WINGS Note: This letter addresses the Church’s imbalance of power and respect between perpetrators and victim-survivors. The original letter from Aaron Farough follows at the end.
Good Afternoon Mike,
I’m writing to you today because I feel very moved to initiate a conversation that I believe is very important. I had planned to reach out to you re Aaron Farough prior to the letter that Aaron wrote; which was sent out on Aaron’s behalf by the senior worker in his field. However, that letter has been the push I needed to reach out to you sooner rather than later.
I’ll apologise right off the bat for the length of this email, which I know will be long. I’d suggest grabbing a cup of coffee and making yourself comfortable before sitting down to read this one. But please do stick with me through it. This isn’t something that I do often or have ever done before, but God has laid such a strong conviction on my heart to reach out to you and I cannot ignore that.
I think that a good place to start would be by going through Aaron’s letter. There are some specific parts of the letter that I would like to address. But before I begin, I would ask you to pay careful attention to the language that Aaron has chosen to repeatedly use in this email. He intentionally casts himself as the victim by using words like, “costly”; “lost everything”; “lowest of days”; “hard lesson”; “life lasting scars”. He is doing his very best to elicit sympathy – a pattern that I have seen over and over with perpetrators.
I understand that I am speaking rather frankly here. However, I feel that it is required given the circumstances. I don’t want to leave any room for confusion or misunderstanding. I trust that you understand that this frankness is not intended as a personal attack but rather, an attempt to initiate a conversation with you.
In warning: I will be discussing highly sensitive and upsetting information. I wouldn’t be sharing this information with you if I didn’t find it to be necessary considering the circumstances. That being said, as I know that it can be very difficult and potentially triggering to read what I have written below, please take breaks if needed.
Aaron begins the email by stating, “shame and pride and guilt are just some of the things that make a person want to disappear from off the earth without a trace”.
Do you know who else has experienced shame and guilt? The victim-survivors of sexual abuse in this community. Do you know who has shamed them; who has told them that they are the ones responsible for being sexually abused? It is the people within this Fellowship – the workers and the friends; the “servants” and the “saints”. Now I’m not saying that every worker and every one of the friends have exhibited this kind of behaviour, of course not. However, there are far too many to count that have behaved in this manner; it has become far too common of a response. It is a shared experience that survivors within the Fellowship have had; being shamed and being blamed. This community has prioritised the comfort and well-being of perpetrators over victim-survivors for decades. The perpetrators within this community have been repeatedly protected; not the victim-survivors. The email sent on behalf of Aaron is an example of that continuing to happen.
Do you know what else makes a person want to disappear from the face of the Earth? Being a victim of sexual assault, especially within a community that does not support or stand by you. And I mean this in the most literal sense when I quote Aaron’s statement, “disappear from off the earth without a trace”. Victim-survivors are SUICIDAL right now. I cannot overemphasise the seriousness of the situation. On the Wednesday night evening of Duncan convention, when a group of the friends and workers were gathered together singing hymns, I was on the phone connecting a suicidal ex-worker and survivor with emergency care services. That is the reality that I am living in. It is the reality that many people in this community are choosing to ignore, because they don’t want to “lose their focus”. But I would ask you, how would prioritising the care of the victim-survivors of sexual abuse over those who have perpetrated abuse be considered “ungodly” or “taking God out of the equation”? To me, it is simple and straightforward. After all, is that not what God taught through His Word and the life of His Son? To show care for the vulnerable? The needy? The brokenhearted? It is clear to me that care and consideration should be shown to those who have survived abuse within this community. Period. Full stop.
Aaron states that God’s plans for him to be “sinful and rebellious” have been “costly”.
Firstly, it is inappropriate for Aaron to redirect the attention onto himself and use language that elicits sympathy. The focus should be on what HE has DONE and the risk that HE poses to others, rather than how HIS actions have caused HIM to suffer consequences.
He either does not understand or is trying to avoid mentioning how COSTLY the impact of his actions have been on victim-survivors of sexual abuse (both the children featured in the content he viewed and the survivors in this community that are constantly being triggered by perpetrators like him). The consequences that Aaron has faced, pale in comparison to the impact that a sexual perpetrator’s actions have on the victim-survivor(s); they PALE in comparison to what those children in the content that Aaron viewed have endured. Secondly, it quite frankly blows my mind to read of Aaron describing his CRIMINAL OFFENCES as “sinful and rebellious” behaviour. That language is dismissive and purposefully vague. It attempts to minimise the seriousness of what he did; not to mention that by classifying it as part of God’s plans for him, Aaron is trying to escape the responsibility that belongs on HIS shoulders. There is a difference between sin and committing criminal offences of a sexual nature. No one is perfect. We are all guilty of sin. But we are NOT all guilty of PEDOPHILIC behaviour.
Aaron later states that when he “disobeyed”, he “lost everything” and became a “living example”. He is once more attempting to elicit sympathy, present himself as the victim, and minimise what he’s done by using purposefully vague language. What did he lose? Whose fault is that? What is it that he’s referring to when he says that he disobeyed?
I have attached the “Reasons for Sentence” court document that details Aaron’s sentence to this email. The ninth page of the sentencing report states, “Apart from Mr. Farough’s loss of his status as a minister and the loss of the congregation members, Mr. Farough has not suffered other losses. Mr. Farough has not suffered from any financial consequences, as he was able to go back to his former occupation. He has been able to get married, and he has been able to patch things up with his family and friends” [23]. How many survivors can testify to suffering as few losses as Aaron has? The self-involved language that Aaron repeatedly uses is not only incredibly insensitive, but it’s also a very revealing and disturbing display of his lack of remorse.
I refuse to believe that Aaron accessing and distributing violent imagery and videos of children being RAPED was part of God’s plan for him to become a “living example”. There are plenty of examples in the Bible to look to – Aaron is fully and independently responsible for his actions. The choices he has made have helped NO ONE; they have only caused harm. I didn’t need a “living example” to show me that finding sexual pleasure in viewing footage of children being SEXUALLY VIOLATED is wrong; or that committing criminal offences will result in a criminal record; or that committing a sexual offence will place you on the Sex Offender Registry.
Aaron states that he “feel[s] as one who has offended even those considered to be the little ones”. He IS one of those. HIS actions brought these consequences.
Aaron Farough is a REGISTERED SEX OFFENDER. That is a label that the law has applied to him, based on choices that he freely made. That is who is petitioning to be in meetings. That is who has failed to apologise to the families whose homes he has stayed in; committed crimes in. That is who refuses to acknowledge the children being VIOLENTLY SEXUALLY ABUSED in the content that HE created a demand for.
Aaron states that he is “thankful” that “since failing in [his] struggle, [he has] never looked for solutions like Judas did”. For transparency’s sake, I would like to rewrite the first part of that sentence to more accurately and honestly state what he’s referring to, which is:
“Since searching for images and videos of CHILDREN being SEXUALLY ABUSED and RAPED; finding and watching this content; I then distributed it on to others”. In the pre-sentence hearing, the Crown confirmed that the children in the videos and images were as young as FOUR YEARS OLD, with the oldest child being only TWELVE years old. Each and every child in those images and videos was female and was naked. A naked adult male performed various sexual acts against those female children; and in some of the images and videos, the children were restrained by their arms as they were assaulted.
There is a huge difference between pornographic content that features consenting adults – and child pornography that shows unconsenting children being violently sexually abused. It is the latter that Aaron accessed, possessed, viewed, and distributed to others. It is the latter that Aaron kept on his cell phone for two years after the investigation first began [5]. It is the latter that Aaron received sexual gratification from; the latter which contained footage of CHILDREN being VIOLENTLY RAPED. Aaron received pleasure from watching CHILDREN being SEXUALLY ASSAULTED. Read that once more. Let it sink in.
These offences are not victimless crimes. When a person accesses and distributes this kind of content, a demand is created for it to be produced; or more transparently, a demand is created for children to be raped. Aaron contributed to the sexual exploitation of children by accessing and distributing child pornography; criminal charges of which he has been convicted and found guilty. It is NOT a “natural progression” to move on from viewing pornography to viewing child pornography. It is NOT a symptom of “boredom”. It is NOT a symptom of “human nature”. It is NOT content that a person views out of “mere curiosity”. Each statement is one which Aaron has made in an attempt to excuse and shirk responsibility for what he did. What it IS, however, is a symptom of a serious illness that requires professional treatment and proactive measures to be taken.
In terms of the second part of that sentence, if the best person that an individual can compare themselves to in an effort to come off favourably is Judas, I don’t know if that’s something to celebrate.
Aaron states that he apologises to those that “feel” that he has hurt and betrayed them. He HAS hurt us. He HAS betrayed our trust. The impact of his actions are widespread and permanent.
AND I would like to point out that this email was not sent to the friends in the Northern Vancouver Island field; the field that he laboured in while committing these offences. Aaron never apologised to the couple who had to view the photo of his genitals in order to identify their bedspread in the background and confirm that he had been staying in their guest room at the time of the offence; the families whose homes were visited by the police because he used their IP address to access child pornography; or (to the best of my knowledge) any of the many homes that he spent time in, in the Northern Vancouver Island field. He could have sent out an apology at any point over the past three and a half years since his arrest; or even over the past year and a half since his sentencing.
Aaron stayed in MY home on multiple occasions for lengthy periods of time. In fact, when his parents came to visit him, they stayed in MY home. He spent his break in MY home. My family never had the “privilege” of receiving anything that resembled an apology from Aaron. The families on Vancouver Island opened their homes to him. We fed him. We housed him. We TRUSTED him.
I reached out to the brother workers in Aaron’s field and expressed that I felt that the email should have been sent from Aaron directly, rather than from a worker on Aaron’s behalf. I find it cowardly behaviour on Aaron’s part to have sent that letter through someone else. If he wanted to, it would have been easy for him to contact any of the families on Vancouver Island directly and send them an apology. Furthermore, it has been terribly triggering for survivors within this community to see a brother worker sending out an email on behalf of a REGISTERED SEX OFFENDER. It has been devastating to many of us. Because by a worker sending this email on Aaron’s behalf, this has become a ministry-endorsed apology. It has communicated to the friends that Aaron has the full support of the ministry behind him.
Is that a statement that you are comfortable with, Mike? Are you comfortable to be known as a man that will support perpetrators over victim-survivors? I’ve CC’d Merlin Affleck in on this email too, and I’ll ask you, Merlin. Are you comfortable being known as a man that will stand behind perpetrators before you will stand behind the victims? These are important questions to consider; and Aaron is presenting you with an opportunity to answer them and to clearly state where you stand. This is important information to communicate as individuals in positions of leadership within this community.
That being said, I will ask you both once more. Are you supporting Aaron? Are you standing behind Aaron? Will you stand behind a man who sought out footage of CHILDREN being RAPED? Who received sexual gratification from watching CHILDREN being RAPED? I’m capitalising and bolding these words because I’m trying to do everything I can to convey the seriousness of this to you both. I would ask that you seriously consider and reflect on these questions. Who are you supporting? Who are you standing behind? Because at this moment, it is certainly not evident or clear that you have chosen to stand behind the victim-survivors. This is not one of those situations where you can sit on the fence. It’s not possible to stand behind the victim-survivors and the perpetrators at the same time. They are standing in completely different places.
I would assume that you both agree that there is no one, apart from Aaron, who will make the difference in Aaron’s salvation. There is nothing that you can do, Mike, that will impact where someone else will spend eternity. There is nothing that Merlin can do; nothing that any individual person can do that will impact the salvation of someone else. We will each stand alone before God in the end. Our salvation is not dependent on others. Aaron’s salvation is between him and God. There is no place for you there. That being said, do you know where there IS a place for you? How you CAN make a difference? That place is where the victim-survivors are; there is opportunity for you to make a difference there. They have been standing alone for far too long. They are the ones who have been cast aside in this community; not the perpetrators. They are the ones who are in need in this community; not the perpetrators. They are the ones who you owe a DUTY OF CARE to in this community; not the perpetrators.
Aaron calls this a “hard lesson” that he is “thankful” for. I don’t think the children who were RAPED in the images and videos that he pleasured himself to, can say the same thing.
Aaron states that he has “life lasting scars”. I would ask that you take a moment and consider the victim-survivors when you read that. I would ask you to consider the scars that they will carry for the rest of their lives; scars that they did nothing to receive. This is from the sentencing report: “The evidence establishes that Mr. Farough accessed, possessed, and transmitted material that is not only inherently wrong, but material that is extremely harmful to children, which harm can last a lifetime” [30]. Aaron calls the resulting consequences of his freely made choices, “scars”. The perpetrator is the active participant when sexual abuse takes place. The perpetrator causes the sexual abuse to take place. It is never the child. It is never the victim-survivor.
Aaron states that these scars are “from what I have done to you and to myself”. Who is the “you” that he is referring to? Perhaps “you” refers to the friends in his current field, assuming that’s who the email was sent to? Or perhaps the friends in the wider Albertan area? I would ask you where his concern is for the victims; for the children. You won’t find it.
Aaron brought up the law in regards to his “problem” in this email. For transparency’s sake, I would like to highlight a couple points that you may be unaware of. This is information that is documented in the attached PDF.
Firstly, Aaron stated that there are no restrictions placed on him, regarding who he is around and where he goes. It’s true that his one-year probation order has ended. However, Aaron does have restrictions that are to remain in place for a period of FIVE YEARS from the date of sentencing. Pursuant to Section 161 of the Criminal Code of Canada, Aaron is prohibited from “seeking, obtaining, or continuing with any volunteer position or employment that involves being in a position of trust or authority towards a person under the age of 16 years old” [57]. It seems that he failed to remember this when stating “I have no restrictions on who I am around or where I go”. His decision to (falsely) bring up his lack of restrictions strikes me as an indication that he feels entitled to be present in meetings. Is this the behaviour of someone who is truly remorseful and repentant?
Secondly, the psychologist that provided Aaron’s psychiatric assessment report had his licence suspended after being found guilty for inappropriate misconduct of a sexual nature with underage girls. Zac Rhodenizer was working as a counsellor at a High School and it was within that role that he entered into prohibited inappropriate relationships of a sexual nature with at least two fifteen-year-old students. This is the man that deemed Aaron “low-risk”. Do you think that he would be an appropriate and reliable individual to provide counselling to Aaron or to provide a professional opinion on Aaron’s psychological state? I certainly don’t.
I have a copy of the Hearing Tribunal held to discuss Rhodenizer’s misconduct and the details are available there – that’s where I’ve gotten my information from and I’m happy to forward that on to you if you would like, Mike. That includes you too, Merlin.
Thirdly, if Aaron violates the terms and restrictions that have been placed upon him as a REGISTERED SEX OFFENDER in Canada, it is up to him to come forward and alert his Probation Officer. Were you aware of that? Do you think Aaron is likely to do that? This is a man who, in his own words, was “caught”. He did not come forward. It was forced upon him when he became aware of the investigation and the pending charges. If Aaron repeats what he has done before – which is statistically highly likely, especially given the lack of remorse that Aaron exhibits – it will be up to him to come forward and disclose that information to his PO. It took a sting operation by the RCMP to bring this information to light the first time. I wouldn’t trust Aaron to bring it to light the second, third, fourth, or fifth time. If you do trust him to do that, then you have been successfully groomed and manipulated by him.
Everyone has a clean criminal record until they commit a crime. Everyone is a “person of prior good character” until they commit an offence; until they abuse a child.
I’d like to include this paragraph from R. v. Large 2020 BCPC 216, as I find it incredibly important and effective in explaining the seriousness of child pornography offences:
The phrase “child pornography” dilutes the true meaning of what these images and videos represent to some degree. The term “pornography reinforces the perception that what is occurring is consensual and a mutual experience between the viewer and the actor. These are not actors. It is not consensual. These are images and videos of child sexual abuse.
The downloading, sharing and production of these images and videos is a pervasive social problem that affects the global community and its children. Each time an image is viewed, the child is victimised.
The problem is so pervasive that police are required to triage and pursue only those with extensive collections or those involved in dissemination. One judge describes it as a virtual firehouse spewing depraved and disturbing images across the internet. In addition to the ever-increasing supply, changes in technology make fighting its growth increasingly challenging. The images themselves are becoming more aggressive, to whet the depraved appetite of those that view them – the fresher and more extreme, the better. Mr. Large, himself, acknowledged how over time it got to the point where the images were not even arousing him anymore.
Because of the harm to children, the repulsiveness of the crime, and the challenges in detecting and prosecuting these matters, the primary objectives of sentencing are denunciation and general and specific deterrence. When these objectives are paramount, the primary focus must be on the offence or the offender’s conduct, rather than on the offender. Although factors personal to the accused and rehabilitation remain essential, they necessarily take on a secondary role in the analysis.
Finally, I know that Aaron has been attending meetings in person and I’d like to leave you with a few thoughts to mull over –
I believe that attending meetings is a privilege, it is not a right. Let me compare it to driving a car. It is a privilege to drive a car. But it is not a right. If at any point, you make a choice that endangers others or violates a law, then your driver’s licence will be revoked and you will no longer enjoy the privilege of driving.
Aaron should NOT be attending meetings in person. I don’t see any reason why he cannot phone in to meetings instead. I believe that God can reach us wherever we are, and that there is nothing that can prevent Him from working within us if we are willing. Would you agree, Mike? I find that to insinuate otherwise, is to place limitations on the work that God is able to do.
If Aaron is truly repentant and remorseful, then he would remove himself from meetings. He would acknowledge that he has a serious problem that requires professional intervention and treatment; and removing himself from in-person meetings is a necessary step in demonstrating that remorse. In situations like these, actions are necessary – words alone are insufficient.
It would be showing Aaron brotherly kindness to remove him from a situation that could provoke him and risk the victimisation of future persons. He stated it himself; he didn’t realise how “powerful” his nature is. It is wrong to place him in an environment that would grant him access to children – and this includes ANY weekly fellowship meetings. Even if each and every person in Aaron’s fellowship meeting(s) is a legal adult, has been asked and has agreed to meet with him, it is still NOT okay for these reasons:
1) They are likely unaware of the full and complete details of Aaron’s criminal offences; details that I would argue are important if one is to contemplate the “seriousness” of his crimes.
2) If they are people that feel comfortable enough to meet with a sex offender, I find that to be a massive red flag that provides insight into their understanding of perpetrators – or the lack thereof.
3) There may be survivors in the meeting that do not feel comfortable or safe in disclosing that to the workers in their field, and may be triggered by Aaron’s presence in the meeting. It is an unfair and uncomfortable position to put anyone in – to ask them whether they’re willing to meet with a PREDATOR or not – let alone a victim-survivor. And for obvious reasons, there will always be survivors that you will be unaware of; that have not come forward or that have chosen not to disclose that to you.
4) Each person in that meeting will be connected to a child. Aaron will work hard to groom them, gain their trust, and gain access to that child through that person.
I am unaware of whether or not you have educated yourself on the psychological characteristics of a perpetrator or how manipulative they can be in grooming those around them. But for the sake of those that are CC’d in, I’ll briefly highlight this … Not only do perpetrators groom their victim(s), but they groom the entire community. That is how a perpetrator gains unhindered access to their victim(s); they will first groom and gain the trust of the people within the community. They are highly motivated individuals. They will work very hard to gain access to their victim(s) – which in Aaron’s case, would be children. He will GROOM and MANIPULATE and USE people to get what he wants; and if I had to make an educated guess, it would be that Aaron is pushing (or will soon be pushing) to attend gospel meetings.
It is no revelation that perpetrators are incredibly manipulative. Aaron is NOT unique. He is not a special case or an exception to any rule. He will do whatever is necessary to gain the trust of the people around him; to put them at ease and to make them feel comfortable. And that includes you, Mike. Aaron will be working hard for your favour. He will be working hard to stay in your good graces.
How many of the perpetrators that have been revealed over the past year have been a surprise to you? How many have you trusted? Looked up to? Laboured with? Loved? Have many have you considered to be respected “pillars” in this community? It is impossible to identify a perpetrator. That’s the sad truth and I wish it were different, but it’s not. However, what we can be grateful for in this particular case, is that we have FACTS; a documented legal record to refer to and base future decisions on.
Aaron is a high-risk individual. He is a convicted SEX OFFENDER. That is a fact. He is likely to reoffend, especially if given the opportunity – which is what allowing him to attend meetings in-person is doing.
It is for these reasons that I ask that Aaron Farough have his meeting attendance privileges revoked.
I understand that this email is blunt. I haven’t written this with mal intent or a “bad spirit” – and I certainly don’t identify as an “enemy of the truth”. In fact, I care deeply for this community and I want the meetings to be a safe place for everyone – that is why I’ve taken it upon myself to write this email. That being said, I believe that being honest and transparent is long overdue, and much needed given the circumstances.
I know that this letter is uncomfortable to read. But discussing the sexual abuse of children should be. It’s when you are no longer uncomfortable that there is a problem. It would be inappropriate if I were to gloss over such a serious issue. There are some things that require an uncomfortable amount of honesty, and this is one of those things.
I have been deeply disturbed by the abuse that has continued to be perpetuated. There have been too many people that have failed to protect the vulnerable; too many people that have instead protected and enabled perpetrators. There have been too many people that have been enablers and facilitators of abuse.
This is a community that YOU owe a duty of care to, Mike. And you too, Merlin. Whether either of you would like to acknowledge it or not, the seats that you sit in are seats of responsibility. In the spirit of transparency, I have CC’d in the staff in AB and BC. I find this necessary as Aaron Farough laboured in both British Columbia and Alberta, and is now residing in the latter.
I am speaking plainly because I know only too well that Aaron can present himself to be somebody else. The perpetrators within this community are not strangers to us; we have known them personally. This means that it is imperative to be sensitive and conscious of the biases we hold. Aaron Farough laboured with you. He spent preps with you; conventions with you; special meeting rounds with you. For some reading, you were companions with Aaron. That means that there are biases you hold that you need to be aware of. It is an advantage for the perpetrator(s) when they have had a prior personal relationship with you. They will use that prior relationship to get what they want. If you aren’t careful, it will make it much easier for the perpetrator(s) to groom and manipulate you.
There will always be an Aaron. He is not special. He is not different from any other perpetrator. The ministry will have to continue to deal with perpetrators as victim-survivors continue to bravely come forward. Therefore, although this email is focused on Aaron’s case, the contents of it will apply to perpetrators (those that are known and those still unknown) in British Columbia; Alberta; in precisely every last province in Canada; and in every single country where this Fellowship has had a presence. Aaron is simply one more perpetrator who is providing you with the opportunity to clarify where you stand. Is it with the perpetrators? Or is it with the victims?
I am clearly communicating where I stand, and I would implore each of you to do the same. It shouldn’t be difficult or scary to stand with victim-survivors. It shouldn’t be a struggle to condemn the SEXUAL ABUSE that is being – and has been – perpetuated by people within this community. It is a demonstration of kindness – to both perpetrators and victim-survivors – to acknowledge the issue; as without acknowledgement, there can be no forward steps taken towards healing.
For those of you that are active field workers, I understand that the authority that you have is limited. However, the perpetrators that are in your field(s) have now become your responsibility. I want you to know that I genuinely feel for those of you that are in the work and are under an immense amount of pressure right now. And I recognise that the burden that has been placed upon you is unfair. Nevertheless, as the law is fallible, there will be some things that will be left in the hands of the field workers. It is up to each of us to do what we can to protect the vulnerable, which often involves going above and beyond what is legally required of us. I have often thought of the Good Samaritan over the past year; and what he was willing to do to help a complete stranger that others had passed by.
I would ask you to consider what Jesus would do. Jesus spoke up for the vulnerable; for the sick; for the needy. I have heard too often that this is an “issue” to be left at God’s feet. I agree that there are burdens that are not ours to carry. And I agree that God is well able to do what needs to be done. That being said, God works through His people. We are tools in His hands. I feel that God has laid a very strong conviction on my heart; which is to protect vulnerable individuals and prevent future persons from being victimised. It’s the same spirit that has led me my entire life; the same spirit that has brought me untold peace and comfort. That’s what has led me to send you this email, Mike. It’s what has moved me to CC in the staff in both provinces, as this letter is addressed to each of you too.
I’m aware that speaking up has often been equated with being disrespectful; especially when addressing those in leadership. However, I would hope that you would encourage people to approach you with their concerns – particularly if they involve the safety and wellbeing of others.
As I previously asked who the “you” was that Aaron referred to in his email, I will clarify that I am addressing you, Mike. And you, Merlin. But in addition, I’m speaking to each one of you reading this. If you are presently in the work, you are occupying a position of authority; whether you asked for it or not, that’s the reality. We each occupy spheres of influence, but there are some that have more influence in this community than others. For those of you that have aligned yourselves with victim-survivors, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. For those of you that are broken-hearted, I pray with you in mind often. For those of you that are heavily burdened, I would encourage you to let peace be your guide.
I sincerely hope that you receive this email in the spirit in which I have written it and I would ask that you please respond, as I am genuinely attempting to reach out to you. I felt an immense amount of peace when I sent a slightly modified version of this email to the workers in Aaron’s field earlier this week. I trust that pressing send on this email will do the same.
Respectfully, Chaylene Reid
Chaylene has an undergraduate degree in English and Sociology and in her final year of Law School. She is also the Advocate Program Coordinator for AFTT.
WINGS Note: Local worker Brady Anderson forwarded the following letter on behalf of Aaron Farough.
Date: 2024-09-16
To:
Subject:Long overdue
As the Subject reads, so are the contents of this letter to each of you.
Shame and pride and guilt are just some of the things that make a person want to disappear from off the earth without a trace. However, God had other plans for me when I was sinful and rebellious but they have been costly! I was trusted by so many of you because of what the Life of Jesus does in our hearts. I laboured among you to encourage that and to try to understand it myself. When I disobeyed, I became a living example of how quickly I lost everything I had in a just a moment. I feel as one who has offended even those considered to be the little ones and am worthy of the millstone about my neck. I’m thankful that in my lowest of days, since failing in my struggle, that I’ve never looked for solutions like Judas did, but understand the path that got him there. I apologize to each of you who have been hurt and feel that I have betrayed you of your trust.
I am thankful that in this hard lesson, God has been merciful! I was a fool to think in my mind that I would never sin to the level of crossing what is unlawful or immoral. That confidence is gone and I realize now, how powerful my nature is when I resist the help of God and his will. I will have some life lasting scars from what I have done to you and to myself. I’m thankful that I was caught and have time left in life to repent, feel the sorrow and change my ways. I live with regret but I trust that God can help me move forward. I know and trust that God can heal your hearts too.
The law has been accurate in handling my offence and has helped bring my problem to a definite head. The Law states that I will be a registered offender for another 19 years. I have no restrictions on who I am around or where I go in my community or others. I report annually where I work/live and at any time I travel abroad.
By the mercy of God, I have been established in a little home, with a caring wife, and an amazing fellowship of friends to meet with. I’m not getting what I deserve, because it should be nothing, but my heart is full and I am humbled.
Sincerely, Aaron Farough
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Why do people insist on workers to make these decisions? Seems to me if a small group of 40-50 (or less) should be able determine who is not comfortable meeting in the presence of another and come to an agreement among themselves. Are some are asking workers to make decisions they should make themselves?Is it simply easier to have someone OUTSIDE the meeting make a decision for them? That would seem a sure way to prolong discontentment. (or an easy means to pass blame, responsibility and debate on to another)
Some resist a workers “authority” but want to GIVE them unnecessary authority. I don’t have skin in this particular game, but from personal experience, shopping for an answer is a poor way to solve a personnel issue.
Seems that 2×2 leadership is seeking to find virtue in declaring “forgiveness” and “acceptance” for sexual abusers. This obviously expresses an opening of their arms to express “inclusion” for sexual abusers as fully worthy representatives of the fellowship.
This is especially hypocritical when otherwise 2x2ism is best known for its historical hardline policy of “exclusion” of hundreds of “unworthy” folks for other types of fuzzy policy infractions. Crimes for everything from dress code deviation .. non-approved personal relationships – alcohol consumption … unsuitable home furniture .. expressions of discomfort with worker conduct . “worldly influence”. etc etc Hundreds have been declared “unworthy” for these infractions and “excluded”.and declared “unwworthy” (Including myself and my family)
Has anyone considered the added abuse trauma that this “acceptance” means for each of the thousands of those that have been targets of sexual abuse within 2x2ism around the world. Hardly a better way for 2x2ism to openly express their diminishment and disrespect for the enormous life destructive effect that sexual abuse has been proven to have on life. The damage list gets much longer when the loving networks arround each victim is included with the suffering, trauma and disgust that many of these folks should feel.
I agree with the writer’s contentions. I wish more people could understand from the victim’s point of view. All perpetrators ask is that good people do nothing.
Can anyone point out a soul that is wearing the armor and has their feet shod? I can safely point to the sister above.
This ball is picking up speed if people didn’t notice. Gravity is having its way. Inertia is basically the product of mass and speed. Every adult in the church needs to read this. And only a suggestion. But maybe check see what on earth (in the idiom and the literal) each might be chained to. It is M&M’s privilege too.
I am very thankful for people like Chaylene who tell the truth and no beating around the bush! I don’t know why any woman would accept a convicted pedifile as her husband! And I agree that this man should not be allowed to attend meetings, but listen on the telephone. The bible says by their fruit you shall know them. This man’s fruit is very ugly and filthy.
A far too common story: “Religious” person abuses vulnerable people; abuser “confesses” (usually when they’re called out or legally charged, and it becomes impossible to do otherwise); abuser is given a platform and a voice; and attention and sympathy and support flow to the abuser, rather than to the victims/survivors.
This is nothing new, and maybe it can help us all to address it more effectively and firmly if we recognize that this happens again and again and again and again in many churches – our particular brand or sect is not special! Just a couple other well-publicized recent examples:
Thank you so much, Chaylene and everyone else who is continuing to speak out and press for meaningful change.
Another example of “this is nothing new” in terms of the cover-up of abuse in various churches: The head of the Anglican church is being pressured to resign for having failed to address physical and sexual abuse over time: https://apnews.com/article/justin-welby-church-england-smyth-abuse-b0b2310e5f14ab9263836255b6b665a1#
Why do so many men in positions of religious authority find it so hard to bring forth fruits meet for repentance (Matthew 3:8), and to take real corrective action and make amends?
On a separate note, would the WINGS administrators consider posting here a recent letter from the Minnesota and Iowa staff, that was shared yesterday on the 2×2 Church Updates page on Facebook? https://www.facebook.com/2x2churchupdates/
I have submitted it to our Admin group for examination and potential publishing. Thanks!
Thank you Observer for pointing these things out.
I know this is likely way off topic and not applicable to the discussion, but the Church of England has significance in the 2×2 religion. Our beloved King Jamesy was head of it. So our book is the same book that was head of the Anglican Church – or the Church of England.
Another article in August was headlined ‘Why does the Church of England struggle to deal with child abuse allegations?‘ https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cr5n2542q82o
So why are both churches afflicted with the same issue? Dunno! Maybe because they both failed to understand prophecy?
If only our beloved King James had of noticed or at least pondered those words written in the last writing of the bible, namely “18For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.“
Might it be prudent for a church member to ask themselves if they might be turning away from the cloud? And grumbling about it? And wishing something like ‘if only this issue would go away, the sooner the better’? Not only the cloud of witnesses, but what about this cloud? Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him.
It says every eye will see him, but could it be that not many will know what they are looking at? The clouds caused by a revelation of dark matter in the religions…why are the various congregations struggling with it so much? Are we asking God to take these clouds away? Fervently praying like? Why is so much bleach being poured into the wells? What is the odor I am smelling from the platform at times? It smells like bleach. Are we trying to shock the well into submission?
The religious groups of the day pined for the day they could silence Jesus. It took them 3-1/2 years to get what they wanted. The Church of England and the 2×2 church, and the myriad of other churches with the same issue, protesting to the vocal laity and law enforcement that they shoulder no fault and bare no blame. Blame the cloud if people want. I feel for those that are authorities in religious groups of our day. The cloud of victims has become a burden to them. And it is looking like the congregations, aside from the vocal ones are in agreement.
What meaneth the fog horn I hear? Or is it more than one horn I hear?
There are 2 or 3 billion Christians on the earth, all feeling they will for sure discern the sound of the trump and be caught up in the clouds. At this point I don’t see it. They may have their eye on a certain day, but it says somewhere He will come as He went. Did it take a day for him to go, or three? ….or 3-1/2 years? We may be part way through the second 3-1/2 years because the cloud this time seems to be lingering, though most in the church seem to have put it out of their mind.
I know. I know. I have it all wrong. And I don’t understand King James. I am confused about scripture and know nothing about cloud formations. All I know, it’s gotta rain some day. Hooray for the umbrella of salvation of religious enterprise. And the Wellies that the Brits invented. Must have been invented to outfit the Church of England for a rainy day.
This reminds me of Joe Cohn that stood up at Dunnville convention many moons ago. He is long dead. He was of Jewish decent as his name implies (and Austin McCabe did research for Carson Cowan many years ago and found that the Cowan name, though immigrating out of Ireland, descended from the Palestinian Jews – Cowan/Cohn….could be…and Carson was my great uncle …anyway, getting off topic again) and his testimony was about an acquaintance that was of the Church of England and this bloke said to Joe, ‘I think the Church of England is the closest you will get to the truth’. And our good old friend Joe said to him, ‘why settle for as close to the truth when you can have the truth’. Good old Joe. Bless his heart. Good man. Wasn’t time for him to see the cloud. Why are we such a privileged generation? Such a shame to be so privileged!
Thank for pointing to that BBC article, @Mark S.
The final paragraphs apply very much to our church (and others), too:
“… people who have suffered abuse at the hands of an institution may experience further trauma when that institution fails to handle their complaints.
… the board was disbanded with the Church saying relations between the independent experts on the board and bishops had “broken down”.
Two of the three-member board, both experienced safeguarding professionals, had previously said the Church had been obstructive, and had interfered in their work.
These are issues playing out now. But dare to look a little further and there is more cause for concern. A review in 2022 found there were at least 383 Church abuse cases that either have never been dealt with or were left unresolved.
This is not to say there are not good people within the Church of England striving to do things better.
Dr Elliott hopes this case may help empower them to reform child protection, leading to “change for the sake of everyone within the Church, but particularly for those who are vulnerable, and those who have suffered harm”.”
Only genuine reform and corrective actions (not just words) will bring the needed changes. Why are these changes blocked by the people who believe themselves to be in charge of our churches? No good answers.
I think by now, many people in our church would have seen the news that the Archbishop of the Church of England has stood down from his post. Naturally, most I am sure believe there is no significance in this matter because the Church of England is just one of those ‘worldly churches’. If I have the info correct, there are about 84 million members, and these numbers are down 23% or something like that since 2019.
84 million people was a lot of people to try to take by the hand and lead. No doubt a big hands kind of guy. But I have this sense, the little children’s hands have been slipping from his grasp for quite some time.
I can only guess why the leader of this church decided to stand down now. I could be wrong, but I am guessing he is searching in his own heart and mind why his belief system had convinced him the right thing to do was to cover up these matters within the church. His faith had assured him all these years. His faith no doubt was very strong that he had been in the Father’s hands all this time. Now that he has in a sense let go of everyone else’s hands, maybe he is getting a picture that the Father really had no hand of his to take. His hands had been so occupied with taking other people’s hands and leading them about…
Naturally, it looks like there are still 84 million people still offering up their hand to some man or woman that those men or women would lead them to safety. No doubt in my mind, the Archbishop is washing off the stickiness on his hands. It is amusing how things seem to be getting turned a bit up-side-down in our day – the adults are still enjoying the sticky hands, and the children are getting tired of them. I am getting a sense, that millions of people in the world actually did get a calling to bring people to Christ. But the organizations all insisted in their own certain faith and belief system that those called needed to keep hold of the people’s hands. Many are called but few are chosen, no? Might it be a good time to have a visit with the Arch, no? Maybe let go of all the hands that the Holy Spirit and the Son would have a chance in a person’s life, no? But the leader’s all insist that that would create chaos and anarchy if they let go of people’s hands. Buckle up! I have a sense…we ain’t seen nothin’ yet. If the leaders are becoming more and more unaccountable, what makes people have faith and think/believe their followers will be countable? I do see the other side of the picture though. Those standing up and saying that the children count. It will be a sticky situation for them for sure – because the world is not on their side. But something is giving them strength and courage to do so. The world is saying about those voices, what authority do they have? It looks like we will have to wait and see what Authority really looks like. We were told to just wait, right? Wait on Mr. Fixit? But the Archbishop didn’t have the right tools in his toolbox to fix this one. He had to relinquish his title of Fixer. She broken! In mechanical machinery parlance of mechanics in the field, she might be FUBAR’d! But definitely many keeping their hand on the key and keeping the starter cranking. The white smoke has always been a good sign in the past. Maybe a little more ether needed? Wake this puppy up? Glow plugs must be shot. “Dohn let go the key Billy Bob! Just gotta have faith Billy Bob! These Cats can be a bitch when their cold! Oh yaaa! Some more white smoke. She is trying to fire! Fingers crossed. Faith Billy Bob! Faith! Best name around, but when these big Cats decide not to go on a cold morning, all bets are off!”
I would not like to know what it is like to be a piston in one of these big diesels of religious and political enterprise right now. “Maybe she’s not getting oxygen Billy Bob! Have you checked the filter lately? Or maybe the fuel is gelled in this cold.”
“Funny thing! The flax is beginning to burn over there! Isn’t that a bit of a miracle Billy Bob?”
“Let’s not get distracted Billy Bob! Gotta get this engine going. There is dirt we need to get moved. Get this earth mover going and we can get ahead of the flax! Blamed flax! Who lit it anyway!”
Looks like Archbishop Welby got weary in blaming the flax that was beginning to burn more in earnest. A bit of tinkling on it seems like it is no longer sufficient. But that is them, not us. Our streams are bigger. The best in fact! King James even said so!
For ‘members’ to wilfully ignore and choose to be uninformed on this situation, defering to the conditions set down by the ministry, speaks volumes of their insecurity and fragility of conviction in their value system. Chaylene has articulated beautifully and graciously what any person with a conscience would be thinking. The fact that it takes ‘mere saints’ to feel they need to educate the spirit-led and godly-informed ministers and pious flock on such matters is telling.
I have no skin in the game, don’t know the people involved, aren’t remotely nearby, and will never cross paths with anyone remotely connected. Nothing for me to forgive him for, as he’s never done nothing to me. But to see the level of effort expended getting this piece of excrement reintegrated gives me twitches. I have nothing but contempt for those directly and indirectly involved in supporting this, whilst out the other side of their mouth are silent on compassion and support for victim-survivors.
I acknowledge I’m guilty … I don’t have the compassion and grace Chaylene shows … to people like this. I’ll die on the hill helping the innocent and downtrodden. Manipulative low-lifes like this, and their enablers. Never.
Does anyone know what a modern-day prophet looks like? Flip! You people are beginning to read my mind!
A woman may never get elected to office, but an iron lady with the resolve of steel and the softness of heart can be a burr under the saddle. And an interesting thing I find about the burr under the saddle. It scratches, chaffs, irritates, and prickles not the butt of the rider. People – hoist yerself up, swing yer leg over, and plunk yerself down on yer favorite well-worn saddle. Oh, the misery of choices in life I have found! Do I let go’ the reigns, or do I hang on and potentially turn my neck into a dog-leg. And we never perceived the shoot-em up, knock-em down modern-day rodeo was a little slice of prophecy.
What a wonderful, insightful letter stating so clearly the issue at stake. It captures all the views, moral and spiritual thoughts on the subject that we poor mortals have.
Perhaps the saddest thing on reading the letter is the thought of .. Why did it need to be written? Why are M&M so woefully uncaring on the plight of the victims? Why can’t they see the immense evil that has been done by such perpetrators? Why do they still protect them? If the lowliest member of the fellowship can see it so clearly – why can’t they? Where is the guidance of God’s Holy Spirit revealing the wrong?
Please, please you overseers and senior workers – Wake Up.
Thank you Chaylene for such a wise, sensible, Godly letter – you speak for us all. Shame on those who need this prompting but, will they read and take to heart?
Charlene very well written but as far as Mike or Marlin answering back to you I don’t think they will reply to your letter there being investigated by the FBI , RCMP and the IRS and Revenue Canada…
as for Aaron Faraugh I noticed every thing he writes as I’m sorry every thing is about poor himself….he states he is a registered offender for the next 19 months and has no restrictions I don’t believe that statement for a moment….this type of a person should never ever be any where there are children around unless they are with a responsible adult…he should never be at any meetings ever
I wrote above he is a registered offender for 19 months….it should be 19 years it is not 19 months
A lifetime would be more appropriate. A pedophile can’t be fixed any more than a homosexual be turned into a heterosexual or vice versa. The best that can be hoped for is that the pedophile doesn’t act on their urges.
Here are the words of a pedophile:
“I wish I could be fixed but it doesn’t work that way. It’s a curse and my refusal to ever give in to some fairly twisted desires has meant a life of solitude. I have zero options. I can never be with someone I find sexually attractive it’s just not going to happen ever and I have accepted that.
Can an offender be rehabilitated? I think so to the same degree that any other sex criminal can be. Wanting something desperately is not at all the same thing as actually being willing to hurt someone in order to do it.
We’re not all evil monsters. We don’t all want to hurt children. I am mentally ill in a way that really can’t be treated but I would kill myself before I would let myself do anything remotely inappropriate to a child. I have my own kids and I am not attracted to them. If anything I am more protective than most because I know what goes on in the minds of an unknown number of perfectly normal looking people.”
I would agree with Charlene’s assessment of her letter, it is way too long. I know none of the people mentioned in her letter. Arron sounds like a very sick person and I hope he can get some help. I understand the tremendous disappointment and feelings of betrayal that those associated with him during this time would feel, even if he never touched them or they were completely unaware of his afflictions. People who lead double lives leave lots of scars. Now how do we move forward? That question brings up one point that Charlene makes that stood out to me. She said something to the effect, we are all sinners but we are not all pedophiles. Is that like saying my sins aren’t all that bad, but your sins are just deplorable? Jesus can deal with my sins, and forgive them but he won’t touch your sins? I thought we believed that Jesus death covered every sin if we come to him and repent and allow him to work in our lives? Are we now saying that only happens for my sins not yours? I understand that the medical profession cannot help much in this situation. Does that mean if they can’t help then neither can Jesus? Jesus said he came to save sinners. Period.
‘
She clearly stated that God can work in individuals without the workers needing to be between them. She did not say the sins were unforgivable.
You need to understand that some sinners are dangerous. They are not to be interacted with like the rest of us sinners.
The writer gave a way to move forward: to address and acknowledge the whole situation, to show support for the victims, to not allow ourselves to be groomed, and to keep rapists out of the meetings. She suggested allowing them to call into meetings…my only disagreement with her is on that point. I would be completely ill-at-ease knowing a child rapist was listening to minors or any of us. As a victim, I’d feel re-traumatised and betrayed.
I brought up that exact point with the writer regarding the call-in. She agreed with me (and you). I’m reluctant to try to explain it for her (in case I explain it in error) but my interpretation is that her suggestion is what she felt could be acceptable by the leadership given the tendency of the leadership to accept offenders and pedophiles back into the fellowship. I always say, “politics is the art of the possible” and I think that is what led to that advice. Just my interpretation of where she is at on the subject.
Personally, the only call-in I would permit if I were making that decision would be for conventions. The reason being that the offender would not be able to identify testimony speakers in a convention like they could in a small fellowship meeting.
This is not a sin and forgiveness issue whatsoever. This is and should be considered a safety issue……completely separate from sin and forgiveness. Just like we don’t hand an alcoholic a beer, we should not allow a pedophile any access to children or victims whatsoever. That is good not only for the safety of children, it is good for the pedophile to not be subjected to a crime that they are motivated to do. Most pedophiles don’t what what they do with the sole intention of harming kids, they do it to satisfy their own drive. Far too many people, particularly at the worker and elder level get caught up in a simplistic sin and forgiveness mindset and totally forget about the greater importance of protecting children. Forgiveness is great. Protecting children is greater.
Oh! Thank you for sharing what you and she thought! That’s great to know!
You make good points about how essential it is that children be protected, and how that should be prioritized. I can’t wrap my head around predators listening to children and victims in any space, although I get your point. And they can listen to hear what’s being said about safety policies and how people are feelings about them, and use that to their advantage.
They know the bible. They know the tendency of people to resist change. They know people’s tendency to welcome anyone who uses the right tone of voice and mannerisms and words. These markers are confused with “the Spirit.” Predators are master actors. People have been deceived by overseers, workers, friends before and continue to do so, and there is no reason to believe that we will be able to safely discern in the future. The only way to keep children safe is absolute separation.
I’ve gone on a tangent here…I’m sorry. The more I have considered “call-in ‘s” the more convinced I am that no good can come of it. If the ministry wants to continue it’s association with abusers, maybe transcripts of the worker testimonies could be shared with them? Note-taking isn’t anything too radical. With the permission of each speaker. There are many workers who are victims.
@anon. You state”She clearly stated that God can work in individuals without the workers needing to be between them. She did not say the sins were unforgivable.” That is not the point I am trying to understand. My feeling is that God can not only work in such an individual, He can make them into a child of God with all the attributes if ahis Son. The process He uses on such an individual is the same process He will use on you and me. We must be born again. And when we are born again He gives us His Spirit to dwell within. As we yield our will to His Spirit, He makes us more and more like His Son. We get beyond the point of saying oh well that’s the way God made me in the flesh to being thankful that Jesus has remade us in His image. It is only then that our little children will be free from such dangers.
This is something a groomer would say.
Are you willing to bet the lives of children on the possibility that God will make each abuser safe to be near?
@amen..in the meantime, they are not of the fold. Period! While the wolf is a wolf it is not welcome into the sheepfold. Period! Jesus as my chief shepherd does not allow wolves into the sheepfold to gnash, hurt or kill his sheep. Period. These perpetrators need to be out. This is using righteous judgement. IF there comes a time in a perpetrator’s life that there is proof of a change in their nature, then we must use righteous judgement again. In the meantime, salvation is in God’s hands….for all of us.
@in the meantime. I could not agree more with what you have said. And it is a big IF like you emphasized that any real change will come in their life. But if God makes that change, and gives His Spirit, grant me the grace to accept Gods final word on the situation.
Amen, we had all been assured they were BORN AGAIN. THEY WERE part of us! WE WERE BLIND-SIDED by deceit and deception of many kinds! THAT is called GROOMING. and is meant to blind-side. NOW you call it what he uses ‘on you and me’. THIS has nothing to DO WITH “His Spirit” to dwell with-in. It is the “spirit of satan”. Even the spirit of Chaylene is so in contrast to the very spirit of OUR SO CALLED, Overseerer, he is of satan and Chaylene is so very kind to try to help him. It is so very easy to test the spirit. Please do just that. The very things we have been informed of the very depravity of ?Born Again? to innocent souls destroyed and tossed aside while continuing their self righteous parade has twisted and destroyed any hope of every believing or trusting.
Amen, please allow everyone to embrace “BUT NOW” –Yes, a very big change! Romans 3:21. Then explains HOW ‘but now’ has changed: Romans 3:22 – :26 unto all and upon ALL that believe. WHAT? 3:24 – :26! “just and justifier” of him who believeth in Jesus. Same as 2 Corinthians 5:21. BUT YOU must know the difference of what 2 Cor. 5: verse 15 – 16 declares verses what 2×2’s teach. Jesus fleshly ministry verses Our Risen, ascended Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ teaches. Please be open and honest enough to educate yourself.
Amen
Mark 9:42 Jesus said but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea….anyone who could harm a child deserves never to be around any child period….as for forgiveness that is for God to decide , not you or me…
@69882kb if you take that verse literally it only applies to little children that believe in Jesus, which doesn’t seem to be what Jesus is trying to say. I have always wondered if it doesn’t apply more to those who offend a child of God that believes in Him no matter the age. There are plenty of other verses that tell us how we should treat others including children. It is true that forgiveness belongs to God. What do you think He meant when He said if we forgive not He will not forgive us?
Jesus had a child on his knee when he spoke those words….Matthew 18
@Amen, at this point it seems like you might just be baiting/trolling, and you seem to like to have the last word in exchanges, so perhaps there’s no point in making my comment here.
But just in case it helps at all, I’ll say this once more (it’s already been said by many others):
Whether a person can forgive another person is between them and God, and not something we should try to make our business or control. But protecting children is the business of everyone in society. Keeping predators and offenders away from children is a responsibility for all of us. This is the only way of truly showing love to everyone involved.
I got over the forgiveness thingy in this matter dividing the church.
Only power and guile itself forgives guile.
For one thing, guile enjoys the unsuspecting, so the unsuspecting knows not what guile is up to. How could a person forgive that which is feigning innocence?
Furthermore, when guile is found out, that is a matter on a whole higher lever. A person might want to read Revelation about that in the halls of power. For me, I would be a fearful of forgiving guile.
Furthermore, if people that had to deal with me through life forgave me my guile and just moved on as some in the church would covet people do? I would be way worse off than I am today. And I am confident, they would be worse off also.
Amen, Yes, absolutely Jesus told his very own disciples as he ministered to his very own Nation of Israel of their promised, covenanted “Perfect Kingdom of Heaven on Earth” that was required of them. Matthew 6:9 -“:15” – remember to Jews! (Math. 15:24)
“In Jesus sermon on the Mount” Jesus explained in Matthew 6:12-:14 THAT THIS would their behavior during that perfect Kingdom on earth. AND Jesus also told them Math. 5:21:-:26 that they must leave their gift before the “”ALTER”” until…….: is that what you do, Now? Matthew 6:25 – :32 Jesus said: Take no thought for your life; …eat, …drink, …put on — :31 therefore take NO THOUGHT— …eat, ..drink, ..be clothed; what does that mean? ARE you a JEW? ARE you now in their promised Kingdom of Heaven on Earth?
Yes, if you are confused, read Math. 15:24. That is to whom Jesus was ministering in his human, fleshly body while Jesus walked on this earth. That is to whom Jesus sent his 12 apostles in Math.10:5,:6, what were they to preach? Jews “promised, perfect Kingdom of Heaven” IS AT HAND! That is Jesus earthly, fleshly ministry on earth.
NOW, read Jesus’, ascended into heaven’s ministry: which Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ gave to Paul to preach: Ephesians 3:1-:9.. Concerning forgiveness; is Jesus confused when he teaches through Paul in???? — Ephesians.4:32. ” Be ye kind one to another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, “”EVEN AS God for “Christ’s sake has forgiven you”! No Strings attached! NO! Jesus is NOT confused! AND neither should anyone be concerning God’s Word because it is ALL very clearly written for our learning.
Romans 11:7-:11 explains Israel’s position Now! Yes, :15 explains Israel and their gospel Jesus preached to them has been cast-aside for a time. What is NOW? :13! = Ephesians specifically 2:4 – :9 and Romans 3:21 – :27 ((all of Paul’s letters)
Romans 11:25 -“27 Paul explains God will fulfill ALL of his covenant and promises to Israel when :27. ((Peter explains this to Israel in Acts 3:13 – :26 when will their sins be forgiven??? –:19 – :20??? Has that happened? NO, NO! Because That Nation stoned Stephen; and as Jesus promised those Pharisees in Math12:31-32; that Nation was set-aside when they committed ‘blasphemy against the Holy Spirit”! Oh, OUR hearts go out to each of you, as you struggle to understand HOW God and His Word is NOT able to make sense of all this posturing and confusing of ungodly leadership and vile acts of satan. Please pray for God’s help!
Am I the only one that finds an interesting contrast on this page? I am confident I am not.
There is one on this page with no skin in the game, has never tripped over one of the friends in their life (that they know of I suppose), but is willing and evidently quite able to read the words of Chaylene (they even got her name right) and appreciate they are not just words without meaning. WTAF does not know where the woman Chaylene even comes from or where she resides let alone who she is. But from a spiritual sense, to them, they know her. They even can see and appreciate the actual compassion in her words. To them, it took every word of Chaylene’s writing to make it complete. To them, it was not too many words. Any less, would not have done the message justice. I do wonder if Whiskey Tango Alpha Foxtrot is out flying his plane again today? But I wonder not why this person of mystery chose not to use Omega as part of his call sign. But the Alpha part of their name is giving me some time in messing up my hairdo. Or maybe I have it all wrong. Maybe their name is not a question – maybe their name is a statement…or answer…or prophecy. Like maybe, the whiskey is released from the bottle, and has become willing with courage to tango with the alpha fox… the fox that is now trotting…a little more in earnest each day. Our 2×2 religiocity is convinced – one not in this family of friends has no clue about Daniel’s words, nor the words of the last prophet in the bible – where it is written about the abomination that would make the children’s lives desolate. This mystery person is willing to go to bat for those made desolate. Their words. Who in the number cares who they are? I will not say, “I know them not, so it matters not to me”. And just a suggestion to the people. Put your human existence thinking cap on at the same time as your spiritual existence cap to think on this matter.
And I do apologize to the people in a previous comment I made on this page. I implied Chaylene was a type of prophet. I do so apologize and yes, some of you caught me at my words. I should have called her a prophetess. This whole gender pronoun thing in society has got me so confused. But am I really confused? To me, one that prophesy’s, matters not their gender. And the religious community of the earth is so earnestly looking for a sign. We know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, [or the appearance of a person], but we cannot interpret the signs of the times. As soon as the Jonah’s of the church were overboard of the ship of fellows 25 years ago (+/-), we all sailed away in perfect bliss. We had no clue the rest of the story. But truth be known, some people listened. We in the ship were all so sure that Jonah had drowned. ‘Good riddance’ we all said or implied. What is in people’s heads (and hearts and souls as a consequence) when they think of the tomb of the unknown soldier? We stand at guard and salute one day a year – then we need 364 days to recover from the thought that maybe it was our own doing that put that soldier there. Maybe folks take a peek in the tomb…and then listen to the stranger’s words as you walk along with your friends.
I do not really know where “They Will be Done” goes next. But one of the numerous visions in the night sky a week or so ago showed me, an old friend I love dearly – and someone hoisted another young man from my office up to the rafters. I have always looked at that young man and wondered. There is something deep to that young man. I have observed and valued his character (though we work together and talk most every work day) and know not even if the young man goes to church. But moving on, I needed a gift for the old man I have known and loved for 35 years. A man that has always shown an interest in where my travels have taken me lately. A man that has travelled the globe multiples times more than me. Nevertheless, the young man brought down a gilded mirror from the rafters for me to give to my friend. The top half of the mirror was clear, but the bottom half was a gilded mosaic with the mirror showing through. I cried ‘No, don’t give him that!” I pointed to three chairs, ornate with tapestry and said “Give him one of those instead, any one”. But I must have not seen the matter clearly. Because then I began to weep unconsolably for my old friend though there were others trying to comfort me. My old friend that then the mirror and the chairs no longer meant anything to him. My tears were creating a little dry stream, but there were chunks of rock salt in the stream. What is the meaning of the gilded mirror? Was it only for my friend that he would peer into his own soul only and reflect what is written there? Or was it such that in his remaining days he could hold the mirror up to others in love and compassion? Or was it both? I will go with both. I have not interpreted it otherwise.
Bravo, Chaylene! 👏
Someone married this man???
Regarding having abusers call in to meetings, read the account of the woman from Alaska who was begging DL to prevent an abuser from attending in-person or over the phone. How would you feel, knowing that a predator was listening in on everyone’s testimonies? Even if they don’t have direct access to people, that’s still a very creepy scenario. I can’t see how that wouldn’t “put a damper” on the spirit of the meeting.
That is a very well written and thoughtful perspective that NEEDS to be integrated into the understanding of every member of the 2x2s. It’s gonna be a long haul. Don’t give up.
Daniel and all the others on this page. Thank you so much for having the courage in speaking on this meeting page. I am somewhat thinking, there is but very few that are remotely interesting in searching for the narrow gate, let alone finding it. I am really beginning to wonder what I have been rubbing shoulders with all these years. But I myself have enjoyed those shoulders close enough to lay my hand on (and theirs on mine), and the pats on the back have been an ‘encouragement’ to me.
I encourage my friends, write a few words for me please so I know where you stand. Without writing, I can only try to decipher what is behind all the irispectives.
I thank Chaylene once again for her writing. There is meaning for me in your writing, and justifiably so, most in the church will not grasp the meaning. But maybe, some are getting a thread of it. I get a sense that you have the substance of character to bring the thinkers to the table…or should I say the gate.
Theophilus our old friend…his interest in this subject of enlightenment seems to be waning. Not sure why he no longer comes to meeting. Maybe all the Word has started to confuse him. Or maybe he thought the Word desired a Second Word in Command to help Him. Or maybe he thought the Word needed many Words to help the One Word. Does One even know these Matters? I think He does. Because I thought to ask.
Oh, our dear old familiar friend Theophilus seems no longer interested in the Republik; I wish him well on his Odyssey as he sets out. Out to the unknown on the seas uncharted. I hope he has got a grip on reading the stars. I do worry about him though – his sales looked a little thread weary when he set out. I think we all got a sense of something when he started to skip meetings though. And it seemed so soon after Eristotle started coming to the gospel meetings. I wonder if there is a connection? I am so pleased though that Charatoneous, Practicalis, Philosophagus, Benny-Lovance, Historaticus, and Curiosian are still coming to the open meetings. Open meetings I think are good. Something about open speaks to me of something getting through the outer – but not so through that nothing sticks and just runs out. Unfortunately, our hearty friends mentioned above will have to continue to meet with the Lolium Temulentum. It is what it is – ours is not to question why…ours is but to do and die. And let’s please not forget Atlas – a bit of a mysterious character but we do so love him. Or is Altas a her? With their long hair and big pipes, it makes me wonder… sometimes in amazement. Seems like an outrider (Greek word for outsider), but they seem not to shrug much. But come to think of it, I do think that Theophilus was a bit of a capitalist. And I did wonder why Atlas Shrugged in March 2023. I might be getting a glimpse now in the night sky of what I didn’t know then. My old squatter resident in my heart by name of Ignoramus needs to go and find somewhere else to settle. Lucky for him, I heard there was a herd that played a secret chord.
I think there is hope for all. But beginning to think it only if a person takes the words under Wings and chews on them. Some words you may need to spit out, but if you spit any of Chaylene’s writing out, you may be spitting on someone’s shoe. And you better hope it is not Atlas’ Shoe your spittle lands on. Atlas may accept the overtures and engage you with the whipping of the innocence of a child.
I was going to tell another story that comes to mind just now. But I would dearly love to hear other people’s stories. Stories that provide a mirror into my own soul. I know you all have them…don’t keep them out of sight. I am guessing, this story is going to get interesting for those verbalizing “End of Story!”. Or those saying internally, “Please Lord make this story go away! Make this the end of the story!”. Be careful for what you wish for they say. Wish is another word for pray at times. Or is it the other way around?