CAM Molestation Issue

[Hats Off]

I suspect there are a lot of other pressures being brought to bear against the leaders in CAM. Some from within their donor and volunteer constituency and some from the legal authorities.

We who support CAM’s programs should continue to do so and we should be ready to give more when the organization comes clean and is re-organized under new leadership and a wiser structure and more effective policies. This is not the fault of the vast number of field workers, missionaries, program staff and the poor and needy they serve. Leave justice to God, however he brings that about. Let’s not take it out in the people CAM serve even if some in CAM have neglected their stewardship.

We do not consider CAM to be God.. but we have seen what good the orgnization has done and is doing currently. We do not condone the evil that has taken place; God forbid that we would; but... I certainly agree with Wayne's position above.

[Wade]

I suspect there are a lot of other pressures being brought to bear against the leaders in CAM. Some from within their donor and volunteer constituency and some from the legal authorities.

We who support CAM’s programs should continue to do so and we should be ready to give more when the organization comes clean and is re-organized under new leadership and a wiser structure and more effective policies. This is not the fault of the vast number of field workers, missionaries, program staff and the poor and needy they serve. Leave justice to God, however he brings that about. Let’s not take it out in the people CAM serve even if some in CAM have neglected their stewardship.

We do not consider CAM to be God.. but we have seen what good the orgnization has done and is doing currently. We do not condone the evil that has taken place; God forbid that we would; but... I certainly agree with Wayne's position above.

I'm not sure why people can't see that supporting an organization that has failed with accountability and yet ahs shown that they have repented just for the good of the poor is not situational ethics? I liked what Wayne said too but we need to live by God's principles in doing and standing for right and trust Him whatever the outcome.

[Judas Maccabeus]

https://trudymetzger.files.wordpress.co ... nkster.pdf

As men under authority they were no longer free to follow their consciences but had to follow the directives of the board and their lawyers.

Wow...just wow. 1945

This just goes to show that it is very difficult to mesh the “two Kingdoms”. I have seen this in the past, when someone within the conservative Mennonite community committed a heinous crime several years ago. Unfortunately when crimes are committed by conservative Anabaptist people, they are taking themselves out from under the umbrella of their core beliefs and putting themselves under the “kingdom” of the state.

And sadly, many times leaders have no knowledge how the criminal justice system works, and because of that, they depend heavily on the lawyers, doing what their lawyers say.

That being said, CAM leadership is between a rock and a hard place. It is true that Failure to protect the resources entrusted to CAM would be poor stewardship. Those resources are used to help and provide for the poorest of poor, for relief work, to provide aid stateside and abroad. etc.

One last thing. I am wondering how this last bit of news about the disagreements within the CAM board, from Trudy helps the victims of sexual abuse, as she so readily claims she wants to help?

When you invite the lawyers into the room, the Holy Spirit leaves. The predictable consequence of lawyering up.

Personally, IF justice requires I would far rather see CAM's assets being used to help the victims than used to pay lawyers....and pay them they will.

J.M.

[hillperson]

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.the-da ... -SVEfAgq8g

[hillperson]

It looks like when CAM said they were cooperating with the law they meant it.

[Wade]

• A Way Forward through the CAM tragedy...for all of us

My scope of understanding is quite limited, but these three core facts appear to be true:

• 1) Jeriah Mast systematically sexually abused perhaps dozens of boys over a 20-year period in both the United States (as a member of a conservative Anabaptist church community) and Haiti (while a missionary for CAM & Life Literature). [Many victims have come forth, and Jeriah has allegedly confessed to these things].
  
  2) While the bulk of the activity came out in May in a confession to a pastor in Haiti, some of Jeriah's previous pedophilic actions were known to those in leadership for years - including American and Haitian pastors, CAM & Life Literature leaders, and presumably leaders in his church community and some family members. [For example, Harold Herr's testimony says CAM & Life leadership knew for at least six or seven years, and apparently even some leaders in both the Haitian and Mennonite church communities may have known longer].
  
  3) Despite multiple episodes of "repentance" over the years (up until recently), Jeriah showed no ability to overcome his darkest impulses, and his action showed no meaningful understanding of the damage he was inflicting on the lives of his victims, their families, and the cause of Christ.

These tragic and far-reaching facts have rocked the Conservative Anabaptist and Mission worlds...including mine - we are part of this community and have served in Haiti in a conservative Anabaptist mission a total of five years, in part during the time while Jeriah was actively victimizing Haitian boys. We personally know many of those involved in this tragedy - both Haitians and Missionaries alike. Our hearts are broken and, with so many others, we are both angered and grieved! So - the question is, in the face of such a great wrong, "What should happen now? How do we, as a community of faith, move forward from here?" We know that evil must not triumph where the cause of Christ is concerned.

As Christians we look to the values of Justice and Grace for our answers - and while these values are sometimes found in tension with each other, we recognize that God is a God of both, and we must be a people of both. Where Justice and Grace find harmony is in the example of Christ, who calls us to a higher plane of justice. Instead of retributive justice (an eye for an eye) we are to strive for restorative justice (grace-filled justice that brings new life). In fact we rely on it for our salvation - "for while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." So, what does restorative justice demand in this situation?

First, and most importantly, for the victims and their families, justice demands that Jeriah face the international legal consequences for his crimes against children. Restoration demands that these boys and their families be cared for spiritually, psychologically, and materially by the community that Jeriah was a part of - family, churches and institutions must sacrificially join forces in this effort - in the hopes of restoring their dignity and helping them heal as dearly loved children of God.

Second, "of whom much is given much is required." Justice demands that those in church and mission leadership who previously (before May) knew of Jeriah's wrongs, especially those who could have hindered his access to the children of Haiti, admit their failure to adequately protect the "least of these," apologize for their negligence, and publicly recognize the severe harm to individuals and their institutions that their lapse in judgement has brought about. Trust has been broken, and those who could have stopped Jeriah's reappointment to Haiti (including board members) need to step aside in order to help their missions regain trust and rebuild the work for Christ they have been called to do. I don't say this lightly- many of these brothers have honorably given their lives to mission work, and many are my friends. Restoration requires that we in the Conservative Anabaptist Mission and Church community repent of the prideful and self-preserving culture that has allowed this evil to go unchecked in our midst in this situation and elsewhere, and together build a system of transparency, accountability, and procedural integrity to prevent this kind of thing from ever happening again! Restoration also demands that those leaders (and their families) who have been shamed and broken by this calamity find forgiveness, healing, and care in family of God, and also that those institutions that have been tainted be given the opportunity to meet their legal and moral obligations, and with whatever solvency remains, re-earn their constituents trust and with the community's oversight and God's help fully give themselves once again to the work of Jesus.

Third, justice requires that Jeriah, once broken and repentant, pay the price for his crimes of violence, vulgarity, and selfish power against these innocents, and never be given unsupervised access to children again as long as he lives (even his own children). This price will doubtless include confession, specific and personal apologies, a lengthy prison sentence, and restitution to victims. Restoration requires that Jeriah's life be spared, and that ultimately that he too find forgiveness, treatment, and the opportunity for restoration into the community of faith as a redeemed child of God. Restoration also requires that his family, who are also his victims, be cared for and nurtured by the community. [I am not convinced that his life, as a pedophile-missionary who preyed on Haitian children, will be spared in the bedlam of a Haitian prison. Might he serve his Haitian time in an American prison?]

As shock has turned to anger in our community, I hear strong words of condemnation, with some folks calling for harsh and far-reaching punishment, and/or for withholding of funds from CAM or even for its dissolution. Bitterness and cynicism are on the rise within our ranks. I have children of my own, and I have served much of my life in ministry and mission leadership - I understand this anger. Others are silent, defensive, or advocate for "circling the wagons" to limit the damage. I understand this preservation instinct as well. However, there comes a point, hopefully sooner rather than later, when with God's help this cascade of events turns from destructive to constructive. I don't believe we are there yet - and some important things have to be set in motion before this occurs. But we need to pray fervently together, that out of the ruins of the brokenness of this tragedy might emerge something true and God-breathed.

I think your avoidance of responsibility in Haiti is one of the most disappointing things in all this and that so many people hearted it too. We have no control on him going so why did you have to include that? I don't think this has the heart of early Christianity or the original Anabaptists at all with including that - others have been willing to die for Christ's kingdom - not save their life. I really think you know how to preach non-resistance Dan but I am not sure you understand applying it...

[Wade]

True story:
When I was a boy I went over to a lot beside the neighbours with a friend where an old skidder cab was and I started throwing rocks to brake a few windows.
When I got home my father was waiting for me and asked where I was and what I had been doing? I tried to avoid telling the truth but the blood on my hands and my father telling me that the neighbour had called and seen me, I couldn't hide the fact I was guilty.
My father took me over to the neighbours where I gave an apology and my father also assured our neighbour I would pay all the money for the windows back. I was also grounded.
My father knew something about face to face reconciliation and responsibility.

I don't think many people would say that my father handled that poorly - yet when Jeriah Mast was known for some time to "braking windows", nothing is done and then he runs home to daddy when exposed and gets coddled and supported that he doesn't need to go reconcile when the neighbour calls - and you think that is okay - that is situational ethics.

I am not saying force him to go to Haiti or do anything about it - but please just reconsider saying things in support of "protecting" someone from reconciliation.

[Dan Z]

I think your avoidance of responsibility in Haiti is one of the most disappointing things in all this and that so many people hearted it too. We have no control on him going so why did you have to include that? I don't think this has the heart of early Christianity or the original Anabaptists at all with including that - others have been willing to die for Christ's kingdom - not save their life. I really think you know how to preach non-resistance Dan but I am not sure you understand applying it...

Sorry you feel that way Wade.

You should know that my non-resistance is grounded on Christ's teachings and example of non-violence and the sanctity of life - that God alone should be the giver and taker of life. Thus I will not recommend violence, abortion, warfare, euthanasia, or capital punishment.

From what I know about Haitian prisons (some of the worst in the world), I honestly don't believe Jeriah would survive his time there - in other words I believe it would be a death sentence - which is retributive not restorational. I wouldn't wish that on anyone. Jesus calls us to transcend "eye for eye" thinking - that's how I try to apply my nonresistance.

[temporal1]

I think your avoidance of responsibility in Haiti is one of the most disappointing things in all this and that so many people hearted it too. We have no control on him going so why did you have to include that? I don't think this has the heart of early Christianity or the original Anabaptists at all with including that - others have been willing to die for Christ's kingdom - not save their life. I really think you know how to preach non-resistance Dan but I am not sure you understand applying it...

Sorry you feel that way Wade.

You should know that my non-resistance is grounded on Christ's teachings and example of non-violence and the sanctity of life - that God alone should be the giver and taker of life. Thus I will not recommend violence, abortion, warfare, euthanasia, or capital punishment.

From what I know about Haitian prisons (some of the worst in the world), I honestly don't believe Jeriah would survive his time there - in other words I believe it would be a death sentence - which is retributive not restorational. I wouldn't wish that on anyone. Jesus calls us to transcend "eye for eye" thinking - that's how I try to apply my nonresistance.

So much is being posted in several threads, it’s hard to keep up.
Possibly, this post from Ken will shed some light on the Haitian prison questions.
Actually, all of Ken’s input adds a different perspective.

Page 5 (Item 2)
http://forum.mennonet.com/viewtopic.php ... a&start=40

I'm new here on this forum and this seems to be the hot topic today. In my previous life I have worked as Federal official and have had interaction with the Justice Department so I have a sense of how these sorts of things play out. Couple of points.

1. Makes absolutely no difference what anyone here thinks about Jeriah, CAM, or Hatian justice. The facts of the matter are that the US has an extradition treaty with Haiti and has used it in the recent past to extradite drug dealers and drug cartel leaders out of Haiti to face US justice. The Justice Department and State Department will absolutely NOT jeopardize that relationship on behalf of an accused child molestor. If the Haitian authorities decide to request extradition then I doubt the US authorities would stand in their way.

2. I'm a lot more familiar with Guatemala and Central America than Haiti.
I worked in Guatemala for several years.

But generally speaking, foreigners can usually buy safety in foreign prisons.
His supporters (if he has any) can pay for separate secure facilities, separate food, etc.
It can all be had for a price.
Does not mean the experience will be pleasant. It is still a Haitian prison.

But do not presume sending him to Haiti would automatically mean a "death sentence" as a lot here claim.

The Haitian authorities have a lot of incentive to make sure that doesn't happen because they want to continue maintaining good relations with the US, foreign aid, etc. And an American dying in a Haitian prison would jeopardize that.

There is probably zero chance that he'd be tossed into the general prison population.
He'd probably be sharing a cell with old political prisoners, white collar criminals, or something of the sort who are considered non-dangerous.

3. I expect the other shoe is yet to drop and that is how many (if any) other individuals within the church or organization will be found culpable for covering this up, allowing him to continue his crimes, etc. If the Haitian authorities request it, I would expect an FBI investigative team flying down to Haiti to assist the Haitians in their investigations and cooperating up here.

4. The "spin" coming out of CAM is probably intended to serve two purposes. First, to try to build a case against extradition which will likely be unsuccessful. If the Haitians want him they will get him and if he winds up serving time in the US first, then they'll get him after he is finished serving his time in the US. Second, I suspect there are other members of this organization who are looking to defend their actions (or lack of them) in the court of public opinion. However none of that is really going to matter. The wheels of justice are going to roll forward at their own pace. In this day and age with all the other scandals coming out of the Catholic church and elsewhere there is really going to be zero sympathy. I would expect the Justice Department and other authorities to be very tight lipped and proceed at their own pace. This is small fry stuff for them. At any given moment in time there are probably hundreds of Americans caught up in sex-related charges overseas, from child pornograpy to human trafficing, to rape to child molestion, especially in Asia. This is just one more drop in the bucket and won't warrant any special consideration from the authorities.

5. Yes there have been examples in the past of US citizens convicted of crimes overseas being allowed to serve out sentences in the US. I'm not familiar with how those cases develop. Probably on a case-by-case basis. And it would require the agreement of the foreign authorities and also the US authorities who would be bearing the costs of imprisonment in the US which are not cheap. I tend to think those cases tend to be reserved for US officials convicted of crimes overseas. Like for example, soldiers convicted of crimes overseas, or other US officials like DEA agents. The government tends to protect its own and I'm skeptical that they would go to bat for someone like this.

i am trying to grasp Wade’s (and Josh’s) full intent, they are trying hard to seek Jesus’ direction,
i believe that is central to why everyone on this forum is present. The one common goal.

J Mast’s fate is no longer in local, or church control.
From what Ken adds, no matter what, J Mast will not be treated like (Haitian) prisoners.

i am thinking of Ken Miller’s recent ordeal, and how he responded and submitted to it.
Ken Miller did not have years of freedom before being incarcerated. his experience was abrupt.

[temporal1]

J.M.:
When you invite the lawyers into the room, the Holy Spirit leaves.
The predictable consequence of lawyering up.

Personally, IF justice requires I would far rather see CAM's assets being used to help the victims than used to pay lawyers....and pay them they will.
J.M.

i think i understand what you’re saying here, but i believe the Holy Spirit is greater-than lawyers, and is available at all times, esp for those who call on the Spirit. Ken Miller is a recent example of abiding in faith while entrenched in the U.S. legal system. we are called to faith in all circumstances.

the lawyers will be paid! that is close to an earthly certainty.
the courts will decide how other funds are distributed.