jta
New Member
Posts: 9
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Post by jta on Jul 16, 2008 18:09:36 GMT -5
I would like to Thank everyone who had a part in Ray Hoffman talking to my Dad and Brother. This has made such a change in my life. This took a lot of prayer, calls, meeting, and risks and you were willing to do this for me. At first I was kinda in shock and didn't know how to express my feelings, but everyday gets better. It has made an awesome difference in my family relationship. I'm not ashamed to be around my Dad and he is not ashamed of me. This morning he hugged me. This makes me cry for joy. My brother tells me he loves me. Ray and all those behind the scene --This is truely an answered prayer. Love, Jean Austin
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Post by freespirit on Jul 16, 2008 18:19:35 GMT -5
(((((((((((((Jean)))))))))))))
freespirit
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Post by a believer on Jul 16, 2008 19:34:55 GMT -5
I would like to Thank everyone who had a part in Ray Hoffman talking to my Dad and Brother. This has made such a change in my life. This took a lot of prayer, calls, meeting, and risks and you were willing to do this for me. At first I was kinda in shock and didn't know how to express my feelings, but everyday gets better. It has made an awesome difference in my family relationship. I'm not ashamed to be around my Dad and he is not ashamed of me. This morning he hugged me. This makes me cry for joy. My brother tells me he loves me. Ray and all those behind the scene --This is truely an answered prayer. Love, Jean Austin Thank you so much for sharing and the first email you sent to the board which has helped so many come out into the open and begin to heal the same way as you are. I feel we are priviledged to have 'met' such a brave lady. I am sure some of us weep with you. God bless you Jean
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ktb
Junior Member
Posts: 188
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Post by ktb on Jul 16, 2008 19:44:32 GMT -5
Thank you Jean, for all of your courage and strength.
Ktb
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Post by a reader on Jul 16, 2008 19:51:46 GMT -5
Thank you, Jean, for helping us all to understand how to deal with these things for the name of Christ !
You're more than on the road to healing - you are now one of the 'healers' for others as you open your heart and move on with peace !
All the best to you . . .
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tulip2
Junior Member
Posts: 176
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Post by tulip2 on Jul 16, 2008 20:04:08 GMT -5
Jean, that's great to hear. Your story is one reason why TMB is an important forum for us. To share and support.
You have many who love you deeply and have cared and prayed through your experiences. There is one who loves you even more, and who you have clung to throughout everything. He will never let you down, you have proved that and in doing so, inspired us all.
Praise God. t2
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therose
Junior Member
"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder"
Posts: 135
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Post by therose on Jul 16, 2008 21:50:41 GMT -5
That is the most wonderful news, Jean! What joy you must now feel. We appreciate you and your courage! You are a true inspiration to us all and I pray that you continue to have some peace in your life! Thank you for sharing a part of you with us all!
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Post by juliette on Jul 16, 2008 22:31:46 GMT -5
Jean:
I still remember the first post you made (on a different board, I think). Your story broke my heart (and it still does)... and we all wondered... could it be true? why has nothing been done? Well, it was true. And now, FINALLY, something has been done. It's too bad that the laws are such that your abuser is not sitting in prison. But now he is hopefully not in a position to do harm to more children.
I know this has been a difficult journey, but I'm glad you stuck with it. Bringing what happened to you as a child out in the open has definitely opened up this issue in general.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you as you continue on your journey of healing.
Lots of love, Juli
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Post by recentarriver on Jul 17, 2008 5:15:26 GMT -5
Jean You are a special and courageous woman! I am rejoicing with you and others. I am so happy that you are finding true peace and discovering your family's love.
You are a vital part of a very painful process bringing this situation to the attention of others. As has been mentioned, when you first posted here I was dumbfounded to think such a thing could possibly be true. It was beyond the scope of my understanding.
I feel we can all appreciate it has been a long difficult journey with the CSA issue. Thankyou for your "trailblazing". It will affect the safety and future of many others who might face the same thing.
With sincere love, RA
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Post by aussiegal on Jul 17, 2008 5:30:02 GMT -5
hi Jean,
I'm so pleased for you that your father now accepts what has happened to you and is now being more "fatherly" to you. I'm so glad that your brother too has been accepting and is open in telling you of his love for you. Wonderful news!
I hope and pray that you'll be able to continue with your healing and your family relationships will continue to grow.
Vianne.
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Post by kencoolidge on Jul 17, 2008 8:05:23 GMT -5
Jean I am so happy that you are in a good place now. Healing from experiences like yours is difficult . Being open and honest is at times the very thing that helped us find the Lord and His help. I know Ray and am happy he had a part in this process.
A friend sent me these encouraging words and they were brought to mind reading your post. Hope they encourage you also Ken Subject: 1 Corinthians 13 The Love of God Trusting God is a step toward the solution of any problem, because trust gives us access to the love of God, and the love of God is a harmonizing force that is mighty enough to heal any adverse situation. The love of God expressed through us looks past all outer appearances of limitation to the good that is innate in everyone. The love of God is compassionate, yet positive and strong. It does not resist strife and contention but dissolves them. The love of God transforms resentment and dissatisfaction into appreciation and replaces criticism with commendation. There is no situation so inharmonious that a realization of the love of God will not be helpful. When things about us are disturbing, let us turn to God and divine love. Since God is part of all creation, God abides not only in us but also in our environment, our surroundings, and the circumstances of our lives. When we have knowledge and understanding of God’s love within and around us, our entire outlook changes. We see ourselves and our world through spiritual eyes, no longer seeing disorder or inharmony but recognizing divine love and peace in the minds and hearts of all. And we express divine love, changing our world from what seems to be a world of inharmony, doubt, and fear to a world of faith, love, happiness, and fulfillment. Know that you are a perfect expression of God’s love and that as you become more attuned to God’s love, your life will be a song of happiness. Your contacts with others will be joyous and harmonious. The love of God will go before you and smooth your way. Wherever you go, people will be glad to see you because of your loving attitude. Whatever you do, you will do easily and successfully. Whatever you need to decide, you will decide wisely, for the love of God will open to you inner sources of wisdom and guidance. Your mind will be open and receptive to God’s love, and you will receive: “The spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge.” —Isaiah 11: The love of God will keep your heart peaceful so that you can focus your attention on the harmony and happiness you desire. The love of God, radiating through you, will bless everyone you contact. The love of God, expressing itself through you, will attract its own and draw to you many, many blessings. “If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. “Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. “Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end. For we know only in part, and we prophesy only in part; but when the complete comes, the partial will come to an end. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known. And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.”
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Joe
New Member
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Post by Joe on Jul 17, 2008 22:00:00 GMT -5
Jean Your story made me weep, pray then move to action. I believe your courage in coming forward not only will make your life better, but the lives of countless others as well. It is such a blessing to hear that things are getting better.
I appreciate your thanks but I am confident that many who assisted in this effort were moved by the hand of God. I do regret that this did not happen years ago, but like you, I intend to focus on the positive and be thankful for today.
I am happy that your family is coming together as it should but don't forget that you have an extended family that loves you as well.
Take care of yourself. Joe T
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Post by Prof Lady on Jul 18, 2008 9:49:24 GMT -5
Jean, this is the best news we've heard in ages! All I can do is just repeat what others have said here - you are an inspiration - your courage in coming forward has taught us better how to deal with CSA and has saved countless other children from having to go through the same experience.
I nominate your "thank you" post as TMB POST OF THE YEAR - this is the result we'd like to see for every soul who has been wounded and hurt. It is proof that healing comes when people are willing to step forward, reach out and do the right thing, even for an old wrong. I just want to say 'thank you' to the workers who had a part in this as well. This is what it's all about!! Building bridges, mending, healing, loving one another. This is the spirit of Christ in action.
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Post by just thankful on Jul 23, 2008 14:02:24 GMT -5
So sorry Jean, the life you had to go through, but so thankfull the courage you had to bring it all out in the open. We hope you will be able to heal with your family.
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Post by ex-teenager on Jul 23, 2008 17:10:10 GMT -5
Jean, this brought a tear to my eye. You may not remeber me, but I have thought about you ever since your story came to light. Im glad after all this time, thats things are moving forward. Your father hugging you is great to hear, and I hope things just keep getting better. All the best!
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Post by sharonw on Feb 26, 2010 8:21:12 GMT -5
The scripture in the bible comes to my mind as I've read the posts and thanks to Jean for starting this very thing that helps us all.
"Jhn 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. "
Thank you, Jean, for starting an unraveling of that which had made prisoners of more then one in the past century!
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eaglesnest
Junior Member
Never look down on someone, unless you are helping them up.....Jesse Jackson
Posts: 69
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Post by eaglesnest on Apr 24, 2010 22:53:12 GMT -5
I am not sure what happened, but I AM so happy that the workers helped you and others in a way that promoted healing, help, and a renewing of fellowship...a true miracle...thanks for sharing...
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Post by faune on Jan 9, 2011 16:04:16 GMT -5
I would like to Thank everyone who had a part in Ray Hoffman talking to my Dad and Brother. This has made such a change in my life. This took a lot of prayer, calls, meeting, and risks and you were willing to do this for me. At first I was kinda in shock and didn't know how to express my feelings, but everyday gets better. It has made an awesome difference in my family relationship. I'm not ashamed to be around my Dad and he is not ashamed of me. This morning he hugged me. This makes me cry for joy. My brother tells me he loves me. Ray and all those behind the scene --This is truely an answered prayer. Love, Jean Austin Greetings again, Jean alias "jta" Glad to see you over here, too, and it makes me especially glad to hear this proboard experience is bringing some good results on the home front! Great news about your Dad and brother! I'm sure more will follow as prayers go up for you and your situation. You are a real Brave Heart! I'm new on this board as a couple of days ago -- decided to jump the fence for a spell and see how the other side goes on TMB. However, I will still be checking in on TLC, because that is a favorite site of mine and I wouldn't want to miss anything cool. Learned yesterday their membership is now over 400 and counting! Great to see people wising up and joining the fold of ex-2x2's!
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Post by faune on Jan 9, 2011 16:16:25 GMT -5
I'm 52 yrs old and grew up in the Truth..I was never sexually abused by anyone in the Truth, however four of my sisters were! I always remember being uncomfortable around the worker that molested my sisters. I'll never forget, I was probably 4 yrs old, eating breakfast and this worker was visiting. I always was a slow eater so I was probably into my 2nd hour of eating. That worker told my mom "you'll never have to worry about that one" verbatim from mom. I never understood the comment until I found out my younger sisters were molested by this same worker. He has passed now, I think in Texas. I think he had a brother that was a worker too, not sure. I knew Ira Hobbs very well, he spent a lot of time in our home, although never heard allegations re: him. Carol Castellbury spent a lot of time in our home too, she would take her shoes off and walk on the dirt roads with us, such a friend when we were so young and confused. Very angry mom and dad had issues w/ the workers and money. Since this worker has passed I will not disclose his name since he can't defend himself. I also know Ray Hoffman too, always thought he had such compassion, seriousness to the Truth and really concerned about his flock. Thanks for this story and maybe I shouldn't have divulged so much, but needed to get it off my mind. All those siblings have addition issues and hate the Truth. Very sad, but needs to be discussed. Thanks Thanks for sharing and your discretion, too, in not divulging a name after the worker has passed on. I feel for your siblings and know they feel justified in holding a grudge -- but better to forgive from the heart, so as not to get stuck in time. Unforgiveness does that to you. I know from experience, as I was mad at the Truthers for years, until I realize how absurd my response was to their twisted doctrine. However, these people need our prayers and compassion and you can't pray for someone you hate. It's next to impossible to be sincere. Forgiveness is for us to heal -- not the party who offends. Good to remember and "let go of the past'" and its pain, so we can move on to a better life in Christ.
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Post by fixit on Jun 28, 2013 16:59:35 GMT -5
I've just now taken another look at Jean Austin's story. As a member of the fellowship I'm profoundly disgusted that child sexual abuse even occurred once in the fellowship, let alone was tolerated and covered up. Jean is a brave lady and I'm sure her efforts to write her story have been well worthwhile. It has contributed greatly towards getting this evil out in the open and addressed responsibly, and been an encouragement to others who've been sexually abused as children.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Jun 29, 2013 14:11:39 GMT -5
I hope Ray has been more honest with Jean then he has been with others.
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Post by rational on Jun 29, 2013 14:47:00 GMT -5
I've just now taken another look at Jean Austin's story. As a member of the fellowship I'm profoundly disgusted that child sexual abuse even occurred once in the fellowship, let alone was tolerated and covered up. Do her parents, who both were aware of the situation, have any responsibility for this? While IH is clearly one of the criminals in all of this what would have been the result had the parents been protecting their daughter? Jean was sadly betrayed by many that she trusted but finding the root of the problem, as described in her letter, is not difficult.
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Post by jondough on Jun 29, 2013 15:04:11 GMT -5
I've just now taken another look at Jean Austin's story. As a member of the fellowship I'm profoundly disgusted that child sexual abuse even occurred once in the fellowship, let alone was tolerated and covered up. Do her parents, who both were aware of the situation, have any responsibility for this? While IH is clearly one of the criminals in all of this what would have been the result had the parents been protecting their daughter? Jean was sadly betrayed by many that she trusted but finding the root of the problem, as described in her letter, is not difficult. Do parents have a responsibility if they stand by and watch as their child plays on a busy freeway?
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Post by rational on Jun 29, 2013 15:53:31 GMT -5
Do her parents, who both were aware of the situation, have any responsibility for this? While IH is clearly one of the criminals in all of this what would have been the result had the parents been protecting their daughter? Jean was sadly betrayed by many that she trusted but finding the root of the problem, as described in her letter, is not difficult. Do parents have a responsibility if they stand by and watch as their child plays on a busy freeway? I think they would be arrested for child neglect. The point is I read of everyone wanting IH's head on a platter but no one seems to think the parents should also be arrested for neglect. This is when the story slides into the realm of 2x2 bashing rather than just telling the story. Read about the trials of Dale R. Is the F&W group responsible for the abuse? Preventing abuse is something that must be done. But that means identifying the root cause.
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Post by jondough on Jun 29, 2013 16:53:23 GMT -5
Do parents have a responsibility if they stand by and watch as their child plays on a busy freeway? I think they would be arrested for child neglect. The point is I read of everyone wanting IH's head on a platter but no one seems to think the parents should also be arrested for neglect. This is when the story slides into the realm of 2x2 bashing rather than just telling the story. Read about the trials of Dale R. Is the F&W group responsible for the abuse? Preventing abuse is something that must be done. But that means identifying the root cause. I understood this, and was agreeing with you. Here is the catch though. Should a parent be arrested if their child sneaks out to the freeway with them being completely un-aware? There is a difference between watching it happen, and being un-aware. In Jene's case, of course, this is pretty black and white. But in many cases, it isn't. I look back on how I trusted the workers. Ruben Mata stayed at my house at the time when my boy maybe 8 or 9. I am VERY lucky nothing happened. At that time, I wouldn't have thought twice about leaving him alone with the workers for a couple of hours. If something would have happened, would my wife and I be criminals, and/or guilty of child neglect? I'm with you. Quit keeping it quiet. This type of trust can create a very dangerous situation.
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Post by rational on Jun 29, 2013 18:55:41 GMT -5
Here is the catch though. Should a parent be arrested if their child sneaks out to the freeway with them being completely un-aware? Well, if a 2-year old is out walking around the house there certainly could be a case of neglect. However, most courts would realize that these things can happen. When it happens the 3 rd or 4 th time is when trouble sets in.There is. Most parents keep an eye on their children but when they are with people you trust it is different.In Jean's case it is a family issue and not a church issue. Many people would have been in the same situation.If you knew it happened but didn't report it the laws vary by state. The solution to this is education for the workers, parents, and children. Criminals will abuse and currently there is no good way to predict who will and who will not abuse. Fortunately, most people are not abusers. However, many will look the other way rather than report observed or suspected abuse to the authorities. In an organization with a hierarchical structure the tendency is to report it to the next higher person. People need to start reporting immediately to the authorities. Without education, there is a real downside if children are taught not to trust people. They need to be taught not to fear the person but to reject and report to trusted adults acts with which they are not comfortable or have been told are wrong. This raises a problem because many times the abusers are the trusted adults in the child's life.
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Post by fixit on Jun 29, 2013 19:29:02 GMT -5
The solution to this is education for the workers, parents, and children. Criminals will abuse and currently there is no good way to predict who will and who will not abuse. Fortunately, most people are not abusers. However, many will look the other way rather than report observed or suspected abuse to the authorities. In an organization with a hierarchical structure the tendency is to report it to the next higher person. People need to start reporting immediately to the authorities. Without education, there is a real downside if children are taught not to trust people. They need to be taught not to fear the person but to reject and report to trusted adults acts with which they are not comfortable or have been told are wrong. This raises a problem because many times the abusers are the trusted adults in the child's life. Yes, education for the workers, parents, and children is the way forward. How should that be done and whose responsibility is it? Idolization of the ministry and the workers and the organization is part of the problem. Everyone needs to understand that workers, elders, relatives, siblings, even parents can sexually abuse. Safety is not in trusted individuals so much as the wider social network of the child. That's why the concept of covering the sins of a sexual abuser is stupid. The story of Noah's sons covering their father's nakedness should never be quoted in respect to sexual abusers of children.
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Post by snow on Jun 29, 2013 19:57:51 GMT -5
All it would take was the workers as a united bunch getting up in front of the friends and telling them these things:
We are human, we can and do have those among us that could be a danger to your child. Please make sure that you take the same proactive steps when dealing with us as you would with any other adults that enter your home. Make sure your children understand that while most of us do have their best interests at heart it is possible that there is some that may not. Make sure they know that it's alright to report any abuse to their parents, in fact, it's so important it must be done. Parents when you hear of abuse from your children you must report it to the authorities immediately. We should be made aware of it so that we can restrict access to the person that has been accused until the authorities have done their investigation. We will make it known to parents that this person has been accused of this so they can be proactive also. But know that until that person has been cleared from the allegations by the authorities, this person will not be allowed in the presence of your children.
There is likely much more that can be said, but I think this would be a good start to 1. make everyone aware of the dangers and 2. let everyone know that those in charge will do everything they can to prevent it from happening again. As fixit says, education is very essential. The F&W tend to feel like they are protected from anything like this because of their religious philosophy and they need to be awakened to the fact that it is a false security that must be looked at seriously.
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