News

David Carter – Child Sex Offender – North Carolina

David Wesley Carter (born 1968) was convicted in 2004 of a 1998 Child Molestation offence in Chatham GA and sentenced to imprisonment for five years.

See https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2001/06/08/indictment-claims-man-used-net-to-entice-girl-2/

Carter had developed a relationship with a 12 year old girl on the internet and had also driven to Florida several times to molest the girl. Her parents found out when they received a call from a flower shop who were arranging delivery of 12 yellow roses to the 12 year old.

Carter had been a police dispatcher with the campus police department of the Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools.

WINGS Note: Updated July 11, 2023.

He has been going to meeting in Eden NC and attending Denton NC convention.

He is on the North Carolina Sex Offender Registry as a result of the out-of-state conviction.

Carter was removed from all meetings in North Carolina on July 10, 2023. Families who attended meetings with David were notified of the reason for his removal, and one person was asked by his workers to provide a public announcement for the purposes of reaching current and former members of the church who may have met with David in the past. Please share this with anyone you may know who has attended meetings near Savannah, Georgia and Eden, North Carolina.

Friends’ Letter to Overseers and Church

The following letter is a collective cry from some of us who love the fellowship that we have enjoyed and are horrified and heartbroken over the recent revelations of years of Child Sexual Abuse and Sexual Abuse within our fellowship and the handling of these situations. These revelations have highlighted a need for accountability and meaningful change within the structure of the ministry.  We are aware that we have many honest and loving workers who seek to point us to Jesus and they are feeling overwhelmed and hurt by all of this as well. We seek only to encourage and support them and each other with a healthier fellowship and ministry. 

This letter is written in two parts. The first part is addressed to three specific overseers pleading that they examine themselves and take responsibility for what has happened under their watch. The second part is written to the broader church with a suggestion for a path forward. It is our sincere desire that the path forward is led by God and is scripturally sound and thus it needs further thought, prayer and guidance by the church.   

This letter was not written in haste, anger or bitterness but with serious and prayerful input from many people over the last couple of months as we have sought confirmation from the Holy Spirit.

If this letter reflects the cry of your heart, you can support it by adding your signature. The letter will be open for signatures until July 17, 2023.

To Ray Hoffmann, Barry Barkley, and Dale Shultz:

We are writing this in good faith and out of great concern for the state of our fellowship and ministry. We have enjoyed many years of fellowship and we have a love for one another and for our ministers who love and point us to Jesus. Most importantly we have a love for God, and a sincere desire to know Him better through His son. We feel profound hurt, disappointment, and righteous anger as revelations of abuse, coverup, and mistreatment continue to come to light. We are sorrowful over those who have felt they must leave the fellowship because of these things. While CSA/5A is horrific and the most pressing issue that needs to be resolved, these past days have revealed there are many other things in our fellowship and ministry that are not Christlike, including:

  • CSA / SA being allowed to proliferate even when obvious to overseers, workers and others
  • Decisions that are not aligned with the Spirit of Christ
  • Dysfunction in the ministry causing mental health problems and burnout
  • Abuse of power and authority
  • Unwillingness to believe and work with victims or advocates of victims

The continued lack of a spirit of deep humility and repentance by you specifically is distressing. The apostle John asks us to try the spirits, and when we do that, we find ourselves asking – where is the Christlike response? Where is the asking ‘”what can we do to help?” Where is the compassion? Where is the sackcloth and ashes? How can the church be expected to believe you didn’t have knowledge of so many of these crimes and moral shortcomings, when over and over people have spoken and indicated your awareness, and even mistreatment of them for bringing the accusations forward?

Three specific examples involve Ira Hobbs, Leslie White and Robert Corfield. We continue to read honest and heartfelt accounts by those who testify that you had knowledge of a buses by these men, as well as others, over the course of years. Indeed, there are numerous accounts of weaponizing our faith and using fear to silence and shame people for bringing legitimate CSA/SA and other concerns forward. In some cases, people have been removed from meetings because they dared to speak up about the abuse and wrong in the ministry. These situations are examples of a failure of leadership and do not reflect a Spirit led ministry.

There are two accounts in the Bible that come to mind of appropriate responses to shortcomings. The first is in 2 Sam 12 when Nathan came to David after he had sinned. Nathan said to David “Thou art the man.” David, the King in the highest place of authority, immediately said “I have sinned against the Lord.” When he learned what the consequences of his decision would be, the loss of a little one, he fasted and laid in sackcloth – a sign of real humility and sorrow.

The other account is that of Jonah when he came to Nineveh and told them of their sin and imminent destruction. The people of the city and even the king himself put on sackcloth and sat in ashes out of sorrow and repentance.

The church is saying to you: “Thou art the man”. The church is playing the part of Jonah. We are now months into these heartbreaking accounts being shared – where is the true sorrow? Where is the turning and repenting? Where is the Spirit led response? The actions to right these wrongs? There should be tears streaming down your cheeks out of compassion for all those who have been wronged and out of a deep repentance for your decisions. The apologies and actions of removing CSA offenders recently have come only after great pressure and exposure. While the decisions you were making were perhaps well- meaning at the time, the results have been undeniably poor. The fact that so many in our fellowship are hurting and crying out is evidence of these results.

You are the leaders of our ministry. In any organization, the culture and the tone are set by those in authority. It was as true in the time of the Kings in the Bible as it is now. It has become overwhelmingly clear that within our fellowship there are systemic problems that have resulted from decisions that are not scripturally sound or Spirit led. There has been a profound loss of trust and confidence in the leadership of our ministry. We cannot reasonably expect that the same men that led us into this situation can be the same men to lead us out. If what was happening in our fellowship was happening in any other group, there would be no choice but for leadership to step down for the good of the organization. Further, in the workplace, those committing or covering up serious crimes like these would be immediately fired. Heaven rejoices when even one lost sheep is found – are you willing to step down if it means the faith of even one soul is preserved?

Ray, Barry and Dale -the healing of the church cannot begin until there are real, meaningful changes in leadership. Wouldn’t it be better if the decision to step down came from a place of true humility and realization, rather than due to the call of others? To humbly take accountability and responsibility for past wrongs, as the highest authorities in our church? We truly hope you can examine yourselves, let the spirit of Jesus reign In your hearts, and humbly take the lower place.

To the church for consideration: a possible solution

The revelations of the past few months have highlighted a structure that lacks transparency and accountability. We believe our fellowship is precious and we desire it to continue in a healthy, Godly way. As an alternative to address the shortcomings of the current hierarchy and authority, one possible solution could be:

  1. Those currently in the highest authority (Barry, Ray, and Dale specifically) humbly accept accountability and step down from leadership for the good of the church so that healing can begin; other leaders responsible for similar actions should step down as well
  2. A council of workers and elders is formed in each region where worker staff is shared. An example of this may be found in Acts 15:22 – “Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided to choose some of their own men and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabus. They chose Judas (called Barsabas) and Silas, men who were leaders among the believers.”
    • Council should consist of elders, wives and workers, including sister workers
    • Council members should serve single staggered 3 or 4 year rotational terms
    • Responsibilities of the council should include:
      • Appointment of head worker; removal of head worker if necessary
      • Oversight of independent investigations in cases of abuse or accusations of serious wrongdoing, Generally, issues should follow the scriptural intent in Matt 18 of taking the concern to the individual, then be addressed with a witness, and finally taken to the council/church. In cases of criminal abuse, authorities should be notified and handle the investigation.
      • Creation, maintenance, and communication of policies around CSA/SA and codes of worker conduct
      • Consultation on issues of doctrine, structure, finances and worker moves

Item # 2 above is only a suggested framework. The role of such councils would need to be further developed by ministers and elders based on their collective understanding of the scriptures and the needs of the church and ministry. Within the body there are many different gifts our friends and workers possess and utilizing their talents along with prayerful, thoughtful consideration, we are confident we can find a better path forward. We are all aware that doing nothing is effectively doing something and it has become abundantly clear the current structure is not healthy and has led to disastrous results for many. Thus, we plead that we would all humbly look to Jesus to be our guide and begin to take Christlike steps forward.

Signed by elders, friends, and former workers who love our fellowship

[Signed by 95 names at the time WINGS posted this report]

The letter is available to be signed at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfArTnmjoB6sv5gaFkqtGE9Vv4hBG16kOLli1rTGCINUZquVg/viewform

Seneca, Illinois Convention Guidance

To Elders: This letter is meant for all members of our fellowship. We ask that you share it with your meeting. Our email address may also be shared in case any wish to communicate with us directly. Thank you for facilitating this important conversation.

Dear Friends,

As hosts of the Seneca Convention, we wish to communicate about the current situation as our preps and convention are fast approaching. 

The problem: Over the past months, there has been an alarming number of reports of Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) and Sexual Abuse (SA) within our fellowship. Some of these are about recent abuses, while others are speaking up about abuses of years ago. The reports are coming in from ALL OVER the United States, Canada, and around the world.  SOME of the stories are about abuses occurring at conventions.

How do we, collectively, promote a safe and spiritually uplifting experience?  

On the topic of safety, while the property belongs to the Fisks, the Seneca Convention belongs to all of the people of this fellowship.  Every concerned person (and who isn’t concerned?!!) can be committed, as we are, to taking the necessary steps to make the convention as safe as possible for every person, especially our children. This is not a situation for which “someone else” should take responsibility. Each one, every one, must take responsibility for and be invested in the safekeeping of our children.  Think “neighborhood watch”!

We are very thankful for each one who is speaking up, educating themselves and others, finding solutions, and committed to being part of the solution, committed to making the obviously necessary and significant changes to provide safe gatherings.  One part of the solution is a zero-tolerance approach to any CSA/SA behavior on our property. Any allegation will be taken seriously and acted on accordingly. And any known person with allegations about them will be requested to leave.

We are looking forward to, praying for, and hopeful of having a spiritually uplifting convention.  If there are any who are reluctant to attend, that is also understandable, and we support your decision. 

If any have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us:  [redacted]

Sincerely,

The Fisks

PS. from Kyle: Having experienced CSA myself, I have personal experience with what it takes to be healed.  If any would like to talk about it with me, I am readily available for that conversation, too.

Dawn’s story – familial abuse

From Dawn

Difficult things are hard to go through, hard to share and hard to explain. Each victim is at different stages. There’s fear, we’re fragile, we hurt, we’re angry at times, we want hope. My name is Dawn Magsam from Wisconsin.

I’ve waited to write this. I’ve waited to share with many. Some do know my story. Others I’ve wanted to share for a long time but have waited for God’s timing. I feel my story, my healing through much pain and sorrow can and could help another. My hope is to give hope and show grace to others. That has been my wish everyday for myself and for all.

Statistics are high. There are many more victims that are not ready to share. Be gentle and kind. Possibly some are showing unkindness, looking the other way. Maybe they too are ones not yet ready to deal with their own pain.

My mother passed away 6 years ago. A few months later my box broke in my mind and my heart broke too. Things I had greatly suppressed I relived again. My loving immediate family and a few close ones have been so supportive, along with healing time and professional help that I still need to continue with today.

My mother married Bob Muller when I was 7. The abuse by Bob started before they were married and continued until I was 16. In a family setting with sexual abuse there is also emotional and narcissism abuse. I am from a lineage of 6 generations of sexual abuse. But it stops with me. I did not abuse my children, thankfully I have a loving supportive husband that is not an abuser. I knew enough to protect my children but still such confusion, twisted emotionally when keeping that relationship with the abuser until these last few years. So difficult to comprehend let alone explain.

Recently I have requested that Bob no longer attend any meetings. My request was listened to. Thank you from myself and others. It is very very traumatizing to be in meetings with an abuser or know they are there.

This was brought to his meeting and the workers 4 1/2 years ago. I do not bring this attention to them at this time. Today, we all need to do better and have grace together. We have so much to gain if we can do this. Yes we need to hurt, but when ready we need to choose to heal. I know everyone has a right to how they feel in their experience. Please know this is just how I feel in mine.

Because of where I’m at in my healing I feel strong. But also fragile and weak at times. Others’ experiences I can so relate to. As hard as they are to read we cry, we hurt and are angry, and we hopefully heal a little more. There is more I can share of my experience when it can be helpful. We can heal and we are worth it, but again it takes time. God is real and helps us too.

Hold space for each other. You don’t have to have words. Just hold space and let them know it when you can. I myself have not reached out to so many I think of during my healing time. But I think of you. I’m there for you in my heart.

When you are ready, reach out to a professional. When I was ready, the right ones were available for me. We each might heal in a different way, different format. Believe in that, you are worth it and I am too.

I now have grandchildren that are the future. Our children and their spouses are also a part of the future, so are we. I hope to be one of the strong, gracious examples they and others need. And I hope for many more around them. And all precious children. God can help us be that.

I believe you, I hold space for you. I hurt with you, and I hope for you.

All have my permission to share this post. I do not reply on Facebook at this time. I am starting to send this out to some. Please know if you did not get this from me directly you have been thought of.

Loren Spellman removed from meetings

Date: July 9, 2023 at 23:13:09 EDT
To: NC/VA/MD/DE
Subject: Notice regarding Loren Spellman

Dear NC/VA/MD/DE Friends,

I’m reaching out to you regarding Loren Spellman, who is no longer in the work.

Over the past few weeks friends and workers shared with me experiences regarding Loren’s behavior which crossed boundaries of appropriate conduct pertaining to women. In recent hours we received a credible allegation of CSA made by an adult living outside of our region about contact that occurred while she was a child. 

I am very sorry for everyone who has experienced hurt and discomfort as a result of Loren’s actions.

Loren is not to attend meetings at this time.

If you, your children, or anyone else has had any interactions with Loren or anyone else constituting CSA or SA, please contact the local authorities.

If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to reach out to me or any of the workers.

Your brother,

Jim Holt

WINGS Note: Loren was in the work for over 40 years, laboring in Kansas, Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee, Pennsylania, New Jersey, Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina, West Virginia, Maryland and South Carolina.

Worker Correspondence with Concerned Friends

Introduction by the group “Connected and Concerned Friends”

A week ago, we received the attached letter from a worker who viewed the Connected and Concerned Friend’s forum. The writer’s intention was to post it publicly, but we have chosen to protect their identity.

While this letter is written by one individual, we believe it represents the views of enough people in the ministry to warrant a response. We appreciate that this letter gives us another opportunity to explain the purpose of this community. This forum was created to keep individuals informed, connected, and working toward positive change within the fellowship, specifically in response to the crisis of child and adult sexual abuse. In all of this, the goal is to uphold Jesus and support the healthy examination of traditions. Our effort isn’t about making Jesus less, it’s about making Him everything, as in Him there is no abuse, deceit, or harm.

Genuine faith in Jesus is not fragile and will stand up to questions, discomfort, and introspection. We believe that our fellowship will be strengthened (not weakened) by healthy examination, transparent communication, acknowledgment of wrong, and by advocating for meaningful policies and the lawful response to crimes.  

We have attached the original letter (name redacted) and have also included our response to that letter directly below this introduction. Our team wants to acknowledge and thank the many workers and friends who are showing compassion, wisdom, and courage in our current crisis. As always, we appreciate your respectful comments and thank you for continuing to adhere to our Code of Conduct.

From the Connected and Concerned Friends Hosts

CONNECTED AND CONCERNED FRIENDS RESPONSE TO LETTER

Prior to our point by point response below, one of our hosts wrote this after reading this worker’s letter to us, and we wish to include this in our opening:

Friends,

I recently returned from a camping trip to the North Shore of Minnesota.  As my husband and I pulled into our camping spot for the night, I received the aforementioned letter. I read it quickly before setting up camp and tried pushing the thoughts of it away so I was able to focus on my family. But that night as I pondered the letter and stared into the flames of our campfire, I was wondering how Moses knew that the bush was burning but not being consumed. It’s easy enough to see that a bush is on fire, but possibly harder to realize that it isn’t burning away.  When I was watching those logs, it was pretty obvious that the only way he knew they weren’t burning up, is if he stopped and studied their unwithering leaves with curiosity. Only then did God speak to Moses out of the bush and show him the plan for saving Israel out of Egypt.  

Why do I mention this?  Because for the last several months there have been many in our fellowship who have viewed our current situation with panic.  Friends and workers alike have tried with all of their might to put out the fire and return everything to “normal”.  The woeful part of this response is that they are not beholding the church with wonder and seeing that while it is currently engulfed with flames, it isn’t consumed.  They are not looking at individuals who feel righteous anger and genuinely marvelling that their faith in Jesus isn’t consumed.  That although their trust in the system is completely shattered – that their desire to have fellowship isn’t consumed.  That although their lifelong dreams of raising children in a seemingly idyllic tradition has crumbled – that their trust in a glorious God isn’t consumed.  That although they’ve borne abuse and neglect – that their hope in a righteous God isn’t consumed.  How can people be so thoroughly encompassed with fire, yet not consumed?  It is because God is in it.  

We are collectively a burning bush – completely encompassed with righteous anger – yet not consumed with despair because our faith is in the Living God.  How can we speak of such horrifying crimes, such disgusting abuse of power, such wretched deceit, and still believe that there is beauty to attain to?  Because we are burning, but not consumed. We ask that our fellowship stop trying to quench the righteous fire, and instead marvel that God is in His people.  

So, how do we marvel at a church that is completely engulfed and not rush to quench it?  This is how: we listen to people.  We validate their broken trust.  We learn from the most vulnerable, whose voices had long ago been silenced.  We reach out our shaking and weary hands to other hurting people. We focus on Jesus – the glorious and mighty Savior, and lay aside any falsehood that man or form is the answer to our salvation. And this is the point of our effort: to marvel at the church that should be destroyed, but somehow in its people, there’s a kernel of genuine faith still very much alive.

A few weeks ago I was talking to a worker in my state.  On this day they confided in me that it was hard to take criticism from individuals who are encompassed with righteous anger even though there is shared urgency.  I said “I’ll stand in the gap for you.” I wasn’t sure what that would look like, but I was genuine in my offer to take some of the heat. Shortly after, I was asked to be a host on this platform and I very much see myself in that place.  Standing in the gap.  Taking the heat of emotion and betrayal and distrust from a church in flames. Taking some of the heat and channelling those emotions into a more productive avenue of activism. All so that maybe, just maybe, we can have a stronger and healthier fellowship when the smoke clears.

RESPONSE TO WORKER’s LETTER

The below text is a combination of documents. For ease of reading:

Black Text: One worker’s thoughts and concerns.

Green Text: Our team’s answer to their concerns/questions.

Blue Text: Copied sections of the Encouraging Thoughts letter.

________

Dear Connected and Concerned Friends,

I have some questions and suggestions for this group (5 main questions, 5 main suggestions, 5 pages). There are many in this group that I know, love, and respect. I don’t want them to be taken up in something that is evil and against the will of God. 

I sure don’t feel like I have all the answers and some of the things I say here could be totally wrong! Please forgive any of my misunderstandings. Thanks for giving me a safe place to share my feelings. Please consider and help me to be assured that this group is on the track:

QUESTIONS

1) What is the purpose of this group? The purpose of our platform is to advocate for meaningful change within the fellowship we love, by focusing on Jesus instead of tradition.

2) Where do you get your information?   The letters from workers are shared by members who get that information from their staff. CSA/SA news is typically received from the workers, personal accounts, or AFTT and Wings. 

3) Why are you doing what you are doing? As stated above, our mission is to advocate for meaningful change within the fellowship (particularly CSA/SA and root causes of abuse).

4) Who started this group? This forum started as encouraging texts between friends and acquaintances.  Shane and Devon developed an app to keep our conversations going in a more organized way. The rest of the team followed shortly after to share concerns, hope, and possible solutions. 

5) What is the end goal of this group? Our team would love it if this community conversation led to a furthering of cooperation between the ministry and friends.  Through cooperation we desire to enact changes that address CSA/SA abuse, root causes, communication, and a refocusing of the fellowship on Jesus instead of tradition.  

SUGGESTIONS

1) Don’t Go Too Far

Sometimes a strong reaction is necessary. An extreme overreaction is never the answer. When you are driving you might get very close to the edge of the road. There is a real and significant danger. Does that mean you should jerk the wheel as hard and fast as you can away from the edge? You will probably roll the vehicle and get yourself and those riding with you killed or seriously injured. We are aware that the issue of child sexual abuse, sexual abuse in all its forms, is a very serious issue. The danger is real. Does that warrant an extreme overreaction? Emotions can cloud judgment. Emotions are high. Enemies of God and His people have been given great occasion to blaspheme. Old wounds have been torn open again. We can’t let all of that cloud our vision. We shouldn’t make hasty decisions. We must be sure they are the right ones. It is good that some have been outspoken about the issue for the sake of those who have suffered abuse and for the sake of our fellowship. I fear some might take liberties they shouldn’t. Even if we are the victims of abuse or feel we should defend those who are or could be in danger of being, it gives us NO right to: slander, harass, spread lies, falsely accuse, try to change the perfect way God has made, become self-righteous, or many other ways we could err.

We agree that no one should be spreading lies, slandering, or harassing anyone on the platform. Our Code of Conduct is clearly stated and we have a team of 13 people (currently) who monitor posts and comments in real time.  An urgent and bold stance on CSA/SA and the examination of root causes is not an overreaction. 

2) Be Realistic

Many have been hurt. Some assert that we need to “make sure this never happens again!” That is impossible. We can’t eliminate all risks. We would have to be all-knowing, all-powerful, and supervise everyone 24/7 so we could intervene when they are about to make an error. Even with our best of efforts and protocols, if people are involved, there will be risk. Should we put cameras in all of the families’ homes? Should we put GPS trackers on everybody? Should we live in communes with glass walls so everybody is always supervised? Don’t let your emotions trump reason.

The traditions of our fellowship (particularly focusing on form/outward appearance, imbalance of power, and not wanting to “gossip”, etc.) have created a culture that allows perpetrators to operate with ease. No one is saying we should have cameras and GPS trackers. There are solutions that have proven effective at reducing abuse and we are advocating for those policies.  (Zero-tolerance policies, prevention strategies, education, third party investigation of accusations, balance of power, transparency, communication, etc.)

3) Be Patient

People often urge us to “Do Something!”. It is said that caution is the greater part of wisdom. We are wise to be cautious. We are dealing with very serious issues and pressure to act can build rapidly. The immediate reaction is not always the best one.

We understand that policy changes, nationwide consistency, and the rebuilding of trust will take time.  But patience is not the same as passivity. We hold patience for the process of meaningful changes, but we do not have patience for inaction and half-hearted attempts. 

4) Remember The Goal

I understand Connected and Concerned Friends to be a group wanting to help us address the issue of sexual abuse. Is it? I would hate for it to become:
– A hate group against God, His people, and His ministry.
– A group that uses the issue of sexual abuse as a weapon to advance its own personal agenda.
It would be shameful to use those who have suffered abuse to try and impose warped human ideas on the people of God.

CCF has always been about encouraging healthy and much needed change within the fellowship. There is no hidden agenda. Our fellowship will be strengthened (not weakened) by healthy examination, transparent communication, acknowledgment of wrong, and by advocating for meaningful policies and the lawful response to crimes. 

5) Retract and Revise the ‘SupportiveLetterToTheWorkers’.
I hope whoever put this letter together had good intentions. It seems full of misunderstanding. I found it alarming and offensive. It reflects very badly on the Connected and Concerned Friends group and perhaps completely misrepresents the opinions of the members. Here are my feelings and concerns:
“To the workers advocating for change”
Please explain ‘change’. What kind of change are you looking for? Do you want better understanding of and action in dealing with the sexual abuse issue? That is a reasonable and much-needed change. Do you want to make the way of God and His ministry into what you want it to be in your human thinking? That never goes well. Read Numbers 16 for one example.

The letter you are referencing is a compilation of messages from members. This was a collaborative effort with no single author. The letter was sent by individuals who wanted to encourage their workers to listen and advocate for change. The change we are advocating for is an appropriate response to CSA/SA (which includes: prevention, education, third party investigation of accusations, balance of power, transparency and communication.)

Reminder:

Blue text: Encouraging Thoughts letter (written by multiple individuals)

Black text: One worker’s thoughts.

Green Text: Our team’s response.

“We see you. We appreciate you. We care for you. We are so thankful for your continuous effort to restore trust and to create a safer community. We need you. We can’t imagine how tremendously difficult it is for you right now. You’re hearing the desperate cries just as we are. You’re processing the layers of betrayal and distrust just as we are. You’re realizing how you’ve contributed to a silent and unsafe community, just as we are.”

You are very quick to focus on the ministry, perhaps putting all blame on the ministry, but what about your part in contributing to a silent and unsafe community? Is it not more likely that all of us: Workers, Friends, parents, siblings, everybody, have had a lack of knowledge and action that has contributed to problems with sexual abuse?

We agree that there is need for everyone to be more thoroughly educated on CSA/SA and that a balance of power between friends and ministry would be a healthy and overdue change. However, recent revelations have shown that our system of ministry is especially conducive to these types of abuse. Despite parent’s best efforts to keep children safe in their own homes and meetings, these abuses have continued to happen by authority figures (with the majority of those accusations involving workers).  We are not “blaming” workers, we are observing that the patterns of abuse are particularly potent in our ministry. Part of our contribution to a safer community involves addressing the reason that these abuses are prevalent in the first place. Unfortunately, most efforts of addressing the systemic patterns of abuse have garnered little response or action from the ministry. We are willing to collaborate on this issue with friends and workers alike. 

“There seems to be an expectation for you to suddenly get everything perfectly right without proper training. While you’re still hurting. Sometimes your heartfelt, best-intentioned words are attacked, your intentions misinterpreted.”

Those in this group don’t seem to have any qualms about attacking and misinterpreting others, attacking and misinterpreting the ministry especially.

This was a statement from a member who seems to be expressing their understanding that there is a lot of expectation put on the workers. This statement was meant to convey compassion for the workers, not to attack the ministry. In terms of attacking language on our platform, our Code of Conduct clearly states that people in our community must share their feelings in a respectful way, and we have a team of moderators to hold that standard. We understand that you and others may feel uncomfortable reading certain comments, simply because of the nature of the topics we are discussing. If you feel like people are misunderstanding you, we encourage you to engage in a respectful conversation with them and explain your point of view. 

“We see you trying, and for that we are so thankful. We want to encourage you to keep fighting, keep working for justice, for safety, for the victim-survivors, for the women, children, and men in the fellowship. It’s ok if it’s not perfect from the first try. We often learn best from the act of trying. We promise to do our best to be gracious and understanding with our feedback.”

Thanks for this. We in the ministry need a lot of help and support and correction. I read many of the comments on the Connected and Concerned Friends site that give me the feeling of underlying resentment of the ministry. Can such a group adequately support the ministry in its efforts?

There is certainly a feeling of distrust and scepticism toward the workers by some of the friends. These feelings are a natural response to repeatedly witnessing victim stories being ignored, belittled, covered up, and dismissed by members of the ministry. In terms of our platform supporting the ministry, we believe that giving the community a place to share those feelings is how we begin the process of healing trust.

While all of this is going on, you’re expected to maintain your position and routine in the ministry – continuing to visit homes, continuing gospel meetings and conventions, continuing to “be there” for everyone around you – while you’re struggling to process everything yourself.

I’m glad you understand this.

We do, and we appreciate how exhausting this process is for everyone involved. 

“The ministry you’ve given your life to has betrayed you. Your companions, your overseers, those you’ve looked to for guidance, those you’ve confided in.”

The ministry has betrayed us? Really? That is an appalling accusation and misunderstanding. Some of our Friends have made very bad choices that hurt others. Do we say, “Our fellowship and Friends have betrayed us!”? No, it is INDIVIDUALS who have betrayed us.

I believe the betrayal that this member is referring to is the system of how our ministry operates (hierarchy, lack of transparency, no legal recourse) that has led to a culture where these crimes are able to happen and go unchecked. 

“And yet, you continue to have a love for the ministry, a love for souls. And that’s why you keep fighting. You know God is still reigning, that God is righteous in His judgment and cares so deeply for the victim-survivors you’re fighting for.”

I agree God still reigns, is righteous in His judgment, and cares deeply for all hurt by abuse. You’re not sure how much longer your boss is going to be in his position. And yet you feel compelled to continue under his direction. There are so many conflicting commands surrounding you: from the concerned, from the victim-survivors, from the young workers, from the head workers, from those asking you to be silent.” Who is ‘our boss’? Do you mean the overseer(s)? The overseer of the state I’m in is not my boss. He doesn’t think he is and he doesn’t want to be! This statement is a total misrepresentation of the ministry and overseers. I have spent a lot of time with several overseers. Sure, some overseers have done wrong and haven’t been true to their calling. Does that make the rest of them wrong? Did Judas’s failure make the rest of the apostles wrong? Did they need to totally reform the ministry because he fell? You seem to misunderstand the role of an overseer. An overseer isn’t the one who ‘makes all the decisions’ and ‘has absolute authority’, though he certainly gets blamed for decisions if people don’t like them! It is not a position we covet for personal gain. Sisters and brothers aren’t standing in line to become overseers. The burdens and responsibilities are great. The pressure is great. The criticism is great as Connected and Concerned Friends and other groups undeniably prove. It is horrible that you would disrespect overseers as a whole, men who are giving their lives and are willing to fill such a difficult role.

We do not disrespect overseers as a whole, but the characterization that overseers do not have the authority is not true. We need a culture of introspection that examines this hierarchy so that a multitude of diverse perspectives can help guide the fellowship forward. 

We in the ministry, overseers included, are servants working together. We are subject to God, each other, and the needs of all. God is our boss and He will be in power forever. It is appalling to say that someone else is ‘our boss’.

This was a comment from a member, and the term “boss” was an unfortunate choice.  I think we can understand that this person was referring to the very obvious fact that the overseer holds some authority over other workers. Just like all of us have a natural boss at work, your overseer is yours. They are the ones who assign what field you preach in, which companion you will be with, where to go for convention preparations, etc. Again, the word that this individual chose wasn’t helpful, but it also wasn’t inaccurate.  

“We encourage you to continue to listen to the voice that matters the most: our Heavenly Father’s. And while we long to be an encouragement and support to you, we know that He is the greatest source of comfort, hope, and support for you, as well as us.” 

That’s good advice! This letter seems like poisoned honey; there are some good thoughts, but also many that are toxic.

An encouragement to examine root causes and traditions may be uncomfortable, but it is not toxic.

“And here are some words of encouragement that folks from our group (a group of nearly 1400 friends supporting you)”

Our group. I thought we were the family of God and all in this together. Why do you need to organize into a special group? Whenever people organize in such a way, it typically doesn’t lead to good things. They feed on each other’s anger and misunderstanding and feel empowered to go beyond what is true, right, decent, and acceptable. Mob mentality enters into the picture. I hope this group hasn’t become or doesn’t become a hate group against workers, against God, and against His people.

Again, this forum is moderated and held to the standard of our Code of Conduct. This forum hopes to encourage change from within the fellowship, not form a hate group outside of it.  In terms of organizing, Human beings naturally organize. Conventions, meetings, worker state staffs, and work days are other examples of ways that humans organize into groups of people.  Cultural bias is a genuine concern for any large group, including our fellowship as a whole, so we must be diligent to focus on Jesus. 

“Truth sets us free. Any delay in removing predators implies guilt or complicity. Survivors have waited decades, years to feel safe in fellowship. Thank you for ensuring meetings are a refuge, not a torture chamber.”

I can see the importance of dealing with predators wisely, which could involve conviction, removal from fellowship, whatever is appropriate. I can see the importance of being sensitive to those who have suffered abuse and not forcing them to be in company with a person(s) who would make them feel unsafe. I feel like supporting those who have suffered abuse is a critical issue in all that has happened lately.
However, this letter makes it seem like the two ways this group wants to accomplish this are:
1) Take control of the ministry. Untrue. We wish to work alongside workers in the ministry. 

2) Attack those who have been accused of sexual abuse. Perpetrators of sexual abuse must be handled by professionals. We have no desire to attack individuals, but discussing their actions may feel unsavory based on the nature of those crimes. 

There is a lot more to helping the problem than removing known predators and somehow reforming the ministry: Yes.  We must examine root causes. 

Removing known predators is important, but what about supporting those who have made mistakes and repented? Yes. Professionals can support perpetrators. We are not the judge of any person’s salvation, and their fellowship needs can be met in many ways outside of meeting. 

How do we keep children safe from those who we don’t know are sexual predators? Education, prevention systems (such as provided by GRACE organization), and meaningful no tolerance policies.

How do we balance trust and precaution?  Meaningful policies, transparency, and communication will result in both protection for children and an increase in trust. 

What about fostering love and having a conscience toward God, rather than police force and written policies? What about the unity of the Spirit rather than unity of political will? Love toward God motivates us to advocate for meaningful policies to protect our most vulnerable.  The Spirit will always move us to protect and serve one another.  

What about actually wanting God’s will to be done rather than our own? Jesus protected the vulnerable, defended the children, cared for the widows, and provided for the poor – the Will of God is very clearly in favor of protecting the vulnerable. 

What about teaching your children, while they are in a safe environment, how to keep safe when they are out in the world? Yes, parents have been doing this for generations. Ironically, parent’s feel that keeping their children safe in public situations is less difficult than keeping them safe from perpetrators in their meetings and homes.

What about making Jesus the priority in a family’s home? Of course.

What about maintaining a good spirit in the home? Of course.

I fear for the children whose parents are involved in a group that would have such tunnel vision and misunderstanding. What kind of spirit are those parents bringing into their home? A spirit of hate and disrespect for the ministry? A spirit of pride and self-righteousness? A spirit of scorn and vengeance? Hopefully nobody in this group has that kind of a spirit and I am simply misunderstanding where you are coming from. You really need to revise this letter if that is the case.

Being aware of problems isn’t the same as having a spirit of hatred.  The feeling of righteous anger is not the spirit of disrespect.  The feeling of urgency isn’t the spirit of pride.  When faced with such wretched crimes and deeds within our own fellowship, we absolutely should feel alert, angry, urgent, and motivated to do something. These are appropriate feelings to experience and help to teach our children the importance of valuing and helping the vulnerable.

“Jesus doesn’t change, but we must. For all of these years, we have not. Seems like we’ve focused more on Paul than on Jesus (more on appearance than the weightier matters). We completely support all of your efforts to be more like Jesus. We are trying to do the same.”

Where did this thought come from? Have you even read Acts and Paul’s letters? If that’s what we get from his life and teachings, we don’t understand Paul at all. Paul encouraged those he wrote to and labored among to focus on Jesus. He was focused on the weighty matters. Paul’s life and writings help us to focus on Jesus. If we began focusing on Paul, wouldn’t we realize he points us to Jesus as the One we should focus on? Of course, we as humans are prone to focusing on appearance rather than what is really important, but to say that Paul has led us astray to focus on appearance rather than the weighty matters is nonsense.

This comment from a member may have been well meaning, but we agree, does misunderstand Paul.

“We are here, “waiting in the wings” to help with anything we possibly can. To support you, to work with you, to facilitate the needed changes within our fellowship. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with anything we can do to be of help for the greater work currently happening.
Finally, if you are not ok, that is ok. There is support available, and it is ok to seek out that support. With a unified purpose for truth, honesty, and God’s will to be done, Connected & Concerned Friends”

Nice words, but I wish the rest of the letter gave me more confidence in the group. Based on other parts of the letter, if I needed help, I would certainly go elsewhere.

There are many resources available, and we encourage you to find help and support in the way that best serves you. 

ANALYSIS OF LETTER BY A CCF GROUP PROFESSIONAL

When we are discussing issues as complex and vulnerable as child and adult sexual abuse within a church, a bilateral and ongoing conversation is ideal. It could be unwise to attempt to understand the heart and mind of a representative of the ministry based on this letter. Still, there are questions we might ask, things we might be curious about.

  • “What is it you feel?” Despite using the word “feel” and “feeling” 8 times through this letter, the writer does not share with us what they are feeling. Relational communication includes vulnerability, the sharing of one’s own feelings and curiosity about the other’s feelings, thoughts, motives. Our Father and our older Brother, and the Holy Spirit, are fully expressive of their feelings, giving them words, and intensity, and value. We may have gender, ethnic, cultural, or familial reasons for discomfort with feelings, but our Creator does not.
  • Despite not identifying their own feelings, the writer expresses significant mistrust, fear, and anger towards the leaders and participants in Connected and Concerned Friends, including fear of those involved forming a “hate group.” We could ask, “What is it that you most fear?”  When we are not in touch with our own fear, we are in danger of projecting unkind motives onto others, to misunderstanding others, to moving into extreme stances that make it more difficult to connect.
  • “Who are you protecting?” While the writer states a wish to take appropriate action for the protection of victims of sexual abuse, the letter focuses on false allegations, dismantling or discrediting of the ministry, “extreme overreaction,” C&CF using sexual abuse as a Trojan horse for forum member’s personal agendas, the difficult and unrewarding role of overseer, and much more.
  • “Is it ok for the ministry and friends to see things differently? Do you believe friends can have a personal connection to God, be led by the Holy Spirit, and have revelations from scripture?” Throughout the letter, while the author acknowledges that they don’t “have all the answers” and need to be forgiven for any “misunderstandings,” they also state they “don’t want [the members] to be taken up in something that is evil and against the will of God”, give strong warnings through a metaphor about driving too close to the edge of the road, urge the readers to “be realistic,” “be patient,” “remember the goal,” “retract and revise the letter to workers,” speak out against mob mentality, and 3 times opine that friends are forming a hate group and/or fostering a spirit of hate for the ministry.
  • “What do you see as a better path forward?” Unfortunately, much of the letter is written using logical fallacies:
    • Slippery slope and straw man: The author states that the forum is working to “make sure [csa/sa] never happens again” (a straw man, as that is not the stated goal of the forum) and then attacks that with a slippery slope argument that things will go too far and we will end up using GPS trackers, video monitors in every home, and glass-wall communes.
    • False equivalence: In speaking of the role of overseers and the ministry, the author attempts to narrate the responsibility as belonging to “INDIVIDUALS” rather than accepting responsibility and accountability as one member of the larger ministry.
    • Straw man (again): By repeatedly accusing the forum of being a “hate group,” a group that is using child sexual abuse as a tool to advance its own personal agenda, and other hostile views, the writer has created their own license to discredit the group. (Note: It is unclear how the author believes 2000+ have come together non-anonymously to advance a destructive agenda against the ministry.)
    • Red herring: By focusing on the writer’s fears about the group, attention is taken away from the issue of child sexual abuse by ministers and friends; lack of meaningful repentance or acknowledgement from the ministry for its role; lack of transparency from the ministry about communication, decisions, overseer meetings; state or national policy; or law enforcement involvement.

While logical fallacies do not automatically destroy effective communication, they hinder it. The listener is left sorting through the illogic, confused and baffled by what is being communicated. The focus is taken away from the original concern. When reading this letter, the reader knows the routes the writer does not want to take but does not hear what the writer considers a better path forward.

  • “What do you value?” The writer states their desire to deal with the issue of sexual abuse of children and adults, but most of the letter is focused on maintaining the `status quo, expressing negative thoughts about the believed intentions of forum members, and critiquing the content of the Letter to Workers.

Our concerns about this letter and ideas presented in it:

Our faith group has been long plagued by sexual abuse of children and adults, the hiding and enabling of that abuse, as well as lack of transparency or communication about the structure, power, and finances of the authorities: Overseers, workers, elders. While many have been suffering from the abuse for generations, some have become newly aware of the depth and breadth of the problem. People feel betrayed, deeply wounded, mistrustful, afraid, sick, devastated. It is in this climate that this worker’s letter was written and attempted to be publicly posted on Connected and Concerned Friends. (Sources, see CSA and SA News, WingsfortheTruth.info, AdvocatesfortheTruth.com)

Here is what a survivor might notice in this letter: 

(Please note: survivors will have a variety of responses, and all responses are valid, legitimate, and understandable. We do not speak for all survivors and encourage survivors to speak for themselves if they feel safe doing so)

  • The writer offers no plan of action.
  • The writer does not connect empathetically with survivors in any meaningful way, and it is not clear that the writer has attempted to understand the experience of sexual abuse of a child or adult. The writer lacks empathy or understanding and may benefit from reading survivor’s accounts of their abuse.
  • The writer minimizes the ministry’s role in an apparent attempt to shift the shame and blame to “individuals” and friends. Rather than using their role in the ministry to accept blame, responsibility, and accountability for those who will not accept those things (as Jesus did for all of us), the survivor may see the writer distancing from all accountability and responsibility.
  • The writer focuses on the possibility of false allegations and protection of perpetrators in the lines: “Attack those who have been accused of sexual abuse” and that we have no right to “…slander, harass, spread lies, falsely accuse, try to change the perfect way God has made, become self-righteous, or many other ways we could err.” From a survivor’s viewpoint, it is clear the author has strong suspicions that there are many false allegations. A survivor would likely not trust this writer to believe his or her experience of sexual abuse. The author will likely be seen as lacking in empathy to understand what it costs for a victim to come forward and speak their shameful story.
  • While the writer states the ministry and friends should be united and not in separate groups, a survivor will also notice that they repeatedly defend the ministry, attack the friends, speak against false allegations, and do not offer meaningful protection for abuse survivors or prevention of further abuse.
  • In reading the logical fallacies noted above, a survivor may feel characterized as hysterical, overreacting, disbelieved, unprotected, maligned, and suspected of being resentful, hateful, or rebellious…due to joining a community of friends who are finally boldly, consistently speaking out against violation, deceit, mismanaged power, oppressive traditions, and unlawfulness (both in committing crimes and then covering them up).
  • In the author’s denial of the power of even the overseer, the survivor will understand that the writer either cannot see power and oppression or is so far unwilling to admit their existence, which is in itself a blindly privileged stance. The survivor may conclude that the writer is unwilling to use their power and privilege for the good of survivors but is instead committed to pretending it does not exist.

Here is how a survivor might feel upon reading this letter:

Hurt, confused, angry, betrayed, helpless, shocked, horrified, powerless, ashamed, withdrawn, mistrusting.

Closing comments:

  • The ministry and the church are not equal and not the same parts of the body. The ministry needs to take responsibility for what they own, and the church does also. (see “differentiation,” “boundaries,” “authoritarian versus authoritative”)
  • It is ok for one crisis to open a much larger conversation. People are trying to understand how sexual abuse of children and adults could have been a problem for as long as it has, and they are looking at all the possible factors. (see “systemic change” and “first- and second-order change”)
  • Open discourse can be healthy. Truth, goodness, beauty, and truth can withstand the challenges of examination and discussion (see all the stories of Jesus talking about uncomfortable things; “open systems” versus “closed systems”).
  • Relationships between people and parts of a church work better when both are willing to listen, truly, curiously, with an open heart and mind, and without suspicion. (see “reflective listening”).
  • Due to the nature of this crisis, with ministry violating the church, repeatedly hiding that violation, and moving workers around, the onus of listening is on the ministry. It is problematic for the ministry to ask the church to tend to their needs for two reasons: The ministry has betrayed the church. The ministry is in a position of power over the church. (see Diane Langberg’s book Redeeming Power for a discussion of good use of power and authority).
  • What a survivor may want to see instead are: 
    • Accountability
    • Transparency
    • Empathy and compassion
    • Respect for boundaries
    • Commitment to restoration and justice
    • Humility and willingness to seek outside help

To find a path forward, significant relational repair will be needed. Unfortunately, the thoughts and beliefs expressed in this letter do more to wound those harmed by sexual abuse and the church that is trying to protect them and prevent future abuse.

*** NOTE*** CCF have received feedback to this letter. See the PDF below.

Worker’s Response to CCF Letter

The orignal letter from the worker to the CCF Group

worker-letter-to-connected-and-concerned-friendsDownload

Update re Brad Holman

Craig Winquist <cwinquist@aol.com> Thu, Jul 6, 2023 at 7:25 AM

Here is a follow up to the note we just put out. It will clarify Brad’s status in the work and help our friends realize they have to use their own judgement about Brad and the allegations. There is only so much that we can do for them. So you could send this to the elders but maybe it should go as a general email to the friends as well. I don’t know how well it gets sent around.

A brother, Craig

Dear friends,

In the interest of a safer fellowship:

I need to send an update on Brad Holman’s status in the ministry. It doesn’t seem like the allegations are any less serious than when we first learned about them.

I want to make it clear that Brad is no longer in the work, and that decision will not be reconsidered unless there are some profound changes regarding the multiple allegations against him.

The only restriction we can place on him at this time is that he is not to be attending any meetings in person.

While the CSA allegations are serious, to our knowledge, he has not been charged with any criminal activity by legal authorities. As a result, he is free to travel, visit where he is welcome and work as he desires. We have no legal right to impose restrictions beyond limiting him from attending meetings.

We feel it prudent to remind our friends (especially families with children) that they need to be cautious considering the CSA allegations.

Wishing all the very best . . .

A brother, Craig

Letter to Scott Rauscher from a Child Sexual Assault Survivor’s Parents

July 2, 2023

We’ve debated for quite some time on how public to go with our story. While we can’t share all the details because it involves minors, we feel like it is important for the friends and the workers to know the damage that has been done to our child, but more importantly, the lack of response from the ministry. 

We are hopeful that our letter will encourage elders especially to make a stand against what seems to be a dictatorship within the ministry. Because of that, we have overseers who are not taking any accountability because they don’t have too.

Our child was a victim of CSA. ———‘s abuser took it farther and suffocated our child, leading to brain damage. Our child will never recover from what happened. This has affected our family in ways no one could possibly understand. It’s not just the therapies and counseling that is needed. It has taken a mental and emotional toll on our entire family.

We’ve heard multiple times about those that feel for the workers or even those that feel some abusers have changed so they should be allowed in meetings.

We are here to say that there MUST be a ZERO tolerance policy put in place. 

Most of this can be laid at the worker’s feet. Many besides us, have come forward over the years about abuse and they were silenced, ignored or threatened.

For those that read this, make no mistake there are abusers in your meetings. Your overseers know.

We’d like to share the letter that we wrote to Scott Rausher, the overseer of Montana and Wyoming. At the end of the letter we will list the workers that knew about our situation. You will see which ones responded.

Scott,

I’m sure you’ll notice that this email is also being sent to Barb. There are a couple of reasons for that. The main reason is so we can be assured that you received this email even if you choose not to respond. We’ve learned that by getting no response from Dean.

We are going to say what many are thinking. The truth has become a safe haven for pedophiles and rapists.

We, like many others, have sat on the sidelines and watched the waves of “immoral” behavior come to light in recent weeks. That word should not be used at all when referring to CSA or SA. It’s CRIMINAL what has been happening.

Our child ——— is a victim of CSA. Several years ago, we came forward about the abuse to the workers, Dean Bruer was one of them. It was completely shut down. Now that we all know what Dean truly was, we know why he did what he did.

It will be different this time around. Doing nothing will no longer be an option. Here is why. You did know about ———.

Just over a year ago, you came for supper to ———and ———‘s house with Cole Larson. You both wanted to know why ——— was there. ——— told you an abbreviated story of ———’s and ———’s abuse, even mentioning that there was a restraining order against ——— for his children. You asked her again who the restraining order was against, and she clarified: for ——— .

You had a call made to you on May 19 of this year. Your response to it was, “Wow, what a story,” and that you knew nothing of what happened. That response is unacceptable. One thing ——— and ———‘s aren’t, is liars. You can say you forgot but had you reached out to us when you were first informed, it would’ve been harder to forget.

——— is not just a victim of CSA but assault as well. ——— took a step farther and suffocated her several times. This led to brain damage that caused stroke-like symptoms. One side of her body is weaker than the other. Her speech is also affected. This has been confirmed by an MRI. 

Let us explain to you briefly what that has done. ———has been in trauma-based occupational therapy. ———is in physical therapy and counseling. This didn’t just start. This has been since the summer of 2016. ———will need continued therapy for several more years. This is not something we can get in ——— One of us (usually ———) drives either to ———, ——— or ——— for these services weekly.

Most children ——— age are sleeping through the night and have been for many years. That is not the case for her. ——— is up multiple times. These aren’t 5 minute wake up. They last 2-3 hours. This especially takes a toll on ——— during the school year.

While other parents are dealing with some fighting here and there, we are dealing with a child who has violent outbursts and takes it out on ——— younger siblings.

While other parents get to witness their child play sports, ——— is unable to do any of them due to ———left side being weaker and both sides unable to work together.

This is just a brief bit of what we have gone through for nine years. This started before the abuse was disclosed, and we had no idea why.

In one of your emails that was recently sent out, you said this of Robert. “We sure appreciate him greatly.

He has a wonderful humble/ contrite spirit.”

There’s not one mention of his victims. He may be those things, but he is a criminal and a pedophile and to suggest anything less is beyond hurtful to his victims. We are here to tell you as a parents of a victim, you minimize what happened to them by saying what you said.

Much of this criminal behavior can be put at the workers’ feet. Many situations have been brought forward to workers such as yourself and many on your staff. How many cries were made and met with silence? We are not the only ones. At least ten workers knew about ——— from us, not to mention family, and we were met with silence. Not even a phone call to ask how you could help.

——— spoke with Joy Vandenberg about the situation regarding the ———‘s , about what happened to four of ——— grandchildren and the abuse that they suffered at the hands of ———

When Joy tried to talk to Tom Hinkle, he almost immediately shut her down. Because “he knew ——— and his family, and he wasn’t capable of those things”. Has the Dean Bruer situation taught anyone anything? Everyone held Dean in high regard, and he had a completely secret life.

The statistics of child sexual abuse being reported is at a all time high of 38%. Less than 20% of sexual assaults cases are even reported. Those are facts. The fact that victims are even willing to come forward takes more courage than most of us could even comprehend.

There has been nothing sent out or mentioned to any of the friends in our area about what your plans are to help make meetings a safe place. Nothing.

Here is some more facts. ——— is an abuser. Dean was made fully aware of that. It is in court papers that he cannot be left alone with his own grandchildren. He beat ——— more then once leaving him bruised all over. ——— had a relationship with a minor who was 16 years old at the time. ——— and ———, ———and ——— helped cover up that relationship when they found out about it. The icing on the cake is that he was still married to ——— at the time.

You cannot continue to ignore the problems in front of you. You cannot continue to undermine the hurt and pain that many victims are going through right now. You can not continue to make light of what these abusers have done and to suggest that they are anything but criminals is wrong. (Referring back to what you said about Robert. He is a criminal and a pedophile.) We are asking you to address the situation with the ———. If you don’t believe anything about them, there are two boxes of documentation at ———’s house that you may read. If you feel like you are unable to do so then you need to step down. And someone else that feels like they can, needs to deal with these issues.

One thing that is very evident in the teachings of Jesus was that he held children in high regard. We all should do the same.

Matt 21:12-17, Jesus threw out the money changers that were in the temple. They didn’t belong. They were dealt with. The same thing needs to be done within the truth. In this day and age, when people can call in over the phone, there’s no reason for any sort of predators to be in meeting. You can care for somebody’s soul at a distance and over the phone.

This letter was also forwarded to Loran Coleman and there was no response.

Scott did call after he was informed by Barb Hofer that I sent the email. The call was what was to be expected. Not much said from him and what was said was not honest with some “sorry’s” thrown in.

 Our point in writing this letter is to help others see that without accountability nothing will change. While we cannot speak to what is happening in other states, MT/WY are not making much progress.

One other we will mention is that man that beat his own grandchild more than once is an elder. That is a despicable testimony for an elder to have.

Dean Bruer
Julia Brist – We did recently receive a heartfelt apology after she received our letter.
Orlinda Williams
Sandy Phiefer
Jewel Gamma
Teri Foster
Scott Rauscher
Cole Larson
Joy Vandenberg -attempted to help, was shut down by Tom.
Barb Hofer- has been helpful.
Tom Hinkle
Heidi Bryant
Laura Brist
Possibly Shawna Major

You’ll notice some were younger workers at the time and were following the example of the older workers.

Matt Jensen takes time out

From Matthew Jensen
Date: Thu Jul 6 2023. 1 09 PM
Subject Update from Matt

Dear Friends

I hope you’re all managing okay.

l‘m sorry this may come as a surprise but It seems wise for me to take some time away from the work. I haven’t been sleeping well for some time now. Perhaps some time away will help restore. I’m not able to make any promises at this point regarding the future. I have certainly appreciated my time in this field.

if you have any questions within your meeting, you can reach out to Loren Quick. He will be working with others as well.

Kevin and I had two gospel meetings scheduled for Sunday, July 9 & 16 at the Indian Prairie Public Library. However we are canceling them.

The very best to each.

Take care

Matt

WINGS Note: Matt Jensen has been overseer of Illinois and Indiana

35 Years Ago – To Taylor Wood and the Church…

August 31, 1988

To Taylor Wood and the Church:

We have sought the counsel of many friends and workers, and over and over we are advised to write to you, Taylor. We know that you are aware of how disappointed we are with the outcome of our meeting with you at Elizabeth convention in Colorado this year. We were so glad when the workers called us and asked us to come and tell you how Ira Hobbs lasciviously (Mark 7:22, Galatians 5:19, Ephesians 4:19, I Peter 4: 3, Jude 4) treated our young daughter several years ago. The three of us who talked to you together all felt great disappointment in your reaction to our despair.

We still do not understand why you would not gather the other witnesses who had agreed to testify of similar problems concerning Ira and his concupiscence (Colossians 3:5, I Thessalonians 4:5). Some of the scriptural guidelines that we have found include the following: Matt. 7:15-23; Matt. 18:15-17; Acts 15:4,12,22; I Cor. 5:2,5,6,13; II Cor. 11:12-14; Gal. 5:19-21; II Thes. 2:3,4; II Thes.3:6,7; I Tim. 5.20-21; II Tim. 3:4,5; Titus 1:13-16; II Peter 2:1-3; II John 9-11; Jude 3,4; Rev. 2:2,6,14,15,20; Rev. 3:1,8,15,16; Deut. 13:14; Judges 19:30; Judges 20:1,7,8; Jer. 23; Ezek. 34. We plead with you to make it known to Ira and the church that the accusers, the accused and the witnesses need to gather and proceed with handling this problem by the directions and instructions in the word of God.

We also know that Horace Burgess has been involved in concupiscence and lasciviousness and uncleanness (Romans 1:24; Ephesians 5:3; I Thes.4:7) with young girls for several decades. We know those who are willing to testify before the church about him. Again, we ask that you make it known to the church that his problem needs to be openly examined by the victims, accusers and witnesses. Horace was in our home about 12 years ago, and we wish to tell what happened there.

I want to mention a situation that should help us to understand why these things need to be handled openly before the church as in Acts 15:4,12,22,23. It has been known by some of our ministry for a number of years that Roy Dietzel, who until recently was head worker of Nebraska, was involved in lascivious behavior. This knowledge was kept hidden in direct disobedience to the word of God, I Tim.5: 20,21.

Because a number of Nebraska elders were godly, wise, and brave enough to stand against those who had hidden this evil, the case was tried. When accused, he denied guilt, but when tried before the church, workers, elders, elders’ wives, and the sister workers whom he had fondled, he confessed his lie and admitted guilt. He was then removed as overseer of Nebraska, but for some reason that no one seems to understand, he was sent to Colorado to be in the work.

The truth of the situation became known to some and a wise young couple expressed that Roy and his companion, Gilbert Reese, could not spend the night in their home, and it evidently became clear that something would have to be done. It was reported that Roy had been put out of the work. We now understand that he was sent to Missouri to continue in the work. Many friends and workers shake their heads in disbelief when they hear these things, and we wonder what we are doing to ourselves. If this case had been handled properly years ago, several sister workers would not have had their precious lives blighted by this man of flesh and pleasure-Jude 11.

Another situation that is of grave concern to many in this area involves a Colorado worker, Kenny Wahlin. He has been accused, by Frank Caler of Colorado Springs, of lasciviousness towards his daughter. Because Frank’s daughter and my daughter have both been advanced on by men who represent themselves as servants of God, we have become convinced that God’s Word teaches that we must earnestly contend for the faith once delivered (Jude 3), and there are certain men crept in unawares…Jude 4. Together, Frank and I went to Kenny and talked with him.

Frank visited with Kenny first in private for several hours. Then in the presence of Frank, a Colorado elder Ed Atkinson, and myself, Kenny confessed that he repeatedly through the years had involvements with many girls, women and sister workers that were lascivious and wrong. He expressed to us that he would write a letter confessing his actions to Frank, myself, George Gittins, and Gilbert Reese. Our meeting was on a Sunday, and he said he would write the letters on the following Tuesday. We waited for a week, the letter did not come, so Frank called him on the phone. Kenny expressed that he had decided that he would not make known what he had lasciviously done in the past with females.

We understand that he has been reprimanded by the workers and that he is to continue in the work. How can it be that he should be allowed to continue in the work, going into the homes of unsuspecting parents of girls and young women? It seems very clear to us that he needs to be rebuked before all that others may fear (I Tim.5:20,2l), and then be removed from the ministry. If he lives pure as a friend and gains a good testimony wherever he decides to work and make a living, then, after a period of time, he might be fit for the ministry. We wonder if the verse in Proverbs 21: 16 does not apply to our family today. The way we are handling these problems would make it appear that we are of the congregation of the dead.

Again, I plead with you Taylor, that you will make it known to the church that we must seek God’s help and guidance to remove ourselves from this horrible condition that we are in, and openly investigate cases like these before the whole church. If we do not follow His direction and word, how can we ever become pure people for Him? Why do we not seem to understand that mercy is the twin of truth, and if we do not place mercy at one end of the balance beam of God’s judgement, and truth at the other end, then we will never arrive at true mercy or truth in our fellowship?

It would seem to us that the key to this problem is simply for our ministry to openly acknowledge that there is a major problem, and that the ministry would openly invite any testimony and witnesses that would help us to follow God’s guidelines in these matters. We pray that those who read this letter will become very concerned, and earnestly search these matters out and encourage our ministry to be open about these problems as God was when he revealed like matters to his people in His written word. We will be glad to explain in more detail to any who may wish to question us about what is happening here in Colorado. We would also very much appreciate help from others in regards to witnesses and testimony as to what these men have been involved in other states. We are finding witnesses both in Colorado and other states, and wish to present the evidence openly to the church that we would follow God’s established procedure in His Word.

We hope that all would earnestly pray for God’s mercy and help for His people. It appears that our condition is very similar to the condition of God’s people in the time of Nehemiah. Let us show God that we care and want His direction and help before he finds it necessary to separate us from Himself, ( Jer.3.8; Hos. 2.2; Rev.3.16).

Please write to us, Taylor.

Dale Gardner

Colorado Springs, Colorado USA

“THE LEAVEN CORRUPTED”

To the Church,

“A time to keep silence and a time to speak” (Ec.3.7) These words have vital meaning for today! We are thankful that there are among God’s workers of today those that moved to speak out about grave problems among us. Because of what has happened in our family we feel that we must also sound the alarm.

To come quickly to the point, workers have been sexually immoral to members of my family. I believe that the scriptures teach that God expects me to warn His people of what is happening, and if I do not He will hold me accountable. (Prov. 24.10-12) After trying for over a year to show our head overseers what is happening so that it will not happen to other children and women in the church, I feel there is no other choice left than to warn the church. Then fathers and mothers can protect their children and husbands can protect their wives and some of the older children can even protect themselves from this evil.

We have had workers tell us that some of these men have been sexually immoral for as many as 30 years! We do not understand why the overseers do not remove them from the shelter and place of the ministry! These problems have always been among the church but God’s word teaches that we are not to hide it, but to expose and move to keep it from corrupting the church. Please read I Cor 5 for Paul’s direction on how to take care of such matters. The man involved was probably not a worker, but how much more important that it be properly handled when it is a worker! They cause so much havoc in the church and in lives from their position of trust when they are immoral men!

Paul taught (I Cor 5) that sexual immorality must be dealt with quickly and properly to preserve sincerity and truth. How could it be any different today? Harry Brownlee told several of us of how painful it was to him when he heard Roy Dietzel confess to sexual immorality at his trial after previously lying and pleading not guilty. Then it was our turn to feel pain when Harry expressed that he felt the mistake made was that Roy was not sent far away to a place where he was not known to continue in the ministry! George Gittins told us that he had warned the sister workers about what Roy had been doing to females when Roy was sent to Colorado. George said he did not feel it necessary to warn the saints about the problem, even though Roy has been involved in such things for over a decade! We must be a part of the congregation of the dead! (Prov 21.16)

Many may feel, like I did at first, that this cannot happen among us. Please read I Cor 5, Acts 15.20, Rom 1.21-32, Jude, Eph 5.3-12, I Pet 2, II John 9-1l, etc. for confirmation that it can and has happened and that God and his apostles (Jude 17,18) warned us and told us what to do.

Sexual immorality is a grave problem (Acts 15.20) that needs to be taken care of but of even greater concern is a senior ministry that tries to hide these things (II John 11) and allow them to continue for decades and will not call the victims, accused and witnesses to find the truth and deal with it by Gods word! We have talked in person to Taylor Wood, Murray Keene, Gilbert Reese and others about these matters and have become keenly aware that they want to hide this from the church. Hiding these problems will not help the church, the past or future victims or the men that have proven themselves lustful and corrupt! God did not hide these matters in the Bible so why should Taylor, Murray or any other man? However, we have talked to other workers who have told us that those who do such things should be put out of the work. Please read Jude to find what God has done in the past about such corruption. Do we want to wait for similar action or will we take care of these problems ourselves as God’s word teaches to those who have hearts to care. Paul withstood Peter before the face before others when Peter was so wrong and later Peter wrote of Paul as “Our beloved Brother Paul” Those were both true men who wanted truth held up!

We have talked to victims, parents, relatives and witnesses about the sexual immorality of Ira Hobbs, Kenny Wahlin, Roy Dietzel, and Horace Burgess. How can anyone feel that we should hide these men instead of taking care of the problem by the word of God? Ira and Kenny have both confessed before witnesses that they have done these things repeatedly. Kenny even had the strange attitude of stating that in all cases it was only with eligible girls and women! When they and others do this over and over for years from area to area, how does anyone think they have repented? Are we more concerned in hiding these things than in protecting innocent children and women? If taken care of properly it will limit the lives contaminated and also give the corrupt men a chance at true repentance and salvation! (I Cor 5.5)

Some feel these matters should not be known by children or strangers. God’s Word teaches different. His word is open to all, young or old, saint or stranger. Many people respond to this kind of problem more in line with God’s word than we do! Also, children need to know if the workers will not do what God said to do about these things. Strangers among us may be able to help us see how sick and sleepy God’s people have become. The word of God teaches about these things happening, but we His people seem to not understand!

When we talked to Murray about Ira and Kenny, he said they have repented and are doing better and God has forgiven them! He said he would not warn the church about what they had been doing! How does this make sense when both men have confessed to doing these things for years in different states? When we talked to Taylor and told him what Ira had done to our daughter he said, “Is that the worst thing he did?” Garret refused to talk to us about the matter. One of Ira’s victims told us that when she talked to Garret about what Ira had done to her, Garret told her to “not tell anyone!”

We have concluded that we must sound the alarm so that others will not face the agony that these men have brought to many lives. Also we need to use God’s way to deal with them so that these corrupt men can truly repent and have eternal life! We feel the only answer left is to warn the whole church so that fathers, mothers, husbands, grandparents, children and strangers can pray to God for His help so that we can become of age (Heb 5.12-14) as God’s people and follow His way instead of mans strange, ungodly, distorted method that can only result in corruption of Gods people.

Murray told us that we are out of place in these matters. We are in a place we would rather not be, however, we feel that we cannot be silent. Some of God’s people have come to us and told us that they have known for years what Ira has been doing to females in the church. We can only weep that they did not warn us in time so that we could protect our daughter from his lust. Now we must warn others so they will not face what she faced. We feel we must send this information all over the world to workers, elders and friends. We hope that if many know that many know, then true believers among God’s people will work to learn His will and do it in these things.

These are very serious accusations and the accused should be tried before the church to be found either guilty or innocent. If the victims, witnesses and accusers are making false accusations, this needs to be made known so that the names and reputations of the accused will be cleared. I plead for the opportunity to present the evidence before the workers, elders and friends, following the order of God’s word in the matter. If any feel that these things should be examined by the word and order of God, please make it known. We can, like some, try to calm ourselves and others by saying, “God allows it,” or we can stand fast for truth and not be fearful and afraid. What will God think of those who are afraid to stand for Him and “earnestly contend for the faith once delivered”!

Do we understand what David knew concerning’ reproach on Israel’? (I Sam 17.26)

AGAIN I PLEAD WITH YOU TAYLOR AND MURRAY TO REMOVE THIS REPROACH YOU HAVE BROUGHT ON YOURSELVES AND ON GODS PEOPLE.

Sincerely,

Dale Gardner

Colorado Springs, Co 80908

February 28, 2008

To Scott Ross, Lyle Schober, overseers, workers, friends, judges and juries of the courts,

I want to thank you Scott for informing me about the fact that Ira Hobbs has been removed from his position as overseer in the ministry of the Christian group of believers registered with the US government as Church of Christian Conventions, and known among its followers as The Truth, The Way, The Faith, etc.

Because I was raised as a part of this fellowship from the time I was a young child, I have been aware of sexual immorality in the ministry starting from my early childhood. It is interesting to note the history of the originator of this group, William Irvine, and the historical evidence that he also was a sexually immoral man, with a bastard son. He came to a very strange, and historically documented ending, being thrown out of the fellowship, and rightfully so.

My father in the gospel was Hugh Mathews, one of the early workers (ministers) to come to the US from the British Isles, and in fact, one of the early ministers of this group that was started by William in the 1890s. Hugh was a true servant of God, in my opinion, and was often in trouble with the overseers, because he stood for God’s truth. He was not willing to compromise with what was right, and gave his whole heart into being a mouthpiece for God.

To this day, although I lost my respect for this organization, I continue to have the highest respect for Hugh and his love for God and souls, for his honesty, integrity, and unyieldingness to wicked overseers. I believe it is nearly impossible to find other men at the level of quality and Godliness of Hugh Matthews. I do also believe that there are still men and women, both followers and workers, of high quality in the group, but suspect that they are few and far between. They are in a very dangerous position, close to, and controlled by workers and overseers, many of whom are ‘the leaven that corrupts.’

All of that to say that I am quite amazed that there are still men like Lyle in the ministry. I have been out of the group for many years, as a result of Ira’s sexual immorality with my daughter, but suspected that the ministry was likely wholly corrupted by this time (see l Cor. 5). I do not know Lyle, but Scott has told me that Lyle is working to address the cancer in the fellowship, of ministers in the group who are pedophiles. I am amazed that he is brave enough to attempt this, and even more amazed that the head overseers have not shut him up, one way or another.

From my experience with the overseers, in trying to expose Ira and see him put out of the fellowship, I have zero respect for Ira’s head overseers, whom we exposed him to. I personally, and face to face, talked to Murray Keene, Taylor Wood, Garrett Hughes and Leslie White, about Ira’s immorality with my young daughter, and to my dismay, found that they all said Ira would not do that, and that I must stop talking about it. I did not stop, so the ministry quickly put me out of the fellowship. I have no proof, but very much suspect that each of these men was also involved in sexual immorality. That seems to me the only logical reason why they would hide and cover a fellow minister who was sexually immoral with children.

God said, through Paul, “Those that sin, rebuke before all, and use no partiality.” The overseers I exposed Ira to, said, “Ira didn’t do that, and stop talking about it:” a very big contrast, and far from the directions in God’s word about sin in the body of believers. It makes it very obvious that there is great sickness in the overseer ship of the fellowship, and that the only scriptural cure is to put out of the fellowship both those who have/are molesting children, as well as those who have/are hiding the pedophiles. It will be very painful, to the entire body, but it is God’s way. Even if it removes most of the ministry, it is God’s way. Better to start now, than wait and let them continue to corrupt the body. Please read Jude, and get busy!

I became aware of sexual immorality in the ministry when I was a young child in the 1950s. I overheard my father and mother talking to Harry Brownlee about one of Harry’s companions who had been put out of the work for sexual immorality. Harry was under the overseership of Eddie Cornock, who in my opinion was another righteous man. These workers did not hide the worker, deny his actions, and leave him in the work to continue his evil deeds. They simply put him out. It is so sad that for many decades, many overseers have chosen, over and over, to hide, conceal, and cover these men, and allow them to continue preying on children. In my opinion, these overseers are just as guilty, before God, as the pedophiles.

My brother, who also professed many years ago, once said, “The only thing worse than men who represent themselves as ministers of God, and molest children, is a group of Christian people who allow such evil men to continue as ministers of the group.” I very much agree with him. God gave believers both the tools and the method to remove these men from the ministry and fellowship. It is found in II John 1.10. In its beautiful simplicity, if practiced, it allows true believers to immediately remove evil workers and overseers from the fellowship. Just don’t take them into your home and provide for them. Very quickly, the evil one has to find a job, go to work, provide for self, and hopefully, thru the process, repent of his evil.

If the church had followed God’s directions, thru Paul, Peter, Jude, and John, they could be a strong, healthy group of believers, well pleasing to the Father. Instead, in general, they are a group of blind followers, following a ministry that has taught them that the “Truth” is the only group where believers can gain salvation. This ministry, for decades, taught that it was from the beginning, (I personally heard the worker Alex Anderson say that when I was a young child in the 50s.) The workers and overseers developed a hold and control over the believers that prevented the proper functioning of the church to control sin and evil men in the church. What a shame! The leaven that corrupts!

My uncle, Tom Young, a worker in Canada, was sent down to talk to me, before I was put out of the church. The desire of the head overseers in the eastern half of the USA, was that I be shut up, and left in the group. They hoped that Tom could accomplish this. In the process, my uncle told me and my mother (Tom’s sister), “that this had happened many times in Canada (workers molesting children), and that the girls get over it and ‘we’ can’t put the workers out, because we have so few workers, and need them so bad.” Needless to say, I have never again communicated with Tom Young, and never plan to, unless he should someday admit what an abominable statement that was, both to men and God. I am ashamed to have an uncle who is so sick and evil. He is disgusting, but was trained by a long line of evil workers and overseers. The leaven corrupted.

I find myself quite amazed at how the anger in my being has boiled up as I write. I apologize to those who read this letter who are godly workers and friends. I am confident that there are still a few in this corrupted and dying fellowship. It is presently an exceedingly sick and disgusting group of believers. If those of you who are still uncorrupted do not straighten this mess out, then I believe it would be far best if this fellowship would disappear from the face of the earth. God has given you the tools so that even a few can clean the evil from the group. Are you willing for the cost?

To those of you who have molested children, or hid those who have, I hope that you are quickly put out of the work and the fellowship. You are exceedingly evil! You belong in prison, and I hope that’s where you end. I also hope, because

I believe it is God’s will, that in being “given over to Satan”, from your prison cell, you repent, and gain salvation. I very much believe that Ira Hobbs belongs in prison, and I hope that is where he ends, for the many girls he has so seriously damaged over a period of at least 50 years. I also believe my Uncle Tom should spend time in prison for his evil hiding of men like Ira. After we were put out, we spend a lot of effort and time in trying to understand what was happening in the group, and many old-timers told us that it had been going on for decades, and nobody seemed to know what to do about it. It was a common saying in the group, “whatever the workers say”, instead of “what does God say.” The leaven corrupted.

If any that might read this letter would have any reason to communicate with me, I am willing.

Dale Gardner

Colorado Springs, CO

WINGS Note: This post was updated October 2023 to change redacted names back to the original names.

The following workers mentioned above have passed away: Horace Burgess, Roy Dietzel, Harry Brownlee, Taylor Wood, Murray Keene, George Gittins.
Kenny Wahlin left the work and married and passed away.
Ira Hobbs and Leslie White were put out of the work.