Malinda
01-26-2010, 12:49 PM
Back in December I sent a letter to the head of the WOF movement for the state I live in and I didn't hear anything back until today.
This morning I woke up to voice mail in regards to my letter. So I called this pastor back with my heart pounding in my chest. I didn't know what to expect. I didn't know whether I was going to come under accusation or not. We talked for about a half an hour and it was so relieving.
I didn't have to prove my story, or rehash it. He didn't at all doubt what I had to say. His biggest concern wasn't the story but how I was doing. It was so refreshing. The only thing he wanted to know was why no one else has said anything and why the wife didn't know about the sexual remarks. He immediately understood when I explained the level of loyalty that those closest to him had. I explained about the associate pastor saying he would kill for him. A sin against the Pastor was worse than a sin against God.
At the end of the conversation he wanted to know how I would like this to be dealt with. I requested that they keep my name out of it as much as possible for fear of retribution. I explained how fearful I was of leaving the house and I wouldn't put it past the leadership or congregation members to be confrontational or even violent.
He said he'd do that...He also said though that he was taking this to the very top. That they would handle it.
I got off the phone and cried. It was such a relief to know that I had done my part to do the right thing and inform the right people of the abuse. I'd been heard and it's no longer my burden to carry. I felt so responsible like I had to do something to save those who were still under that ministry...I know I can't save them but I still felt like I had to speak out. And now that I did and they heard me and something is going to be done about it.....it feels awesome.
I feel like I'm finally going to get some justice and that's so good.
This morning I woke up to voice mail in regards to my letter. So I called this pastor back with my heart pounding in my chest. I didn't know what to expect. I didn't know whether I was going to come under accusation or not. We talked for about a half an hour and it was so relieving.
I didn't have to prove my story, or rehash it. He didn't at all doubt what I had to say. His biggest concern wasn't the story but how I was doing. It was so refreshing. The only thing he wanted to know was why no one else has said anything and why the wife didn't know about the sexual remarks. He immediately understood when I explained the level of loyalty that those closest to him had. I explained about the associate pastor saying he would kill for him. A sin against the Pastor was worse than a sin against God.
At the end of the conversation he wanted to know how I would like this to be dealt with. I requested that they keep my name out of it as much as possible for fear of retribution. I explained how fearful I was of leaving the house and I wouldn't put it past the leadership or congregation members to be confrontational or even violent.
He said he'd do that...He also said though that he was taking this to the very top. That they would handle it.
I got off the phone and cried. It was such a relief to know that I had done my part to do the right thing and inform the right people of the abuse. I'd been heard and it's no longer my burden to carry. I felt so responsible like I had to do something to save those who were still under that ministry...I know I can't save them but I still felt like I had to speak out. And now that I did and they heard me and something is going to be done about it.....it feels awesome.
I feel like I'm finally going to get some justice and that's so good.