Regarding Alanna McDonalds (sister worker) letter to the overseers in New Brunswick Canada
 2023

 The letter
 This is very well written and detailed letter about life in the work for a sister worker ... quite bluntly describing many of the problems women workers have in an extreme male authoriterian culture.  Also describing a culture of direct abuse

 

 (also noticed that on the recent workers list,  .. she has been moved to the sidelines because of her "critisizm"!!

The following are 22 comments on Wings For Truth  from different folks expressing clear understanding and support for Alanna  through the direct persecution she is suffering from seniors in the ministry.

 

Comment #20 Comment #21

Comment #22

henoffour | August 2, 2023 at 8:00 am

Alanna, thank you for being honest about things, your courage will be a help to others. But, if workers/ministers aren’t bringing the Spirit of Peace/God into people’s homes (and everywhere they go), because they aren’t reading and praying for God’s help…I doubt a handbook/pamphlet will have much affect. I think it will be used more as a weapon against each other than anything. They aren’t showing the "love of Christ one to another", nor are they adhereing to scripture like Ephesians 5 that NONE of this would be even ONCE named amongst us. But, these are just my thoughts.

Edgar Massey | August 7, 2023 at 9:40 am

I am surprized at the lack of interest shown in the seemingly moral melt down in NB with the unwillingness to deal with serious abuse allegations (albeit not CSA) — Instead we seem to see the "whistle blower punishment syndrome" that we recognize so well in other Canadian fields

 

henoffour | August 16, 2023 at 7:11 pm

Thank you Alanna, for speaking out. I have been on the ugly end of abuse by the sister workers (I am not a worker, but my brother was for 15 years, and for some reason I’m guessing some felt I was fair game because he was in the work). I have also seen workers abusing their companions…but, only the sister workers doing it. The men are more sneaky/devious. So, this whole issue begs: How is this "Showing LOVE one TO another"? So that they whole world will know that WE are HIS? How is this bringing the Spirit of Peace into people’s homes? (and wherever they are). It’s sickening!! I’m not in Canada, but most of my family lives up there. I’m in the USA. Not any better here.

 

     
Comment #18 Comment #19

,Comment #19

Edgar Massey | May 30, 2023 at 8:05 am

I find it interesting that there has been so little follow up on this letter … It was amazingly courageously and truthfully written. Maybe there have been reactions … just me that haven’t heard about it!

 

No confidence in the ministry | July 8, 2023 at 2:34 am

Edgar, I am familiar with Alanna. While in her area there are people who are standing up for her, I have heard very little from any friend or worker in other areas.

This letter should bring a public outcry,( meaning among the friends). I have spoken and written to a few and am totally devastated by their lack of ………… no words.
Many feel God will take care of it, which of course He will in time, but hardly anyone is openly taking a stand for righteousness.
Alanna said, we need your help.
Sadly, we are failing her and others.

I am praying that GOD will show us a way to help.
I am so disappointed that people are just looking the other way, waiting for someone else to make a move.

Overseers and many workers are a big part of the problem.
While I have loved the fellowship, it sure seems to be a haven for perverted and disturbed people.

I encourage all to pray earnestly, fervently, incessantly and unceasingly that God would come to our aid.

 

Sara Wojcik | July 20, 2023 at 4:48 pm

Thank you, Alanna, for your courage and strength in speaking the truth about your experience and your observations in the work. Pressure from other friends and workers has been a powerful deterrent to voicing the truth about these issues. Finally, people are realizing that these people have power over us, ONLY if we give it to them. God would never give power to people who use and abuse others, so we know their power is not from God, but self-assumed. We all need to stand up and do what the Holy Spirit moves upon us to do! Thank you again, for being a brave example!

 

     
Comment #16

Comment #17

Holly Theede | April 27, 2023 at 8:08 am

The DSM5, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, is a valuable tool . There is a section on Personality Disorders; Narcissistic , Histrionic, Antisocial, Borderline Personality Disorders. Trust me, anyone can read and understand this manual.
Personality disorders are thought to have a genetic component, however, expression of the disorder is definitely influenced by how the individual was parented and the individual’s experiences growing up. If a child has too restrictive or shame based parenting , then they struggle to make decisions in line with developmental milestones. This results in that child learning to manipulate or lie to others to have any independence. What is the atmosphere in the "strict" professing family? I grew up with TV is evil rather than , we should watch , read etc that which is good , true or beautiful.
If a child grows up without much guidance/parenting at all, then the child struggles to feel safe because children need help in making decisions and learn boundaries.
Too much or too little "parenting " and the kind of parenting, shame based vs loving guidance will affect the adult personality.
I definitely was easy prey for a covert spiritual narcissist ( he told me so too when he received divorce papers) because I was conditioned to believe I was responsible for my own behavior and God would deal with the abuser if I prayed enough. How many workers have prayed for their abusive co worker to be a nice person? Healthy boundaries and not allowing satan deceive is not preached, but rather, tolerance of evil is encouraged.
satan knows the Bible so remember to stay away from someone who is not living a loving way.
Les Carter phD has very well done youtube videos on Narcissism. They are free and valuable. We can improve our parenting to be aware of how we may influence our children.
There are videos on how to parent so you don’t raise a narcissist. We can learn how to set boundaries so those with personality disorders can’t hurt us.
We must do better! These abusive workers likely have developed personality disorders and the abuse is being tolerated. sad.

 

Ken Baker | May 4, 2023 at 1:47 pm

Hi Alana I believe everything you wrote , I feel so sorry for you and Morgan your both in my thoughts and prayers

 

     
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Comment #15

Benjamin Jacques | April 27, 2023 at 7:20 am

Thank you. We need complete honesty openness and we need to be strong in faith and love meekness and gentleness but that does not mean we do not deal with wrong amongst us with passiveness. Paul is clear on this that those that are able to rightly execute the word and are sensitive to the leading of the spirit should be taking a strong stand for what is right and separating ourselves as a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump as Paul says. Also it is clear there has been a lack within oversight as Paul and Peter and the other faithful servants and elders and disciples met when there were things to discuss together and made decisions about the kingdom together. No one person or select group should decide anything about gods kingdom as there must be unity in the spirit and no one is to lord over another. I hope this will begin a cleansing of the kingdom of rules that are man made and not of the spirit, and lead into deeper fellowship love and unity within the kingdom by everyone taking care to their own spirit and condition and being vigilant in our privilege to carry the name of Jesus. If we say we follow the bible then that is what we ought to do. There is clear direction on how to handle the affairs of the kingdom. The spirit also provides direction. It says when there are concerns that must be brought forward bring them to the church that means the whole church which is not a person or small group of overseers or workers. This is never mentioned in the bible and therefore not scriptural.

This reminds me of Gods people in the Old Testament wanting a king. The human nature likes this approach for some reason maybe it allows us to not take responsibility for the condition of the kingdom. If we want to the kingdom to be united then united we must stand and be willing to act upon the direction of the spirit even when it seems like no others are standing. Be strong in faith let gods spirit lead.

 

asisterwhocares | April 29, 2023 at 5:04 pm

So sad to read this young worker, Allana, talk about what she has endured from companions and coworkers. My dad said his older brother, just a young man himself, told an older sister worker that the younger sister hadn’t gone into the work to be a slave to older "servants"! There have been false accusations made, too, with the innocent persons trying to get the workers to meet with the accuser as is scriptural but being ignored by the workers. This double life is like the Pharisees, whited sepulchers. And wearing costumes and buns to look like the 50s is certainly not scriptural but most women are afraid to buck the rules. Fear based compliance rather than loving service isn’t scriptural either. We have to do better.

 

     
Comment #11 Comment #12

Comment #13

Andrew Jacques | May 2, 2023 at 5:25 am

"Now what are we going to do?"

This question has been risen by many and often.

Friends and workers.
I will live by faith. I will take the question "now what are we going to do about it?" and bring it to God! Find an answer and do that in my life and my little area of impact.

Jesus is my overseer.
The spirit is my guide.
And love is the law.

We walk only the way, life and light of Jesus and these three of no other leader.

 

Doreen Saunders | July 8, 2023 at 2:57 am

Hello Andrew, so good to see you here, encouraging Alanna. Your comments are encouraging, there is only one overseer, the ministry has gotten sidetracked.
I wondered so many times Andrew, why you left the work. I enjoyed having you in our home sooo much.
You told me once that you loved being in our home, it was lovely to hear that.
I wish you all the best my dear Andrew.

Thank you for standing against these atrocities, for calling the workers out on it, ( many people didn’t and don’t yet know ) 😳For taking this to God and being determined to make an impact in your own little area.
Loving your neighbour as yourself.

 

asisterwhocares | April 29, 2023 at 5:04 pm

So sad to read this young worker, Allana, talk about what she has endured from companions and coworkers. My dad said his older brother, just a young man himself, told an older sister worker that the younger sister hadn’t gone into the work to be a slave to older "servants"! There have been false accusations made, too, with the innocent persons trying to get the workers to meet with the accuser as is scriptural but being ignored by the workers. This double life is like the Pharisees, whited sepulchers. And wearing costumes and buns to look like the 50s is certainly not scriptural but most women are afraid to buck the rules. Fear based compliance rather than loving service isn’t scriptural either. We have to do better.

 

     
Comment #10

Comment #11

Andrew Jacques | April 27, 2023 at 5:30 am

Thank you so much Alanna.

I would like to say that your professional and personal approach to this letter is beautiful.

What a powerfully written letter. Thank you, thank you and thank you for your courage, grace, Persistence, and astounding bravery.

I call all the workers out for their complicit behaviour in the lack of transparency and false belief of "fitting in."

To all the workers I recommended: look at Alanna and others who are being wise and full of the spirit and sharing the truth.

Facing Hurts and fears will always be much Better than false securities.

To me and all: let us take the verse we read this morning, and apply it with the help of the spirit.

The ONLY overseer is Jesus.
The ONLY law is love.
The ONLY guide is the spirit.

Thanks again Alanna. Wow.
Thanks to all who love and encourage an honest answer.

 

Holly Theede | April 27, 2023 at 7:35 am

Yes, this letter definitely applies to everyone. Divorce is shunned and too often I have heard stories of workers telling women to stay married to the abuser. Our fellowship is the perfect fellowship for abusers to find free will to abuse. How many times have we heard how a spouse lived in abuse until the abusive spouse finally professed and then all was right! What father would want his children abused ? This is not love.
What is the man’s name who committed suicide after being told he could not take part in meeting after he remarried?

     
Comment #9 Comment #10 Comment #11

Karen R Taylor | April 26, 2023 at 7:33 am

Alanna, I thank you for your amazing courage. I support you in any way you need. Most of all…I Believe you.

Louise | April 27, 2023 at 6:36 am

Yes these workers need to know we support them but how do we get the message out?
I am not part of the meetings but willing to help as I told a brother worker yesterday.

Kay | April 26, 2023 at 8:28 am

Thinking of you and Morgan and hope that overseers wake up to this sorrow. It is adult abuse and not just children…victims of all ages have suffered this sorrow.

     

Comment #7

Comment #8

Sharon Dutchak | July 21, 2023 at 12:50 pm

One day I will. My story is long as well
Have to gather my thoughts and feelings together before I do

Nadine | April 25, 2023 at 10:58 am

This letter resonates with my soul, after having loved ones in the work and witnessing how new young workers have been treated so poorly in our home by their older co-laborers everything this woman has said is true and it has Distressed us for SO LONG. Since the Dean Bruer story broke I have heard people say "well sister workers wouldn’t do that" in my mind a screaming voice has resounded over and over that SOME sister workers I’ve interacted with and have witnessed how they treated their companions are some of the meanest, most vindictive humans alive and I am not sure how they can even call themselves servants of God because they are NOT living it. Allana, if you ever get to see this, your bravery, and courage is amazing. Many just have to step away because the abuse is intolerable and then they are told they didn’t pray enough etc etc. The only thing that brings me comfort in all of it is God sees the whole picture and these individuals will be dealt with some day if they are not here on earth.

It seems some workers act as though it is a "right of PASSAGE" to treat their companions poorly because they withstood it when they were young. What a horrible cycle. I pray change is on the way, we don’t need workers, male or female. that are tyrants, or dictators, who cut a swath with their swords of tyranny and rules we need HUMBLE servants full of love, and kindness and hearts like Jesus that are fishers of men. Please know you’re in our prayers Allana.

 

     

Comment #4

Comment #5

Comment #6

Mike Eblen | April 22, 2023 at 6:51 pm

Thanks Alanna, I appreciate you, and I’m very sorry for what happened to you! Yes, it’s way past time for the abuse to stop! I believe changes will, and are, being made. With Gods help, true commitment and honesty, we will make it a safe place!
With Brotherly Love,
Mike Eblen

Not sayin | July 7, 2023 at 8:16 pm

This is an authentic letter from an authentic worker. Absolutely

 

Louise | April 25, 2023 at 4:10 am

Thanks Deborah.I wish more workers will come forward regarding all kinds of abuse.
Emotional abuse is just more difficult to recognize, I only realized recently that what I experienced myself from a elder and his wife was infact emotional abuse and it had a effect on me.With God we can heal but it is a long road and feels so unfair and unnessasary.

 

     
Comment #1

Comment #2

Comment #3

Debbie Kent | April 22, 2023 at 4:56 am

Thank you for writing this letter. My siblings were abused by workers in the ‘60’s and ‘70’s and no one believed them. My mom also spoke of sexual abuse as a child by workers in her dying days. Unfortunately three of my siblings have prematurely passed due to unhealthy lifestyles that stemmed from this abuse, the pain and shame were overwhelming! Again thanks, but too late for my family.

 

Not sayin right now | July 7, 2023 at 8:13 pm

Hi there, Alana is a worker right now, under a lot of pressure no doubt and shunning as well. She was in our field .
Read your account years ago, am thankful for it
😊

 

MASSEY EDGAR | July 7, 2023 at 8:43 pm

Thanks for your answer to my question. I could worry about the long term pressure on her … In one sense it could be regarded as courageous to be open about her concerns. … Yet, from what I understand about the Bainbridge situation positive change is unlikely and her position as it is could easily become unlivable without mental damage. Thanks again for your reply

 
2023-08-22

Guidelines


There have been some well thought out and quite detailed "guidelines" ´published for how elders (and elders wives) should deal with CSA and SA allegations. (an example)

Seems to me it would be in order  to draw up som "guidelines" as to how workers complicit to abusers should be dealt with!!!  .. and of how allegations of  CSA "victim silencers" and "victim blamers" and "victim ignorers" should be held responsible for their part in the crisis and pain of today.

These "guidelines" need to be developed by folks clearly independent from involvement .. and perhaps with input from victims themselves and their families.

 

 

Let my people go. Exodus 9:1

Egypt filled an honorable function in its time.. but as leadership became impossible to tolerate, "Moving on" was God’s will and plan so that as God worded it, "my people can serve me"

It required multiple tragic developments and clear evidence that God had withdrawn his support and blessing from leadership, to shake people loose from Egyptian dominance and to strike a new course into an unknown and uncharted personal future

There is honor and decency in leaving Egypt behind!

Faith in personal divine support and personal guidance was an imperative condition to reach the promises in the "other side" Egypts borders.

(An interesting detail in the Exodus story. They were reminded that there was gold in Egypt… take it with you!)

2023-07-22

For folks in distress over the obvious moral failure in the ministry --What are the options?

1: Wait for God to take care of it.
2: Wait for others to influence the development.
3: Personally demand change and improvement in the ministry – and wait for it to happen.
4: Distance oneself (and family) – refusing to participate in tainted organizational sponsored activity and to retake responsibility for ones own moral development, spirituality and for activating Christian teaching in daily life.

I and my family tried the first three options for years .. then on the 4th option it was easier for us, as we were refused to participate in the tainted organizational sponsored activity and had to retake responsibility for our own moral development, spirituality and for activating Christian teaching in daily life.  For us it has worked very very well!!!  We are thankful for the process

2023-07-20
I have wondered how things have gone for the worker Alanna MacDonald in NB who wrote a very descriptive open letter about her concerns for the ministry back in April.Today I received this information in an email "
 
Alanna was given an ultimatum to stop being an advocate for the abused or leave. She was very harshly treated by the overseers in a meeting this week and kicked out. 
She spoke very helpfully at a pre convention meeting last Sunday at Ellershouse. Hopefully she will get support from the true friends and staff. 

Here is a link to the workers list for 2023 denying her a companion.

 

I wonder if anyone remembers the countless convention sermons promising fire and brimstone for a skirt more than an inch over the knees .. or for the evils of a brooch on a dress or a blouse -- or cutting a few inches off the hair  --- or the evils of a women wearing a "mans clothing"  -- or a radio in a car -- or a TV in the front room -- or going to a hockey game on Wednesday night .. or a beer can or wine bottle in the fridge .. It was regarded important to keep the "standard high" !!etc etc. Not any more.. 

Yes times have changed --- Heard that at convention this year in western Canada ... even the fact of 15 senior workers facing sexual abuse allegations (and concealing child sexual abusers)  along with hundreds of lower ranking folks "removed" yet it
didn't even make the 'mention it list' at convention. this year The recent documentation of hundreds of cases of sexual abuse victims being forced to silence and shame to "save the reputation of the fellowship"   and left with life long mental damage -- no one brought that subject up at all! at least at the conventions I heard about... and literally hundreds of other abuse cases finally being internationally brought to light ..  "Lets talk about something else!!"

And  this  isn't even deemed important enought to mention at the gathering of friends!!  What has happened?

I remember  when moral issues where important in the fellowship (with my parents at least)  ... not any more ... especialy in western Canada ... Professing folks in western Canada don't seem to "give a damn". 

2023-06-30

Unawareness does not diminish moral responsibility when personal ignorance has been an active choice!

Seems that a well used method for 'inside membership' to live with the revelations of recent months regarding vice, cruelty and horror within the organizations, is to cut themselves off from the information flow that would distress them.
 

Willful ignorance!
 

 

2023-06-26
Although it has come at a great cost .. there is an amazing beauty in all the different candles of moral enlightenment that have recently shone light and understanding in an otherwise dark and murky environment – An environment of purposely maintained darkness where the vilest of crimes have obviously had the liberty to operate – and go unseen.

I hope that all these brave souls involved (that we can now read about)  and that have proven the courage and moral strength to share enlightenment with us and others, can understand the beautiful moral service they have done to create an environment of purity and decency so that us others can live our lives in honor and in truth.
A very practical version of "Let your light so shine --- "

 

2023-05-25
The recent letter (written yesterday) is a moving letter of the enormous frustration of parents at being cruelly failed, and morally abandoned by a system that they had honorably trusted since childhood.  Comparison is meaningless .. but I and my entire family have first hand understanding of their pain.

However, with that being said, we have full confidence that the steadfastness to honorable principle and moral dignity demonstrated here by Bob and Stacy, will find its way  to personal fullfillment, blessing and the amazing beauty of true principle that is really what life is all about.  ... (as we gratefully feel that things have worked out for myself, my wife and our wonderful family).
Edgar and family

2023-05-21
Woodstock convention update

Here is a link to a recent document explaining the ugly and cruel development for the Bainbridge family and the convention on their property. This seems to me to be proof that there will be no significant change in 2x2ism until the ministry steps down from their high horse of the arrogant and self-righteous claim to ultimate moral authority.  The original issue was simply critisism of some moral issues regarding individual workers.   --  Simple, clear and noncontestable enough -- yet perceived as an unwelcome challenge to the ministries 'holy' monopoly on moral determination. 

2023-05-08

I am only very, very slightly acquainted with the folks on the Woodstock convention grounds – Bob and Stacy Bainbridge – Just one short email exchange.  Proud of this acquaintance!

However, the chain of events that they have shared on other digital sources has moved me and touched a very painful but fulfilling spot in my memories. Also, this story has filled me with an enormous admiration for the price these parents are willing to pay to stand firm for the principles of honour, truth and decency that they believe in —These same principles that they have obviously believed in and supported for a long time. Sadly, it is likely (just guessing) that they will not find full support in many of the folks they have trusted, loved and served through the years.

The ugly attempts to challenge and reject the personal responsibility that all honourable human beings have to stand up for what is true and decent must be regarded as a mark of the very lowest of the moral low … Especially if they are being rejected and punished by a ministry that claims a complete monopoly on moral understanding and truth – (yet has proven itself so guilty (recently) of the most hideous crimes known to man).

Our personal story is not comparable in many ways, but 21 years ago we decided to stand firm on 5 carefully documented (non-contestable) issues that were  in complete conflict with the moral principle and dignity we were brought up to believe in. A process of discussion was initiated and resulted in crooked "work-arounds" diminishing the significance of every issue and then landing on our "critical spirit" as the source of blame, and how this bad and bitter spirit could negatively affect "the kingdom". Rejection of us as a family was the only option that was available.

For the Bainbridge family, it would be hard to find a more noble pursuit than the dignity and moral and mental welfare of their daughter. And yet why should it be so hard for anyone or any organization to understand their grief and be willing to comply? Sexual abuse is hardly a non-criticisable issue in any way shape or form. And where else in the world outside 2x2ism would folks be criticized and dishonoured for striving to support and stand beside a closest family member in their distress?

To me it is unfathomable how folks claiming an interest in truth can stand by and let this happen!!


Sincerely
Edgar and Mireille Massey
Upphärad
Sweden

2023-05-10

I may live on the other side of the world .. and I haven't had a personal tie to the 2x2 organisation for over 20 years. --- Yet the recent events in eastern Canada  by a group of obviously arrogant, extremely self-good and hypocritical senior 2x2 officials has sickened and disgusted me to the extent that I cannot just let it pass. 

It began, as I understand it, with an honorable and sincere sister worker, unable to endure an abuse environment she was working in any longer .. Chosing to quit "the work"  that she had hoped to give her life to -- and at one time had believed in.

In line with the honorable principle of "being a light in dark places", that many of us grew up to believe in, in leaving she courageously chose to describe  the environment of ugly and demeaning abuse that she had fled from. She is not alone amongst former fellow sister workers with these complaints.

Her parents, also in line with their own belief in truth, honesty and decency (and love for their daughter) chose to stand by her side, and help her just to be that candle bravely flickering for enlightenment in the darkest of places.  A responsiblility any honorable parent would, or at least should feel.

Rather than honorably dealing with the offending issues ... top 2x2 officials have chosen, in the selfish interests of protecting the "image of the fellowship", to diminish the seriousness of the sexual abuse issues she endured,. They have chosen to discredit and slander the honor and dignity of this honorable woman (acquiting her abusers)... and then as well, have chosen to punish and dishonor her parents in the ugliest, most painful and most demeaning manner possible.

How can participators in this  fellowship just stand by and look the other way and pretend? Is their no honor, decency or moral responsibility left in membership or the ministry? What is moral cowardice?

 

Edgar Massey

I recognise the longstanding mindset from our own history

 

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