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Overseers’ Notifications re Dean Bruer, March 2023
Overseers’ Notifications re Mark Huddle
USA Overseers:
Smith, Doyle – OR/S. ID – INITIAL LETTER, March 20, 2023
Doyle’s Clarification
Eberhardt, Robert – AL/MS/LA
Gasser, Glenn – WI
Bechtol, Wayne – WA/AK/N. ID
Lawty, Dan – AK
Lehman, Titus – CO/UT
Naef, Kelvin – GA/SC/FL
Newman, Robert – CA/AZ/NV/Pacific Islands
Sandford, Leroy – ND/SD
Pierce, BethArlene – ND/NE Field
Schober, Lyle – TX/NM
Thayer, Jeff – MN/IA
CANADA:
Affleck, Merlin – British Columbia
INITIAL Notification Letter by Doyle Smith
Overseer of Oregon and South Idaho (replaced Dean Bruer)
March 20, 2023
Our Dear Friends,
It is with a very heavy heart we share the following difficult information, but we feel it is imperative that we do so. We trust you will understand and be in agreement.
We have come to the tragic conclusion that Dean Bruer had another side to his life that none of us, except victims, ever witnessed or suspected. It has come to the surface in recent months, and more so in recent weeks, that Dean was a sexual predator. We never respect or defend such totally inappropriate behavior among us. There is a very united consensus among us that the only thing to do is to be transparent with all of you for obvious reasons, though this is very difficult. We are very sorry for the hurt this will bring to the hearts of many. Thankfully, he is no longer in a position to hurt anyone.
Some things have come to light from Dean’s own records. Dean had his own Best Western Hotel preferred customer account and spent a considerable amount of time and money in motels. As we all know, when he died last June, it was in a motel in Government Camp, OR; a place that he frequented. The receipts often included "two guests". Victims have come forward, and there was very confirming and incriminating evidence found on his computer and phone.
His actions include rape and abuse of underage victims. He totally abused his authority as an overseer in order to control, manipulate and threaten his victims. We are strongly recommending our staff look at the Ministry Safe Program and possibly other venues that help understand, recognize, and prevent such problems.
Overwhelmingly, our greatest concern in all of this is the victims, known and unknown. We do hope and pray this message somehow reaches the ears of every unknown victim if there are more. We feel very anxious to assure them that we are anxious to do everything possible to be a support. We understand that people like this are dangerously equipped to twist what has happened in such a way that the victim feels it’s their fault, and thereby the predator’s criminal behavior is hidden from others. We assure you, there is no possibility anyone will lay blame. except at the feet of the ONE very wrong man who has caused your pain. We are sorry! We hope you will have courage to reach out to any of us, or anyone that you feel you can talk to. We understand your need for privacy as well as support working through this, and we all intend to respect that.
None of us had any idea that such terrible things were happening until several weeks after his death. There is no possible way that this would not have been immediately reported had we known. Some of us very much regret that we didn’t somehow discover his actions and prevent more pain. We all feel betrayed naturally. We have come to the conclusion that the very dangerous thing about people like him is that they do what they do without conscience, thus it’s much easier for them to pretend to be something that they aren’t. We cannot live a lie when we love truth, and honestly live before God, respecting His approval as the scripture teaches us.
We sang recently, "All through the storm I see thy face beaming with love and with saving grace." Our desperate prayer for you all, especially anyone that has been hurt, is that G. will show Himself very strong. In Mark 4, the disciples found themselves in the worst storm of their life which caused a lot of distress. But at the conclusion of the storm there was a greater appreciation than ever for the miracle capacity Jesus had to deliver perfect peace despite storms. Our hearts desperately ache for the disappointment and sense of betrayal this will bring to countless hearts and again especially for the pain inflicted to victims. We pray the miracle somehow, someway, someday, will be as great as it was in Mark 4 for all.
Keep close to God dear friends. There is an immense capacity in the hand of God to help us. Thank you for all the prayers we know this will generate!
Sincerely your brother
Doyle S. [Smith]
[Overseer of Oregon and S. Idaho]
Doyle Smith’s Clarification(no date)
There has been concern and misinformation about the "timeline" in connection with reporting the Dean Bruer situation. First of all, my apologies for not making this clearer in my first letter. I am in uncharted territory We are all responsible to avoid spreading unverified, untrue or dramatic information that thereby makes it more traumatic, difficult or frightening for any still-unknown victims to come forward and get the help they need and deserve.
Dean passed away June 21 or 22 and unfortunately nothing was known about the dark side of his life, except by victims, of course, until September. Just after his passing we were concerned about finding information pertaining to our planning. etc. on his computer, but I wasn’t searching suspiciously, and was very busy. I never thought to search for evidence of Dean’s horrific actions until after the first victim, an adult, came to me nearly three months after his passing.
Just before the first victim came forward, I was very disappointed to notice that he had viewed (legal) pornography on his computer and phone, apparently the last night of his life. Contrary to internet speculation, nothing criminal was discovered on his devices—nothing like pornography depicting minors and no lewd or incriminating photos were ever found on his devices. The only incriminating evidence we ever discovered was email between him and one adult victim. Dean’s computer is now in the hands of the police, and forensics would be able to detect if and when any alterations were made (we did not alter anything). In late September the second adult victim surfaced, and no other victims were confirmed until just before our disclosure letter went out last week (March 23).
Since the perpetrator is deceased, we were advised by a professional trauma counsellor to be careful first of all for the needs of the victims. Obviously, no one else is more important in all of this than the victims. Mandatory reporters are required to immediately report sexual abuse that involves minors but must respect the wishes of abuse victims who are now adults with regards to when and if their abuse is reported. We have no known victims that are presently minors. Sadly, it has come to light just this month that 3 known victims were minors when he abused them in years past.
Our disclosure timing was thus victim-sensitive and victim-led, respecting the fact our known victims were in a ”process to uncover." It was very clear to counsellors and to us, the victims would have been very traumatized by an earlier disclosure. Just prior to sending out our letter last week, the victims did agree to disclosure, but with considerable trepidation. It was a help knowing that the perpetrator was deceased and thankfully not in a position to hurt anyone ever again.
Contrary to Internet speculation the disclosure was not forced by legal authorities nor anyone else. We didn’t have any conversation of this kind with a legal authority, or anyone else. The disclosure was 100% voluntary—a serious attempt to be transparent about what happened for the sake of all victims. We understand under such egregious circumstances, the reality is that there could be more victims. We would never consider covering up something like this at the expense of leaving known and unknown victims lost in their very difficult circumstance, desperately needing help. It would be cruel to do so. Honesty is always worth whatever it costs. Our sincere hope is that all victims will reach out. We will not in any way be inclined to blame them. We are anxious to help in every way. We have a growing list of therapist recommendations, and many offers to help in any way possible.
We are going ahead with very definite plans for further Mandatory Reporting and MinistrySafe type training for all our staff. We are anxious to do everything possible to help prevent, detect and properly handle any future incidents.
I hope this helps clarify. Thank you for your patience and prayers—we know our Father in heaven sees all things and we can trust Him to help us keep steady in our place and lead us through this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Doyle S [Smith]
Notification by Robert Eberhardt
Overseer of Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana
Dear LA, MS and AL Elders and Friends,
This is to acknowledge the report of the misconduct of Dean Bruer, a worker/overseer, now deceased, from OR, of whom you may be hearing about. The immoral conduct, that isn’t to be named even once amongst the saints, how much less of servants, is condemned. For those who are hurt by these actions, beginning with the victims, we pray that they may find the support needed from being believed and comforted in knowing that this is not tolerated amongst us.
In the aftermath of this, my thoughts go back to the time that Dean last visited in LA. If there’s anyone who had any unwelcome encounters with him at that time, I was not made aware of it. I’m keenly aware of the need to encourage everyone amongst us to be free to report to the appropriate authorities anything, such as Child Sexual Abuse, or misconduct of servant or saint.
We on the LA, MS and AL staff of workers participate in an educational resource called Ministry Safe, which instructs us to be aware of Child Sexual Abuse and how to conduct oneself and ministry to be safe.
On behalf of those of us in the ministry I offer thanks for your support and trust, and pledge to not betray that.
Your brother,
[Robert Eberhardt]
Notification by Glenn Gasser
Overseer of Wisconsin
Dear Wisconsin Friends & Workers, (please do not forward)
It was very special to be in North & South Dakota for the sp mtg rounds there the past several weeks. I finished in Sioux Falls Sunday afternoon & joined our rounds in the Milwaukee area Monday afternoon. We had a very special workers mtg there this morning. If you wanted, you could get a feel for the tone of it by looking at the hymns that 3 different workers chose there: 339, 236 & 405. It’s always encouraging to hear the humble prayers & purposes of our coworkers and see their dedication to their calling.
It was extra meaningful to be together, as we all (& very many others) are hurting after learning Dean Bruer (a worker in OR who died last summer) had been living an immoral double life before his death. We are sooo sorry about that & feel especially for his victims! The friends in the areas where he worked have been notified. Any others who have been a victim of abuse or inappropriate behavior have been encouraged to reach out for support & to seek professional help if needed.
Some have expressed concern if there is anything being done to try to prevent such things from happening here. The workers here have kept current on continuing education regarding recognizing & preventing child sexual abuse. Workers are encouraged to report any CSA directly to law enforcement for investigation (Friends can do that too). Workers have been encouraged to speak up if they witness or experience inappropriate behavior towards them or others, no matter who it is (Friends can do that too).
The recent events have borne out the value of/need for that approach. Though the workers know these things we did have a helpful informal meeting this afternoon regarding these matters & other ways the ministry can be kept safe and honorable. The staff seems very on board & united in this. We are so sorry & ashamed that some among us have betrayed the trust of others, but that is reality.
Likely the apostles were very shocked & ashamed when Judas’ secret sin came to light. His sin didn’t mean they were all dishonest, but likely they bore some reproach because of it. Though they weren’t perfect, the 11 & others proved to be true men & God used them to help accomplish his purpose through the book of Acts.
I’m thankful that the many workers who were in our home from my youth & those I’ve worked closely with through the years have been true men & women and have been a great help and encouragement to me. They have pointed us to Jesus, the one perfect one who will never disappoint.
Your brother,
Glenn [Gasser]
Mark Huddle
Notification by Wayne Bechtol & Brian Getz
Workers in Washington, N. Idaho and Alaska
Please share with your field including the letter from Doyle that is attached.
Dear WA, N ID and AK friends,
We are very sorry and apologize to you for delaying in sharing information regarding Dean Bruer’s unacceptable secret life. We understand the hurt and pain many of you have felt, receiving the news from other sources. We are including his letter again as an attachment, so that you are receiving it directly from us, and so you will understand that we have nothing to hide. We plan to be quicker in sharing news in the future, though we know we can never beat social media.
We want to be transparent and accountable, and for you to feel free to communicate with us. Many of you have been very helpful to us already. Thank you for your prayers and caring advice/help/patience to us and with us. One thing we want to make very clear, is that if anyone has felt uncomfortable with any of the workers you’ve been around (including us), we want you to feel at liberty to share that with us, or other workers or friends that you trust. Also, if anyone is a victim of abuse from a worker, elder or anyone connected to our fellowship…the police should be contacted, as this is a legal issue. We don’t want to have a culture among our fellowship that is conducive for predators to work within.
It was discovered a while after Dean died that he had accessed a porn site while he was at the Motel where he died. At Boring #2, a lady went to Doyle and spoke of a relationship she had with Dean for 2 or 3 years that included physical sex. A 2nd lady victim surfaced in October. After extensive therapy that covered quite a while, there were accusations of child molestation. After Doyle’s letter was communicated, a 3rd lady victim surfaced, and again there was talk of child molestation when she was quite young.
As far as is known, all the issues took place in the MT and OR areas, so Doyle is the one that initiated communication, along with Scott. The web sites and internet picked it up from Doyle’s communication. Since Dean was dead, Doyle asked people to remain confidential until he and Scott were finished communicating in-person. There was never the thought that it would be hid or confidential after last Thursday. Communication was not in response to an investigator or the internet. The internet and emails were much quicker than phone calls and visits. A more accurate account of the timeline will be sent out later once it can be compiled.
Another thing that has recently surfaced is from a friends’ group discussion meeting last night in the N Seattle field. At one point in the meeting a lady spoke up. She told of personally talking to a now adult woman, who had interaction at the age of 11 with Mark Huddle. This woman said that Mark invited her to sit on his lap while he read stories to her, in a way which she felt was awkward and inappropriate. We do not have all the facts, and want to be slow to jump to conclusions, but we don’t want to hide what is open and circulating either. Mark is aware of the accusation against him and feels it best that we write and send this email.
So… the future…
All the workers on our staff will take a “Ministry Safe” course. Moses took council from his father- in-law about learning to delegate. He was likely not professing, but it was good council, and he took it. It seems like we need all the help we can get from multiple sources. Other steps will also be taken as they become clear.
People should feel safe and be safe… sisters, friends, and children.
Isaiah 6:1 In the year that king Uzziah died, I saw also the Lord sitting upon his throne, high and lifted up. There is a Lord high and lifted up, and He is the one that is safe to keep our focus on.
With much care,
Your brothers,
Brian [Getz] and Wayne [Bechtol]
Notification by Dan Lawty & Sean Apodaca
Overseer of Alaska
Dear Elders, including all Friends in the Anchorage/Mat-Su area,
Sean and I and all of us workers in Alaska received some tragic news on Thursday afternoon (March 23) about Dean Bruer. Dean was among us in Alaska from his coming to Juneau in the mid 1970’s, spent his first five years in the ministry here, then five more years (1997-2002), and then was a trusted overseeing worker in Montana/Wyoming and Oregon/S. Idaho until his death in June 2022.
I’m sorry and apologize to you for delaying getting this news of Dean’s dark/unacceptable secret life to each of you. In hindsight, I should have sent a memo to each of you that day. Attached is the letter (from Doyle Smith current OR/S ID overseeing worker) that tells what we heard on Thursday.
I want to be transparent and accountable here with a welcome to you to communicate. Many of you have been very helpful to me already, and thank you for your caring advice/help/patience to/with me. One thing we want to make very clear, is that if anyone has felt uncomfortable with any of the workers you’ve been around (including me/us), we want you to feel at liberty to share that with us or other workers or friends that you trust. Also, if anyone is a victim of abuse from a worker or an elder or anyone connected to our fellowship…the police should be contacted, as this is a legal issue. We don’t want to have a culture among our fellowship that is conducive for predators to work within.
Jesus said there would be wolves in sheep’s clothing, so unfortunately we can’t always trust everyone in our fellowship…but we’re very thankful that we can always trust the Spirit of God and the words of Jesus.
We realize that much communication has been ongoing since these details of Dean have been made known. One matter I’ll mention that has been found to be inaccurate, is a Memo outlined in a red border titled, “In reference to the Dean Bruer case” from the Clackamas Co Sheriff’s Dept. I’ll copy/paste what Doyle Smith found out today from the Clackamas Co Sheriff:
There is a message, going around to many “In reference to the Dean Bruer case”. A deputy at the Sheriff’s office has confirmed there is a case number, but “since the man is dead” there is NO active investigation taking place at this time. They are referring people who call to me, and no one has called me yet.
Please pardon us if this isn’t including all of what could or maybe should be said here, but please feel free to be in touch, now, or anytime in the future.
Your brothers in Christ
Sean [Apodaca] and Dan [Lawty]
Notification by Titus Lehman
Overseer of Colorado
Dear Friends in Colorado, Utah and Eastern Nevada
I have been thinking and praying for our friends and workers in Colorado, Utah and Nevada. I hope you are keeping your faith in the Lord. I have been comforted knowing that the Lord sees and knows all.
Jim Chafee and I are glad to be having meetings in the North Utah field. Domenic is on Special meetings in MO/AR. We are glad for some new ones that want to come and learn more about the bible and our friends that keep wanting to learn more about Jesus. It is still our desire to follow Jesus and to try to get others to do the same. We are glad we can still try to follow his example in the ministry. Thanks for helping us to make that possible.
I think several of you are aware of some things that happened in Oregon/Idaho last year. We have been made aware recently that Dean Bruer, who was in the ministry in Oregon and South Idaho until he died last year, was living a very immoral, dishonest, double life. We are very sorry about that and feel especially for his victims! The friends in the areas where he worked have been notified. Any others who have been a victim of abuse or inappropriate behavior have been encouraged to reach out for support & to seek professional help if needed. I don’t think he ever worked in Colorado/Utah or visited here but of course with travel and friends moving around some of you would know of him or heard him speak in a meeting.
We are sorry for the trust that has been betrayed. A few people have asked what we can do to help prevent this from happening in the future. The workers in CO/UT have been doing some abuse awareness training for several years. All the staff are up to date on continuing education regarding recognizing & helping to prevent child sexual abuse. Workers are encouraged to report any CSA directly to law enforcement for investigation. (Friends can do that too) Workers have been encouraged to speak up if they witness or experience inappropriate behavior towards them or others, no matter who it is (Friends can do that too). I think we can help each other be accountable but also trust each other.
It was a sad day in the New Testament when Judas, who was among the 12 apostles, betrayed Jesus. This act did not make all of them bad. We just read recently in our studies that they all forsook him and fled. Yet those same 11 arose and turned again to Jesus and were kept by him to fulfill his will. I do like what someone pointed out that Peter knew right away when Ananias and Sapphirah were dishonest. Please pray that the Lord will give us more of the Spirit that would help us to be more aware when things are right and when they are wrong.
Your Brother
Titus [Lehman]
Notification by Kelvin Naef
Overseer of Georgia, South Carolina & Florida
Friends,
We felt it appropriate to send this word to you regarding some allegations that have arisen regarding an overseer, Dean Bruer, in the northwestern part of the country. As some of you may have heard by now, there are allegations against him involving serious immoral behavior that came to light after his unexpected death last summer, and only in recent days has been brought to our attention here. It seems that this matter has been investigated and is being handled appropriately by those now responsible in the states in which he worked. We write this to confirm that the rumors circulating about him seem to have validity, to express our sympathy to the victims there, and to open a door of communication to any in our states here that wish to speak more about it with us personally.
We would also like you to understand that we have been proactive here in trying to prevent these issues. In recent years, as a precaution, all of the workers on our staff have taken the Ministrysafe course at least once (and many of us more than once). This course offers guidance on what is appropriate and inappropriate in our interactions with others, especially among our youth. We also see clearly the wisdom of the Lord in planning that we in this ministry work together in pairs as there is safety in this for both workers and saints.
I have appreciated Paul’s own testimony in I Thess. 2:10. "Ye are our witnesses, and God also, how holily, and justly, and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:" We are sobered with the thought that we are living in the sight of God and before the Lord’s people, and are open to examination by both. I trust that all on our staff have this desire & purpose to conduct ourselves accordingly among you. We do love each of you and don’t want to be a disappointment to you in any way.
Several have written us with words of encouragement and support at this difficult time and we greatly appreciate that! Thanks as well for your prayers for those affected and for all of us secking to keep ourselves upright in the Lord’s work.
‘Thank you for not forwarding this letter to others.
Your brother,
Kelvin Naef & the GA/SC/FL staff
Notification posssibly by Rob Newman
Overseer of California, Arizona, Nevada, Pacific Islands
(mentions "California Child Abuse Mandated Reporter Training")
Please do not forward this letter. We would prefer that this letter not be directly shared with others to avoid needlessly harming anyone through indiscretion.
Recently Doyle Smith and Scott Rauscher shared some very unfortunate and difficult information with us. We feel it imperative that we share this information with you in an effort to be transparent. We want you to be aware of this situation in Oregon and Montana so that when it comes up in conversation you will know these facts that have come to light in recent days. I would have rather visited each of you in person but time does not allow.
We stand with our brethren in these matters. Considering how serious and shocking these facts are, we should be aware that this may deeply affect some of our friends. It would be good if we can be ready with His help to answer and comfort our friends who are trying to understand how this could have happened, and to point them to the One who has the answers.
We should also mention the following:
• Programs such as the “California Child Abuse Mandated Reporter Training” will help us to understand, recognize, and prevent such problems.
• I will send an email to the elders in your fields shortly. They may wish to visit with you. If it makes it easier, they may call me or one of the older brothers on our staff.
• We need to be discrete so as not to hurt anyone involved or affected, while in no way allowing any inappropriate behavior to go unreported.
• If you learn of any victims, it is important to do your utmost to keep their identities private for their personal protection.
Doyle very helpfully concluded his letter with the following paragraph:
We sang recently, "All through the storm I see thy face beaming with love and with saving grace." Our desperate prayer for you all, especially anyone that has been hurt, is that G. will show Himself very strong. In Mark 4, the disciples found themselves in the worst storm of their life which caused a lot of distress. But at the conclusion of the storm there was a greater appreciation than ever for the miracle capacity Jesus had to deliver perfect peace despite storms. Our hearts desperately ache for the disappointment and sense of betrayal this will bring to countless hearts and again especially for the pain inflicted to victims. We pray the miracle somehow, someway, someday, will be as great as it was in Mark 4 for all.
Keep close to God dear friends. There is an immense capacity in the hand of God to help us. Thank you for all the prayers we know this will generate!
Notification by Leroy Sandford
Overseer of ND/SD
Greetings, Will share what came from an older brother this morning:
Dear Brothers,
This sad note needs to be written to verify something that most of you would likely have heard already. Dean Bruer has been accused of living an immoral double life, and there seems to be ample evidence to support these claims. We are sorry for all who have been or will be affected by his behavior. And we are writing so you have somewhat to answer those who might be communicateing with you from your areas. There doesn’t seem to be any need to go into more detail beyond this. [he later apologized for/redacted this last sentence]
"Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity."
We grieve. We trust that Our lord will give comfort as we gather tomorrow…
Your brother,
[Leroy Sandford]
~~~~~
March 30, 2023
Greetings,
Please accept my apologies for not deleting: “There doesn’t seem to be any need to go into more detail beyond this” in my recent email.
Our sister workers in Northeast ND shared the following with their field yesterday. With their permission it’s going to our Dakota friends. To our Northeast ND friends it’s redundant, but I believe that you’ll be glad to know that others are receiving it? It addresses many things that we need to be aware of – especially how to be safe to avoid terrible things happening in the future…
We continue to mourn, but are comforted by the God of all comfort…
Your brother,
LeRoy
Notification by BethArlene Pierce
North Dakota – Northeast Field
Dear Northeast ND field,
Hello,
Phyllis, Brinna and I returned to the field on Tuesday. We are anxious to get started with gospel meetings, but we do not have clear direction yet, of where that should be.
In light of the recent news about the misconduct of Dean Bruer, we wish we could be everywhere, with all of you. Not that we can do anything, but this is a shared grief and betrayal for all of us, and we all need reassurance and comfort and help. Everyone will be affected differently based on their own personal experiences in life. While we all share some of the same feelings of betrayal and hurt, others will be more deeply distressed if it comes close to other heartaches.
We know that Dean has close ties with ND, and that adds another layer of hurt and betrayal for those who trusted and loved him as a family member and friend. All feelings are valid, and all feelings will come up as we try to process this. Please feel free to call us or let us know that you need a visit if that would be helpful to you. Or talk to other people you trust, or even seek professional help if you feel it would be a benefit.
It seems so unbelievable! There seems to be plenty of evidence that his misconduct is real, and very serious. Dean was not behaving as just a weak human with normal desires, but as a sexual predator, expert at manipulating and keeping things hidden. Both adult and under-age victims have come forward. Of course, all of us wonder HOW DID THIS HAPPEN???? And now, what can we do so that it does not happen again or continue to happen. How it was hidden and how it was committed seems baffling to us, because normal people do not think the same as someone with these deviant desires.
We want to encourage you, If you are ever feeling harassed or intimidated by ANYONE, EVER, please tell someone. Be careful of anyone who asks you to keep secrets, or promotes the idea that inappropriate behavior on their part is your fault. As much as we want to think the best of people, we have to acknowledge that there are skilled and sneaky predators in the world. If you see something, say something.
We all feel betrayed because we trusted him. From our understanding, the first victims came forward after Dean had already died. Most of the workers on the ND/SD staff have only known about this since Friday or Saturday last week. None of us are experts at dealing with this, and we are trying to manage our own feelings as well as help others. We are doing our best to communicate openly and handle it wisely. We are feeling our way, praying and seeking help from God, as you all are.
This experience shakes us deeply. I have found comfort in these reassurances to my own heart:
Dean is dead. He is in the hands of an all knowing God. We do not need to personally condemn or excuse him. The judge of all the world will do right.
"God is faithful to his chosen, in his dealings every day. Both in judgement and in mercy, all along the pilgrim way."
A childlike spirit is still right and safe. With God, it is safe to trust. I don’t have to fortify myself against this. I need to cling to the One who is 100% true.
This gives Satan opportunity to attack us when we are shaken and vulnerable. But anything that is an opportunity for Satan is also an opportunity for God to help us get our feet more firmly on solid ground, and prove to us He is trustworthy and strong. We can come out of this spiritually enriched if we seek God’s help.
Please pray for us and we will for you.
Stay in God’s care,
Sincerely,
Phyllis [Williams], Brinna [Richtsmeir], and BethArlene [Pierce]
Lyle Schober and Westin Price
Overseer of Texas and New Mexico
March 28, 2023
Dear Friends,
It is with a heavy heart that we share with you the disheartening news concerning our coworker, Dean Bruer. He has been accused of living an immoral double life, and there seems to be ample evidence to support these claims. Dean has never labored in our state, but he was a member of our ministry, therefore his error affects each of us in this ministry. In our current generation of social media, we are sure that most of you are already aware of this issue.
The integrity of our ministry is called into question when one amongst us betrays the holy trust shown to us by our friends. Our purpose as Christians and as messengers sent with the gospel, is to manifest our belief by our life and behavior among all people.
One part of the armor of God is to have our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. This indicates that the influence of our life testifies of the peace we have because of the gospel we have accepted. It is meant to be a living sermon of invitation to others who are searching for peace. When a messenger of the gospel betrays that testimony, the repercussions are felt throughout the fellowship.
It is with reverent godly fear that we apologize for this misconduct. We hope and pray to be worthy of the trust you have shown to us in the ministry.
We believe in boundaries. The Lord promised us a hundred-fold of homes, family, and children. However, it is with the awareness that these things are given to us for the gospel’s sake. What we receive is given to us because of the message we carry, and we carry that message with professional responsibility.
We purpose to maintain professional boundaries while in your homes and with your children. We ask that you help us with this. Please teach your children cues for avoiding questionable behavior. Children do not have the maturity to understand the complexity of human behavior, but they can be taught simple cues for safety.
For example:
1.          Do not be alone in a bedroom with an adult other than a parent or assigned caretaker
2.          How to appropriately embrace an adult
3.          Topics of conversation that are inappropriate.
It grieves our heart to have to say these things, but if we work together, we can facilitate a safe environment that will promote a spiritual fellowship that edifies faith.
As members of this ministry, we want to assure you of how much we love and care for you. We are heartbroken by the disgrace of human failure, but our faith in the Lord’s ministry is unchanged. This is the ministry that our Lord established in the earth. Human failure can compromise its testimony, but it cannot undermine its validity. Judas Iscariot was also a part of this ministry, but in the wake of his betrayal the Holy Spirit still impelled this same ministry forward.
We want to assure you that we will do what we can to assist those who are victims of this abuse. We encourage you to visit with the workers in your field or with us if you have concerns or questions. We will be confidential in-as-much as we can. It is our legal responsibility in the case of underage victims to report abuse to the proper authorities. We understand that this is a very difficult journey for everyone. We remind all that by bringing to light this horrible behavior, we may be saving others from being victims of the same abuse.
As workers in Texas and New Mexico we have taken, and continue to take, instruction from a course recognized by the state of Texas regarding proper boundaries with minors. We have also asked our staff to read the book "Boundaries." We are also looking into other materials about the eradication of abuse and steps that can be taken to defend from and detect inappropriate behavior.
We are reminded of the statement of Paul in 2 Timothy 2:19 "Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal. The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let everyone that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity."
Your brothers in Christ,
Lyle Schober and Westin Price
Notification by Jeff Thayer
Overseer of Minnesota and Iowa
Good Morning,
Aunika and I arrived in WI yesterday and this morning we have a workers’ meeting. Jeff [Thayer] has asked us to send the following the news we received yesterday regarding Dean Bruer.
With Care and Love,
Melissa [Chardeen] and Aunika [Schraw]
Begin forwarded message from Jeff Thayer:
Dear friends,
It is with a deep sadness that we send this note today regarding Dean Bruer. Some of you would have this word by now and we apologize for our delay in sending word. It’s been difficult to know what to do or say but we feel we should be in touch with you all.
Many of you would know Dean Bruer because he grew up in Minnesota. Since his death, very disappointing evidence has arisen to verify that Dean was living an immoral, double life. This has already affected many and will likely have long term effects. Dean was a sexual predator and his victims include adults and minors. This is a very serious crime and we are very, very sorry. Please find attached the letter written by the workers in Oregon.
This is devastating, hurtful, and disappointing. It’s taken us a while to process it because we are all reeling since hearing about it. We want to be transparent and open. We also want to encourage everyone to keep close to God and protect your faith. Proverbs 16.33 says, “The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord.” None of us could have known that Dean had this problem. However, it is so and we all must face it. It is “in our lap.” The disposing of this difficult and sad experience will be of the Lord and we want to wait on him and trust him to guide us through it.
We are available to help in any way we can.
With care and love,
The Minnesota/Iowa workers
Minnesota Crisis Hotline 866-223-1111
Iowa Abuse Hotline 800-362-2178
Notification letter by Merlin Affleck
Overseer of British Columbia, Canada
Dear Elders,
Feel free to share the following message with discretion with any of the folks in your church.
This sad note needs to be written to verify something that most of you would likely already have heard. Dean Bruer has been accused of living an immoral double life and ample evidence has surfaced since his death to support these claims. We feel betrayed and are sorry for all who have been or will be affected by his behavior.
"Nevertheless, the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal. The Lord knoweth them that are his. And let everyone that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity."
Sincerely,
Merlin [Affleck]
Overseers’ Notifications re Mark Huddle, March 2023
(No date)
Dear WA, N ID, and AK friends and workers,
Many of you would be aware that this week some allegations of inappropriate behavior against Mark Huddle have arisen and of course we are all very saddened to hear of this. However, in the interest of a thorough, appropriate response we very much want to make sure that any and all allegations that come forward are sensitively, fully and properly addressed.
As a result of this recent development, Mark has already stepped down from the oversight of the work in WA, N ID and AK so these allegations can be addressed. We feel it is appropriate for Darryl [Doland], Wayne [Bechtol] and Brian [Getz] to work together as a team to guide the work there for the time being. If these three brothers need information from previous planning, they will be able to reach out to Mark. They are also welcomed to reach out to any of the surrounding overseers at any time they would consider it advantageous and helpful.
We are suggesting this team of brothers guide things there until we are past this initial crisis and it becomes more apparent what should be done in the long term. Darryl is travelling back to Washington as we write, and three of us will be traveling to Washington on Monday to visit with these three brothers and to make any other important visits that may be helpful.
The recent events have certainly brought sorrow and concern, but we do know that God has led His people through many tragedies and the kingdom has been strengthened in the end. We hope that all of you will work together with our three brothers as they and we all seek to work together with His leading and grace. As we pass through these difficult times, may we all keep centered on Jesus and not allow ourselves to become centered on any one problem, situation or person. Only with the Lord in the center can any of us do right and find the blessing of God that will more than match any storm that comes our way (Mark 6.36-41). God’s great love for the souls of His people, His servants and the world is what gives us complete hope as we pass through this storm.
Sincerely in His care and keeping,
Dale S, Jim A, Merlin A, Mike H, Rob N, Scott R, Doyle S
[Canada Overseers: Dale Shultz, Jim Atcheson, Merlin Affleck, Mike Hassett,
US Overseers: Rob Newman, Scott Rauscher, Doyle Smith]
Three Washington Workers: Darryl Doland, Wayne Bechtol, Brian Getz
Canadian Overseers:
Dale Schultz- Eastern Canada
Jim Atcheson- Manitoba/SK
Merlin Affleck- British Columbia
Mike Hassett- Alberta
United States Overseers:
Rob Newman- California/Arizona/Nevada/Pacific Islands
Scott Rauscher- Montana/Wyoming
Doyle Smith- Oregon/S. Idaho
Three Washington Workers:
Darryl Doland
Wayne Bechtol
Brian Getz