikingly similar to other “convention guidlines” published. Which doublessly have been ‘approved’ by higher group leadership.
The clause about “enablers” is a tough one!! Both Woodstock NB Canada and Clever MO both had their conventions completely canceled because of this issue. I can guess that the “adequate proof” stipulation was the result of intense negotiation with leadership. It makes the whole clause an imoral farse —
“Allegation” is regarded as serious enough for barring lower level folks, but for fellowship leadership (obviously involved) “adequate proof” is offered as a ‘free interpretation’ ‘free-card’
Heb 13, Be not forgetful to entertain strangers, for some have entertained angels unaware.
This verse has taken on a new reality for me as I read this letter. These folk are continuing to open their home and property, they are striving to provide a safe sanctuary for those who will gather for convention. No response is ever going to be perfect, but these are obviously safe people who have a deep love and care for those around them. To me, they are taking steps in the faith that God will guide them to do what is safe and right for the needs of the flock at this time. It doesn’t sound like they are strangers to dealing with wolves in the flock and I applaud you for that. To the folk who know you well and have responded positively to your letter, i trust that you can all continue to support each other.
I don’t know you, I have never been to your convention, but I sure hope that one day I might have the privilege of joining you at Eaglebend.
Wishing you all the very best for your preps and convention season in Minnesota. I’m sure you will be blessed with a few angels in disguise along the way!
Observing across the pond😊-Nicely said🌷
How shameful that we sit here and the hatefulness that comes out. Two individuals on convention grounds have a call to their heart from God, and you sit here and put them down. If they have that calling, who are we to shun them? EVERY ONE OF US HAVE A CHAPTER IN OUR BOOK THAT WE DO NOT WANT READ OUT LOUD! take a minute and step back and let Bob and Viv hear God’s voice to their hearts. Shame on US and YOU for spouting off at them. Open your eyes and please thank them for what they are doing to help others. There is nonsense in how this group is acting and shoving each other, and throwing things, and the hatefulness. It is not like Jesus in these ways. Just maybe we all could look higher and kneel lower and let God speak to our hearts.. wisdom helps us build, and understanding helps us learn, and knowledge helps us know.. kindness is free.
Just a reminder to anon
One of the primary markers of 2×2 is to define any form of criticism or pressure for decency as ‘hate’ and ‘bitterness’ – There are literally hundreds of us exes that bare this label. You seem to be falling into this mold.
Regarding the non-disputable holiness of a ‘calling’ In the case you refer to, a ‘calling’ to be a convention ground owner. I felt a ‘calling’ when I started out in the work. Now proven to be simply put, just the power of suggestion!!
I’m sure Dean Bruer claimed a ‘calling’ .. also Ira Hobbs’ .. and a long line of others still riding on the holiness of this ‘calling Dale Shultz, Ray Hoffman, Barry Barley’ etc. This calling does not exempt anyone from truth and moral decency.
Regarding folks on this convention grounds .. doubtlessly feeling they are doing what is right … yet obviously in the claws of a self-interested top ministry frantically trying to save their position of authority and power in an organization that is obviously failing everyone. I do feel sorry for them!
We look up at the same stars and see them differently.
Right now we see a mere reflection in a dusty mirror, but one day we will see and understand things clearly.
Knowing the Bible is one thing, knowing the author is another.
Well said anon🌷
Maybe people are missing what Bob and Viv Hansen said….
“We will never side with the predator and since we bought this place in 2000, our mission has been to provide a safe place for people to come and worship freely and have sweet fellowship.”
“Over these 23 years, this has involved prohibiting certain individuals and removing certain individuals from this convention place, and we have never failed to do that IF we knew about a predator”
We must be carefull while standing up for what is right, that we forget about kindness and seeing the good in other’s.
I appreciate how these folks are doing everything they can- short of cancelling convention. A worker explained to me that convention was a gift from the ministry to its people. I have a hard time seeing where God comes in. When we were young convention was an exciting time, once a year we got to see our friends. the boys went off to the men’s dorm and the girls went off to women’s dorm. Was it safe- apparently not. Being in a farming community there often field workers and farmers who would come- probably to find out what was happening.
If a sign had been posted beware of rapists and pedophiles how many would come and who’s unprofessing father’s would have let their children go. Please be aware that your best efforts will not stop the evil from showing up.
It is possible that the time for conventions needs to end. What a testimony the overseers and ministry have left. Please follow the teachings of God regarding CSA/SA. We are admonished to separate ourselves from evil. Nothing that the overseers are doing is following the teachings of Christ.
Please be safe and let God and his angels direct you thru these choices and decisions.