Deep in my soul there is something I know. Something I am absolutely sure of.
I know that within the New Tribes Mission organization there are people with integrity. There are people with a strong sense of morality, and a desire for justice, and a deep appreciation for truth. There are people who sincerely believe and strive to live by the principles in the Bible. People who do not just say with their mouths that they follow God, but they actually do so, to the best of their human ability.
I know that there are people who love their children and do everything they can to keep them safe at all times. I know that they have empathy for families whose children have been abused, or beaten, or molested. Especially if that wounding happened within the structure of the mission organization in which they serve.
I know that there are MKs in NTM who remember what it was like to be left in boarding school, how the tears would dampen their pillow as they cried of homesickness in the night, and how much they feared the school staff who were known to be cruel and harsh with rods and paddles and belts.
I know that within New Tribes there are people who understand the effects that child abuse has on people, even when they are grown adults. I know there are those who are perceptive enough that they will be repulsed if they hear someone claim that many of the MKs who report they were abused as children are making things up, or exaggerating, that they are just angry and bitter, not walking with the Lord, or just want to get the mission's money.
I know that there are current NTM members who are struggling to sort through all the words, who are trying to understand what the mission's strategy is, why the continued delays, excuses, expenses, and evasions. I believe there are those who are disappointed in the choices that have been made by NTM under the guidance of their legal advisors. Not only disappointed, but embarrassed. It must be really awkward for many, trying to find a way to explain NTM's response to the issue of the abuse of their children, when supporters, family members, and even strangers ask hard questions.
I know that behind close doors, there are those who are discussing and praying and thinking about what their own personal response should be to all these things that are so very troubling. How did the mission get so sidetracked by this issue that this is now such a major focus? Why do things seem to be getting worse, and not better? Why are the MKs being stalled over and over, or led around in endless circles? What are these honest, sincere servants of God supposed to do, what divine guidance is going to be given them?
How do I know these things about some current NTM members? I know, because for almost 50 years, I was a part of this mission. I know, because much of who I myself am today was shaped directly by my childhood and adulthood in New Tribes. That is where I learned my honesty, integrity, morality, and courage. I am a product of what is good about NTM. And because I know myself, I know that there are many others like me. People who think. People who hear the still small voice of the Spirit. People who will stand up and use their voice, and speak out for truth, and for what is right.
And with that confidence, deep in my heart, I will go to bed, and sleep well.
Because I KNOW I am not alone.
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