MK forum

I doubt the Christ was worrying too much about "semantics, schmantics" when it came time to braid the whip he used in overturning the moneychangers' tables in the Temple complex.

The prophets of old called sin for what it was, and constantly called the people to repentance, and let God do the ultimate judging.

The time for worrying about dotted "i's" and crossed "t's" is BEFORE you sign the contract. Sin is NOT the same thing. We are called upon to, like Nathan, say, "You are the man!" (and not in the pop culture way it is so oft expressed nowadays!).

We continue to seek the justice so wrongfully denied to so many.

I think I can speak for many when I say, "never has so much, for so many, depended upon so few." Yet, if our God is for us then who can stand against us!!

I just noticed this announcement on the NTM website. Is this good news? Wait and see?

October 15, 2010

by Larry Brown, NTM USA chairman, for the Executive Board



NTM/GRACE Joint Statement:

The NTM USA Executive Board and GRACE are committed to further discussions regarding the precise manner and procedure in which other NTM boarding school abuse claims will be investigated and addressed. A finalized process will be announced no later than November 1, 2010.

Statement from NTM

The NTM-USA Executive Board wishes to express again that we are committed to address any abuse allegation that is brought to our attention. NTM does not plan to do in-house investigations and we desire that the investigations be done in a timely manner. A meeting between the NTM USA Executive Board and GRACE is scheduled for October 23.

Last week, the two primary people accused of child abuse in the report on Fanda school personally received hand-delivered letters from NTM Executive Board members. The NTM leaders also hand-delivered letters to and spoke with local law enforcement officials where the men now live.

A letter detailing what took place was also delivered to the pastor of the church attended by one former NTM member. The other former member does not attend church.

GRACE is working to conclude the remaining personnel recommendations. NTM will finalize their decisions as soon as possible upon receiving final information from GRACE.

NTM continues to have conversations with various parties including GRACE regarding mediation and arbitration. A specific process will be announced and implemented no later than Friday, October 22.

New Tribes Mission will continue to work diligently to address the recommendations in GRACE's report on child abuse that took place at Fanda, and to consider further steps that can and should be taken both to demonstrate our repentance and to better safeguard children in the future.

I think that is one of the more encouraging updates from NTM. However, I do wonder how the MKs feel about still not being included in this decision making process. I know, I know... it's not practical to canvass all the MKs, but it IS practical and doable to have a committee of MKs.

And maybe no one else feels that way. I feel frustrated for the MKs because they still aren't being asked for their input. And that has to hurt.

@ Mrs. M:

Perhaps they'll include the MKs and their input as NTM-USA seeks to change their concept and culture of ministry?? That would be one very tangible way to showcase the peculiar challenges faced by MKs and their parents. I would think it would also allow MKs to feel validated (and valued!) for being MKs and allow for true collaboration between NTM and the MKs so wrongly treated for so many years.

Constructive partnership in formulating policy and procedures goes a long way towards tearing down the walls of distrust, while repairing fractured relationships, trust, and accountability. . . .

My opinion, for what it's worth . . . .

@Mrs. M: Be my guest. I won't even charge you for the royalties!!!

LOL

Excellent, publius.

I wonder if they will make the effort to communicate any of this directly and personally to the Fanda MKs and their families.

They sent me an e-mail with this written on it. Glad you all got to see this one too and it wasn't marked confidential.

In regards to the wording of the petition I was referring to that it implies that NTM is not doing anything about the abuse which I think is not true. I believe NTM is trying and changing even though it is frustratingly slow they are indeed changing and have changed from when I first joined in 97.

The other point about motivating them has to do with common decency and courtesy. Yes NTM was not decent and courteous to you Kari and you suffering MK's. Certain ones within NTM were bad to you. They hurt you. They did wrong to you. All I'm saying is take the high road and try to communicate and act with kindness as much as is possible. You can keep up the pressure in a kind and respectful way. God says what praise is there if you do good to those who do good to you. But if you do good to those who persecute you this is praiseworthy and acceptable to God. The emotion is strong on this issue and I have spoken in anger and frustration at times but my desire is to keep the process going and to do all things honestly before God.

I'm not the enemy. Do you think NTM is the enemy? Satan, the world and the flesh are the enemy. The elements of Satan, the world and the flesh within NTM are the enemy but I would not agree that NTM as a whole (the 3000 missionaries that make up NTM) are the enemy.

Mrs M please forgive for implying that I thought you did not do a good job on the petition. I think the petition was fine.