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Updates: CAM & Jeriah Mast and investigating other other sex abuse allegations overseas; And a excellent writing by an Anabaptist Medical Doctor

Splsh4Ripls

It’s been some time since I posted updates regarding investigating other allegations brought forward against missionaries overseas. As a result of being rear-ended at over 100km/h (65 m/h) August 1, I have been in physio twice weekly. Initially, at the scene of the accident, it seemed there was little harm, but neck and back problems became progressively worse with the passing of time. As a result, extensive travel has not been an option, and things are put on hold. However, as I improve, it is my hope to be able to do everything I did before. Tim and I did a four hour flight, which went reasonably well. There was still much stiffness and discomfort at times, so he managed all the luggage… and faithfully put pressure on the tight spots in my neck and shoulder.

Tentative plans are to fly to one of the locations in early December, to meet with the alleged victims of another missionary in a separate case. Funds that came in for this to cover my travel costs have been set aside. However, given the dynamics of the situation, I have asked an Anabaptist couple familiar with that particular country and region — as well as having connections to the alleged victims — if they would consider flying with me. They are willing, on the condition of having funding provided for their flights. If you are willing to give toward the cost of their travels, please contribute via TRAVEL EXPENSES. (Should there be excess funds they will be donated to Generations Unleashed).

Having learned that all victims of whom I was aware, except three, have received payoffs from CAM, the need for monthly funding to help them in the interim is significantly lower than anticipated. (Roughly $500 is all that is needed. We currently have $216 so far this month). We have connections in Port au Prince for food packages to be provided for these victims who did not accept the payoffs. Any medical/counseling needs will be paid directly to the professionals. If you wish to contribute, please do so via “HAITI VICTIM SUPPORT‘. Please include comment of “Haiti Victim Support”.

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UPDATES ON CAM IN THE FOLLOWING LINKS:

Pittsburg Post-Gazette September 2: HAITIAN LAWYER CRITICIZES CAM PAYING OFF VICTIMS
(When the ‘pay off’ money runs out, or even before, the victims in Haiti have the right to join in a lawsuit to get yet more money. The payoffs allegedly included ‘reparation’ agreements that the victims had to sign. Problem is, some victims claim they were not allowed to read them, but had to sign them to get the money. If true, how is that an agreement and not manipulation?)

Pittsburg Post-Gazette September 9: OHIO PLAINTIFF SUES JERIAH MAST
(It is ironic that, as some of the Anabaptist community bemoans the wickedness of a victim suing the offender, others in their community are threatening to sue me for exposing crimes).

Statement by CAM September 20: REPARATION AGREEMENTS 
Again, reparation agreements are not legally binding, from what I understand. Less so when victims don’t read them but have to sign them, if that claim is true. And going behind their lawyer’s back, in the case of at least 5 victims. Long term support… Now that’s something I could get behind. …if it was lacking the manipulations that are allegedly involved here. We will see… CAM will have to prove itself with greater transparency.

In other happier news, my husband sent me this this blog written by a conservative Anabaptist Medical doctor: Vestiges of the Pre-Reformation Past. I highly, highly recommend reading this wisdom-filled, balanced article. It is not important to me whether I agree with every word written. It is important that someone is speaking truth with heart, compassion and clarity.

As always…

Love,
~ T ~

© Trudy Metzger 2019

Events and Announcements:

Dayton Virginia: Training and conference, October 9-12, 2019.

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To read a recent 5-part series addressing victim healing and forgiveness for offenders, click: HERE.

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ANONYMOUS SEXUAL ABUSE SURVEY BY ANABAPTIST MEDICAL DOCTOR

Some time ago, a friend told me of a medical doctor (Anabaptist) who is doing research into sexual abuse in Anabaptist communities. To take his survey visit:
Anabaptist Medical Matters

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JASON GRAY CONCERT:
NOVEMBER 2, 2019
Lancaster Bible College, Lancaster PA
7:00pm
CONCERT TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC: Here

NOTE: Due to the concert being the celebration for survivors of abuse,
we ask that any who have sexually abused as adults not attend out of respect

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November 2, 2019:  THE GATHERING, held at Lancaster Bible College, is a place where survivors of sexual assault, together with our support person(s), collectively invite God into our grief.  It is exclusively for Anabaptist survivors of sexual abuse and trusted support persons to gather for a day of acknowledging the generations of suffering and sexual violence among us. We will cry out to God, together. Come as you are in your raw brokenness, if that’s where you’re at, or in your healed togetherness. We welcome you! The itinerary is simple. It isn’t about ‘who’ or ‘how’; it is about Jesus and a safe place to meet, to grieve and heal another layer, together.

NOTE: Anyone over 18 who sexually assaulted someone – whether child or other adult – is not welcome. This does not mean they are not forgiven if they have repented. It means victims should not fear being confronted with the source of their trauma on such a vulnerable day. Security guards will be present to remove any who show up and are identified as offenders by the victims.

Until August 1, 2019, registration for the day’s events includes lunch and attendance to the evening concert with Jason Gray, whose music had brought hope and healing to countless victims. Songs like “The Wound is Where the Light Gets In“, “A Way to See in the Dark“, Sparrows“, “Nothing is Wasted“, and many more speak a language we understand.

NOTE: After August 1 concert is included dependant on availability. Once concert tickets are sold out, registrations will continue until October 1 and include lunch only.

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If you are able to contribute to Generations Unleashed and our work with and for victims, you may donate via PayPal or e-transfer to info@generationsunleashed.com. Or visit Generations Unleashed Donate.

Haiti: Anabaptist Evangelist, Stanley Fox, Knew of Sex Crimes

Splsh4Ripls4 Comments

As of this morning evidence has surfaced that Stanley Fox, of Pennsylvania, knew of the sex crimes committed by Christian Aid Ministries (CAM) staff member since sometime 2016-2017.  In the evidence he admits that he knew and expresses regret at not having done more, that he didn’t think of the law at all, or even know what Haiti laws are on the matter. He thought the matter was taken care of, he says, [EDIT: referring to working with the victims to forgive. There was no action taken to remove Jeriah permanently from the mission field. As of yet, there has been no public acknowledgement. Nor was this admission produced by Mr. Fox; this surfaced as a result of exposure].

[EDIT TO CLARIFY: As of yet there has been any retraction of CAM’s misleading public statements, nor have any of these men publicly renounced that statement to tell the truth. That said, I just received word moments ago that a statement is forthcoming, though I don’t know when, exactly].

Personally, I do not know Mr. Fox, though I have heard the name. I am told he is a highly revered evangelist in USA and abroad, and that he leads CAM’s Biblical Discipleship Program (BDP) in Haiti, and branching beyond. (Also, I listened to his December 2018 Christmas message, and must admit, I could listen to him preach for days on end. He is dynamic, no question there! Click photo to listen to the audio.) And, certainly he was a highly respected leader connected with CAM, and is seen as “the face of CAM” by the people of Haiti. If you click the link, at 17 seconds in they mention that “Anabaptist pastors from the States are recruited to teach these life-changing three week seminars, on the subjects of: Old Testament foundations, Repentance, Moral Integrity, Marriage, Church Leadership, and more...”

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Having taught these things, to see the leaders not living them, and not standing for truth when such failure took place *on his watch* , has sent ripples of shock and devastation through Haitian communities. One of Jeriah’s victims said they would like to see all who knew, resign, since they cannot live the Gospel they taught all these years.

It saddens me that so many leaders knew and decided ‘it was taken care of’, simply by encouraging victims to forgive. Please, spare us the argument that ‘he didn’t know the details, or he didn’t know it was ongoing’. Others were sent home — and this information comes to me from one of their own — for pornography, heterosexual sexual interactions between two adults, and other similar stories… after *one* confession, with no hope of returning. Yes, repeat offences and repeat confessions of ‘moral failure’ is met with an invitation to return?

Some victims reached out numerous times to different people over the course of several years, and were always brushed aside. ‘Until you, no one cared. No one listened to our story,’ is a message I keep hearing from the victims. And now that it is out in the open, they thank me that truth is finally acknowledged, but they add that they are in danger and have been threatened (not by the missionaries), so that they now live in fear.

As of the present, we have Harold Herr on record saying that he was told in 2012. We have him stating he sat face-to-face with Eli Weaver and told him at around that time. [I am told by a reliable source] there is a email evidence – or at least was, if it has not been destroyed – that Paul Weaver and Eli Weaver interacted on the matter around 2012. And now we have record of Stanley Fox admitting he knew several years ago. On top of that, now others in USA who know some of those involved have come forward and admitted this was known beyond that small circle.

Also this morning I learned that Stanley Fox is one of the individuals allegedly being recruited or considered for returning to Haiti to help the victims. This in the midst of some Haiti victims asking for his resignation.

Having learned that yet another top official knew, if I were in a position to advise Haiti right now, I would close the door to any new CAM-chosen missionaries, counsellors or aid workers to enter the country. And that would include deporting anyone who knew and covered. The first thing I would do is go to CAM and start interviewing and finding out who knew, and who didn’t. It would be a very forthright interview, with no beating around the bush.

Frankly, now that I know Harold Herr of LIFE Literature (LL) is being advised to lawyer up, I have no confidence that truth is of particular interest. (CORRECTION: While in Haiti I was told that LL is an extension of Life Ministries. However, I received a message stating that it became a completely separate entity some time after Lester Miller’s death. [I was sent a date of  Jan 6, 2014, which I have been informed is inaccurate, therefore I have corrected this information]. Of interest may be that Earl Fox, Stanley’s brother, is LL’s chairman). Therefore, I’d go to LIFE Literature and do a bit of investigating there too. Lay staff who knew [and did nothing], get deported. Top officials who knew, would stand trial, along with Jeriah.

Next I would find those missionaries who knew and did the right thing – helping this thing come to light and then reaching out to victims – and I would ask them to help screen and bring in missionaries.

I certainly wouldn’t trust the Keepers of Dark Secrets to suddenly become the Warriors of Truth and Righteousness, or to recruit those who would expose corruption.

However, I am not an advisor for Haiti. So Haiti will need to navigate this criminal mess against one of the largest USA Christian relief work organizations – making the Forbes top 100 Charity list numerous times. It is not an easy thing to enter a legal battle. And it is even worse when you are up against religious people who are lawyered up.

And while they hire lawyers and avoid Haiti law — even while stating publicly they are cooperating with the law — some of the victims in Haiti are receiving death threats (again, as previously stated, not from missionaries). There really is no justice among ‘God’s people’ when this is how they respond

I wish Haiti and the victims of Jeriah Mast’s crimes the best in the effort to deal with this crime, and pray for favour on them.

#iStandWithHaiti
#iStandWithVictims
#AslanHasHeard

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Visit the link to read about the proposed “ANABAPTIST SEX OFFENDER WATCH LIST‘

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As always…

Love,
~ T ~

© Trudy Metzger 2019

 

In Harold Herr’s own Voice… CAM/Life knew; Jeriah tells the Law & Repentance Pizza Party

Splsh4Ripls4 Comments

During my time in Haiti I met with Harold Herr. I did not seek out this meeting, but was advised by several people to meet with “Grandpa Harold’ to talk about this case. I was completely disinterested. I do not know him. Nonetheless, after some nudging I agreed to have him answer what others could not. Who knew?

I sat with him and another gentleman and said, “I was told Paul Weaver knew. I was told Eli Weaver knew. And … I was also told that you knew.” To this he replied, “I’ll tell you exactly how it is…”

Rather than transcribe it, here I’ll let you listen for yourself:

Note: What is troubling is that some people will be more outraged that I recorded this information than they ever were or will be that Jeriah molested so many children. I know the drill.

EDIT: To avoid it being a distraction to readers, I will add this. I checked with a lawyer about Haiti law and if I am within legal boundaries here with this recording. I am. Had CAM told the truth, there would have been no need for sharing this.

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It seems a follow up blog addressing some of the events of Jeriah Mast’s first three weeks back on USA soil would be appropriate. I’ve heard from numerous sources – both public and private – that I failed to present the full story. As I stated in my previous blog, there are things I cannot say, related to more crimes unrelated to Haiti. There is an investigation, and I will do my best to leave that to law enforcement.

Then there are things I chose not to say, simply to keep the focus on the case and the boys. Now, with word having reached nearly 50,000 people – plus the email copies that were made and sent via ‘mass email’ through CAM… well, who really knows how far it went – and given CAM feels I have not been forthcoming, I will tell some of those details. (Still excluding info regarding stateside crimes). It is my expectation that CAM will wish I did not know what I am about to tell you. Yet, you, the donors and fellow believers, deserve to know the other side of the story.

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The following is what I wrote to law enforcement before posting the blog:

“I am most interested that truth is told and that this will not be another case that slides under the proverbial rug. Having done my best to cooperate with the law, whether Jeriah gets jail time or not is not my problem. Whether the American (including Canada) church is informed or not is my duty, just as reporting to the law is.”

My personal thoughts are that a serial sex offender/pedophile/child molester who has duped the public for 20 years would do well to spend time in prison. We are not talking about a 14-year-old who has looked at a child and returned to plead forgiveness, unsolicited. We are talking about a man who has completely pulled the wool over the eyes of many, many people. With the help of leaders who reduced the crimes to ‘moral failings’, he was able to do this. Had they named it, he would never have gotten by with it. So, yes, prison is a reasonable outcome. But my responsibility is limited to reporting and giving information to the law. I have done that. As more reportable info comes in, I will continue to do just that.

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I will now create a bit of a timeline, with less storytelling than the previous blog:

Friday May 3, 2019: Confronted by Pastor Eris:

Pastor Eris confronted Jeriah regarding allegations of molesting many Haitian boys. Initially Jeriah denies, but with enough pressure, he admits to the crimes.

(There is some discrepancy in reports. Some say Jeriah is immediately ‘let go’ (aka fired) from CAM. Others say this is not true. The only relevance to the case is that if they fired him, there was at least one person taking it serious… or at least trying to protect CAM).

May 3 to May 4, 2019: Jeriah Flees Haiti:

Realizing he is exposed, Jeriah takes his family in the middle of the night and flees to Dominican Republic, rather than flying out of Haiti. He has an accomplice for this, and takes a vehicle that is not his usual transportation.

May 11, 2019: Jeriah and Marian renew wedding vows:

Six days after fleeing Haiti for the crimes he committed, Jeriah and Marian renewed their vows. (This ‘ceremony’ to be somewhat known in Ohio, where I was only days ago). When I asked why, I was told because of his moral failings and unfaithfulness to her.

May 6 – May 21, 2019 (approximately and throughout):

Visits stateside victims:

Jeriah apologizes and learns that none are interested in pressing charges. This information is useful. He plans to turn himself in after these visits.

Connect with Amish Steering Committee (ASC) for help:

A ‘restoration plan’ is put in place including accountability and professional counseling.

Regarding ASC  & the “restoration plan” one of the family in Ohio says the following:

It is basically doing what the law would do, but it’s in a church setting, and it also includes professional counseling and all that.  Basically, it’s a Restoration Plan to bring restoration and healing to the situation… Through the ASC working with the law enforcement they have been able to keep these people from having to pay the consequences…” And, regarding the crimes they say, it’s definitely been an addiction. I think looking at it from that perspective helps everyone understand more how some of these things could happen.

Also during this time period, there was great enthusiasm and encouragement brewing that God would redeem this mess and that Jeriah would be used powerfully in men’s ministry after the “Restoration Plan”

Somewhere in these weeks, they also prayed daily for the victims. I am told the prayers were by name. I’ve been told that they maintain that all sins are equal, and that those talking are sinning.

And I’m told that Jeriah spent much time in prayer weeping. Good. But until we see repentance with fruit – and in this case it involves facing the people and the law where he committed his crimes, those tears don’t mean too much in the way of practical transformation.

May 22, 2019, Jeriah ‘turned himself in’ to law … with no intentions of admitting to crimes in Haiti:

To that end, the following details are critical when looking at the ‘turning himself in’ part of this story:

  • he intended only to report stateside crimes and tell the law the victims don’t want to press charges
  • he lined up Amish Steering Committee support and had a “Restoration Plan” to avoid consequences (Whether stated or not, those involved said they would request going to Whispering Hope or Fresh Start instead of prison)
  • was not going to talk about the Haiti crimes because CAM had a lawyer looking after that

That was the plan. But… alas…

Several people reported and made sure the FBI knew. (How the interview was scheduled I have not asked and do not know). But the FBI liaison was there for the interview, and what he was not planning to confess, ended up being confessed because it had already been reported.

This was followed by a pizza party to celebrate finding favour with the law. In attendance was CAM staff member Dwayne Stoltzfus and wife Lois.

Pictures of this event, I am told, are floating around USA… If you have photos, I’d welcome them as they would make a convincing addition to this blog post.

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 That same day I reported to FBI everything I knew and had received from numerous sources; individuals who were concerned it would all be covered up again. This included missionaries, former CAM staff, and friends of Jeriah.

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I have a very good friend who I learned early on is closely connected to the case. I told her two things:

1. I will do what is right, no matter how close this strikes. And I am so sorry if you get hurt in the process.

2. I will get information from other sources. It will come to me. And it did.

 

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And, now, I am told, a public statement has been released by CAM… I will go and read that and possibly do an update after the fact, depending on how closely what is said there matches what I learned from Harold Herr.

I am interested in truth and justice, with mercy. In the face of lies, deception and coverup, not one of those can truly exist.

So let’s hope they’ve admitted they knew since 2012, that they did nothing for years, and only now that they are public exposed they finally are doing something. It isn’t good enough, for an organization to neglect crime so blatantly, but it is a starting point.

Until we get that level of truth, there’s nothing to work with.

To read part one: “Haiti Commissioner Order CAM to Appear in Court...”

As always…

Love,
~ T ~

 

 

© Trudy Metzger 2019