Letter From Mable Dunbar Options

[Observer]

Dear Mr. Pickle, Mr. Joy and Mr. Matthews:


First of all I want to commend you for seeking truth and your determination to see that justice and truth prevail in order to advance the work of the Lord. I write this letter with a heavy heart, and I am deeply troubled by some of the posts I am reading on BlackSDA.com and Save3ABN.com. It appears that there are Christians who find it difficult to accept the facts regarding the sexual abuse/molestation charges as documented. It takes great courage for victims to come forward and admit that they were molested and abused. When they do so, they need to be validated and supported for this courageous act. I would like to affirm Duane and the other victims for being bold enough to stand firm. I also want to state my appreciation to those of you who have publicly offered him support and refuse to be intimidated by threats and innuendos.

I have been counseling abused victims for over 20 years, and have seen first hand the devastating effects they experience as a result of their victimization. If there are victims out there who need to talk with someone, feel free to contact me at info@pollysplacenetwork.com.

Note the following statement which is worthy of repetition:

“I believe that there is a devil, and here’s Satan’s agenda. First, he doesn’t want anyone having kids. Secondly, if they do conceive, he wants them killed.
If they’re not killed through abortion, he wants them neglected or abused physically, emotionally, sexually...One way or another, the legions of hell want to destroy children because children become the future adults and leaders. If they (legions) can warp or wound a child, he or she becomes a warped or wounded adult who passes on this affliction to the next generation”. -Terry Randall in TIME Magazine, October 21, 1991.

And so today we have individuals who are warped or wounded. They are either passing on or suffering from their affliction as a result of Satan’s agenda.

Since its creation Satan has wanted power and control over this earth. Through subtle manipulation he deceived Eve into believing that she could have power and control over her life. He told her that if she ate of the forbidden fruit she would be as a god. “For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil” (Genesis 3:5). So she ate it and gave it to her husband, Adam. Of course he knew that he should not have eaten the fruit but ate it any way. He made the choice to disobey God. When confronted by God about disobeying His command, neither Adam nor Eve took responsibility for their actions.

“And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. And He said, who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?” Genesis 3:9-11.

Adam and Eve were ashamed of their nakedness, so they hid themselves. Shame tends to bring blame, so when God asked Adam to explain his behavior, he blamed Eve. “And the man said, the woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat.” (Genesis 9:12) When God asked Eve what she had done, she blamed the serpent. “And the woman said, the serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.” (Genesis 9:13).

It appears that certain individuals are spending time shaming and blaming victims and the people who defend them. Therefore enemy is the one who is being glorified. Shouldn’t they be spending time finding out what can be done to protect our children who will pass on our legacy? While we need to offer help and support for the abusers as well, if they are not willing to admit that they have a problem and get help, there is nothing more that we can do for them. “Ephraim is joined to idols, let him alone”. Hosea 4:17. Whatever dysfunctional and destructive behavior we refuse to give up in order that we can present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God (Romans 12:1) becomes our idol.

I woke up this morning feeling convicted that since I proclaim to head up a network that helps victims of abuse, I could no longer be silent and allow them to be put down and humiliated. These individuals are God’s precious creatures, made in His image and hold a special place in His heart. People have asked me what I think about this whole situation with 3ABN. These are my convictions: It is not good enough for me to wait until there is resolution and then take a stand. It is not good enough to keep quiet and hope that things will work out. It is not good enough for me to rationalize that if an organization is doing so much good, the bad that it practices should be ignored. It is not good enough for me to believe that since I am a church leader I should be silent in order to protect the church’s image, or my position. I don’t recall reading anywhere that it is my mission or responsibility as a Christian or leader to protect the church. God is quite capable of protecting His church.

“Christ loves His church… But His love is not weakness. He will not serve with their sins or give them prosperity while they continue to follow a wrong course of action. Only by faithful repentance will their sins be forgiven; for God will not cover evil with the robe of His righteousness. He will honor faithful service. He will abundantly bless those who reveal to their fellowmen His justice, mercy, and love. Let those who are engaged in His service walk before Him in true humility, following faithfully in His footsteps cherishing the holy principles which will live through the eternal ages. Let them in word and action show that they obey the laws which are obeyed in heaven… God’s love for His church is infinite. His care over His heritage is unceasing.” - Ellen G. White, Sons and Daughters, p. 13-14

For those of you reading BlackSDA and Save 3ABN and are convicted that you should do or say something to denounce sin, but are afraid to be identified, I would like to remind you that “to him that knoweth to do good and doeth not to him it is sin” James 4:17.

For those of us who are leaders in the church, why are we so silent? So many have remarked that they know that Linda Shelton is innocent of the charges, yet only one conference allowed her to speak in one of its churches after her denunciation on an international network. We need to take a public stand and call for truth and justice. W are all involved in this situation, none of us will escape God’s judgment, “Verily, I say unto you, inasmuch as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me, and these shall go away into everlasting punishment.” Matthew 25: 45-46. If you were wrongfully accused, can you trust your church to treat you fairly, in a Christian and redemptive manner? What if your answer is no?

God is all powerful, all knowing, all present. He holds the world in His hands. He wants us to be His disciples and follow His Son’s example in Luke 4:18 to, “preach the gospel to the poor, heal the broken hearted, preach deliverance to the captives, recovering of sight to the blind, and set a liberty them that are bruised.” Regardless of criticism, condemnation, censure or lack of support we must do His will recognizing that He is the only One who can and will save us.

Being fearful and intimidated by individuals who seem to have power, control or wealth indicates that we have more confidence in them than in God. We have been advised, “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:28.


“The greatest want of the world is the want of men, (women, Christians, church leaders, church members) –men ((women, Christians, church leaders, church members) who will not be bought or sold; men (women, Christians, church leaders, church members) who their innermost souls are true and honest; men (women, Christians, church leaders, church members) who do not fear to call sin by its right name; men (women, Christians, church leaders, church members) whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole; men (women, Christians, church leaders, church members) will stand for the right, though the heaven’s fall.” – Ellen G. White, Education, p. 57.

“Never was there greater need of faithful warnings and reproofs, and close, straight dealing, than at this very time. Satan has come down with great power, knowing that his time is short. He is flooding the world with pleasing fables, and the people of God love to have smooth things spoken to them. Sin and iniquity are not abhorred. I was shown that God’s people must make more firm, determine efforts to press back the incoming darkness. The close work of the Spirit of God is needed now as never before. Stupidity must be shaken off. We must arouse from the lethargy that will prove our destruction unless we resist it. Satan has a powerful, controlling influence upon minds. Preachers and people are in danger of being found upon the side of the power of darkness. There is no such thing as a neutral position. We are all decidedly for the right or decidedly with the wrong… There are ever to be found those who will sympathize with those who are wrong…Those who have in the fear of God ventured out to faithfully meet error and sin, calling sin by its right name, have discharged a disagreeable duty with much suffering of feelings to themselves; but they get the sympathy of but few and suffer the neglect of many. The sympathizers are on the wrong side, and they carry out the purposes of Satan to defeat the design of God.” Ellen G. White, Testimonies to the Church, Vol. 3, p. 327-328.

I have been one of those individuals who can identify with the previous statement. I have wanted quick resolution, and wonder why God is taking so long to act (or so it seems). I have been disappointed that more individuals are not willing to support ministry to hurting people. The following statement brings me comfort and reminds me that God indeed is in control. “It sometimes seems hard to wait patiently till God’s time comes to vindicate the right. But I have been shown that if we become impatient we lose a rich reward. As faithful husbandmen in God’s great field, we must sow with teas and be patient and hopeful. We must meet troubles and sorrows. Temptations and wearisome toil will afflict the soul, but we must patiently wait in faith to reap with joy. In the final victory God will have no use for those persons who are nowhere to be found in time of peril and danger, when the strength, courage, and influence of all are required to make a charge upon the enemy. Those who stand like faithful soldiers to battle against wrong, and to vindicate the right, warring against principalities and power, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places, will each receive the commendation from the Master: “Well done, good and faithful servant:…enter thou into the joy of he Lord.” Testimonies, Vol. 3, p. 327. 21.

Gailon, Gregory and Bob, be encouraged. If what you are doing is wrong, God will discipline you, but if what you are doing is right, He will certainly vindicate you. To everyone reading this, it is my sincere prayer that “God will dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passes knowledge that you might be filled with all the fullness of God. Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages….A-men. Ephesians 3:17.

In Christian love


Mable Dunbar, Ph.D,
President, Polly’s Place Network
Licensed Professional Counselor
Certified Domestic Violence Counselor
Certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapist

This post has been edited by Observer: Feb 6 2007, 03:51 AM

[Fran]

Thank you ever so much. Your words are music to many ears.

I hope that our church and other churches will stand and call sin by its proper name.

We have thousands in the church pews around the world. They are not confined to just our church.

Jesus instructs us to love the sinner and hate the sin. This weekend I have been trying to do that. It is ever so difficult. But in my heart, God gave me the grace to see a side to this mess I had not seen for over a year.

Gailon, Pickle, Matthews plus all the victims and parents reporting to them, have faced lawsuits and threats. The mothers and fathers are victims also. Does the chain of hurt ever end?

Victims are never “all right” forever. The profound act of molestation leaves deep scars. Some have so many scares it is a miracle they are alive.

Thank you for taking a stand. I pray that more letters will follow. May our SDA church take finally take a stand provide help in this cancer within our midst. Someone wrote that “The desired result would be to remove the cancer and save the body (3ABN).” It is my prayer that this will be possible.

God bless

This post has been edited by Fran: Feb 5 2007, 05:18 AM

[Observer]

Thank you ever so much. Your words are music to many ears.

I hope that our church and other churches will stand and call sin by its proper name.

We have thousands in the church pews around the world. They are not confined to just our church.

Jesus instructs us to love the sinner and hate the sin. This weekend I have been trying to do that. It is ever so difficult. But in my heart, God gave me the grace to see a side to this mess I had not seen for over a year.

Gailon, Pickle, Matthews plus all the victims and parents reporting to them, have faced lawsuits and threats. The mothers and fathers are victims also. Does the chain of hurt ever end?

Victims are never “all right” forever. The profound act of molestation leaves deep scars. Some have so many scares it is a miracle they are alive.

Thank you for taking a stand. I pray that more letters will follow. May our SDA church take finally take a stand provide help in this cancer within our midst. Someone wrote that “The desired result would be to remove the cancer and save the body (3ABN).” It is my prayer that this will be possible.

God bless

Thank you Fran:

For the information of people who are not aquainted with Dr. Dunbar, she is head of Women's Ministries in the Upper Columbia Conference, and she, along with her husband, are co-pastors of a SDA Chruch in that same Conference.

While the details are not important at this time, Dr. Dunbar has had personal contat with both Linda Shelton, and others from 3-ABN. She has formed opinons on a number of the issues based upon those personal interactions, and she should not be assumed to have simply based her opinions on so-called gossip posted on the Internet.

She is a denominational official who has clearly come out on how she sees these issues. She has taken a stand. In 2006, she publicy called for SDAs to spend a Sabbath in prayer that God would lead, that truth would be discovered, and that Linda would be restored to the place in ministry that God wanted her to have.

Duane, if you would like to contact her, let me know, and I will facilitate such.

[watchbird]

For the information of people who are not aquainted with Dr. Dunbar, she is head of Women's Ministries in the Upper Columbia Conference, and she, along with her husband, are co-pastors of a SDA Chruch in that same Conference.

While the details are not important at this time, Dr. Dunbar has had personal contat with both Linda Shelton, and others from 3-ABN. She has formed opinons on a number of the issues based upon those personal interactions, and she should not be assumed to have simply based her opinions on so-called gossip posted on the Internet.

She is a denominational official who has clearly come out on how she sees these issues. She has taken a stand. In 2006, she publicy called for SDAs to spend a Sabbath in prayer that God would lead, that truth would be discovered, and that Linda would be restored to the place in ministry that God wanted her to have.

I add my thanks to Dr. Mabel Dunbar for coming forward with such a clear statment from one who is not only an authority on the abuse issues we are addressing, but also one who is closely connected with and employed by an official Adventist Conference entity.

I hope that this will be only the first of many officials in our Conference structure who will come forward and make their positions publicly known regarding the problems at 3abn. This would be a great encouragement to those who have been or are being victimized by the 3abn system. And it would also be a great help in giving "permission" to those pastors who are concerned about the way 3abn is adversely affecting their parishioners and the image of the SDA church and would like to take a more active role in warning their people to also step out and do so.

Thank you again, Dr. Dunbar.

[Grace]

Dear Mr. Pickle, Mr. Joy and Mr. Matthews:


First of all I want to commend you for seeking truth and your determination to see that justice and truth prevail in order to advance the work of the Lord. I write this letter with a heavy heart, and I am deeply troubled by some of the posts I am reading on BlackSDA.com and Save3ABN.com. It appears that there are Christians who find it difficult to accept the facts regarding the sexual abuse/molestation charges as documented. It takes great courage for victims to come forward and admit that they were molested and abused. When they do so, they need to be validated and supported for this courageous act. I would like to affirm Duane and the other victims for being bold enough to stand firm. I also want to state my appreciation to those of you who have publicly offered him support and refuse to be intimidated by threats and innuendos.

I have been counseling abused victims for over 20 years, and have seen first hand the devastating effects they experience as a result of their victimization. If there are victims out there who need to talk with someone, feel free to contact me at info@pollysplacenetwork.com.

Note the following statement which is worthy of repetition:

"I believe that there is a devil, and here's Satan's agenda. First, he doesn't want anyone having kids. Secondly, if they do conceive, he wants them killed.
If they're not killed through abortion, he wants them neglected or abused physically, emotionally, sexually...One way or another, the legions of hell want to destroy children because children become the future adults and leaders. If they (legions) can warp or wound a child, he or she becomes a warped or wounded adult who passes on this affliction to the next generation". -Terry Randall in TIME Magazine, October 21, 1991.

And so today we have individuals who are warped or wounded. They are either passing on or suffering from their affliction as a result of Satan's agenda.

Since its creation Satan has wanted power and control over this earth. Through subtle manipulation he deceived Eve into believing that she could have power and control over her life. He told her that if she ate of the forbidden fruit she would be as a god. "For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil" (Genesis 3:5). So she ate it and gave it to her husband, Adam. Of course he knew that he should not have eaten the fruit but ate it any way. He made the choice to disobey God. When confronted by God about disobeying His command, neither Adam nor Eve took responsibility for their actions.

"And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. And He said, who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?" Genesis 3:9-11.

Adam and Eve were ashamed of their nakedness, so they hid themselves. Shame tends to bring blame, so when God asked Adam to explain his behavior, he blamed Eve. "And the man said, the woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat." (Genesis 9:12) When God asked Eve what she had done, she blamed the serpent. "And the woman said, the serpent beguiled me, and I did eat." (Genesis 9:13).

It appears that certain individuals are spending time shaming and blaming victims and the people who defend them. Therefore enemy is the one who is being glorified. Shouldn't they be spending time finding out what can be done to protect our children who will pass on our legacy? While we need to offer help and support for the abusers as well, if they are not willing to admit that they have a problem and get help, there is nothing more that we can do for them. "Ephraim is joined to idols, let him alone". Hosea 4:17. Whatever dysfunctional and destructive behavior we refuse to give up in order that we can present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God (Romans 12:1) becomes our idol.

I woke up this morning feeling convicted that since I proclaim to head up a network that helps victims of abuse, I could no longer be silent and allow them to be put down and humiliated. These individuals are God's precious creatures, made in His image and hold a special place in His heart. People have asked me what I think about this whole situation with 3ABN. These are my convictions: It is not good enough for me to wait until there is resolution and then take a stand. It is not good enough to keep quiet and hope that things will work out. It is not good enough for me to rationalize that if an organization is doing so much good, the bad that it practices should be ignored. It is not good enough for me to believe that since I am a church leader I should be silent in order to protect the church's image, or my position. I don't recall reading anywhere that it is my mission or responsibility as a Christian or leader to protect the church. God is quite capable of protecting His church.

"Christ loves His church… But His love is not weakness. He will not serve with their sins or give them prosperity while they continue to follow a wrong course of action. Only by faithful repentance will their sins be forgiven; for God will not cover evil with the robe of His righteousness. He will honor faithful service. He will abundantly bless those who reveal to their fellowmen His justice, mercy, and love. Let those who are engaged in His service walk before Him in true humility, following faithfully in His footsteps cherishing the holy principles which will live through the eternal ages. Let them in word and action show that they obey the laws which are obeyed in heaven… God's love for His church is infinite. His care over His heritage is unceasing." - Ellen G. White, Sons and Daughters, p. 13-14

For those of you reading BlackSDA and Save 3ABN and are convicted that you should do or say something to denounce sin, but are afraid to be identified, I would like to remind you that "to him that knoweth to do good and doeth not to him it is sin" James 4:17.

For those of us who are leaders in the church, why are we so silent? So many have remarked that they know that Linda Shelton is innocent of the charges, yet only one conference allowed her to speak in one of its churches after her denunciation on an international network. We need to take a public stand and call for truth and justice. W are all involved in this situation, none of us will escape God's judgment, "Verily, I say unto you, inasmuch as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me, and these shall go away into everlasting punishment." Matthew 25: 45-46. If you were wrongfully accused, can you trust your church to treat you fairly, in a Christian and redemptive manner? What if your answer is no?

God is all powerful, all knowing, all present. He holds the world in His hands. He wants us to be His disciples and follow His Son's example in Luke 4:18 to, "preach the gospel to the poor, heal the broken hearted, preach deliverance to the captives, recovering of sight to the blind, and set a liberty them that are bruised." Regardless of criticism, condemnation, censure or lack of support we must do His will recognizing that He is the only One who can and will save us.

Being fearful and intimidated by individuals who seem to have power, control or wealth indicates that we have more confidence in them than in God. We have been advised, "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." Matthew 10:28.


"The greatest want of the world is the want of men, (women, Christians, church leaders, church members) –men ((women, Christians, church leaders, church members) who will not be bought or sold; men (women, Christians, church leaders, church members) who their innermost souls are true and honest; men (women, Christians, church leaders, church members) who do not fear to call sin by its right name; men (women, Christians, church leaders, church members) whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole; men (women, Christians, church leaders, church members) will stand for the right, though the heaven's fall." – Ellen G. White, Education, p. 57.

"Never was there greater need of faithful warnings and reproofs, and close, straight dealing, than at this very time. Satan has come down with great power, knowing that his time is short. He is flooding the world with pleasing fables, and the people of God love to have smooth things spoken to them. Sin and iniquity are not abhorred. I was shown that God's people must make more firm, determine efforts to press back the incoming darkness. The close work of the Spirit of God is needed now as never before. Stupidity must be shaken off. We must arouse from the lethargy that will prove our destruction unless we resist it. Satan has a powerful, controlling influence upon minds. Preachers and people are in danger of being found upon the side of the power of darkness. There is no such thing as a neutral position. We are all decidedly for the right or decidedly with the wrong… There are ever to be found those who will sympathize with those who are wrong…Those who have in the fear of God ventured out to faithfully meet error and sin, calling sin by its right name, have discharged a disagreeable duty with much suffering of feelings to themselves; but they get the sympathy of but few and suffer the neglect of many. The sympathizers are on the wrong side, and they carry out the purposes of Satan to defeat the design of God." Ellen G. White, Testimonies to the Church, Vol. 3, p. 327-328.

I have been one of those individuals who can identify with the previous statement. I have wanted quick resolution, and wonder why God is taking so long to act (or so it seems). I have been disappointed that more individuals are not willing to support ministry to hurting people. The following statement brings me comfort and reminds me that God indeed is in control. "It sometimes seems hard to wait patiently till God's time comes to vindicate the right. But I have been shown that if we become impatient we lose a rich reward. As faithful husbandmen in God's great field, we must sow with teas and be patient and hopeful. We must meet troubles and sorrows. Temptations and wearisome toil will afflict the soul, but we must patiently wait in faith to reap with joy. In the final victory God will have no use for those persons who are nowhere to be found in time of peril and danger, when the strength, courage, and influence of all are required to make a charge upon the enemy. Those who stand like faithful soldiers to battle against wrong, and to vindicate the right, warring against principalities and power, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places, will each receive the commendation from the Master: "Well done, good and faithful servant:…enter thou into the joy of he Lord." Testimonies, Vol. 3, p. 327. 21.

Gailon, Gregory and Bob, be encouraged. If what you are doing is wrong, God will discipline you, but if what you are doing is right, He will certainly vindicate you. To everyone reading this, it is my sincere prayer that "God will dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passes knowledge that you might be filled with all the fullness of God. Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages….A-men. Ephesians 3:17.

In Christian love


Mable Dunbar, Ph.D,
President, Polly's Place Network
Licensed Professional Counselor
Certified Domestic Violence Counselor
Certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapist

Thank you, Dr. Dunbar. Praise the Lord for courageous people like yourself, dedicated to the service of God by helping his suffering children and who are well prepared to do it in the best possible way. God's blessings for you and your team!

[Hersheys99]

Thanks for coming forward with this. I appreciate your letter very much. Hope others in higher up positions will do the same now as well.

[inga]

(From statement by Dr. Mable Dunbar)

Being fearful and intimidated by individuals who seem to have power, control or wealth indicates that we have more confidence in them than in God. We have been advised, “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:28.

“The greatest want of the world is the want of men, (women, Christians, church leaders, church members) –men ((women, Christians, church leaders, church members) who will not be bought or sold; men (women, Christians, church leaders, church members) who their innermost souls are true and honest; men (women, Christians, church leaders, church members) who do not fear to call sin by its right name; men (women, Christians, church leaders, church members) whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole; men (women, Christians, church leaders, church members) will stand for the right, though the heaven’s fall.” – Ellen G. White, Education, p. 57.

In Christian love
Mable Dunbar, Ph.D,
President, Polly’s Place Network
Licensed Professional Counselor
Certified Domestic Violence Counselor
Certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapist

Along with others, I am thankful for Dr. Dunbar's integrity as demonstrated by her willingness to take a stand on such serious issues as surround 3ABN. And I thank her for allowing her statement to be posted here.

I was particularly impressed by the statement excerpted above, perhaps because I had had the same thought: "Being fearful and intimidated by individuals who seem to have power, control or wealth indicates that we have more confidence in them than in God."

Again, thank you, Dr. Dunbar!

Inge Anderson
www.gladventist.org

[Johann]

- - -

I was particularly impressed by the statement excerpted above, perhaps because I had had the same thought: "Being fearful and intimidated by individuals who seem to have power, control or wealth indicates that we have more confidence in them than in God."

Again, thank you, Dr. Dunbar!

Inge Anderson
www.gladventist.org

Yes, Dr. Mable Dunbar is doing a marvelous job for abused women. It is unbelievable what an urgent need there is for the work she is doing, also among Christian people.

It is a work of faith. It is only faith in Jesus that can set us free from the oppression created by people who seem to be Christian, but use their power to intimidate and control others.

[joyce]

Dr. Dunbar,

Thanks for coming forward on this matter. It takes a lot of courage to put your name out there for taking a stand for truth and justice.

It is true that abusers can go many years appearing to be God-fearing and upright members of the church and society.

I too have worked with child molesters. The startling thing to me at first was what a nice bunch of men they appear to be. They are Bible carrying, soft spoken, kindly, clean cut, and of course deny the allegations against them. They claim that their accusers have made it all up. They just have a vendetta of some kind against them.

It is difficult to know how to protect our children today. After my experiences I am much more cautious and not as trusting of appearances.

Of course, the perpetrators need help as well. Something happened to them most likely when they were young that started this behavior, They are not happy folk either.

As with all sins we all our powerless to reform ourselves. Only God is the restorer. Although,Biblically, Jesus had pretty strong words for those who hurt children. We need to be proactive so we can give needed aid and counseling to those who have problems while young so this vicious cylce may be broken

You become much more aware of this issue when it invades those close to you. There is sorrow for both the child and the perpetrator who obviously is crying out for help.

Keep up the good work in helping folk with these serious problems.

Joyce