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Post by juliette on Aug 29, 2007 18:18:21 GMT -5
Lyle called me today to tell me that they did decide to send out a letter regarding the issue of Tim Severud, with an attachment of the info I gave them on pedophiles. He said the letter was mostly based on the draft I gave them, and that a copy is being sent to our family. I will post the letter when I get it.
I forgot to ask him exactly what group(s) of people are getting the letter. When I find this out I will let you all know.
Juli
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Post by juliette on Aug 29, 2007 20:09:37 GMT -5
I'm bumping this up because it doesn't seem that people have seen it, especially given the PM's I'm still getting.
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Post by ithascome on Aug 29, 2007 21:07:10 GMT -5
Thats good!
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Post by watching on Aug 29, 2007 22:01:06 GMT -5
Thank you!
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Post by flblonde on Aug 29, 2007 22:09:50 GMT -5
I'm sorry but is there anyway that it can be varified that the letters were sent out to everyone that should get them. It would not surprise me if they sent you a letter and some of the people that they know already knows and did not send the letter out to everyone. I hate to be so negative but past response has been to pacify the person so that they shut up.
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Post by juliette on Aug 30, 2007 22:03:04 GMT -5
We received a letter from Lyle Schober and Craig Winquist today dated August 28th. It says...
Dear Friends;
We have come to the conclusion that it would be wise to inform you of recent developments of one of the Minnesota workers. We are sending this letter to every home on our Minnesota list of friends. Many of you would not have children in your care but may be grandparents or otherwise have special concerns. We have become aware that there is information circulating so we want to end the speculation and give you the facts as we know them.
On July 27th, Tim Severud was arrested and jailed for multiple counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct in the Second Degree with a child under the age of 13. Criminal Sexual Assault against a child is categorized as First, Second, Third, Fourth or Fifth Degree, with First Degree being the most serious.
According to the Criminal Complaint, Tim was caught in the act of molesting a 10-year old girl, with another child in the room. The children in the case were female, age ten and under. Tim is currently in jail under the custody of the Douglas County Sheriff's department. Legal proceedings will continue, and the process of the law will determine innocence or guilt in this case. Because of the dangerous nature of these charges, we feel that it is our responsibility to alert to you to this situation at this time.
This letter serves to inform all parents and other caregivers that you should immediately have a conversation with any child in your care who could have been alone with Tim at any time, to determine if inappropriate sexual behavior took place. Molestation can have serious emotional, psychological and spiritual effects on a child, and this issue should be taken very seriously. We also urge you to forward a copy of this letter to the parents or caregivers of any child who may have spent time alone with Tim.
Tim spent a lot of time in the homes of families and was well liked and trusted by parents and children. Some of the alleged crimes that Tim was arrested for took place during what could seen like innocent play to a child. If your child was molested, he or she may be confused about what happened. It's common in these situations for the child to feel that anything inappropriate that happened was somehow their own fault. A pedophile will frequently tell the child that what he does with them is a secret and they should not tell anyone about it.
If you are aware or learn of any inappropriate sexual behavior, you should immediately call the law enforcement authorities in the area it occurred.
In regards to Tim; our concern is the welfare of his soul. He will no longer be in the work here in Minnesota or elsewhere. Tim will not be attending any of our meetings until the legal process and ensuing treatment be completed and only with the approval of those who he may be meeting with.
The enclosed page has some general information about pedophiles.
Sincerely, your brothers in Christ,
(Signed by Craig Winquist and Lyle Schober)
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Post by wingsofaneagle on Aug 30, 2007 22:21:38 GMT -5
Very good informative letter. Thank you Lyle and Craig for doing the right thing for everyone involved.
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Post by no name on Aug 30, 2007 22:23:06 GMT -5
Thanks for sharing that, Juliette.
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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 Aug 30, 2007 22:33:41 GMT -5
I must say I am impressed that the workers in this case took the proper steps to inform parents/friends without trying to sweep it under the rug.
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Post by Skeptic Al on Aug 30, 2007 22:40:23 GMT -5
I really hope that this letter did go out to all the friends in MN.
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Post by prrrrrrrrovit on Aug 30, 2007 22:41:44 GMT -5
I must say I am impressed that the workers in this case took the proper steps to inform parents/friends without trying to sweep it under the rug. Did they? Have they? Do you have proof? I wonder about the friends that lived in MN but have since moved out. I know of two such families. Will they be notified?
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Post by juliette on Aug 30, 2007 22:42:04 GMT -5
I've received independent confirmation from several people today that they received the letter. My friend will be at preps for Hector convention... I'm sure she'll be able to confirm more after speaking to people there.
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Post by A Mother on Aug 30, 2007 22:51:31 GMT -5
This is a real victory in my opinion! Lyle has been very brave. We are very thankful for this approach in dealing with this problem. Maybe in time this will help to deter others from such behavior. Thank you Lyle and all those who are supporting him in taking care of the children. May this inspire others to remove those in places of responsibility who are abusing our children. Removing anyone who has had this problem in the past is a necessity when you understand pedofilia.
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Post by SKEPTICAL on Aug 30, 2007 22:59:24 GMT -5
I REALLY HAVE TO TAKE MY HAT OFF TO THE PARENTS ON THIS ONE. I THINK THIS OUTCOME WOULD HAVE BEEN MUCH DIFFERENT IF THEY HAD WENT TO LYLE INSTEAD OF REPORTING TO THE AUTHORITIES. A VERY WISE SET OF PARENTS THAT TOOK THE CORRECT STEPS TO INSURE THAT THIS WAS NOT IGNORED.
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Post by Freedom2 on Aug 30, 2007 23:02:11 GMT -5
I am soo proud of Lyle for doing this!
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savedbyblood
Junior Member
Eventually we'll figure it all out!
Posts: 57
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Post by savedbyblood on Aug 30, 2007 23:09:24 GMT -5
After my own hard hearted experience with the Workers, I find this a wonderful step toward adding some humanity and humility to the Work. The Workers are very inexperienced in almost all areas of human and family life yet seek to bring individuals and families to God without a safety net of support from the ministry in some cases.
This is a very noble and selfless act of love to Christ and to His Fold.
There should be more emphasis on the teachings in the Bible concerning family relationships and the place of husbands and wives along with some education on pedophilia, teen problems and pressures from peers and the difficulties growing up in this present age. Not all of the things we are faced with were spoken of directly but all things concerning the Church, saints and faith should be addressed by the Workers when requested, not shoved aside to fester in some dark corner to cause anger and dissension among the sheep.
Lyle and Craig's honesty is exemplary! I knew Craig years ago and would have expected nothing less from him unless ordered by his overseer. This is a tough place to be in. I know because some workers and elders have told me that they were ordered to keep from me and my wife's marriage problems.
It's not the Way but the men in leadership roles who seem to fear failure when trying to help others with problems they know nothing about. Through attrition, they will eventually be replaced and probably by some more open to the true idea behind Jesus teachings and His commandments. Love your neighbor as yourself. Does this give the right to ignore a neighbor in distress? Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Consider: A worker in emotional or physical stress or danger. He asked the friends for some time to spend with them (several weeks) to talk with them and get some rest. The friends say "No." Would he be bitter and hurt and angry?
Life is a two way street but judgment is only one way. There is no return from a final judgment. So the workers judged a professing family of three unworthy of their time. So be it.
I found my help from a Christian counselor. He calls Jesus by the same name I do! Cool!
The Way does not need to be changed. Just some of the overseers need to swing a leg over the saddle and get down from the high horse to where the sheep live. Grounded in Truth not riding above it.
This is not a blanket statement that all Workers and Overseers are heady and high minded, but some seem to be. They tell me that they have the Spirit of Christ in them and they can judge my Spirit just by how I present myself. Cool! I wish I could do that! I don't judge anybodies Spirit. This is not my place. I had heard as a young professing teen that the workers and ex workers could tell if you had the Spirit by the way you sang the Hymns! I was in Choir. I was the best Tenor in the room but the ex worker never "amened" my prayers... but he did nod off now and again.
I do know that when in prayer and there is a special, quiet time of intense communication when I have felt His arm, warm across my shoulder as I kneel beside the bed. He is there with me, hearing me and comforting me. He is a physical presence beside me and this is where He wishes to be and this is where I wish for Him to be.
He comes to me because I have given myself completely to him. I am who He wishes me to be, and whatever becomes of my life and with my wife gone and leaving me with our child I know that this is what He wishes.
As usual, I've strayed from the gist of the post. I would have made a good worker I guess but health problems kept me out. Probably would have gotten kicked out anyway for refusing to preach things I did not have proof of and could not be made plain by Scripture.
But that is for another thread.
All the best to the families in MN and to Lyle and Craig, keep on keeping on with telling the truth. Nothing else shall set you free. None of us can hide behind a cover up for very long and when the lid blows it is always a greater explosion for the pressure built up from the stress of denial. I will keep praying for each of you and all the Friends everywhere.
Please pray for my wife.
Peace in Him,
SBB
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Post by Just Curious on Aug 30, 2007 23:11:10 GMT -5
"In regards to Tim; our concern is the welfare of his soul. He will no longer be in the work here in Minnesota or elsewhere. Tim will not be attending any of our meetings until the legal process and ensuing treatment be completed and only with the approval of those who he may be meeting with."
I thought this was interesting. Although the legal process will/may take it's course will anyone be visiting Tim to encourage repentance, pray for and with him, share scripture with him and then fellowship? Or will he be totally cast aside to be hopelessly lost?
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ann
Senior Member
Jesus did NOT say follow people .. He said follow ME!
Posts: 267
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Post by ann on Aug 30, 2007 23:14:29 GMT -5
This has to be a first and I'm glad Lyle & Craig did what they said they would do. Bravo to the parents and may other parents be so brave if necessary.
Hopefully there won't be consequences from higher up for Lyle & Craig.
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Post by juliette on Aug 30, 2007 23:35:35 GMT -5
"In regards to Tim; our concern is the welfare of his soul. He will no longer be in the work here in Minnesota or elsewhere. Tim will not be attending any of our meetings until the legal process and ensuing treatment be completed and only with the approval of those who he may be meeting with." I thought this was interesting. Although the legal process will/may take it's course will anyone be visiting Tim to encourage repentance, pray for and with him, share scripture with him and then fellowship? Or will he be totally cast aside to be hopelessly lost? Lyle told us on Monday that they were planning on visiting Tim on Tuesday.
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Post by my two cents on Aug 30, 2007 23:52:12 GMT -5
Lyle and Craig have done a splendid job!!!
My hat's off to them for it!
Thank you for posting this letter Juliette, and letting us know that.
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Post by ithascome on Aug 31, 2007 0:07:11 GMT -5
Very impressive letter.... that took guts.
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Post by Ebeth on Aug 31, 2007 0:21:50 GMT -5
Awesome letter! Thanks to those who drafted it and those who sent it!
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Post by walk softly on Aug 31, 2007 1:00:15 GMT -5
Careful folks!!!!
With all us exes praising Lyle and Craig, they might start questioning whether they really did the right thing or not.
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Post by Hurray on Aug 31, 2007 3:27:38 GMT -5
Ya Hurray I am so proud of them. I think they have the praise of ex and 2x2 alike This is the way this should be handled in the church....
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timber
Senior Member
Posts: 249
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Post by timber on Aug 31, 2007 7:18:16 GMT -5
Well done indeed. Thanks to all involved. I think this action will set a standard (or at least I hope so) for all other areas that these crimes against our children will not be tolerated or swept under the rug.
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Post by no name on Aug 31, 2007 11:00:50 GMT -5
Careful folks!!!! With all us exes praising Lyle and Craig, they might start questioning whether they really did the right thing or not. But it's not just "exes" who recognize that this was handled correctly, so try not to fret too much.
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Post by former regular on Aug 31, 2007 12:52:24 GMT -5
People like monica are upset that the right thing was done. According to her, the "exes no longer have a leg to stand on."
In a manner of speaking, she's right. Let me explain:
Exes ask that the 2x2 workers do things openly and honestly. That has been one of our primary complaints for years. Now, finally, we have an instance where two brother workers (Lyle and Craig) have openly and honestly dealt with this situation. And I, too, (dirty ex that I am) add my kudos to their action.
So now that this has happened, we really don't have a leg to stand on, so to speak, since open and honest dialog has taken place. Lyle and Craig are to be commended. Monica needs to find a hole in the dirt and crawl in.
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Post by Hmmmmmm on Aug 31, 2007 12:54:22 GMT -5
I only correspond with Lyle... I am not in his state... and I got a letter. I do have kids, and have been to MN for conventions and visiting, so that may be why.
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