Tag: child sexual abuse

It seems very necessary to mention a very disheartening situation that has been made known to us this last week. Dean Bruer (a worker in OR who had also spent years in WY MT, maybe other places?) had been living a very immoral, dishonest double life before his death. We are so very sorry about that & feel especially for his victims! I believe The most friends in the areas where he worked have been notified. I know he was here in Nebraska for special meetings last spring, I sure hope there was nothing that happened while he was here. We heartily encourage any that have been a victim of abuse or inappropriate behavior been to reach out for support & to seek professional help if needed.

Quite a number have called or texted/emailed and expressed concern if there is anything being done to try to prevent such things from happening here in KS/NE. All the workers on our staff have kept current on continuing education regarding recognizing & preventing child sexual abuse through a Ministry Safe Course. Workers are encouraged (in fact it is mandatory). to report any CSA directly to law enforcement for investigation (our Friends can do that too)( Our Workers have been encouraged to speak up if they witness or experience inappropriate behavior towards them or others, no matter who it is (our Friends can do that too). This recent event has indeed shown the value of/need for that approach.

We are so very sorry & ashamed that some among us have betrayed the trust of others, but that is reality. Likely the apostles were very shocked & ashamed when Judas’ secret sin came to light. His sin didn’t mean they were all dishonest, but likely they bore some reproach because of it as well. Though they weren’t perfect, the 11 & others proved to be true men & God used them to help accomplish his purpose through the book of Acts. I’m thankful that the many workers who were in our home from my youth & those I’ve worked closely with through the years have been true men & women and have been a great help and encouragement to me. They have pointed us to Jesus, the one perfect one who will never disappoint.

With all the workers I have been with since learning this, there seems to be a renewed purpose to keep our lives above any reproach, and would hope to gain back the trust of our dear friends, that has been so carelessly broken by some.

I am very open for anyone to contact me or any of the other workers with any other concerns regarding any of this. We do want to be as open and transparent about this issue as we can, but also realize that there is a part of our human nature that craves to feed on all the failings of others to help justify ourselves, so we struggle to find that balance.

Thank you very much for trying to understand my feeble attempt to put into words the deep feelings in my heart

Your Brother & servant

Richard

Please share with your field including the letter from Doyle that is attached.

Dear WA, N ID and AK friends,

We are very sorry and apologize to you for delaying in sharing information regarding Dean Bruer’s unacceptable secret life. We understand the hurt and pain many of you have felt, receiving the news from other sources. We are including his letter again as an attachment, so that you are receiving it directly from us, and so you will understand that we have nothing to hide. We plan to be quicker in sharing news in the future, though we know we can never beat social media.

We want to be transparent and accountable, and for you to feel free to communicate with us. Many of you have been very helpful to us already. Thank you for your prayers and caring advice/help/patience to us and with us. One thing we want to make very clear, is that if anyone has felt uncomfortable with any of the workers you’ve been around (including us), we want you to feel at liberty to share that with us, or other workers or friends that you trust. Also, if anyone is a victim of abuse from a worker, elder or anyone connected to our fellowship…the police should be contacted, as this is a legal issue. We don’t want to have a culture among our fellowship that is conducive for predators to work within.

It was discovered a while after Dean died that he had accessed a porn site while he was at the Motel where he died. At Boring #2, a lady went to Doyle and spoke of a relationship she had with Dean for 2 or 3 years that included physical sex. A 2nd lady victim surfaced in October. After extensive therapy that covered quite a while, there were accusations of child molestation. After Doyle’s letter was communicated, a 3rd lady victim surfaced, and again there was talk of child molestation when she was quite young.

As far as is known, all the issues took place in the MT and OR areas, so Doyle is the one that initiated communication, along with Scott. The web sites and internet picked it up from Doyle’s communication. Since Dean was dead, Doyle asked people to remain confidential until he and Scott were finished communicating in-person. There was never the thought that it would be hid or confidential after last Thursday. Communication was not in response to an investigator or the internet. The internet and emails were much quicker than phone calls and visits. A more accurate account of the timeline will be sent out later once it can be compiled.

Another thing that has recently surfaced is from a friends’ group discussion meeting last night in the N Seattle field. At one point in the meeting a lady spoke up. She told of personally talking to a now adult woman, who had interaction at the age of 11 with Mark Huddle. This woman said that Mark invited her to sit on his lap while he read stories to her, in a way which she felt was awkward and inappropriate. We do not have all the facts, and want to be slow to jump to conclusions, but we don’t want to hide what is open and circulating either. Mark is aware of the accusation against him and feels it best that we write and send this email.

So… the future…

All the workers on our staff will take a “Ministry Safe” course. Moses took council from his father- in-law about learning to delegate. He was likely not professing, but it was good council, and he took it. It seems like we need all the help we can get from multiple sources. Other steps will also be taken as they become clear.

People should feel safe and be safe… sisters, friends, and children.

Isaiah 6:1 In the year that king Uzziah died, I saw also the Lord sitting upon his throne, high and lifted up. There is a Lord high and lifted up, and He is the one that is safe to keep our focus on.

With much care,

Your brothers,

Brian and Wayne

Dear Wisconsin Friends & Workers, (please do not forward)

It was very special to be in North & South Dakota for the sp mtg rounds there the past several weeks. I finished in Sioux Falls Sunday afternoon & joined our rounds in the Milwaukee area Monday afternoon. We had a very special workers mtg there this morning. If you wanted, you could get a feel for the tone of it by looking at the hymns that 3 different workers chose there: 339, 236 & 405. It’s always encouraging to hear the humble prayers & purposes of our coworkers and see their dedication to their calling.

It was extra meaningful to be together, as we all (& very many others) are hurting after learning Dean Bruer (a worker in OR who died last summer) had been living an immoral double life before his death. We are sooo sorry about that & feel especially for his victims! The friends in the areas where he worked have been notified. Any others who have been a victim of abuse or inappropriate behavior have been encouraged to reach out for support & to seek professional help if needed.

Some have expressed concern if there is anything being done to try to prevent such things from happening here. The workers here have kept current on continuing education regarding recognizing & preventing child sexual abuse. Workers are encouraged to report any CSA directly to law enforcement for investigation (Friends can do that too). Workers have been encouraged to speak up if they witness or experience inappropriate behavior towards them or others, no matter who it is (Friends can do that too).

The recent events have borne out the value of/need for that approach. Though the workers know these things we did have a helpful informal meeting this afternoon regarding these matters & other ways the ministry can be kept safe and honorable. The staff seems very on board & united in this. We are so sorry & ashamed that some among us have betrayed the trust of others, but that is reality.

Likely the apostles were very shocked & ashamed when Judas’ secret sin came to light. His sin didn’t mean they were all dishonest, but likely they bore some reproach because of it. Though they weren’t perfect, the 11 & others proved to be true men & God used them to help accomplish his purpose through the book of Acts.

I’m thankful that the many workers who were in our home from my youth & those I’ve worked closely with through the years have been true men & women and have been a great help and encouragement to me. They have pointed us to Jesus, the one perfect one who will never disappoint.

Your brother,

Glenn [Gasser]

Dear elders and friends, 

Here is an outline of what we know about the timeline of events regarding Dean Bruer.

-After Dean’s death and funeral, Doyle accessed Dean’s computer looking for the worker list, and found inappropriate things.

-At Boring convention, an adult female victim came forward about her relationship with Dean in the last several years. She asked for the information to be kept quiet. 

-In the last several weeks, other adult victims have come forward, including one who was underage at the time they were abused by Dean. They asked that the information be made public.

-Doyle wrote a letter (included with this email) to share the information about Dean with the friends. The purpose was for the workers to personally share the information last week, via reading the letter, with all the friends in the states where Dean has labored most recently: OR, S ID, MT, WY. The friends were asked not to discuss it in an effort to have the information come from the workers first. Unfortunately, the letter was posted on the internet before those visits were completed. 

-Thursday, the WA, N ID, and AK staff was contacted with the information. At this point there are no known victims from our states. Again, we encourage anyone who has been a victim of any inappropriate behavior by Dean or anyone else to please reach out to someone you trust.

-Friday, Doyle took Dean’s computer to the police. 

-The notice circulating about the Clackamas County Sheriff asking for information appears not to be an open case. 

Please don’t hesitate to reach out for a visit, either with your elders or your workers. There is a lot to process and a lot of noise right now, and while we are trying to touch bases with as many people as possible, we don’t always know where the most immediate needs are. Our purpose is to shepherd our sheep with compassion and share safe pastures to feed on. 

-Karen and Amy

Dear LA, MS and AL Elders and Friends,

This is to acknowledge the report of the misconduct of Dean Bruer, a worker/overseer, now deceased, from OR, of whom you may be hearing about. The immoral conduct, that isn’t to be named even once amongst the saints, how much less of servants, is condemned. For those who are hurt by these actions, beginning with the victims, we pray that they may find the support needed from being believed and comforted in knowing that this is not tolerated amongst us.

In the aftermath of this, my thoughts go back to the time that Dean last visited in LA. If there’s anyone who had any unwelcome encounters with him at that time, I was not made aware of it. I’m keenly aware of the need to encourage everyone amongst us to be free to report to the appropriate authorities anything, such as Child Sexual Abuse, or misconduct of servant or saint.

We on the LA, MS and AL staff of workers participate in an educational resource called Ministry Safe, which instructs us to be aware of Child Sexual Abuse and how to conduct oneself and ministry to be safe.

On behalf of those of us in the ministry I offer thanks for your support and trust, and pledge to not betray that.

Your brother,

[Robert Eberhardt]

Mar. 27, 2023

Hello Friends, Family, and Loved Ones, 

With a heavy heart, we learned of the many allegations of sexual abuse by former overseer Dean Bruer. He is not the only person within the Truth who has abused their authority to commit these acts against the Friends and their children. As this case demonstrates, attempts within the institution have not been sufficient to address the pervasive problem of sexual abuse, especially child sexual abuse.

In the days since the news of Dean broke, dozens of you have stepped forward to share your stories and the names of more than 100 alleged perpetrators of sexual abuse within the Truth that span many decades and several countries. We are incredibly grateful for your bravery. You are bringing light to the darkness and helping ensure your experience is not repeated. All of us, especially our children, deserve to live free from the fear of sexual abuse.

I, Lauren Rohs, contacted Oregon overseer Doyle Smith Thursday night last week. Cynthia Liles, Sheri Autrey, and I met with him at Shari’s Cafe & Pies in South Salem for three and a half hours to suggest safe and ethical next steps to protect the Friends from future harm. Unfortunately, Ministry Safe, a program to advocate for and protect victim survivors, is not required for any worker. Therefore, to minimize future trauma and devastation to all the people we love and hold dear, a small group of volunteers has been working around the clock to collect your statements, assess the scope of the damage, and determine the next steps. Our only goal is to support victim survivors and prevent further abuse. We are working with friends, workers, former members, and nonmembers to address this massive crisis. We are also working with private investigator Cynthia Liles who grew up going to meetings. Her expertise and compassion are unparalleled. This massive crisis will require our entire community to come together, lean in, and comfort one another. Please practice self-care and visit the RAINN website (rainn.org) for resources on how to speak to one another, care for yourself, and continue during this difficult time. 

We are in communication with friends and workers who are encouraging us in these efforts. They support us in this advocacy. They recommend you contact us using the hotline below since we have the resources to determine what the next steps should be.

Please share your stories and tips by texting or calling the 24-hour confidential hotline:
(503) 386-4634 

Whatever your concern or information is, we are listening. If you are a victim survivor, we can discuss advocacy options and connect you to professional, vetted resources. After you’ve reported to the hotline, those of you inside the community are encouraged to reach out to Barry Barkley and Ray Hoffmann, the Overseers of the United States. They deserve to hear your experiences, your fears, and your hopes. You can find more information about the hotline and Dean Bruer case at advocatesforthetruth.com. 

With Love,

Lauren Rohs, Cynthia Liles, Sheri Autrey, and a group of people who care

If you feel tentative, awkward, or are unable to use the hotline, please DM me (@Lauren Rohs) on Facebook, and I will walk you through the process. 

Our Dear Friends,

It is with a very heavy heart we share the following difficult information, but we feel it is imperative that we do so. We trust you will understand and be in agreement.

We have come to the tragic conclusion that Dean Bruer had another side to his life that none of us, except victims, ever witnessed or suspected. It has come to the surface in recent months, and more so in recent weeks, that Dean was a sexual predator. We never respect or defend such totally inappropriate behavior among us. There is a very united consensus among us that the only thing to do is to be transparent with all of you for obvious reasons, though this is very difficult. We are very sorry for the hurt this will bring to the hearts of many. Thankfully, he is no longer in a position to hurt anyone.

Some things have come to light from Dean’s own records. Dean had his own Best Western Hotel preferred customer account and spent a considerable amount of time and money in motels. As we all know, when he died last June, it was in a motel in Government Camp, OR; a place that he frequented. The receipts often included “two guests”. Victims have come forward, and there was very confirming and incriminating evidence found on his computer and phone.

His actions include rape and abuse of underage victims. He totally abused his authority as an overseer in order to control, manipulate and threaten his victims. We are strongly recommending our staff look at the Ministry Safe Program and possibly other venues that help understand, recognize, and prevent such problems.

Overwhelmingly, our greatest concern in all of this is the victims, known and unknown. We do hope and pray this message somehow reaches the ears of every unknown victim if there are more. We feel very anxious to assure them that we are anxious to do everything possible to be a support. We understand that people like this are dangerously equipped to twist what has happened in such a way that the victim feels it’s their fault, and thereby the predator’s criminal behavior is hidden from others. We assure you, there is no possibility anyone will lay blame. except at the feet of the ONE very wrong man who has caused your pain. We are sorry! We hope you will have courage to reach out to any of us, or anyone that you feel you can talk to. We understand your need for privacy as well as support working through this, and we all intend to respect that.

None of us had any idea that such terrible things were happening until several weeks after his death. There is no possible way that this would not have been immediately reported had we known. Some of us very much regret that we didn’t somehow discover his actions and prevent more pain. We all feel betrayed naturally. We have come to the conclusion that the very dangerous thing about people like him is that they do what they do without conscience, thus it’s much easier for them to pretend to be something that they aren’t. We cannot live a lie when we love truth, and honestly live before God, respecting His approval as the scripture teaches us.

We sang recently, “All through the storm I see thy face beaming with love and with saving grace.” Our desperate prayer for you all, especially anyone that has been hurt, is that G. will show Himself very strong. In Mark 4, the disciples found themselves in the worst storm of their life which caused a lot of distress. But at the conclusion of the storm there was a greater appreciation than ever for the miracle capacity Jesus had to deliver perfect peace despite storms. Our hearts desperately ache for the disappointment and sense of betrayal this will bring to countless hearts and again especially for the pain inflicted to victims. We pray the miracle somehow, someway, someday, will be as great as it was in Mark 4 for all.

Keep close to God dear friends. There is an immense capacity in the hand of God to help us. Thank you for all the prayers we know this will generate!

Sincerely your brother

Doyle S. [Smith]

Dear friends,

It is with a deep sadness that we send this note today regarding Dean Bruer. Some of you would have this word by now and we apologize for our delay in sending word. It’s been difficult to know what to do or say but we feel we should be in touch with you all.

Many of you would know Dean Bruer because he grew up in Minnesota. Since his death, very disappointing evidence has arisen to verify that Dean was living an immoral, double life. This has already affected many and will likely have long term effects. Dean was a sexual predator and his victims include adults and minors. This is a very serious crime and we are very, very sorry. Please find attached the letter written by the workers in Oregon.

This is devastating, hurtful, and disappointing. It’s taken us a while to process it because we are all reeling since hearing about it. We want to be transparent and open. We also want to encourage everyone to keep close to God and protect your faith. Proverbs 16.33 says, “The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord.” None of us could have known that Dean had this problem. However, it is so and we all must face it. It is “in our lap.” The disposing of this difficult and sad experience will be of the Lord and we want to wait on him and trust him to guide us through it.

We are available to help in any way we can.

With care and love,

The Minnesota/Iowa workers

Minnesota Crisis Hotline 866-223-1111

Iowa Abuse Hotline 800-362-2178

Dear Elders, including all Friends in the Anchorage/Mat-Su area,

Sean and I and all of us workers in Alaska received some tragic news on Thursday afternoon (March 23) about Dean Bruer. Dean was among us in Alaska from his coming to Juneau in the mid 1970’s, spent his first five years in the ministry here, then five more years (1997-2002), and then was a trusted overseeing worker in Montana/Wyoming and Oregon/S. Idaho until his death in June 2022. I’m sorry and apologize to you for delaying getting this news of Dean’s dark/unacceptable secret life to each of you. In hindsight, I should have sent a memo to each of you that day. Attached is the letter (from Doyle Smith current OR/S ID overseeing worker) that tells what we heard on Thursday.

I want to be transparent and accountable here with a welcome to you to communicate. Many of you have been very helpful to me already, and thank you for your caring advice/help/patience to/with me. One thing we want to make very clear, is that if anyone has felt uncomfortable with any of the workers you’ve been around (including me/us), we want you to feel at liberty to share that with us or other workers or friends that you trust. Also, if anyone is a victim of abuse from a worker or an elder or anyone connected to our fellowship…the police should be contacted, as this is a legal issue. We don’t want to have a culture among our fellowship that is conducive for predators to work within.

Jesus said there would be wolves in sheep’s clothing, so unfortunately we can’t always trust everyone in our fellowship…but we’re very thankful that we can always trust the Spirit of God and the words of Jesus.

We realize that much communication has been ongoing since these details of Dean have been made known. One matter I’ll mention that has been found to be inaccurate, is a Memo outlined in a red border titled, “In reference to the Dean Bruer case” from the Clackamas Co Sheriff’s Dept. I’ll copy/paste what Doyle Smith found out today from the Clackamas Co Sheriff:

There is a message, going around to many “In reference to the Dean Bruer case”. A deputy at the Sheriff’s office has confirmed there is a case number, but “since the man is dead” there is NO active investigation taking place at this time. They are referring people who call to me, and no one has called me yet.

Please pardon us if this isn’t including all of what could or maybe should be said here, but please feel free to be in touch, now, or anytime in the future.

Your brothers in Christ, Sean and Dan

March 20, 2023

Our Dear Friends,

It is with a very heavy heart we share the following difficult information, but we feel it is imperative that we do so. We trust you will understand and be in agreement.

We have come to the tragic conclusion that Dean Bruer had another side to his life that none of us, except victims, ever witnessed or suspected. It has come to the surface in recent months, and more so in recent weeks, that Dean was a sexual predator. We never respect or defend such totally inappropriate behavior among us. There is a very united consensus among us that the only thing to do is to be transparent with all of you for obvious reasons, though this is very difficult. We are very sorry for the hurt this will bring to the hearts of many. Thankfully, he is no longer in a position to hurt anyone.

Some things have come to light from Dean’s own records. Dean had his own Best Western Hotel preferred customer account and spent a considerable amount of time and money in motels. As we all know, when he died last June, it was in a motel in Government Camp, OR; a place that he frequented. The receipts often included “two guests”. Victims have come forward, and there was very confirming and incriminating evidence found on his computer and phone.

His actions include rape and abuse of underage victims. He totally abused his authority as an overseer in order to control, manipulate and threaten his victims. We are strongly recommending our staff look at the Ministry Safe Program and possibly other venues that help understand, recognize, and prevent such problems.

Overwhelmingly, our greatest concern in all of this is the victims, known and unknown. We do hope and pray this message somehow reaches the ears of every unknown victim if there are more. We feel very anxious to assure them that we are anxious to do everything possible to be a support. We understand that people like this are dangerously equipped to twist what has happened in such a way that the victim feels it’s their fault, and thereby the predator’s criminal behavior is hidden from others. We assure you, there is no possibility anyone will lay blame. except at the feet of the ONE very wrong man who has caused your pain. We are sorry! We hope you will have courage to reach out to any of us, or anyone that you feel you can talk to. We understand your need for privacy as well as support working through this, and we all intend to respect that.

None of us had any idea that such terrible things were happening until several weeks after his death. There is no possible way that this would not have been immediately reported had we known. Some of us very much regret that we didn’t somehow discover his actions and prevent more pain. We all feel betrayed naturally. We have come to the conclusion that the very dangerous thing about people like him is that they do what they do without conscience, thus it’s much easier for them to pretend to be something that they aren’t. We cannot live a lie when we love truth, and honestly live before God, respecting His approval as the scripture teaches us.

We sang recently, “All through the storm I see thy face beaming with love and with saving grace.” Our desperate prayer for you all, especially anyone that has been hurt, is that G. will show Himself very strong. In Mark 4, the disciples found themselves in the worst storm of their life which caused a lot of distress. But at the conclusion of the storm there was a greater appreciation than ever for the miracle capacity Jesus had to deliver perfect peace despite storms. Our hearts desperately ache for the disappointment and sense of betrayal this will bring to countless hearts and again especially for the pain inflicted to victims. We pray the miracle somehow, someway, someday, will be as great as it was in Mark 4 for all.

Keep close to God dear friends. There is an immense capacity in the hand of God to help us. Thank you for all the prayers we know this will generate!

Sincerely your brother

Doyle S. [Smith]

Obituary

Dean Eldon Bruer was born March 17, 1955, in Fargo, North Dakota to Raymond and Florence (Omdal) Bruer. Dean passed away June 21, 2022. Throughout Dean’s school years, his family lived in Hopkins, Minnesota, where he learned to play the violin. Dean professed on September 9, 1966 and was baptized on September 6, 1970. After high school, Dean completed a two-year collegiate program receiving an Associate of Science degree in Landscape Architecture and certifications as a Civil Engineering Technician and Architectural Technician.

In April 1975, Dean and his friend, Verlyn Syverson, traveled to Alaska, a longtime dream of Dean’s. As a result of problems with their van, instead of traveling all the way on the Alaska Highway, they took the ferry from Prince Rupert, Canada, to Juneau. They were unaware there was a convention in Juneau that week. As it was the last ferry before convention, at each stop more of the friends boarded, ultimately totaling 99 headed to convention. After deciding to attend convention, Dean and Verlyn washed dishes with someone who suggested they apply for jobs on the Alaska ferry system where they could work a week and then have a week off to explore Alaska. They helped with teardown at Juneau on Monday, applied with the ferry system on Tuesday, and Dean was working on his first ferry on Thursday. After about five months, Dean changed jobs and went to work as an Associate Civil Engineer. Dean and his friend, Mike Robertson, took a four-month trip from November of 1975 to February of 1976 and visited a number of locations around the Pacific Ocean. These included: Hawaii; Samoa; New Zealand, where they attended two conventions; Australia; Jakarta, Indonesia; Singapore, where they were able to help at convention preps; Taiwan; Hong Kong; The Philippines and Japan. It was during this trip that Dean felt especially moved to the ministry.

Dean’s 46-year service in the ministry began from Juneau, Alaska on July 6, 1976, and first spoke in a convention at Salmon Arm, British Columbia, Canada. He labored in Alaska for five years, fourteen years in Washington, two years in Montana, another five years in Alaska, fifteen years in Montana & Wyoming, and the last five years in Oregon & Southern Idaho. Dean also wrote numerous poems and hymns.

Dean is fondly remembered from his time in the work by those he met and encouraged around the world. Notes from his companions and others he interacted with along the way remember him for his kind nature, the love he showed them, and being a true “brother” to all. He was faithful in reaching out to those he knew with encouraging thoughts and spiritual gems – and those are already missed. Among a multitude of remembrances, came the note from Sweden that Dean’s name sounds very close to the Swedish words, “din bror,” meaning, “your brother.” There could hardly be a more appropriate description of Dean.

Dean is survived by his father, Raymond, and his mother, Florence of Peoria, Arizona; sister, Diane (Oran) Byers of Glendale, Arizona; sister Laurie (Mark) Phillips of Casa Grande, Arizona; three nieces – Brenda Byers of Tempe, Arizona; Rachel (Nathan) Lyon of Eureka, California; and Janae Phillips of Phoenix, Arizona; two uncles – Ernest (Etty) Bruer of Sayre, Pennsylvania/Tel Aviv, Israel; and Gordon Overby of Binford, North Dakota; as well as many cousins, fellow servants and friends.