Hi, there! I thought I'd post an update tonight....
All communication with NTM has been posted; I haven't heard more from them, and since 2008, I have not heard from anyone at NTM headquarters except for Brian Coombs. I welcome the executive committee to begin a dialogue with me - yes, I probably will post it, since I've created this open book, but I'll be transparent as well.
According to the latest email I received from Brian Coombs (posted in this thread), Gary still has not been terminated by New Tribes Mission (they only forced him to resign), and he is still in Papua New Guinea, on the NTM Numonohi base. On April 2, 2014, 6 days ago, Brian Coombs, NTM, wrote that Gary would be leaving PNG "shortly."
We verified that NTM contacted the supporting churches, and they did. We also verified that he will not be working with children at the ROCK International ministry, and he will not.
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I have received over two hundred emails, texts, Facebook comments, and messages in support. Thank you! Some of you shared your stories with me, and I'm humbled by your trust in me. I hope you will trust others as well, and share your stories openly. It has been a healing process for me, and it has shed light on hidden sin that needed to be exposed.
I'm most encouraged by the many messages and emails I have received from within New Tribes Mission. You're courageous. I hope you will see the changes you seek from the executive committee.
I have received only one negative message so far. The negative message didn't contain any questions, but was full of accusations that I'm unforgiving, bitter, consumed, and destroyed. In case her message represents that of others, I once again invite you to get to know me through my , , and personal/ . It would be difficult to live our happy little quiet life on a Gulf Coast riverbank, if I were destroyed. And it is because I am not destroyed, that I can share my story. It is for the ones who are nearly destroyed that I write.
I have so very much to lose in sharing such a personal, and painful story. The cost has been honestly high, to me and to my family. I hope that New Tribes Mission will handle other cases of child abuse in a fair, honest, and swift manner in the future. I do not want others to have to go through this - it should not have been my task to expose Gary Earl and NTM. This is not a burden that should be placed upon an abuse survivor.
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Through others, I have heard two questions that have been asked. Maybe you've wondered, too, so here are my replies:
1) Didn't Gary say he's sorry? My answer: In 2008, New Tribes told me Gary wrote an apology letter; I have not received it to date. But I do not believe Gary is truly sorry - truly repentant. Let's use NTM's cookie analogy as an example: When I suspect that my child has "stolen" a cookie, I do not say, "You stole a cookie." Instead, I ask, "What were you doing in the kitchen?" Confession is necessary for true repentance. Wouldn't you agree? It is not enough to say, "You stole," and then hear the child say, "Sorry" once he is caught. We instinctively know that the unremorseful child who gets away with dishonesty will be the child more likely to commit shoplifting. Gary has not confessed to all that he has done - I am stating a fact and I stand upon this fact. Ask him, "What were you doing in the kitchen? In the dorms? On the base?" See if he confesses to all that he has done. Only then can we hope to hear his repentance.
2) People change, right? Yes, people do change in many ways in 20-30 years. I have absolutely changed since 10 years old! However, since I believe child abuse is an addictive behavior, an unrepentant child abuser is a danger to all children. The first step to overcoming an addiction is confession (see #1). This is my opinion after studying psychiatric-mental health nursing and working in a mental health hospital. This is also the opinion of my counselor brother. You'll have to come to your own conclusion in this.
Now I have a question for you: When you ask, "Didn't Gary say he's sorry? Don't people change?," are you implying there should be no consequences? The Bible has countless examples of consequences for even the truly remorseful.
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I remain firm in my resolve to see that Gary does not hurt other little girls. We have a beautiful, happy, innocent little girl who is the age I was when Gary abused me. She daily reminds me that all little girls should be happy and innocent. She reminds me that little girls deserve to be protected.
I also remain firm in my resolve that New Tribes needs to listen to the Holy Spirit more than to the lawyers. No, you did not commit the crimes. But you do represent the mission that employs the abuser. Distance from those who did the abuse, offer your ear and your kindness to the MKs, and allow the survivors to guide you in changes you should make to protect other missionary kids.
If you have any questions or comments, please reach out to me. I have bared my soul in these pages; I have nothing to hide, and I would love the opportunity to connect with you.
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