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In May 2023 WINGS posted a letter from the Woodstock convention ground owners. See https://wingsfortruth.info/2023/05/06/email-from-bob-and-stacy-bainbridge-re-worker-abuse-and-lack-of-transparency/

The workers then cancelled the 2023 Woodstock convention: https://wingsfortruth.info/2023/05/07/woodstock-2023-convention-cancelled-punishment/

However this was subsequently reversed:

Dear staff,

Could you please pass this on to the friends in your field.

Last Sunday we sent an email saying that this year there wouldn’t be any convention at Woodstock, but instead we would have a second convention at Napan. Afterwards, we were not comfortable with that decision, and we realized that we sent that word out too hastily. We do plan to have the convention at Woodstock, and we will let you know about the exact format when we have had more time to discuss it. We are sorry for any sorrow or distress this lack of consistency may have caused

Thank you and all the best.

Your brothers, Dale, Ray and Jonathan.

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Subsequent correspondence from the workers included an annoucement that a three dayConvention would actually be held: https://wingsfortruth.info/2023/05/20/woodstock-convention-update-may-20-2023/

The convention ground owners then issued Stipulations for preps and convention @ Woodstock NB

*Convicted, reported or suspected abusers are Not welcome on our property.

*Those that have participated in moving abusive workers to other fields are not welcome.

*If any of the above offenders show up on our property they will be told to leave. If there is refusal to leave we will call the RCMP.

*If we find out after preps and convention that one of these abusers was present we will report to the RCMP.

*There will be no WiFi provided.

*The walking trails that are normally made available will be off limits.

*Be Kind and Considerate of one and other so we all can be safe and comfortable Any abusive language or behavior will not be tolerated, you will be told to leave.

This is our request to have sent out by you to all friends in the Maritimes and Maine before the Start of preps. A reminder of this letter will be made at the beginning of convention by you also.

Bob and Stacy

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Jonathan Freeburn has now responded:

Dear Bob and Stacy,

Thanks for your email We have been thinking a lot about the convention also. I think you are right about your first point; we have already asked any people with allegations against them in the past to not come to the convention. Even with that, we really think that it will be difficult to have the meetings there at your place without causing some kind of distress or conflict. We feel like we can’t really be sure to arrange the meetings there in a way that makes you feel at ease. As well, there are others who usually come there for convention, but they don’t feel comfortable coming. I don’t think it is right for you to have to leave during the time that we are there, and I would not want to have invited someone there causing you to feel like your principles have been violated

This situation has put many in bondage, so we have looked into getting a neutral location in a hall near Fredericton where we can have the meetings. There is a hall which is available from Friday to Sunday. There is room and facilities to have the meetings there. All things considered, it seems best for this year.

We do hope that we can have a profitable time together, and that you will feel free to be there also. All the best, and hope to see you in a couple of weeks.

Your brother, Jonathan

Dear WA/N ID/AK workers, elders & friends.

During these difficult weeks I’ve been keenly aware of your prayers & support. Words cannot express how meaningful your help has been during this time. Thanks so much!

First, I want to personally apologize for the times I have ‘tuned out’ the muted cry of a wounded, frightened person and left their plea for help unheeded. I am saddened and deeply sorry to know that my responses (or lack thereof) have hindered justice and/or healing in some way. I hope you will forgive me for this.

Along with our collective staff, I understand that many things must be different going forward. Even though many steps are still not defined, the following are a few of the things we are committed to:

1) We are going to ask everyone on our staff and the elders to take training courses regarding CSA (Child Sexual Abuse). We will not become investigators, counselors, etc., but we will educate ourselves, which is crucial for raising our awareness and safety levels. One of the courses we will take is called Ministry Safe ( https://ministrysafe.com/the-safety-system/awareness-training/ ). There is also a robust and free course (both General and Clergy segments) available from California (https://mandatedreporterca.com ). We also encourage each of you to sign up for one of these programs.

2) We are preparing a website to share important resources and guidelines regarding CSA. The site will contain information for workers, elders, parents, and children. Our goal is for all of us to do our part to keep each other safe. The information will be updated as new resources become available. We will also list several options for people who wish to report an incident of CSA or other types of abuse. I will send you a link to the site when it becomes active in the next little while.

3) Going forward, we will have a zero-tolerance policy regarding CSA. If we are made aware of CSA violations involving a victim who is presently a minor, we will report it to authorities immediately, in compliance with the law. If an adult confides in us about a personal CSA incident that occurred in their youth, we will urge them to consult professionals who can help them proceed in an advisable manner. We will support all who need support, and if the abuser is a present danger, will report this to authorities as mandated by the law.

Trust doesn’t come from demanding it, but by earning it. We’ve broken trust and we realize rebuilding that trust will be a process. We know you need more than a list of promises from us. You need to see proof that we care deeply for the most vulnerable people among us and that we will do all we can to protect them. You need to be assured that we will not shame or condemn victims…ever. You need evidence that we are being motivated and kept by divine love. These things are not too much to ask. This is what we want as well.

Likely there Is a lot that this letter doesn’t say that it should say. Hopefully you will feel free to contact me or any of the other workers with your concerns. Undoubtedly, part of our present trouble is the result of us not listening enough, or not listening with a full understanding. We want to hear from you and NEED to hear from you.

We have a great opportunity ahead of us, but it won’t come from quickly dismissing the reality of where we are today. We are at an important crossroads and only through genuine confession, humility and repentance will we make the right turn. We’ve got a lot of work in front of us, but I’m convinced by God’s grace our best days are ahead.

With care and appreciation in Christ,

Darryl

Dear elders and friends in WA, N ID, AK,

Since Monday we have been gathering information with regard to the allegations against Mark Huddle. During this discovery process, sexual abuse incidents from seven different women have been brought to our attention, three of which involved children under the age of 12. We also visited with Mark in person, with Steve Peirson present. At this time we are not aware of any victims that are currently minors, but we regret to say that five of the seven incidents involved minors when they occurred. All things considered, the allegations against Mark are credible and serious.

The emotional and spiritual harm upon these victims has had a lasting negative effect. Although some people may think these actions (i.e. sexual touching through clothing) were not serious, the reality is that they have a very harmful effect upon young children and are considered by law to be a grave crime.

After gathering information about the allegations and communicating with all accessible, affected individuals, we consulted with CSA (Child Sexual Abuse) professionals for their advice. We brothers agree with their conclusion that Mark should not continue in the work. Mark has readily agreed to receive therapeutic help.

Let’s support all victims by respectfully listening without blaming. We fully intend to support the needs of the victims in every way we can and encourage others to feel free to come forward and report concerns. As all of the victims mentioned above are now adults, we respect their wishes regarding whether or not to report these incidents to authorities. Protecting the privacy and confidentiality of victims is of utmost importance.

We will be communicating more about these and other situations which pose safety risks to the community. We are learning from these experiences and are committed to increased safety. In the near future we will send communication regarding specific CSA issues, mandated reporter training and other necessary changes going forward.

We all grieve with the reality of this troubling situation, yet we know that God is still on the throne and we find solace in Psalm 61:2, “When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” We very much feel the hand of God working in recent events, leading us to be forthright about these issues, in the same way the apostle Paul did in 1Corinthians 5. God will help all who look to Him and His Son to go forward spiritually stronger and healthier.

Your brothers,

Dale Shultz, Merlin Affleck, Rob Newman, Scott Rauscher, Doyle Smith, Darryl Doland

WINGS Note: The document file title included ‘March 2023’ and a pdf was created April 5, but friends in the Alberta field say they only received it on May 16.

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Dear Friends in AB, YT, NWT and NE BC

I have often thought about writing a general letter to you all since news of Dean Bruer’s tragic situation first broke a couple of weeks ago, but I hardly have known what to write. I just feel so sad as you no doubt do. I still don’t know what to write, but perhaps I’ll make an attempt at putting something together today.

These are my thoughts……

A line of a hymn comes to mind several times every day…’Art thou pained to see the kingdom suffer loss?’

I’m pained when I think of those women that Dean hurt so badly. I’m pained when I think of how much he has complicated their lives and how much they will suffer for it through the years. I pray that God can help them heal and move on again. And, I hope that you are praying for them also.

I’m pained when I think of Dean, a man who appeared to be so useful and so faithful for so many years and then let something awful into his heart that destroyed him and hurt so many others. This pain is scary for me because like many of you who will be reading this letter, I am in the same age group that Dean was in. I pray desperately that God would help me to keep my heart pure until the journey’s end. I pray that he will keep you also.

I’m pained when I think of Mark who has now been accused of acting improperly. I’m so glad that he quickly, humbly stepped back.

I’m pained when I think of my good friends who have been disappointed by workers who should have been examples to them. I pray that God will keep you all through this storm just as he has kept all of us through the past storms of life. I want to reassure you that we will do everything possible to make sure this does not happen again.

I’m pained when I think of all those wonderful, Godly workers in areas where Dean has worked, who are now suffering for his actions.

I’m pained for people who get some sad satisfaction out of spreading evil things that they find on social media and I ask, why aren’t they pained to see the kingdom suffer loss? May God have mercy on them. Our study of Prov 16 has some very good food for thought in verses 20 and 27.

I’m thankful when I remember that ‘there is nothing new under the sun’, as Solomon wrote. Jesus chose 12 disciples and one of them made a horrible error. With tens of thousands of friends and workers in the world today, it is inevitable that some will make a terrible mistake.

I’m thankful when I receive message after message from friends encouraging me and wanting me to know that they are praying for us workers and support us in these difficult days.

I’m thankful to know that most of our friends in our area are just patiently continuing. God knows His own and is taking care of His own.

I’m thankful when I remember that this too shall pass and when it does, I want to make very sure that I am still on the right side.

I’m thankful that when I pray, God brings peace into my distressed heart and I’m so grateful to remember Jesus’ promise that He would give us His peace….His peace, not as the world gives peace.

I’m thankful when I remember that God is still on the throne and has everything under HIS control. This is HIS kingdom and HE will not let it come to harm. It has stood through many a storm over the centuries and it will come out stronger and purified again like it has before.

I’m thankful when I remember that ‘This world my home could never be, for Christ is coming back for me’.

May God help us all to “Pray for the peace of the city” and to pray that God would send his Son again to take us to be with him.

A Brother,

Michael Hasset

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Note: The reference to ‘Mark’ is to Mark Huddle