MK forum

Hi, been here before, check in every once in awhile, had to step away and deal with some things for a bit

MK, daughter of MK, grandkid of Mk

not NTM, rubbed shoulders a bit with them for some years. Pray often for many of you and frequently don't have internet connection.

Tend to get longwinded

Hi--MK. Went to that infamous Via place for 2 of the best years of my life. My loss involves the loss of that good memory. To know that while I was enjoying being away from a loud and overbearing father, the kids in the little dorm next to me were being abused has been very painful. I am here to bear witness that these kids really were there, and to support their journey through this. But I also frequent this sight because I am seeing a therapist now and working through memories--figuring out why I'm so hyper-sensitive to the expectations of others. My nieces and nephews are MKs and it my hope that we will be able to make things better for them with this ongoing processing stuff. Kent, I don't need this sight to be anything else. The problems with NTO have been real life legends my whole life--I would love to see a new mission emerging from the mess that it is--if this scrutiny helps, I'm glad. I am also interested in justice and healing for my friends. Kent, is this helpful, are you getting a feel for who some of the 249 are? If you would like to pare down the list to involve only the abused, please let me know (hYpersensitivity at work!)

Traevbrue, don't throw out those good memories - I don't know how long you've been in this forum, but some time last year there were some pretty good posts going about the good memories. Believe you me, I spent, wasted, at least 10 yrs of my life being bitter specifically about NTM and Via and it was a TOTAL loss. I've a tendency to cry just as much now remembering those bitter, bitter years of hate and bottled up rage and in the end, that affected Via and NTM not at all - it just really wounded me, even more than I was. Via was a shock for me, but if I'd never gone to Via, it might have taken me a lot longer to deal with my own sexual abuse that had happened already, BEFORE Via. There were unfair, unjust, uncaring, mean, abusive things that happened to me while at Via...but there were other things that happened that were positive or at least neutral. As for the staff there, there were a number who were just shut away in their boxes or proactively harmful, but there were a redeeming few who made me able to survive and keep my identity, even though they may have been trapped in the NTM mindset.

I guess my whole point is this: don't feel guilty about the good memories. And while you were enjoying your years at VIA - and I'm so glad you did - God was taking action with the little dorm (I have a feeling I might get some flack for this) - in some way and I believe that He continues taking action now - maybe not the way I would - but hey, you all should be greatful I'm not God.

"God keeps slipping out from underneath rocks in allies off the beaten path.
Open both our eyes."

It isn't about what I want, but about what the site needs to stay viable and fresh. With enough participants the forums reflect their needs as the writers define the site daily. When people stop posting you leave just a few of us to eventually crash into each other. Think of it as the difference between a fiesta and a very small classroom. With many of us we generate ideas, excitement, challenge misconceptions, and have people we want to talk to. In a very small classroom, well you saw the results. If the forums met your needs in the past then dont change anything, just be here with your comments. Thanks to everyone who is adding more energy to the forums.

So, now I am wondering if I am welcome here anymore.

I am the wife of an MK, but not NTM. He attended a NTM school for a few years. Reading here has helped me understand my husband, and I have found valuable support for helping me deal with his depression and subsequent aggression/abusive behavior.

So for all who helped, thanks.

MK from west Brasil. Yes shadowspring you do belong out here.

shadowspring, we're thrilled to see you back! You are welcome here, of course! The conversation has changed a lot while you were away. We lost some very important voices, and sadly, when they left, they had all their posts removed, so the continuity of our threads here has been lost. Big gaps now in the history of the conversations, which is very regrettable.
Much has been accomplished here, and I am so grateful we were able to have a helpful role in positive things that are happening in your own family.
My prayer is that the positives far outweigh the negatives. But I do acknowledge the negatives, and am so sorry that some people have been hurt in or through this website.

Hi, I am not an MK nor even one who has served with NTM. I did go through the training with NTM and although accepted to be part of the Mission, during the years spent in training my home church fell apart and so were never sent out. I met my wife as we went through the training and we were due to go to Senegal in the mid eighties so to hear of what went on at Fanda is especially pertinent.
I have observed NTM over the years and have noticed a gradual change, looking to the ways of the world to carry out their mission. It appears that the Word of God is no longer the first and final authority; methods seem to be the priority. This is sad.
I was recently reminded of the abuses carried out by dorm parents and staff at the school at Fanda, although I have been aware for some time of the abuse carried out on some fields and the apparent lack of repentence of those involved.
I have been hesitant to become "involved" as I feel an outsider looking in. I am however one who weeps with those who weep. My heart and prayers go out to all of those who have been hurt.
Field leadership, from my observations may have changed but if anything it is becoming more worldly, this also is sad.
If I were a young Christian seeking to serve the Lord in a "missionary" capacity, knowing what I know now, I doubt I would be praying to serve with NTM. Yes, the work is very important but so are our children and we have let you down, please forgive us.

Carl, just journeying through.

Thanks for posting, thank you for reading, praying.