Important letters, from concerned friends & wrkrs

[Admin]

CSA/SA Meeting in Bellefonte PA


Below is my (Otto Herr) summary of the meeting that occurred at the elder's home on Saturday July 8, 2023 in Bellefonte PA. All topics are summarized (not word verbatim unless in quotes) with the items that I deemed germane to the topic at hand. There was significant side conversation that occurred throughout the meeting. Also, I thought it is important to note that none of the workers took notes during the meeting. Note also, I had prepared a list of talking points and questions. We really didn't go through any of them, as we got hung up on the first one (a registry of potential/convicted offenders).

Meeting consisted of 4 workers and 9 of the congregation. Workers present: Ralph Miller, Dan Helenek, Ruth Veltri, and Margret Long.


Opened with a quick intro by the elder. Then transferred to Ralph to essentially lead the discussion.

When we asked if we could audio record the meeting, we were unable to get full group consensus, so we ended up not doing so. Note that objection came from a few of the congregation, and some from the workers as well on this topic. That said, I think that Ralph would have been fine with it, as we noted that this was for our use only (not to be made public).

I pushed for forma! meeting minutes and was essentially told no to this (again, push back from a few in the congregation, and at least one worker - not Ralph).

Ralph gave a more in-depth intro on the problem at hand starting with the Dean Bruer incident and ending with noting that there was one worker on the "east coast". However, I felt like he downplayed (or he did not know how far reaching) because he only noted one worker on the "east coast" (not by name, but assumed to Leslie White) and noted that much of known issues were on the "west coast". So, I spoke up and listed the stats to provide a little more clarity as to how wide spread the issue really is ~500 perpetrators, 23 workers/elders removed, 3 conventions closed, and likely 1000s of victims).

Most didn't know this. And, for the record, none of the workers disputed those numbers.

Ralph noted that the plan moving forward was threefold;

1. Minsters are to continue to take "Ministry Safe" training.

2, Mandatory reporting within 24-hours of any suspected or reported sexual abuse.

3, Anyone who has been reported, is then not allowed to attend meetings or gatherings until allegations have been investigated by the authorities, and they are given the all-clear. Then they MAY be allowed to attend (case specific).

I asked if there was a centralized list of those who are not to attend due to allegations/convictions. Ralph noted that there is a public list of registered sex offenders. I acknowledged that list, however, I noted that would not include those who were just recently reported and told not to attend meetings. I asked how workers from other areas would know if an individual is to not attend? Ralph essentially said that he talks to people, and "word would get around". I presented the scenario where an individual was suspected of sexual abuse and Ralph reported it, then 2 weeks later, this individual traveled across the country to another state and attended a convention. I asked how those at that convention would know that this individual was not supposed to be attending? No real clear answer was given. I asked if a centralized list could be kept, that would be accessible to workers everywhere (essentially worldwide) so that workers from different areas could be keep up to date. After discussion, it didn't really seem to me like they were getting this idea...or really knew of a way to implement it. I explained that this list may help to limit liability to those within the work, because then they could point to the list and note that an individual was reported. On this topic, it did not seem to go any further. It was also unclear as to whether or not this would be taken up the chain of command. We did not really get any further on this topic.

As indicated in my list of prepared questions (separate document), I noted that I thought that there would be more of a "plan" moving forward, and if not, I had some ideas on how things could be done if they were willing to listen to them (i.e. this meeting used to collect "questions & concerns" with a future meeting to address all). They didn't seem to know if that would even be possible.

It was noted by an individual that there were recent letters in Canada that described anticipated changes in the way conventions would proceed. The letter described changes in over-night sleeping accommodations, bathroom visits, etc. When asked if there would be any changes here in PA, Ralph stated that he didn't think so, and that things would proceed as they normally do.

Summary of other side-bar topics:

It was noted by some individuals in the meeting that more care should be taken on the part of parents to "educate" their kids as to "good touch, bad touch" type of things. This was acknowledged by the workers and everyone, but also noted that blame does not lie on the victim, but rather the perpetrator. Also, this is not a policy that the workers can enforce as they are not the ones implementing it.

It was acknowledged that "reform" of perpetrators of sexual abuse (particularly those of CSA}, rarely works, and that most will repeat offend.

It was also acknowledged that the number of "false cases” of accusations, are very rare. Both Ralph and I noted that statistically, they are less than 4% and they are nearly zero if it's a child that's reporting it.

I stated that I had prepared questions and talking points for the meeting. That I'd be willing to share them with them via email, but that I'd only do that if they promised to provide actual responses to them in writing. I didn't feel that I got a clear positive response on that and to date, I have NOT sent my list to them formally. However, I may in the near future.

After meeting discussions:

When discussing if there was "hierarchy" to the ministry, the sister worker that I was having a conversation with all but denied that there is "organization" or that they could be classified as an "organization" I felt, and noted directly with her, that she was parsing words with me, and there, most certainly, is organization and there is "hierarchy" to it. She did not agree. She stated that "some have more responsibilities", but there weren't "leaders" (other than god/Jesus).

Original Talking points/Notes/Comments/Questions for the Workers pertaining discovery of CSA/SA throughout the church group (globally) and allegations of cover-ups:

Would like to note the scope of the crisis: ~500 alleged perpetrators of sexual abuse within the church {taken from a few different sources). To date, here in North America, there have been at least 23 workers (or Ex-Workers)/Elders removed, and 3 conventions that have ceased. While the numbers of victims have not been tallied, it's been reported that those are within the thousands (world-wide). Keep in mind, statistics indicate that nearly 80% of sexual abuse is NOT reported, and the recidivism rate of those who are convicted is very high. Also, instances of false reporting are less than 4%.

1. We are advocating for open and clear written communication moving forward. Due to integrity issues and the image that leadership is inept, can we agree that this is truly the only path forward? If so, what's the plan? (Note that the only written and publicized communication is worker lists).
Here are a few suggestions:

a. Please take note and record all the questions in this meeting all the meetings that are literally happening all of the States and Canada this week, compile the questions, and publish written responses to them. There are already a few websites that have been created, I can assemble that information and get it to Ray if he already isn't aware of it where this information can be published openly.

b. Then have a second meeting (say on a Wednesday night when all are normally gathered together anyway) at someone's home that is technologically literate and have a mass video conference call (say entire eastern seaboard - or by time zone) that addresses all the questions (summarized) and outlines a what the current policy is moving forward with those who have been convicted or have allegations of sexual abuse. Note that the Wings for Truth website has a written “code of conduct” related to CSA/SA. wingsfortruth.info/2023/04/01/csa-code-of-conduct-2013/

c. Provide some written open guidance on what the actual doctrine is. This is due to differences that are present in a global (and even regional setting here with the US). In addition to theology (things like trinity, celibate & itinerant ministry, etc), this should also include things like dress, adornment, technology (i.e. TVs, computers, etc), taking part in meeting if divorced, etc.

2. We have a question specifically for the sister workers here today. This is due to reports that are publicized on Wings for Truth site, and the lack of a credible rebuttal that refutes the treatment of the sisters, and our care for them. Question: were you told to not answer questions? If so, was there an explanation as to why?

3. Following up on the previous question, does anyone know if the meeting minutes indicated on the Wing for Truth website from the Milford NH Town Hall are accurate? Has anyone here reviewed them?

4. Do you have a complete list of how many people (workers/friends) there are with CSA/SA accusations?

5. What is the official stance on those who have been convicted or have accusations of SA as it relates to attending meetings/conventions/funerals/preps?

6. Other than police, who do we contact to notify that a person has accusations that can then be noted on the repository that's made public? We are advocating for a collective database that is (or can be centralized). Do you agree with that approach, if not, why, and what's the plan?

7. How will individuals with CSA/SA accusations/convictions be prevented from attending meetings/conventions/preps?

8. Questions directly for Ray & Barry (if present):

a. Why did it take someone calling Ray to finally get Leslie White completely banned from meetings?

b. Is Peter Mousseau (NH) still allowed to attend meetings/conventions/preps? If not, when was he told that he was no longer allowed to attend?

c. Are there others we should know about?

9. Rochelle and I have both discussed this at length, and we honestly feel like we don't have a clear understanding. We have also noted to each other that we have not felt free to even ask this question (which we now wonder why that is). Can you please describe the hierarchy of the ministry. How does one become an overseer? Who is the overseer of the entire planet?

10. Similarly, can women sit in positions of overseers? If not, why?

11. Finally, questions related to money - its access, its distribution, and the amount. We feel this is important to ask in the context of CSA (and for other reasons open and clear communication and transparency).

a. How is money distributed within the work? Who has control of that money? How much of that money has been used for legal counsel?

b. If a worker is accused of sexual abuse, are legal fees paid from the donations of the friends?

c. Can some of that money be used to subsidize help for victims? We understand that has happened in the past (i.e. Jean Austin (Trotter) - but funds were cut off to her by Ray Hoffman in 2016)?

[Admin]

This is what Trevor said when it was his time to speak at Hermosa Convention


Letter to the church, whether or not you attend meetings

Jul 18
All my life I have preferred to stay out of the spotlight, to quietly try to fill my place and do my part. Unfortunately, there sometimes comes a time where it is necessary to be willing to stand for what is right while others sit silently by. I recently went to Hermosa convention with a testimony burned on my heart. For days I wrestled with it, prayed and meditated on it. Asked if it could come from someone else, asked if I could give the testimony and the words be remembered, but not the speaker. Sometimes the answer that we receive is no, and that was my answer. I will not deny the message that God has put on my heart. I will not stand idly by while evil and self-interest pervades God’s people. I stood in the first meeting and spoke my message. As close as I can recall it:

“I have come here with a message upon my heart, and I will have no peace until I share it. David committed a terrible crime. He used his power to take that which was not his, and then used his power to cover it up. He was forgiven, but there were consequences, and he became unworthy to build God’s temple. There will be a day when forgiveness is absolute, in eternity forgiveness will have no consequences and no loss of worthiness. But we are not in eternity, and while we are on earth there are consequences and there can be a loss of worthiness. Lately we have been hearing stories of those who used their power to commit terrible acts, and stories of those who used their power to cover those acts up. There can be forgiveness, but there are consequences and there is a loss of worthiness. Some have become unworthy of having fellowship in our homes – especially ones with the most innocent and vulnerable. Some have become unworthy to be a part of God’s ministry. Every year we hear from the platform about that desperate need in the harvest field. There is a need, but that need might not seem so desperate if the worthy ministers were not unevenly yoked with the unworthy and with wolves.”

This is not a message I feel worthy to speak on but is a message that I must share. There seems to be a thought amongst some that the only way to be saved is to attend meetings. That casting people from our fellowship homes is relegating people to hell. That is not true. We do not need meetings to be saved, we need a close personal relationship with God. Abusers that are truly repentant will see that they are a danger to the meetings and accept that they have lost worthiness. They will accept that there are places that they cannot go, that there are positions that they are unworthy of. The ones who fight against those consequences are the ones who are not repentant.

Growing up reading the bible I was aware that there were going to be false ministers, that there were going to be wolves in sheep’s clothing hiding among the flock. So, when the stories originally came out I was sad, but not surprised. What did surprise me were the stories that kept coming out about all of those who used their position to sweep things under the rug. To tell victims of terrible abuse that they needed to forgive their abusers and to not involve the law. Hearing of workers, who were known to be abusers, moved to a different state rather than removed from the ministry and arrested. I cannot begin to express the hate that has raged in my heart since hearing those stories. We are to be like God. To love the things that God loves and to hate the things that God hates. God hates the abuse of his little ones. God hates that the abusers are allowed to remain in his ministry. God hates that ministers in positions of power would prefer to do that which is easy to that which is right.

It's easy to pass off the blame. It’s easy to tell victims that they need to forgive their abusers. It’s easy to allow people to remain in meetings, to allow ministers to remain in the ministry. None of it is right. Mathew 23:24 “Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat and swallow a camel.” Why is there such a strain to tell survivors to forgive those who are not even repentant. Why is that the gnat that causes such consternation. You have swallowed the camel that is sexual assault. You have swallowed the camel that is abuse. Mathew 23:25 “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.”

I will name no names in this letter. I do not know who the righteous are and who the unrighteous are. The overseers and the workers know who among them is unworthy. The elders and meetings know who among them is unworthy. They know who clings to power. They know who (Matthew 23:26) “love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and chief seats at the synagogues.” Cast them out.

There are few things that Jesus said that are said in multiple gospels. One thing that was said in Mathew, Mark, and Luke was deemed important enough to be included in 3 of them. Mark 9:42 “And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.” That verse isn’t just for the people who have perpetrated abuse. Not just for those who swept it under the rug. That verse is also for those who sat idly by. Those who, through their lack of standing against evil, caused offence. In testimony we also heard at Hermosa that in the parable of the good Samaritan that it was the fault of the thieves that the man was in a ditch on the side of the road. But that as soon as the Levite and priest saw and did nothing, they were why that man was still in the ditch.

John Stuart Mill wrote “Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing.” Too many have done nothing. Too many have walked on the other side of the road while the wounded were dying. Too many have trusted that others knew best. Do not deceive yourself. You know what is best, you know what Jesus would do. He would cast the evil out.

I have seen many letters from those who have stopped coming to meetings, explaining why – the wrong that they saw in the church. This is my letter as to why I have stayed. It is not because I need the fellowship. Never have I learned or grown more in my personal relationship with God, than during Covid when we had no fellowship meetings. I stayed, because I love the friends. It is because I believe that this is the closest thing to what Jesus taught. I have stayed because I believe that change must come from within. I am unafraid of being asked not to share. I am unafraid of being asked not to attend. Mathew 10:28 “Fear not them which kill the body but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”

I have seen the pride that people have in what family people come from. People revering “good families” as if the next generation inherits the testimony of the prior. I have seen people looked down on because they aren’t from the white middle or upper class. I have seen the pervasion of tradition being treated as scripture. I have seen people create rules and treat them as if they are the law. I have not been blind. I have tried to do everything I can to push back on those wrongs, but now I publicly state the feelings of my heart on these issues.

Some of the worst offences we have seen are by those who come from a “good family” and “made a mistake”. That attitude is what allows repeat offenders to continue their offences. A lot of the offences are pushed under the rug because they are committed on those that are seen as on the fringes of the flock. Offenders can sense who the most vulnerable are. They can sense who the flock does not fully welcome. They target them and go free, because people don’t care as much about them. I will not dance around the issues with niceties and platitudes. Often it is the poor, the ones from broken homes, and the minorities who get no consideration. When they face abuse and cry out, they are the most likely to be told what happened was their own fault. There is an issue with racism. There is an issue with classism. There is an issue with elitism. There is an issue with sexism. There is an issue with tradition. God’s way is perfect, but men are trying to walk it imperfectly. These are the imperfections. These are the reasons that it took so long for these issues to come to light. Unless I am asked not to, I will consider myself a part of this way, but I will not accept the wrongs that are pervading it.

It may feel less important than some of the terrible wrongs that have been happening, but it is also important to stamp out the littler things. The tradition of it being evil or wrong for women to wear pants or have their hair down is something that should have been left in the past. The continued control of how women look, and dress is about control and shame. There is no reason that people dress in a specific way to go to fellowship meetings. How many people who would have happily shared fellowship with us have been turned aside by something that is not biblical and is treated as if it is. It is not because they are unwilling, it is because they see something that is not of God. It is easier to blame others than look within.

Do what is right, not what is easy. Look within the fellowship, cast out traditions, prove the ministers, and live for God.

Trevor Larsen

Fargo, ND

[Admin]

Eagle Bend MN, Convention Letter
8/21/2023

Dear Friends,

This is Bob and Viv Hansen, owners of the Eagle Bend, Minnesota convention grounds. We feel it is imperative for us to convey some messages prior to our conventions coming up in October of this year. This will be a longer convention letter than you’ve been seeing because we want to clarify some points and help you understand our thoughts and motives. We have not wavered from our intentions of having a convention this year because we believe we have been moved by the Lord to do so. We have loved hosting conventions here in the past and we are looking forward to seeing you all coming to enjoy some restful and peaceful days.

That brings up the issues that we are facing in our fellowship. The victims and the survivors of child sex abuse or sexual abuse are our number one concern. Some have inferred that by having convention that we are insensitive and uncaring towards the victims of child sex abuse, and/or sexual abuse. That is totally untrue! We are so, so sorry for what these precious souls have had to endure through physical and mental anguish and it tears our hearts apart just to think of all they’ve had to suffer because of these wicked deeds done to them. We hope and pray that these victims will get comfort for their soul and hearts, the healing that is needed, and the love and care and respect they deserve. We will always listen to and believe the victims! We will never side with the predator and since we bought this place in 2000, our mission has been to provide a safe place for people to come and worship freely and have sweet fellowship. Over these 23 years, this has involved prohibiting certain individuals and removing certain individuals from this convention place, and we have never failed to do that IF we knew about a predator. As we have all learned, predators can be unknown to many, many people because of their deceptive grooming abilities and behaviors. While we believe that the fellowship and the ministry are made up of almost all or nearly all people with good hearts and righteous motives, we understand that there could be someone who could be amongst us who is a predator. Therefore, as we will explain a little bit later, we have put into place some safety protocols that we believe will help us to provide a safer place for people.

Another subject that we want to cover is the short staff that we have of workers. We feel very sorry for those workers and understand that they have had to endure great mental and physical stress through these times. So we know that we will need many good volunteers to step up to help us all, to make this a doable and spiritually profitable convention for everyone. Our health has failed some and we are not as able as we once were but we will do what we can.

Now for the safety protocols. We have decided that there can be NO walking path as provided in the past, north of the grounds. There is just too much area out there that is not supervised or cannot be observed by anyone and we decided we will take away that risk for our friends. You can walk up and down our long driveway and walk on the gravel road and for the most part, should be safe doing so but please observe the traffic and move well over to the side of the road when traffic approaches.

Secondly, while we have not been actively posting on social media, we have been actively reading and listening to your concerns on social media. One of the parent’s concerns has been of their children entering a community bathroom when they couldn’t be there with them because of difference of gender or other responsibilities, like taking care of their other children. So what we have decided would reduce or eliminate that concern is that we will have clean portable toilets positioned all through the grounds in well lit areas and especially close to the meeting shed so children can go out to these portable toilets and come back into meeting quickly.

Thirdly, there will be security cameras positioned throughout the grounds. Of course, they won’t be installed in private settings or sleeping areas or bathrooms because of privacy issues. They are installed in common spaces because we will be recording all movement. We don’t know the entire value of these cameras, but we do believe that it can be a deterrent if there are some evil deeds being considered and if we need to go back and review some activities.

The fourth concern is making sure that the visitors that we have coming are safe. While we will not know most of these people, we believe they are coming with good hearts and righteous motives. But, again, because predators can be so deceptive, we know of credible third party professional sources that are available for us to search out these people’s backgrounds. And at any time, if we are informed that we have a visitor with allegations of sexual abuse or unacceptable behavior coming here, or is here, we will take immediate and appropriate actions to prohibit or remove that person.

Our zero tolerance policy is very strict. It always has been, and it always will be, as long as we are owners of these grounds. Our definition of zero tolerance is that there will be no accused, alleged, or convicted predator or individual allowed on these grounds, IF we know who they are. We will always be on the side of the victims or survivors or potential victims. If there is a false accusation against a person and later, has been declared not guilty by law enforcement and/or other credible sources, we will reconsider our previous decision.

Our fifth concern is about those who have been enablers to these criminal and evil deeds. On one hand, though, we want to be very careful and thoughtful about accusing somebody who may be in a God given place of authority of something that they are not guilty of doing. We may not have firsthand, or even second hand knowledge of those people, and what they have done. However, if we do have adequate proof that any person/persons have been involved in those activities, we will prohibit them from being here.

Lastly, and most importantly, if anyone sees any suspicious behaviors or criminal behavior, please contact 911 immediately. We would want you to contact us as soon as possible. Our phone number will be posted around the grounds. We will be there as soon as possible to assess the situation and take appropriate actions. If you are hesitant to call 911, please feel free to call us and we will be with you as soon as possible to discuss the situation with you.

Another thing we would like to address is young parents who have children. We hope with all our hearts that you will feel free to come to the convention because of the safety and refuge provided here. However, we respect your choice whatever you choose. We had young children once ourselves, and we understand the challenges of keeping young and energetic youngsters under control, and under your supervision constantly. We have a large convention grounds here and we should have plenty of open area for young children to play and we encourage that the grounds would be used accordingly. There is one restriction that we will have to place this year on children. In the past, they have enjoyed playing in the woods northeast of the convention grounds and we will have to prohibit children from being in those areas. The reason for this is because the children are too far away from the main part of the grounds, that area is unsupervised and can’t be seen easily by observers. However, the woods behind the campers has always been a delightful place for children to play, and that can be easily seen by others and observed so that should be a safe place for children to play also. We want the youngsters to enjoy convention as much as we did growing up. We really appreciate you loving and caring parents who we know will do your best at knowing where your children are and thank you for your diligence in that endeavor.

We are in uncharted waters. As far as this fellowship is concerned, because what has been allowed to happen, the evil minds, and evil hearts of people, have created great damage to this fellowship. We are very saddened by it all because of the mistrust, the lack of trust, and just unsure of where to turn at times. We want you to know, and believe, that none of the above was written with the spirit of arrogance or pride. For months now, we have been tearfully and prayerfully, pleading with the Lord for His guidance. So we humbly want you to know, that we have the same, if not more love and respect for the humble and good hearts of this fellowship. Thank you for your consideration and welcome to convention!

Sincerely,
Bob and Viv Hansen

[Admin]

Notice from Craig (Arkansas) - Aug 28

Dear Friends,

Since our goal is to provide a safe place for all in our meetings we have a zero-tolerance policy for child sexual abuse/sexual abuse. To minimise the risk of abuse and any feeling of mistrust or discomfort, any person with substantiated allegations of child sexual abuse/sexual abuse will not be allowed to attend any meetings in person. If these persons travel, the restrictions also apply to meetings outside their home areas. Since allegations of abuse have recently been brought to light concerning Robert Sutton, we have asked him to not attend any meetings for the present.

We want to encourage any victims of sexual assault to come forward no matter who the abuser was. Please report it to the proper legal authorities. It would be good also to let your local workers know, so they can make necessary adjustments for the local meetings.

The Missouri Abuse Hotline is ...1-800-392-3738
The Arkansas Abuse Hotline is ...1-800-392-3738
The Oklahoma Abuse Hotline is ...1-800-522-3511
Another helpful source is to use the hot line ...(503-386-4634)
This hotline will notify workers if necessary and provide therapy advice.

Another source the RAHN hotline [phone]) and the suicide hotline (988) for anyone in crisis.

Your brother, Craig

[Admin]

Overseer apology to Sacramento friends


26 August 2023

Dear Sacramento friends and elders,

We have previously written to you about Gilbert Smith’s participation in meetings. Today we feel moved to apologize for all of the pain we have caused through this whole process. We realize now that we erred in even discussing Gilbert’s return to meetings when so many are still reeling from all that we have learned in the past five months. We understand that we put the elders in a difficult position by asking them to review all the information and come to a decision. We see how our actions appeared to care more about a perpetrator than for victims or survivors. Our mistakes are teaching us how much we have to learn about the far-reaching impacts of sexual abuse.

As we mentioned in the previous letter, only volunteers will meet with Gilbert and Sharon for fellowship, and he will not be attending any public meetings. We also want to let you know that we are putting an indefinite pause on any attempts to put perpetrators back into established fellowship or public meetings. We understand that there is still much to learn, and we want to proceed carefully. We recognize the need to increase our knowledge about sexual abuse and pledge to continue learning. Our future efforts in this arena will be centered on supporting victims, dealing with perpetrators transparently and doing our best as a staff to listen and respond from our hearts to the needs and questions of God’s people.

This season is difficult, and we realize we have not always understood the impact of our efforts and the extent to which people are hurting. Thank you for your patience with us, and please hear our heartfelt apologies. We love you and appreciate your help as we all seek to ensure that meetings are safe and peaceful places for fellowship and worship with God.

With deep care,
Rob, Harold and Richard

[Admin]

Kent Williston on changes re staff for CA, NV, AZ, Hl, and Guam


Dear friends and fellow workers in CA, NV, AZ, Hl, and Guam,

As our special meeting days approach it seems good to send out an update regarding a number of changes on the staff.

Brian Buckingham, Kelsay Yung and Robyn Hill are currently resting from the work.

Rob Newman is presently in a mental health facility in central California where he is receiving good care and continuing to make progress. It is hopeful that in a week or so he can be transitioned to an in home setting where he can continue to care for his health until his strength is restored.

We feel that we must ask Neil Evans to step aside from the work for the present. Neil admits to having written a letter and having made a couple online posts anonymously that were distressing to many of us. We don’t believe that they were done maliciously, but nevertheless have caused concern and hurt and our earnest hope is that there can be healing and that with time our confidence in Neil can be restored again.

This week Teri Foster moved into a nice little apartment in Chico where Esther Layman will be with her for the next while as Teri gets settled In there closer to doctoring and to her family.

Andrea Gronley is spending more time with her family now as her strength is more limited and she won’t be with us for the full special meeting route.

Brett Major has asked for a few weeks rest between Tanama preps and convention which is going on this weekend and La Paz preps and convention in mid October, so he won’t be attending the special meetings this season.

Karleen McDowell who has been in California for a few months as an exchange for Lauren Morton won’t be able to be with us for special meetings unfortunately. She hopes to be able to return mid November and spend about 6 months here after that.

Robin Layman and Heather Boyd left for conventions in Central America a few days ago and will be there through the end of October. Tamara Wagner and Pam Conrad also returned from mainland Mexico conventions earlier this week.

Following special meetings plans are for Kent Williston, Ted Foster, Cortney Blanchard, Lisa VanDenBerg and Nhu Ma to join the Pacific Island workers for Hawaii preps and convention.

Plans are for Richard DenHerder to return to Asia the beginning of October and for Ronda Visser to return to Asia the end of October.

There will be a few field worker changes needed following special meeting time which aren’t completely settled yet, but we will let you know when we get them figured out.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you and we long for the wisdom and care of our Father to know how help you all with the many needs there are these days.

Your brother,
Kent Williston

[Admin]

Harold Hilton / Scott Boswell field update


Sacramento, California
95821-3432
September 21, 2023

As fellow-soldiers,
They fought and served with honor.
And they fought to save each other.

Dear Field,

We would like to say one more time to all of you, “thank you for the summer of encouragement.”

Besides the gospel meetings, the baptisms we attended in four northern California fields also added personal, soul-searching times as we witnessed our brethren taking another step to follow Jesus who gave His all for us.

For those who have felt uncomfortable to be in our gospel meetings, we would like say that we miss you, we love you, and consider you part of our spiritual family.

We want to encourage everyone to please come to special meetings, where, at the throne of grace, there is help and strength to overcome the daily strife.

He has delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me. Psalms 55:18.

And so we onward go.

Your brothers on the same battlefield,
Scott & Harold

[Admin]

Further letter from Daniel & Shanna Faulkner - September 25, 2023


To whom it should have concerned (Jeremiah 8:11-12, Ezekiel 13:10-11),

Actions speak louder than words, and the silence has been deafening these past months. This same silence compels us to speak. This is our testimony, and we stand and say it before God and before our brethren. James tells us “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” (James 4:17).

Three and a half months have passed since our last letter, enough time for there to have been repentance shown through actions and accountability shown through structural changes. What we have seen and heard has not been a response commensurate with the level of harm and betrayal we have witnessed. Most conventions have carried on with a business as usual approach, and many of the words said from the ministry there have been hollow and disappointing, ignoring what is going on around us. If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? (James 2:15-16).

Let us be clear: within the body of Christ there is no place for abuse, no place for lies, no place for evil, and no place for apathy. This should not be a difficult concept. Yet place has been made for each of these within this fellowship: amongst friends, amongst elders, amongst workers, and especially amongst overseers. And the Lord said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying to me from the ground.” (Gen 4:10).

We see and hear the cry of survivors of abuse. Sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and spritual abuse. We are told “Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy” (Proverbs 31:9) and “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” (James 1:27). We are commanded by God to speak up in the face of oppression and to take action. Speaking up, defending the abused, seeking correction and justice: these are all actions we would expect to see an outpouring of from a ministry following God’s word.

Yet consider the facts. Recent and ongoing investigations have shown that there are over 550 known child sexual abusers within this church, amongst the friends, elders, workers, and overseers. Roughly 40% of these abusers are or were in the work. Many of these known abusers are still alive today. These investigations have also revealed that most if not all overseers have known about the vast majority of these abusers and have either been abusers themselves, helped cover up the abuse and silence victims and families, or remained silent in the face of evil. It has also been revealed that most overseers continue to allow many abusers to remain amongst the flock and refuse to cooperate with those attempting to bring the darkness to light. In multiple states and provinces, including our own, perpetrators have been allowed in meetings, even without notifying those attending.

Consider repentance. As faith without works is dead, repentance without change is disingenuous. This is clear in scripture: “…they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance” (Acts 26:20).

Repentance is not difficult to identify and is not hidden behind coded language. Repentance does not downplay the wrong done, such as in the initial letter we saw about Dean Bruer calling his terrible abuses an “immoral double life”, or the recent letter from the overseers in the ministry which referred to the previous horrific handling of child sexual abuse and sexual abuse as “resulting in inappropriate outcomes”. Fostering an environment for abusers, pedophiles, and rapists is certainly an ‘inappropriate’ outcome, but a more accurate description would be “perpetuating and approving evil” or “making place for darkness and destruction”. Should this need to be explained?

Repentance is a central tenet to Christianity. The fruits of repentance include deep sorrow and humility. Shallow, empty statements that attempt to justify past actions or inactions are not repentance. Claims of ignorance that sexual abuse could have lasting harmful effects on a survivor do not show repentance. Are any of you so ignorant as to not understand that child sexual abuse and sexual abuse is irrefutably harmful and wrong without the aid of a short course or a policy? Should any of this need to be explained?

Consider accountability. It is evident that the ministry, in particular those in the overseer role, are in a position where they feel they can judge the spirit of those within the church and even remove them. Yet these same overseers – as made clear by recent notes – believe that they are the only ones able to judge the spirit within themselves. That is not accountability, it is dictatorship. But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave (Matthew 20:25-27). Jesus’ own words condemn this attitude. The very words of the Lord rebuke you.

Consider your own words. We have heard words of callous ignorance, including “There is no crisis here” or “This is a storm clearing away the dead branches from the kingdom”. We have heard weak words of “we neglected to handle things completely properly in the past”, or “we did not understand that sexually assaulting a child was so damaging”. The best we have received is apologies devoid of repentance and policies so full of holes that many predators can slip right through. That and a pat on the head and an admonition to just focus on Jesus. Yes! Jesus is the answer. Why do you ignore him by allowing what is evil in his eyes?

Consider peace. Peace is not achieved by pretending a problem does not exist. Too many in the ministry to whom we have spoken are content to remain ignorant of the greater crisis at hand, with excuses of not wanting to feed on what does not bring them peace and not wanting to go looking for problems. Yes, I suppose in the parable of the good Samaritan, the priest and the Levite had a more peaceful day by passing on to the other side. But consider Jesus’ words: “… Depart from me… For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me” (Matthew 25:41-43).

Worse yet, we have spoken directly to multiple brother workers who express what comes across as a pride in feeling that the people in their field know more about this crisis than they do. How little care for souls does it show, to not bother to understand the state of the sheep?

Consider love, especially as it is outlined so clearly in scripture: “If I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing” (1 Cor 13:2,3).

As we observe the events unfolding around us, there is a standard by which we can measure what we see: “Is this love?” As we listen to the words said by those in authority, we can see if words are followed by action and ask, is this love? As we look around at the actions that are taken, we can see whose benefit they are for and ask, is this love? When we see abuse, lies, apathy, and self-righteousness, we can ask, is this love? When a predator can say the right words and adhere to the right form, and those with authority judge them as worthy over a victim crying out in need but not fitting into the box of uniformity: Is this love? When intelligent, caring workers – especially sister workers – seek to advocate for victims and they are doubted, discredited, punished, belittled, and ostracized, is this love?

When an overseer or worker who has been trusted with a victim’s story lifts their head and looks away, crossing to the other side of the street, but an individual who has left this fellowship stops to render aid to the victim, ask yourself this question: Who showed love? Who in this scenario exemplifies the love of Christ?

Love stoops to help a friend in need; love wants to feel the pain its neighbours often know; love lends a helping hand to friend or foe. “If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.” (1 John 4:20).

What did Jesus answer when challenged on what was the greatest commandment? Was it “the ministry in the home and ministers without a home”, or was it to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and to love your neighbour as yourself? How did Jesus say that all men would know we are his disciples? Was it that we attend meetings without fail and follow every instruction given to us by the workers and overseers, or was it that we have love one for another?

When we allow in false doctrine, we give ourselves up to the control and fear of man. None is more harmful than the doctrine of exclusivity, which tells the lie that one must attend this particular fellowship and no other in order to be saved, and that before one can partake of the bread and the cup in remembrance of Jesus as he commanded, the approval of man rather than of God must be obtained. Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever (Romans 1:24-25).

What we have witnessed is form and tradition as a proxy for the Spirit, and uniformity as a proxy for unity. We are told, “complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind” (Philippians 2:2), but this must be taken in context with verse 4, “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus”. We want to be one in mind and love, but we need the mind of Christ.

The history of this fellowship is rife with lies and coverups; it has hidden that its origins come from the late 19th century, it has erased the role of its founders and early leaders including William Irvine and Edward Cooney, it has had deep divisions from state to state and country to country, and it has perpetuated cover ups of all forms of abuse to keep the outward appearance clean. We see a deep systemic institutional failure over the years that does not in any way resemble the mind of Christ. Is this love?

Looking over the past decades, there have been many individual warning signs, but each was minimized and considered as small and isolated – maybe not to all individuals, but at least as a whole. And now the depths of the cancerous growths within the fellowship and ministry are becoming clear, growths of death and darkness which do not fit the pattern of the mind and body of Christ.

The lack of godly repentance, the lack of acknowledgement of the actions taken that caused this evil to fester, and the continuing lack of action to right the wrongs is deeply troubling.

Even to Judah it was said, “Thus says the Lord: Do justice and righteousness, and deliver from the hand of the oppressor him who has been robbed. And do no wrong or violence to the resident alien, the fatherless, and the widow, nor shed innocent blood in this place… If you will not obey these words, I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that this house shall become a desolation.” (Jeremiah 22:3,5). Are we so arrogant as to think these words do not apply to this church?

There are 33 times where the Bible speaks of leaders doing what is evil in the sight of the Lord. In Revelation, the church in Ephesus is told: “‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false.’” (Rev 2:2). It is our responsibility as a church to try the spirits and test the fruit, and to reject what is not of God.

Paul says “Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them; … Walk as children of light … and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them”, (Ephesians 5:6-11) and David says “I hate the assembly of evildoers, and I will not sit with the wicked.” (Psalm 25:6).

At this point, we simply cannot acknowledge the spiritual authority of those in the overseer position. We cannot partner with the works of darkness. We see that individuals, groups, and churches have come to you and you have neglected to heed our cries. Where is the integrity? Where are the basic moral values? Where is Jesus? We will follow the biblical path set out in Matthew 18 and now consider you as heathen.

While we have been disappointed in and betrayed by man, our eyes are open to the complete provision of God. We will continue to embrace true and honest fellowship, though not fellowship sanctioned by this ministry – we cannot lend even tacit approval to the works of darkness. But these past weeks have shone such a clear light on the joy and peace that can be found in trusting wholly in God’s leading. As was said to the rulers, elders, and scribes, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:19-20).

The words in this letter have been strong, but they come from a place of love and genuine desire for this fellowship to repent of what is wrong and turn to what is right. God cares about you and about us. We challenge each of you to go forward and use your influence and position to stand up for others and embrace the mind of Christ.

With love and care for the survivors of all forms of abuse who have been wounded and betrayed in this fellowship,

Daniel and Shanna Faulkner

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Harold Hilton / Scott Boswell field update #2


From: Harold Hilton
Date: September 29, 2023
To: [Redacted]
Cc: Scott Boswell

Subject: CSA procedure update

Dear friends and workers in CA, AZ, W. NV, HI, and Guam,

We feel it best to send out some updated information on our current CSA procedure.

Many have been working diligently these past months to investigate CSA concerns and allegations within the fellowship in our region. All of these incidents are tragic and we grieve for the pain and sorrow they have caused all of us, most especially those who are survivors of abuse.

We want to do all we can to be a help to the survivors. All allegations brought to us are taken very seriously.

All current allegations have been reported to the authorities.

We also want you to know that some of our friends have offered financial assistance for any survivors of CSA who need help in covering counseling costs. Please feel free to reach out to any of the workers on our staff if you need help with this.

It has been arranged that individuals who have a record of any CSA offenses are meeting only with those who know there have been offenses and volunteer to meet with them. They have been asked to not attend public meetings like gospel meetings, special meetings and conventions.

Thanks for all your help and prayers during these difficult days.

The California Staff

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Letter to the hurting from Kelsay Yung


October 6, 2023

I hardly know where to begin.

Perhaps the best place is this; I am filled with grief for the people who have been abused. I am so sorry that you experienced evil. I have been doing what I can to try to be a help to the people I know. I want to do all I can to help healing. My efforts feel weak, far from enough. Words seem so empty.

For me, there has been comfort that while I am very limited, God is not. I know that hasn’t been comfort to some who have been hurt, and I’m saddened how severely faith has been damaged. I have admired the strength of survivors. I’m thankful for every one who has done what they can to help and heal.

I finally feel able to reach out beyond the ones that I know closely. I’m sorry if it seems too late, I simply haven’t been emotionally well enough myself. I’m repairing a broken heart, as many of you are. It’s been slow, because it keeps taking a beating.

There is a lot of emphasis on help, and I very much, unequivocally support anything that will help those who have been hurt. Yet I know that won’t change what has happened, and the many people who have been hurt by the ones that they should have been able to trust. Far better that it had never happened, even once. Child sexual assault (CSA), sexual assault (SA), or any kind of abuse is wrong, and shouldn’t happen. It has. Much too much, much too often. While I’m glad it’s been brought into the light, it fills me with grief and sorrow as well.

I have been dealing with so many of my own questions, and I still don’t have very many answers. I have no intention or desire to defend a system, or to justify evil. I have not, and will not, cover up CSA, SA, or other abuse. There have been so many things brought to light that I had no idea about, and each one has made me feel more sickened. It’s made me want to walk away from it all.

Rob Newman is my uncle. One grandmother spent 2 years in the work, the other grandmother had 2 sisters who were workers. Glen Yung was a cousin to my grandfather. My sister is in the work. I’m 3rd generation on the shortest “professing” branch of the family tree, with the other branches going farther. I also understand how the very fact that I have been a brother worker, and because of family connections, you may have no trust towards me.

Why do I bring up my family connections?

None of that gives me salvation. None of that makes me right with God. Being a worker doesn’t get me any closer to heaven. Being a disciple of Jesus is my hope. He is the way, not “us.” I will stand alone before God. When I die, the thing I will be most thankful for is the blood of Christ, given for me in love. And what will matter about my life is what I have done… Not what I have said, or what people think of me, or who my family is. What God knows. I have no interest in lies.

I have been in the work for the past 17 years. Mark Huddle has been my overseer for most of my time in the work. I stood behind Dean Bruer in a worker picture just weeks before his death. I’ve tried to serve with my whole heart, as honestly and best as I’ve known how. I’ve been shocked to learn of the things my fellow workers have done, and then shocked more deeply by reactions of other fellow workers. It’s made me feel conflicted, dirty by association. I have hoped to see the Love of God. It’s been hard to see.

Yet, while knowing that those sins are not mine, I am not without sin. If you look for someone to be perfect, I cannot claim even close to that. I have been quiet when I should have spoken. I’ve felt deep and strong violence inside towards those that hurt who they should have protected. Though I’ve prioritized honor in relationships, I have struggled with my attraction to women. God knows the list of ways that I have been wrong. This isn’t a letter to justify myself, or to come across as if I am on higher ground. I am not.

This is a letter to reach out to those who are hurt and are questioning. I am too.

It is in my heart, more than ever, with greater desire than ever, to follow Jesus. I know I am not alone.

I believe that God is perfect, and Jesus did his will perfectly. So there is no mistake in ANY thing Jesus did, or said, or lived. The Holy Spirit will never contradict Jesus. This has been my anchor.

One thing I feel sure of: our only hope as a faith, is in truly following Jesus. Many of us have searched like never before, and we’re finding that we’ve been wrong. Have accepted what isn’t true or right as if it is. Have not searched scriptures and not been as honest and real in prayer as we could have been. Have stood by quietly when we could have spoken against wrong. Have feared men more than God. Have attributed things to God’s spirit that are not His Spirit. Have done things because “it’s what we do,” rather than seeking what God really wants, what is scriptural. Have been more Pharisee than good Samaritan.

It helps to read the Bible, and the New Testament in particular, as if I don’t know a thing. Having a thought and then searching to justify it isn’t safe. It’s arrogant. Being open and accepting of what God wants, and searching for that, is what has brought me peace. Jesus brought God’s will perfectly. It’s so beautiful.

In a strange way, it’s also been a comfort to see problems throughout the Bible, and to know that God continued to work with his people. Sometimes they were bad at responding. We are the same humankind. He is the same God who is alive and working.

I’m not active in the work. It wasn’t my choice… I simply wasn’t able. No one asked me to step away. The future is unknown to me. I feel that too is in God’s hands, me being where I am. Since being “inactive,” I’ve felt Gods help and leading in very real ways. I have told Kent Williston and Darryl Doland that I’ll be needing a year at least out of the work. (I have been on the California staff, on loan from Washington.) I’m in Bakersfield, California, and plan at this time to get a job and routine for my health.

If it would be of any help, reach out. I have withdrawn from social media, though still have Instagram… so kelsayung [@] gmail.com is probably best to get in touch if you’d like. If you are reeling, but want to truly follow Jesus, know that you have a kindred spirit in me.

This is an open letter. Share it to who you will. I will forewarn you that I’m not in the best state to be your strength… I’m weak myself. Please, know that you’re not alone.

With love and care,
Kelsay Yung