|
Dear Former Fanda Students:
As mentioned in their weekly update, last week members of the NTM Executive Committee travelled to Georgia and Indiana for the purpose of hand delivering the GRACE report and the termination letter to both David Brooks and Phil Gates. GRACE was encouraged to talk with NTM regarding these visits and hear of their actions in finally confronting these abusers. We thought it is important that each of you know more about what happened and that perhaps the steps taken by NTM regarding David Brooks and Phil Gates may encourage you in some degree.
1. David Brooks:
On Tuesday, October 5 2010, Larry Brown and Dan Kreider travelled to Georgia and initially met with David Brooks' pastor. The pastor had just received the link to the GRACE Report and had just finished the first 15 pages when Larry and Dan arrived. The pastor was extremely disturbed about what he read in the report and did not take a defensive position regarding David Brooks. NTM explained that they were there because they believed that NTM was responsible to warn the pastor about David Brooks in order that he could take steps to prevent Brooks from abusing anyone at the church. The pastor expressed support for what NTM was doing and claimed that he was shocked because he had never been informed about the abuse by Brooks. Shortly thereafter, Brooks was called to the church whereby Larry and Dan informed him that they were there to confront him about his sexual abuse of over 9 children that had caused so much harm and destruction to so many. David Brooks did not deny the charges and did not appear to be defensive. Though he did claim that this abuse only took place during that era on the Senegal field. David Brooks quoted the verse, “it is better to put a millstone around a neck and cast into the sea than that he should offend one of these little ones.” He stated that he would rather that that millstone would have been on his neck because how wretched he has felt and the damage this has caused over the years for everyone. Larry asked David if he was aware of what the MKs and their families have lost over the past 25 years because of his abuse. David said he "understood".
Towards the end of the meetings, David Brooks asked what he could do? He wanted to apologize to NTM and to the MKs. Dan and Larry responded that at this time most of the MK’s didn’t want an apology, but wanted him to pay for what he did. Prior to leaving, Larry and Dan presented David Brooks and his pastor with a copy of the GRACE report. Larry and Dan left the meeting while the pastor and David Brooks continued to meet.
On the following morning, Dan and Larry met with Pike County Sheriff, Jimmy Thomas, for the purpose of providing him with a copy of the letter NTM had sent to David Brooks regarding his retroactive termination. Larry expressed that NTM's purpose in meeting was so that the Sheriff would be aware of what David Brooks had done to the children at Fanda for the purpose of possibly assisting the Sheriff in the future if abuse claims are every made against David Brooks. The Sheriff read the letter and then asked his assistant to see if there had been any reported allegations on David. There were none. The Sheriff expressed gratitude to Larry and Dan for providing him this information. He stated that he had been Sheriff for 11 years and had never had anyone or any institution do something like this. The Sheriff stated that he was so impressed by NTM stopping by, and wished more churches would do the same when they are aware of someone who could be a danger to the community.
2. Phil Gates
Marv Ketcham and Paul Wyma traveled to Indiana to meet with Phil Gates. Upon arriving at Phil's home, they rang the doorbell and no one came to the door though they could see someone walking around inside the house. After ringing the doorbell a second time, Phil Gates came around the corner of the house. After Marv and Paul introduced themselves as being members of the New Tribes Mission Executive Board, Phil was asked if he had seen the GRACE Report. He said that he hadn’t seen the report. Paul and Marv informed Phil Gates that they had a copy of the GRACE Report for him as well as a letter from the Executive Board. Phil Gates refused to take either document. He said that he wouldn’t take them or anything else from NTM. He claimed, “You’ve done me and my wife and family enough damage. Now I can’t even get a referral from NTM for a job. How can I explain the gap in my resume of all the years I served with NTM?” Furthermore, Phil Gates argued that NTM was handling this situation in an "ungodly manner". He strongly questioned how what NTM was doing to him and his family was going to help "those kids"?
Phil Gates then talked a bit about the relationship that he had with the kids in his dorm. He said that nearly all of the MKs "loved" he and his wife. He claimed that they tried to do what each parent wanted, but they soon realized that they couldn’t please everyone. At this point, Marv Ketcham explained the damage many of the kids in their dorm are living with as a result of Phil's actions. Phil Gates immediately made it very clear that he wasn’t responsible for any of those problems. He failed to take responsibility for any of his actions. At that point, he requested that Marv and Paul leave while once again refusing to take a copy of the GRACE Report and termination letter. Phil appeared to be very angry throughout the meeting.
On the following day, Marv and Paul attempted unsuccessfully to meet with the local Sheriff. However, they were able to meet with member of the Court personnel and informed her it was important for them to meet with the Sheriff as soon as possible. She informed them that the Sheriff would not be in until later that evening but that she would be meeting with him and would give him the copy of the Gates termination letter. Marv attached his business card to the letter in case the Sheriff had any follow up questions regarding Phil Gates.
It is very true that in many ways the response by NTM to David Brooks and Phil Gates is too little too late. We do not disagree. However, it is important to remember that this Executive Board was not in authority when David Brooks and Phil Gates acted to hurt and destroy so many lives. Thus, though they still represent the institution, it remains our hope and prayer that they represent a new era of leadership..an era that has zero tolerance for any form of abuse..an era whereby those who hurt children will be immediately confronted, reported, and removed. We are encouraged by the fact that NTM went beyond the scope of our recommendations to travel to these two locations, confront the abusers, inform their church (Phil does not attend church), and communicate with local law enforcement regarding these two dangers to society. These actions by NTM leadership seem consistent with a heart that desires to finally do the right thing for the right reasons. Let us remain hopeful as we continue to be watchful.....
Thank you for continuing to allow GRACE to serve....
Peace
Boz Tchividjian, Esq.
Executive Director, GRACE
|
Login
Register
FAQ
Search
hahahahahahahaha