Comments on: Bonnie C

By: carol christoffel

carol christoffel — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 18:55:26 +0000

My prayers are with you as you heal from this abuse.We must remember every suffering that we have can be transformed into our strength to help others.You will know better than most counselors what it means to be a victim of abuse.You will know how to take back your power because you have done it.This can become your gift to help others.In the meantime, love and blessings to you and your people.

By: Bonnie

Bonnie — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 19:17:24 +0000

@Sara Sara, I remember you. I remember your kindness, as well. Thank you for your words.

By: Sara

Sara — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 09:43:25 +0000

Dear Bonnie, I have only just read the GRACE report and then viewed this website with the stories of abuse. I am so devastated to know what you all suffered as little vulnerable children at FANDA. Child abuse (especially in this setting)is the most cruelest and destructive betrayal possible I believe (for the victims and their famililes). I am so sorry that I had no idea of the turmoil in your life as a result, at the time I was teaching you (late 90′s). I just remember you as a beautiful, talented and spirited young girl with loads of potential. I thank GOd from the depth of my heart that He has healed you (continues to heal you) and that you have learnt to trust Him and His love for you. You are a true survivor. My love and prayers, Bonnie. Sara

By: S

Sat, 11 Sep 2010 03:36:58 +0000

Bonnie, I grew up in Africa as an MK at a boarding school too. My dorm parents were very abusive like yours and it took me years and years and years to heal. I didn’t even know I was damaged for years, I thought it was normal to be dysfunctional. I had the desire to die for as long as I could remember but I never took action. I just couldn’t see any point in living and lived with a low grade depression for years. When my parents died very young, I left the faith completely ’cause it felt like God didn’t care.

Luckily I eventually found healing through a series of workshops, groups, therapies and spirit guided healing.

I love God now passionately and feel that He is using this to help me be sensitive to orphans and abused kids. I feel their pain and I understand… it’s not God’s choice, it simply done in his name.

I hope missions will take a close look at what they are doing to their children. Some come out ok but so many are messed up for life.

In the later years I went to a good boarding school and had a great dorm parent so I know that it can be good too. The key is to choose people who are well qualified for this kind of service.

And to talk with your kids about what’s going on and give them the option to be home schooled if they don’t want to go.

Bless you. I pray every single day against the spirit of abuse, and pray for healing for the children and all people who are abused.

By: Kate C

Kate C — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 18:24:55 +0000

Bonnie, I am deeply grieved to finally hear all of your story! I know that this has haunted you your entire life and it will continue to affect your life and your decisions for the rest of your life. Know that I am constantly praying for you and those who suffered with you. I know how you feel. I have had all the experiences that you described minus the part about being a lesbian and minus the part where a hospital visit saved your life. My dorm parents did not commit sexual sins against me but, several other people in my life did. I know how confusing life can be as a result and I know that sexual purity the way that God intends it is grey at best! It is hard to teach your kids what right and wrong are when you are not sure where those lines are yourself. I do know what it is to suffer spiritual, physical, emotional, phycological, and sexual abuse. Know that I hurt with you! May you find healing from our God in a way that only HE can provide!!!

By: Tuti Hess

Tuti Hess — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 19:58:08 +0000

Thank you Bonnie for sharing so sorry for all that you have suffered. No words can express the grief.

By: Debra Barney

Debra Barney — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:10:49 +0000

Bonnie, I remember you from Fanda. I wonder now about the times you kids from out East had to spend an extra night in the dorm untill all of you could be flown home…That is what is also on my mind since we were the pilot family and hated seeing any of you not getting home on the first day. I hope all of you girls can get together including my daughters Dawn and Denise

By: Sonya Brown

Sonya Brown — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 20:16:17 +0000

Hi bonnie. You don’t know me at all but I knew your husband in bible school. I read your story with much compassion and sorrow and yet joy for what the Lord has done in your life. You are His beautiful vessel! I didn’t grow up as an MK but always felt a kinship with them. (I married a former MK!) My parents wanted to be missionaries, but instead adopted 8 special needs children from around the world. My biological sister and i were abused in every way too. My parents almost split up and there was much awfulness that went on. Anyway, God has brought much healing to both my sister and I and I’ve been able to comfort others with the comfort that I’ve received from my Lord. My husband and I were missionaries for six years but resigned after our second son was born. I’ve been so grateful to be able to be a stay at home mom rather than having to deal with all the pressures and demands that mission leadership places on its wives and mothers. Anyway, your story really touched me. I’m happy for you and Ryan and hope and pray you are thriving in your family life! Very sincerely and looking forward to meeting you someday…..Sonya

By: Melanie H

Melanie H — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 14:45:02 +0000

Bonnie… even though I’ve already heard much of this from you before, it was still hard to read now. I’m so glad you’re stepping up and sharing about it here. I’m proud of you, of the woman that I see you are, of the mother and wife you are, and of the beautiful picture of Christ’s love. You are an AMAZING woman and I really respect you.

By: Dale Ingraham

Dale Ingraham — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 20:10:38 +0000

Bonnie

My wife’s story is like you’s in many ways. You can read her full story on our web site http://speakingtruthinlove.org . We have been very frustrated at the lack of concern by almost all of our national church leaders about this evel with in the Body of Christ. Some how we need to join together with every Christian that truely has a heart to deal with this. If there is anything that Faith and I can do please let us know. Our church has been super in allowing us to travel and speak on this issue whenever we can.

In Christ
Dale and Faith