Late last night, the Board of Directors for Christian Aid Ministries (CAM) released a statement about CAM’s handling of the Jeriah Mast sexual abuse case in Haiti. This statement strikes me as far, far better than the first statement (which may not have been from the Board of Directors itself).
In their statement they respond to these questions:
- Is it true that CAM management allowed Jeriah Mast to continue working with CAM after they knew that he had sexually abused minors?
- Is it true CAM is trying to cover up this case by providing settlements?
- In light of the circumstances, what is CAM going to do with respect to Jeriah?
- Will CAM take any personnel action in this case?
- What is CAM doing to care for the victims?
About the “fate” of two men in upper management at Christian Aid Ministries…
Paul Weaver and Eli Weaver are two men who have faithfully served the Lord and our ministry for many years in management roles. Unfortunately, they allowed Jeriah to continue to work in the field even after his confession in 2013 of sexual activity with young men that had taken place several years prior. Both men recognize that their failure to properly investigate and inquire into Jeriah’s conduct was a serious failure in judgment and should have severe consequences.
CAM is placing Paul Weaver and Eli Weaver on administrative leave pending a full investigation of their role in this matter.
As to Jeriah Mast’s obligations to Haiti’s judicial system…
Although CAM no longer has any control over Jeriah, the board believes it would be the right thing for him to appear in Haitian court to answer for his confessed crimes. However, this needs to go through the proper judicial and extradition processes of the United States and Haiti.
On this last one, I’m sure the federal and state investigations into Jeriah’s sexual crimes in the United States will impact his “availability” to Haiti’s legal system. I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that American authorities have restricted or prohibited his freedom of travel abroad.
Well, I salute the CAM Board for this statement and the steps they have taken as noted therein. They seem to be on the right track; if so, may they stay the course.
As we look on from the outside of Christian Aid Ministries and as we consider Jeriah Mast’s statements of penitence and repentance, let us judge righteously…
“Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment” (John 7:24).
PS: I know their latest statement came a couple of hours or so after my blog post yesterday afternoon —
Is There a Cover-Up at Christian Aid Ministries Regarding Jeriah Mast? — but I’m under no illusion there’s a connection. 😀