MK forum

Hi Raz-
How could you have possibly known? I don't think I would have been ready to know maybe until now. God has had me on a journey of healing this past decade; I've had to emotionally distance myself from the mission for a while as I've worked through deeply buried confusion and anger towards all things NTM. Perhaps God's next step for me has to do with upholding my MK sisters and brothers whose wounds run much deeper than my own.

Love you, too Auntie Raz- journey

Journey, I find myself somewhat jealous of you and others that had such a definate target for your anger--our mission was too pathetic to rail against, my mom too sweet to hurt, the church too diverse. But I understand distancing yourself, and then finding healing. You're very much welcome here--please don't be afraid to ask questions or to impart wisdom. Or nonsense for that matter.

If I can say this without sounding like I am belittling anyone....

Did you read Mrs. Zelenak's comments? [http://www.fox43tv.com/dpps/news/local/former-missionary-admits-sexual-abuse_3825647] "We are committed to making sure that all of our members are well trained, so that they can be[tter] protect their children."

The implication is clear: Children were abused "prior to 1994" because members were not well trained, and thus failed to protect their children. It was not NTM's fault.

"We're committed, we're willing to pay for counseling and other related costs to the victims, because we understand there is ongoing consequences to abuse that happens," she said.

NTM's spokesperson did not say that NTM is in any way responsible for what happened, only that they are willing to pay. Former Senator John Edwards had friends who were willing to pay for things that were not their fault, as you may recall. So, a willingness to pay does NOT automatically equal an admission of guilt or responsibility.

If NTM wanted people to understand that they are, indeed, taking responsibility, it would have been easy enough to say, "This was really NTM's fault and we accept full responsibility both for the abuse and the ongoing consequences."

I wish there were a "like" button on this forum. Well put, Gene Long.

LIKE!!!!!

LIKE!!!

Interesting blurb on NTM's page. "How To Report Child Abuse"

http://usa.ntm.org/field-news/how-to-report-child-abuse


Field News > Historic Abuse Investigations

POSTED ON JUNE 6TH 2011

If you are aware of child abuse taking place currently in New Tribes Mission, please immediately notify the Child Protection Committee:

407-547-2315
cpc@ntm.org
tibby_westcott@ntm.org
To make a report regarding an historic incident of child abuse, please contact Pat Hendrix, the coordinator of historical investigations:

812-282-4689
407-304-8476
pat.hendrix@mkguardian.com
If you are unsure which to report a case of child abuse to, please contact either Pat or the Committee and they will ensure that the information gets to the correct party. Above all, we encourage you to report any abuse you are aware of, for the protection of children.

There was a lot reported already. All over the world, and the perpetrators were shuffled around, sent back to the United States, they were investigated, and those reports were buried. I would suggest, if you are aware of current abuse within NTM, you DON'T contact NTM. Contact the police. NTM won't, thats a proven fact.

Under FloridaCode Section:

39.202, 205; 39.201; 39.01(2)

What Constitutes Abuse:

Willful or threatened act resulting in physical, mental, or sexual injury or harm, causing or likely to cause impairment of physical, mental, or emotional health

Mandatory Reporting Required By:

Physician, mental health professional, spiritual practitioner, school teacher, social worker, law enforcement officer, judge

Basis of Report of Abuse/neglect:

One who knows or has reasonable cause to suspect neglect, abuse, or abandonment

To Whom Reported:

Department of Children and Family Services

Penalty for Failure to Report or False Reporting:

Misdemeanor in 1st degree; if knowingly made false report: felony in 3rd degree

http://law.findlaw.com/state-laws/child-abuse/florida/

It's interesting that NT still wants the abuse reported to them. Under what authority?

threewillows, that's exactly my point. NTM's instructions to the flock, however, are quite different.

"If you are aware of child abuse taking place currently in New Tribes Mission, please immediately notify the Child Protection Committee."