Children

We Now Have Ten Children!

How a brand-new father-in-law walked out on thin ice to interrupt a wedding reception
four hours or so after Drew and Anne's wedding

Our son Drew gave us the opportunity to be among the invited speakers at their wedding reception. He acknowledged knowing that I’m not a fan of open mic, but wanted me to say something anyway. Well, what’s a Dad to say but, “OK”? 😀

I drew up a fine list of potential things to say weeks ago. And put the matter out of my mind pending further review on the way to the wedding in Pennsylvania. Due to a series of factors, the review never happened. But I knew I could take my computer with me to the reception and do my memory refreshing before the wedding (or whatever I thought).

The wedding day came and I, forgetting that important detail, decided not to take my computer to the wedding site. When that unfortunate detail dawned on me, I found myself 30-40 minutes distant from my computer! And I could remember nothing of my notes except the two things most important to me. Good enough.

And from there sprouted what I will call the keenest disappointment for me of the whole trip. Read it all

“A Father, Huh?”

How to gain a right concept of God when fathers fail
how to get an accurate picture of God as Father

“Do you know my Dad?”

  • “He abandoned us!”
  • “He is ill-tempered and abusive!”
  • “I was conceived out of wedlock; I am a child of sin.”
  • “He is too busy for us.”
  • “He is so immature it’s mortifying.”
  • “He is a loser.”

“I get no warm fuzzies at the thought of fathers. Why should I about God? In fact, how is my Dad not a message from God to me . . . about me?”Read it all

Lisa Miller Surrenders Into US Custody

After more than a decade in hiding, Lisa Miller turned herself in.

Today, January 18, 2021, I am voluntarily surrendering myself to the U.S. Authorities by walking into the U.S. Embassy in Nicaragua.

Lisa Miller’s plan was thwarted by a holiday. She and Isabella (and a friend) arrived at the American Embassy in Managua only to learn it was closed due to Martin Luther King Jr Day.

They returned the next day and followed through with their plan.

Lisa and Isabella Miller

The officials at the embassy just couldn’t see why she would turn herself in! “Why are you here?” they asked. “Why do you do this?” 🙂

This past Wednesday (January 27), Lisa finally returned to the US after leaving the country in 2009. (For more details about her case, see two links I’ve included at the end of this post.) What happens to her now in the American justice system remains to be seen. Read it all

Sasha Krause Update: A Poem for Her Killer’s Mother

Pray for her...and mothers still raising their little ones

Welcome home, Sasha Krause

So two mornings ago, on April 21, detectives arrested Mark Gooch for the homicide of Sasha Krause. Gooch was serving as an airman at Luke Air Force Base near Phoenix, AZ. The 21-year-old is from a Mennonite family in Wisconsin, but I gather he never chose to serve the Lord. Whatever the case, he now stands accused of murder.

I really appreciate the short poem about his mother, written by…I don’t know who. I have two sources, and they don’t agree. One attributes it to a lady in the Wisconsin congregation; another, to someone in the Farmington congregation. But never mind that — here you have it: Read it all

Christian Aid Ministries Issues Update in Jeriah Mast Sexual Abuse Case

Well, OK, a set of prayer requests, actually...

About three hours ago, Christian Aid Ministries posted the following update on their website:

Prayer needs for Haiti situation

Thank you for your prayers, words of advice and correction, and notes of encouragement. We need your prayers! Here are some specific ways you can pray:

  • Victims and their families. Sexual abuse leaves victims in a wake of trauma and difficulty. Pray for their healing and restoration.
  • CAM Haitian and American staff and other mission staff in Haiti. Both CAM staff and those from other Anabaptist missions face many pressures in relation to this situation. Pray that God will give them strength and grace for today and the days ahead.
  • Board of Directors and CAM management: We have been meeting frequently to work through this situation. Pray for us as we make decisions and take action to care for those who have been affected. Much discernment is needed as we review policies and practices, work to heighten staff awareness of abuse, and create better ways for staff members to communicate questions and concerns. We want to continually improve mechanisms to protect children and other vulnerable people.
  • Victim care groups: Pray for all those who are seeking to respond to the needs of victims. Independent Anabaptist groups who have experience in dealing with sexual abuse victims are organizing themselves to help victims in Haiti. CAM also needs wisdom in fulfilling its responsibility toward victims.

Thank you for praying.

Sincerely,
The Board of Directors
Christian Aid Ministries (CAM)

I call it an update, but in reality, it’s more a prayer request statement. As you read for yourself, they’re reporting nothing new in what they have done regarding the leaders who failed them, their constituency, and the victims (who should have been protected by them). I hope the veil is lifted on that very soon. Those who would fault CAM for protecting (or at least shielding) these men will hardly be dissuaded by this morning’s statement. 🙁

Christian Aid Ministries Releases New Statement Regarding Jeriah Mast

Their answers to five questions you might have

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:Read it all

Is There a Cover-Up at Christian Aid Ministries Regarding Jeriah Mast?

Did they tolerate a known sexual predator on their staff in Haiti?

I don’t know.

I do know this whole thing just makes me sick. It is so evil…and essentially done in the name of Christ.

I know what I’ve read online about Jeriah Mast being a sexual predator and sexual abuser of little boys in Haiti and in the United States.

I know that Jeriah served in Haiti under Christian Aid Ministries (CAM) for many years.

I know that CAM is being accused of a cover-up in some quarters.

I do not personally know the principals involved nor do I know the gal who is blogging extensively about the matter.

I do know that I’m very unsatisfied with and troubled by CAM’s June 11 statement on their website. I hope they get on the ball and offer something more transparent and more point-blank. How come they don’t mention Jeriah Mast by name, for instance? Read it all

Above all, love God!