MK forum

I think progress is being made. Which doesn't, of course, mean I don't think a whole lot MORE progress has to be made.

Here is one reason for my optimism: I recently received an unsolicited message from a member of NTM with whom I have only a very slight acquaintance. Among other things, he mentioned that he has "been reading the Fanda Abuse site. Currently a missionary with NTM, I do believe that NTM has not dealt with abuse in NTM as they should, and I have started calling NTM leadership on it."

The good news...

1. Some people in NTM are reading this site.

2. At least some of those people do not believe that NTM has dealt with the abuse in NTM as they should.

3. And, most encouragingly, even if it is three years after the Fanda Eagles site made its debut, one brave soul (and perhaps more!) is calling NTM leadership on it.

4. The missionary who wrote me is not Tuti or, so far as I know, any other NTM missionary who has ever previously posted on this site.

The bad news is that leadership in NTM is self-appointed, and the followership has no say in what they do. NTM leadership has little or no motivation to listen to the concerns of any one member. After all, they can't make everybody happy and following Missionary X's advice will mean not following Missionary Y's. What's the point in being in leadership if that is how you operate?!

There is a cumulative effect, of course, from resignations. Historically, NTM has proven to be responsive to high rates of attrition: When there are more people who quit, are dismissed, invited to resign or just disappear than there are people who join, leadership starts looking around for things that previous leadership may have done wrong.

But, any one person who steps out and takes the lead in this had best not expect to start a people movement! Nor will they be a hero to many outside of these forums. More likely, they would be seen as divisive, disloyal, disgruntled, fifth columnist backstabbers. Not a very impressive CV to take to the next organization they want to work with!

Finally, I commend all those who have taken time to post here and, above all, I offer my encouragement to the survivors of abuse in NTM. I read many of the posts on these forums and cry; you have been so wronged, and that in the Name at which every knee will bow. It should break all our hearts.

Optimism?

How long did that lady have an issue of blood?
How long did Abram and Sarai have to wait?
How many years did Daniel pray toward Jerusalem?
How long will it take for Brazil to win gold in Olympic soccer?

I'm very optimistic.
God's Timex has a little hand, a big hand, and sometimes, from here on Earth, those hands seem to stop and even turn counter-clockwise, but He knows what is best.

Toca bola, Brasil!

1,407,178 visits so far.

It won't be long before we'll hit one and a half million.

How are we doing?

Some good days/ some bad days
Sometimes hopeful/ other times despairing
Exalting over one little ray of hope
NOT GIVING UP!
Finding courage from what others share
Sharing the burden with others
Still looking for closure thru justice and healing

The bite and the buzz still at work.