ARGH! I was already signed in, but was timed out?? and nothing in drafts. This won't be near as elegant as my original draft ... And thank you for your replies, and I'd like to clarify if I may.
I am a builder (construction / maintenance) with NTM (now in our 20th year), spent 5 years at NTBI-Jackson, 4 years in Panama, and the rest at NTM Aviation in Arizona. I have no desire to protect either NTM or the criminal element within it, but neither do I desire to bring NTM down. I am aware that there are those who want to dance on the coffin - and that's OK. But the bottom line is that abusers need to be brought into public light and justice done. That is what we all want.
Allbetter, I understand your frustration, as much as is possible for one who has not walked in your shoes to do so. I am convinced that those who have never experienced abuse can sympathize and empathize, but can never really understand the depth of destruction that has occurred. And I'm also certain that "frustration" doesn't begin to express how you feel -- I CAN understand that!
Bemused, I'm not writing as a missionary, but rather as one who hurts deeply for you. My wife has her own story (panama and bolivia), nor have I been untouched by NTM leadership abuse -- although certainly not to the degree that you have. I agree with you that fear is probably the main factor in the NTM responses. One of the benefits of social media is that it can use that same fear to benefit and support those individual voices that are crying out for recognition and healing. I'm in the battle with you. Thank you for your gracious welcome to the site!
Maire -- yep, it's me
I met your parents a few years back when they were visiting in the States, and I think I also met your sister in Panama. I know, to some degree, your story from this forum, the facebook groups and from DeeDee (she goes by Claudia now, her real name). While at NTBI I knew several victims who post here, including those from Fanda. At the time I had no idea what the cause was, but in my heart I knew something wasn't right. As of just a few months ago I had read every single post on the Eagles site, as well as others. Just finished Wes Stafford's book "Too small to ignore." I'm not saying that to boast, but rather to say I know your stories to be true.
Shari, I did not write to defend myself. Anonymity is one of the best form of self defense, and I was already there -- but not for that reason. I have not been anonymous with those I have written to in the past and certainly not in my face-to face discussions with NTM leadership.
Raz, I don't see using my name as courageous, but necessary. Taking a visible stand will never please everyone, but that is not my purpose. I have greatly appreciated your ministry on this site. Ministry is not a job description; rather it is caring for others like Jesus would -- and your posts reflect your heart. Thank you What prompted me to post were some of the comments over the past couple days. We WANT the NTM'ers to be aware and to get involved. However when everyone still associated with NTM is stereotyped and mocked by comments here it will end up pushing people away. Eagles have a strong voice, and it needs to stay strong. As Dreamwords and many others have said, sin cannot thrive in the light; and they are right -- it needs to be exposed.
But let's do it in a manner that helps, not hinders. Remember the soccer ground rules that Bemused began? Many others contributed (Forum Rules, "Lets kick around a few ideas") and they are still worth a read. We are shooting toward the same goal, and we want new team members. Let's take the high road. Not at the expense of the survivors, but for them.
Login
Register
FAQ
Search
