MK forum

That is horrible.

That type of abuse was systemic in NTM. We didn't dare call it abuse, because it was taught to us by our teachers and leaders, therefore if we refused to go along with it, WE would be the ones in rebellion!

I too have horrible memories of these things. The couple who brought their children to the Tuesday night meetings and would take their toddler out for repeated spankings because she couldn't sit still during the meetings. The beatings and terrified cries I could hear through the thin walls that separated apartments at Language School. The bruises. Yes, the bruises that we were supposed to ignore.

I hate these memories. I hate this abuse that went on. I hate that MKs like threewillows have had to suffer a lifetime of nightmares because of what we were coerced into doing to our precious children.

I hate it.

Lori thank you for your last post in the NO COMMENT thread. You are very organized with such disjointed information. You have put everything in order. What is the next step? Since NTM doesn't seem to be wanting to contact you any more. Do they think we will all just forget it. Lori do you have a plan what to do next?

I don't know if anyone could do what Lori has done with her own story putting everything in a time line. It would be interesting if someone could do a time line of abuse in PNG. It would not have to be great detail but here are some suggestions. Date abuse took place, date child told parents, date child/adult reported abuse to NTM, date NTM to correct action. I think it would show that NTM has never taken the right action and for how long this has been going on.

I like that Shary. OT did that for Via but i dont know what happened to it.

We had a thread like that a while back, but it was deleted due to libel concerns. However, if anyone has a well documented story like Lori's, I think it would pass muster. And it's probably the best way to keep up the pressure on NTM. And it also helps the victims to realize that they were not the only ones.

I agree 100% with encouraging other survivors to tell their stories. I agree with the powerful effect that it has on all of us, when abusers are named, and a chain of abusive events are laid out in systematic detail. Lori's courage, clearheadedness and tenacity are astounding. Fanda Eagles and New Tribes Mission have both been changed permanently because of the information she has posted in the past two weeks.

But for me, it is also important to state to all abuse survivors who may be reading our posts, silently, and sometimes even secretly: We will not pressure you to say or do something you do not wish to do, or are not ready to do. We want this forum to be a very, very safe place for you. It should be a safe place to vent and reveal, but it should also be a safe place to just hang out quietly, and maybe gain some strength or healing just by knowing that you are not alone.

I am blessed but heavy hearted to know many (far too many) survivors of childhood abuse of all kinds that occurred in an NTM environment. Some of them have told me their stories privately, sometimes in detail. I understand that each individual is unique. Each one has their own reasons for their participation here, or in many cases their silence here. Some have passed through and no longer read here. Many are just focused on their current lives and struggles. Their time and their energy are sapped by their daily routines: parenting children, working full time jobs, going to school, trying to nurture their marriages.

I do hope that Lori's example will inspire others to tell their stories. The tide has turned in this task we have engaged in, to raise awareness of abuse that occurred in NTM and the poor response on the part of today's NTM leadership. This would indeed be a good time to add your voices, and contribute your stories. Current mission members are listening now. We finally have their attention.

But if you have chosen not to tell, that is okay too. We embrace you just as you are, right where you're at. We have no agenda, not stipulations for you to meet. You are safe, you are loved, and we are here. Our heart is open and our ears are too.

Sit by the fire with us. Rest. Speak if and when you are ready. Your voice matters. But even if you sit in silence, I hope you know we are very, very glad you are here.

The answer might be rather simple.
NTM is run by middle aged and older men. They do not like being told by a female MK, that what they are doing is wrong, so to save face they dig their heels in and go against their own policy and then throw their toys out of the cot in a tantrum and start name calling by insulting the brave MK by calling her a "former" MK.
It's pathetic, childish and still wrong. As you say, many are watching this and are not impressed. And in the end it will do damage to NTM and it's tarnished reputation.

The correct response would be for NTM to thank those who have helped them see where they have gone wrong and then do what they said they were going to in their own policy. Until that happens perhaps they should accept the title of "former Christians", because God is probably less impressed with their behaviour than we are and I understand He does not like to be mocked or have his children hurt!

I just retweeted this article and was so touched by it...... What Would Make You Believe a Survivor of Childhood Sexual Abuse? http://t.co/J1GITWlmgm

A quote from it:" The more stories survivors tell, the less aberrant we will be—though I contend this is an imagined aberrance. If we can tell our stories, and if those stories can be heard, we may someday stop this relentless “he said, she said” tug-of-war where no victim is ever perfect enough, no accused ever quite guilty enough."

I too believe if we can get more survivors to tell their stories it would enable exposure. Yet I understand the pain and know that it is not easy. I want to encourage survivors regardless that they are not alone. Many of us do believe you and care. It is absolutely insane that victims who do speak have to fight to be heard and believed. It is no wonder victims often choose not to talk with the ungodly reactions of most.

I also appreciated this comment on the article. "No one wants to associate with the victim; we want to align ourselves with power. But if we all align ourselves with the victim, the victim gains the power."

I continue, with so many others on here, to align myself with you who have survived unspeakable pain. May God enable us to bring criminals to justice.

I see at the end, a poster has asked if there is a spirit of unforgiveness. Have heard that before, over and over.