A husband cries out for justice for his wife. On October 21, 2024, the Wartburg Watch Website reported that “Melissa Hobson Was 12 and Molested for 6 Years by Pastor Martin MacDonald. And that she Was Told She Seduced Him and Her Family Was Told by Pastors to Forgive Him. Now the Wartburg Watch has published this headline and introduction:
Melissa Hobson’s Husband Speaks Bold and Truthful Words About the Pain of Her Abuse in An Open Letter to Ron Domina, Tommy Reid, Lou Perez, and the Elders of City Church in Batavia, NY | The Wartburg Watch 2024.”
An Open Letter By Harlan Hobson to Ron Domina, Tommy Reid, Lou Perez, and the Elders of City Church in Batavia, NY:
I come to you today not out of anger toward God or the Church, nor from a place of deconstruction, unforgiveness, or seeking revenge. Instead, I write as someone who deeply loves God, actively engages in a church, and strives daily to live out His truth, pursuing His love, grace, mercy, and justice as shown in Scripture. Yet, my heart is broken and grieved.
I love my wife deeply. I’ve watched her endure the weight of abuse for decades without justice.
She is stronger than anyone I know—passionate in her love for God and fierce in her forgiveness. It’s out of her love for the Church, for other victims of clergy abuse, and for her belief that the Church should be a safe place for all, that she has shared her story.
Several of you were men I deeply respected during our time in Western NY, which makes my heart break even more. What grieves me is your response—or lack of it—as leaders and elders. You appear to be more focused on protecting personal and organizational reputations than seeking the truth.
The system is broken, which is why I am writing this letter.
My wife, Melissa, has publicly told her story, and it can be easily found at The Wartburg Watch if you need to review it. I do not feel the need to restate her story of sexual abuse in this letter. But, before I say what I want, I would like to review a few details about the aftermath of Melissa telling her story the first time.
Melissa’s story has never changed since she first told me, her parents, and then told it to Al and Deb Warner. Al and Deb helped Melissa to begin her journey of healing, and our journey of dealing with the sexual abuse that Melissa experienced from the age of 12 to 18 years old.
At Al and Deb’s direction and encouragement, we went to Pastor Ron Domina (because he had some leadership relationship with Marty) to let him know about what Marty did to Melissa, for all those years.
After meeting with Ron, he asked Melissa if she was comfortable with him confronting Marty. She agreed. Ron later told us that Marty confessed and repented. He said the next step would be an in-person meeting where Marty could apologize to Melissa, which now feels absurd.
After this meeting, we were told that Marty MacDonald had confessed, but that he had confessed to an affair.
An affair occurs between two consenting adults. According to the law, Melissa could not give consent because she was an underage preadolescent. (Please remember that he groomed and molested my wife, Melissa, who was a child at the time from age 12 to 18 years old.) That is why this wasn’t very clear to us. An affair by a Church leader would be wrong and considered CSM – Clergy Sexual Misconduct or ACSA – Adult Clergy Sexual Abuse and is a crime now in 15 states and is likely to become the law throughout the United States. It was not an “affair.”
After learning of Marty’s confession, we saw Marty and his wife, Patti, walking in downtown Batavia, NY, at an event called “Christmas in the City.” I confronted him and asked him when he was going to make things right and admit that he molested my wife when she was an underage girl (12-18 years old).
“Well, let’s ask this police officer if what you did to my wife was an affair.”
In what appeared to be a flustered manner, he blurted out, “That’s not what happened!” Then, I saw a police officer walking toward us. I challenged Marty, “I know you confessed to an affair. Well, let’s ask this police officer if what you did to my wife was an affair.” Patti, his wife, grabbed him by the arm, and they ran off.
Right after this incident, Marty’s son Ryan Macdonald, the current Pastor of City Church, chased us down in the mall and ran up to me and yelled threats at me to leave his father alone or else. Melissa had to calm Ryan down and reminded him that he was a baby at the time and had no knowledge of the truth of the matter. Melissa was babysitting Marty and Patti’s children at the time this sexual abuse began.
As we talked to him, he told my wife Melissa that she had seduced his father, and this was her fault. Ryan appeared to be confused about the inability of a 12-year-old child to consent to sexual activity.
After these encounters, Marty did not want to meet with us anymore. But he and his wife, Patti, did send a nice card saying, “If Patti or I have ever done anything to offend you, please forgive us.”
Nothing addresses sexual abuse like a Hallmark card.
When Melissa first shared her story, we sought to do the right thing by turning to trusted people like Al and Deb Warner and coming to you, Ron Domina. Marty and his supporters tried to silence, shame, and blame Melissa despite our efforts. There is much I could say about the journey my wife, Melissa, has been on since, but only she can fully speak to the trauma she experienced in sharing her story.
Ron Domina, Marty and his supporters tried to silence, shame, and blame Melissa despite our efforts.
But what did you expect her to do?
After Melissa decided to share her story publicly again, you criticized how it was done. But what did you expect her to do? All she did was tell her truth in the Wartburg Watch and then agreed to be interviewed by The Batavian. Now that her story is out there, she’s being heard and will continue to speak up.
As I’ve said, she initially tried to address this behind closed doors, following what others believed was the right and biblical approach. This is why I think the church system, including its oversight and accountability, is broken. The system isn’t designed to encourage victims to come forward or to protect and respect them. The church should be a safe place for all, but clearly, it is not.
That said, here are some of my thoughts and observations on my wife, Melissa’s, coming forward and your responses—or lack thereof.
The Variation in Responses
It’s striking that Melissa’s story has never changed.
I’ve heard it for years, and it’s always the same. Yet, the responses from Marty and his supporters have been inconsistent, especially between the first and this most recent time she shared her story. To highlight these variations, here are a few responses from his camp and supporters:
Marty confessed.
Marty repented.
Melissa seduced Marty.
Melissa was sixteen (It began when she was 12) and knew what she was doing.
Why can’t Melissa just forgive Marty for this “Offense” and let it go?
Marty confessed to an “affair.” (Is he saying he had an affair with someone else, since he could not have an “affair” with Melissa due to her being below the age of consent? That brings up a lot more questions.)
AND NOW, AFTER ALL THESE YEARS, THE RESPONSE CHANGES TO: OH WAIT… MARTY DID NOT DO ANYTHING! (Then what did he confess to? What did he repent of? How was it that Melissa was accused as a child of seducing Marty? What was Melissa being asked to forgive?)
Once again, Melissa is asked to forgive and let it go.
She is being told that Matthew 18:15-17 should now be used as a guideline to handle this offense. (Sexual abuse is not an offense; it is a crime.)
Melissa, truthfully telling her story as a victim, is being called evil, and she is being accused of operating in the spirit of accusation, and an “Accuser of the brethren”.
How do you defend Marty and his supporters’ (including yourselves) varied responses compared to my wife Melissa’s total consistency, whose story has never changed?
Some of the responses from Anjan Ganguly, Marty’s lawyer, in The Batavian were interesting, especially considering all the different responses we have heard over the years. The Batavian asked, “Did MacDonald know Hobson?” Mr. Ganguly replied, “Yes, they were familiar with one another through the ministry at New Hope.”
One of the definitions of the word “familiar” is: unduly intimate; too personal; taking liberties.
Or did he mean the definition of commonly or generally known?
Is Sexual Abuse Just an Offense?
I heard several, including you, Lou Perez, reference Matthew 18 as a scriptural blueprint to address this situation. But is Matthew 18:15-17 the correct scriptural reference to use when discussing the crime of clergy sexual abuse of a child? Isn’t that scripture reference dealing with offenses within the Church?
If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. (Matthew 18:15-17)
No! Sexual abuse is a crime!
I believe your reference to Matthew 18 as a guide for dealing with offenses is correct. But to use it in this situation is to falsely call Child Sexual Abuse an offense. No! Sexual abuse is a crime!
If you had a daughter who had been sexually abused, would you encourage her to follow Matthew 18 and meet one-on-one with her abuser? Would you even have her meet face-to-face with her abuser with someone else present?
Anyone who understands the trauma of abuse would say this is extremely harmful advice. Do you really think this is what Jesus intended? There’s nothing in Scripture that suggests God condones abuse of any kind, whether it’s against a child, teen, or adult. Treating abuse as a minor offense that we can simply forgive and move on from is incredibly harmful. Abuse should always be treated as the crime it is.
That in itself is a form of abuse and victimization.
Many of the responses to Melissa telling her story have focused on forgiveness. While I agree that forgiveness is crucial for anyone who is following Jesus Christ, when it comes to sexual abuse by a church leader, the first step should not be telling the victim to forgive their abuser. That in itself is a form of abuse and victimization.
NO, this is a grown man and a pastor who sexually abused a child over six years.
The correct first step would be to listen to the victim, instead of re-traumatizing them by calling the abuse they experienced a simple offense. Then painting a picture that they just need to hug it out with their abuser, while both say they are sorry. This is not like kids on a playground who got into a tiff over who gets the best swing. NO, this is a grown man and a pastor who sexually abused a child over six years.
They appear to prioritize something other than the victim.
When church leaders use “calls for forgiveness” and Matthew 18:15-17 in cases of sexual abuse (especially child sexual abuse), I question their motivation. They appear to prioritize something other than the victim. When addressing clergy sexual abuse, especially of children, it is a significant misappropriation of Scripture to use a reference that deals explicitly with the handling of offenses.
Here are some scriptures that come to my mind that might be more appropriate for dealing with situations of clergy sexual abuse of a child:
(Matthew 23:27-28) “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness. So, you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.”
(1 Timothy 5:20) “As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear.”
Another version states: “But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning.”
(1 Corinthians 5:1-2) “It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that even pagans do not tolerate… And you are proud! Shouldn’t you rather have gone into mourning and have put out of your fellowship the man who has been doing this?”
(Matthew 18:6) “If anyone causes one of these little ones – those who believe in me – to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.”
You have a moral and ethical duty to address these matters immediately, yet you’ve chosen not to.
As Pastors and Elders, you have a fiduciary responsibility to act in the best interest of others. You’ve accepted the role and the high calling of being above reproach, so how can you justify your actions—or lack thereof? You have a moral and ethical duty to address these matters immediately, yet you’ve chosen not to.
Vilification of the Victim
From your responses, it seems you’re trying to paint Marty as the victim and my wife, Melissa, as the villain. This is classic gaslighting. Why? Because Melissa dared to speak the truth? When a victim of sexual abuse comes forward, your response was to call her a liar and accuse her of operating under the spirit of “The accuser of the brethren” without even investigating?
Yet you still choose to ignore or cover up this abuse.
There are people in your midst who know the truth from when Melissa first came forward, yet you still choose to ignore or cover up this abuse.
Have you taken the time to listen to the real victim, my wife, Melissa Hobson?
Have you considered bringing in an impartial third party to investigate?
Have you thought about the years of counseling and therapy Melissa has gone through because of what was done to her?
Do any of you care?
Doesn’t God call us to stand up for the powerless, especially those abused by those in power?
(Proverbs 31:8-9) “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly: defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
Silencing a victim’s voice is wrong and doesn’t align with God’s heart as described in Scripture. Attempting to vilify my wife is to suggest that her decision to share her story is just an attack on Marty, and that she could have pursued it in court if her intentions were pure. The statement made at City Church and in the lawyer’s response in The Batavian says,
“There has been ample opportunity for these accusations to be brought before a court of law…”
Really? Are you referring to when Melissa first shared her story, and we were told nothing could be done legally due to the statute of limitations? Or to the short window allowed by the child victim’s statute, which we were unaware of?
Are you aware that the average age for a victim of child sexual abuse to disclose is 52, if they disclose at all? Melissa has been on a long healing journey and is now ready to speak out. I’m sorry if her timing disrupts your interests, but she is not the villain here. Marty created this mess and is responsible for his actions when he chose to abuse my wife as a child.
Some Final Thoughts
Ron Domina, I believe you did not handle this situation correctly the first time my wife came forward or the second time.
Lou Perez, it is my opinion that you have chosen to misappropriate Scripture and tried to minimize the crime of sexual abuse down to an offense.
The Elders of City Church Batavia, your response or your lack of response sends a strong message that my wife Melissa, the victim, does not matter to you. Victims of sexual abuse do not matter to you. Truth does not matter to you; otherwise, you would have called for a truly Independent Investigation.
The message all of you are sending loud and clear is that the most important thing to you in this situation is to protect the reputation of Marty, your church, Apostolic network, organization, leaders, and yourself.
I must ask, if someone in the Church sexually molested your wife or daughter, what would be your response?
Right now, in your own church, if anyone were sexually molested, what action would you take?
Here are some things to consider when answering that question:
Do NOT cover it up.
Do not misappropriate Matthew 18:15-17 and use it as an excuse to cover up sexual sin.
Do NOT prioritize the reputation of the abuser over the victim.
A common excuse for covering up sexual abuse in churches is the belief that protecting the reputation of one person helps safeguard the organization, allowing it to continue proclaiming the Gospel and carrying out other good works.
However, this argument makes the dangerous assumption that the success of the organization and its ability to do good are more important than upholding the truth. It overlooks the harm caused to victims and the moral responsibility of addressing abuse, prioritizing appearance and results over genuine accountability and justice.
Do NOT accuse the Victim’s story of giving the church a bad name.
Melissa telling her story brings important truth to light. Marty’s abuse of Melissa makes the church look bad. The attempt to cover it up and sweep it under the rug by you, the Elders, Ron Domina, Tommy Reid, Lou Perez, and the other members of the Apostolic Network makes the church look bad. Your attempts to turn this on Melissa, a victim of sexual clergy abuse when she was between the ages of 12 and 18, make the church look bad.
Listen to the victim. Listen to the abused.
Do not silence the victim. For someone who has been sexually abused, suppressing their voice can be more traumatic than the abuse itself.
Abusers groom their victims, plus a whole lot of other people!
Grooming a child for sexual abuse causes deep emotional, physical, and spiritual trauma. Melissa believed the abuse was her fault. Abusers are skilled at making their victims feel special, convincing them they’re in a romantic relationship. Marty made her feel like his girlfriend and was never cruel. Many abusers are charming and kind, but kindness never justifies sexual molestation.
Abusers in the church groom not only their victims but also families: the victim’s family, congregations, leaders, and influential community members.
Abusers convince everyone that their actions are for the good of the church and the spreading of the Gospel. They often succeed because of their special talents. But how many people must be reached for it to justify molesting a young girl or abusing a woman? Abuse is always wrong. Do outcomes like a growing church or transformed lives make it acceptable for a leader to molest someone? How much success does a minister need to have before you would say it’s okay for him to abuse your daughter or your wife?
Talent and Charisma DO NOT equal Character and Integrity.
Many abusers, especially in the church realm, are charismatic, talented, and charming. However, I see nowhere in Scripture where those characteristics equal character, integrity, and honesty.
In Conclusion:
The system is broken—but it can be fixed. I deeply believe in God’s grace, love, and mercy, and hold these truths close to my heart. But we must also remember that God is a God of justice, a God who cares deeply for victims and those who have suffered abuse. God sees and God knows.
The lack of outrage over sexual sin in the Church is unacceptable. Something must change. And that change can start with you.
His heart must ache over the abuse within His Church—especially sexual abuse, which robs innocence and distorts the very image of the Father’s love. The widespread sexual abuse in the Church is unacceptable. What happened to my wife Melissa is unacceptable. The lack of outrage over sexual sin in the Church is unacceptable. Something must change. And that change can start with you.
Why not take a stand for what is right? Why not call for an independent third-party investigation? Why not take real action to support sexual abuse victims? The system is broken. Will you help fix it or accept the status quo and help keep it broken?
Even the world recognizes it’s wrong!
Right now, the Church is failing when it comes to addressing sexual abuse. What kind of testimony does that give us? Even the world recognizes it’s wrong! When a doctor, teacher, or counselor is guilty of sexual abuse, the response is clear: victims are supported, and the abuser loses their license, can go to prison, or is disallowed from continuing in their profession. Now, there is a novel idea for the pastors in the church. But the Church has yet to get there.
We could change that. The question is, will you be part of that change?
This sounds very much like Jonathan and Suzy Lamb and their defenders online being attacked for coming forth with accusations of child sexual abuse and Joni Lamb’s refusal to get a third party investigation. I hope you speak on this matter, Mario. Someone needs to. Joseph Z and Rick Renner are vilifying those trying to expose the allegations and the cover up and refusal to get a third party investigation. It’s exactly what was stated in this newsletter.
I really pains me to see Joseph Z and Rick Renner side with DayStar. I don’t think calling for a third-party investigation into the alleged SA of the Lamb’s daughter is being an accuser of the brethren. Let the authorities investigate. If the defendent is found innocent, then we can all move on. But if not, justice is needed.
The whole congregation will be held responsible. If these other 2 men of Gid have become too modernized to speak biblixal truth, I will no longer hold respect for them either.
Unfortunately, if this scumbag did this to her, he probably did this to many others.
I agree with Joseph Z and Rick Renner.
Daystar accusations not same imo.
Suzy and Jonathan Lamb in sin deceived by the enemy.
Many agree here.
How do you know if they are deceived unless a credible third party investigation has been performed and the alledged child sexual abuse crime goes through all the legal investigations neccesary for child sexual abuse claims? Joni and Daystar should have no fear of wanting the truth revealed for the sake of protecting her grandchild and all children from any sexual predator. If you are truly a born again child of God, wouldn’t you want to know if a child has been truly sexually abused? Where is the fear of God and love for our precious children?
I have to say that I was surprised to see this story on here. It, too, reminds of the Daystar allegations. I am glad that Mario is addressing this situation. It is sad though that a lot of people associated with Mario are supporting the madness going on at Daystar. It is clear something is not right over there, but it will not be hidden forever. I, too, am a victim of SA by multiple people growing up (not in church). I never got justice. I thought it was my fault and didn’t have anyone to turn to. From ages 5 to 12 I endured abuse and have a lifetime of issues do to this. We cannot continue to turn a blind eye and not call people out. And the two situations are similar. A child was allegedly SAd and the grandparents covered it up and lied to their children about it. God help us clean up your church and I pray that the Holy Spirit brings conviction on those at fault so it does not happen to another precious child.
Proof of that please! Also I never heard of these two saying they agree with anyone. But I could have missed so sent it out. Thanks,
Who are you to call Jonathan and Suzy liars? Jonathan has proof of his spiritual abuse in tapes that he recorded during the meetings because he knew his mother would lie. Many people have come forward to speak about the abuse they experienced at Daystar with Joni. It would take a special kind of evil to accuse someone of sexually abusing their daughter at the age of 5, especially a family member. I dont see that in Jonathan and Suzy. Maybe you should do your research and pray about the deception you are experiencing. Jonathan and Suzy are deceived! It is time for Justice to come for Baby Lamb and Jonathan and Suzy. God will not be mocked! Those who are not speaking up will be judged!
Really!! How do you know? Are you God like Joni? Shouldn’t there be a third party investigation?
Thank you for sharing this crime of this sisters child sexual abuse. It seems like many leaders are still doing the samething today. Like Joni not being willing to have an outside third party investigation with people of integrity, to investigate alleged sexual abuse against her own grandchild. Anyone with an ounce of morality might wonder, how could anyone calling themselves Christian be like that? We have got serious issues going on in too many churches and ignore Jesus’ warning about hurting children. Where is the fear of God?
I was just thinking the same thing. Mario could be a huge asset in Jonathan’s and Suzy’s daughters case. Daystar goes on as if nothing happened and it’s all about the money. 20 have pulled their program. Why are the rest there?
Jesus stated that anyone that offends one of His little ones should have a millstone tied around their neck and cast into the sea!
IS THIS CAPITOL PUNISHMENT!
I am from West Seneca NY. My family and I were at the meeting in Batavia NY. At first we did not understand what was happening. All of a sudden the service was over and Mario was packing up to leave.
Reading this letter from this husband broke my heart. All I heard Holy Spirit say is that there is sin in the camp.
Yeshua (Jesus) is quoted in Mark 9:42
New Century Version
42 “If one of these little children believes in me, and someone causes that child to sin, it would be better for that person to have a large stone tied around his neck and be drowned in the sea. When will we study our Scripture?
I’m broken hearted over this crime of sexual abuse! I’m shocked to hear of prominent Christian leaders vilifying the victims.God is a God of justice and He will avenge His elect,as they lift up their prayers day and night.I was a victim of sexual abuse and yes,it is a crime.
Thank you you open my eyes
My word! IF THERE WAS A HALL OF FAME FOR EXCELLENCY IN POURING OUT TRUTH IN A LETTER, this would be there! NOTHING was left out and was clearly penned under the Holy Spirit anointing. Like many others reading this, I was a young. sexual abuse victim though not by a church pastor. My heart was BLESSED to see such love conveyed by this man for his wife. HE IS A PILLAR IN THE TEMPLE OF OUR GOD..A MAN AFTER HIS HEART. While I dont know why this was shared by Mario I trust his integrity and his desire for the honor of the Lord. MAY THIS PRODUCE FRUIT and may these men finally accomplish God’s will in this terrible cover-up. REPUTATIONS BE DAMNED.
Amen!
This pastor should be in jail. I don’t understand why leaders in any churches that has committed a sexual crime just say “ I’m sorry “ and they resign and nothing is done by the law.
I agree!
The only way to stop these crimes of children being sexually abused is speak up and run it upthe flag pole for all to see. The perpetrator needs comes to the victim on knees and true repentance for what he did and step down from any place of leadership in that church. I am so sorry he did this to you but needs to pay the penalty for his crime. Thank you for speaking out and your husband’s support.
Thank you Mario for bringing this bad situation to the world attention. Of course everyone that reads about Mellisa situation will be praying for peace of mind for her. But what about the church, the congregation? What are their thoughts? Or better yet their reaction? I would be looking for another church! Or are the pastors and elders grooming the church members in staying in the church?
If it’s too late to charge him for the sexual abuse then hit them in the wallet with a lawsuit to cover the expense of counseling
My prayers go out to everyone involved including the congregation of these churches and community of Batavia
Thank you Mario for bringing this story to light, God is exposing wickedness in His Ekklesia bringing holiness and healing
This pastor may have escaped man’s judgement, but he will not escape God’s! Nor will the leadership of that church. God will continue to bring to light that which is hidden, and if true accountability and repentance are ignored, then I’m certain the outcome for that church will be quite evident in the very near future.
My heart is sickened. Thank you Mr. Hobson. Heart rendering! Yes God IS A GOD OF JUSTICE.
I left the church I went to for years because the church handled sexual abuse in the same way. The pastor needs to be removed, pay consequences for his sin and the members refuse to attend that church until the pastor is held to account. So many people are blind because they can’t accept sin or wrongdoing by those they are affiliated with.
Well written letter. God WILL have a church without spot, blemish or wrinkle. Scripture says what we do in secret will be made known from the rooftops. King David said there is no place that we can go that God is not there (nowhere to run from God). The husband is right. We cover our sin to “reach more people for Jesus” yet all we do is reflect our hypocrisy and push people away from Jesus. The church needs to repent before God, whom alone we sinned against. It is better to go to jail now but have eternal life than to never repent and perish eternally. Lord, humble your people and make us holy as You are holy.
Thank you Mario for sharing and hope you will address this and the many others exposed. The voices in leadership have been embarrassing to God and have made the church weaker than it already is. This letter says what many are saying and adapt many you are running with right now are saying the same or worse about the accusers and telling all “Don’t touch the anointed”.
Again thank you for sharing which shows you care, but look around at who is in your circle and what they are saying about this same types of situation…I won’t say the names but just look around you and you will see many are guilty of cover ups and pushing down the people holding this evil in church leadership accountable.
Thank you Mario and we continue to pray blessings over you, your family and your ministry which is changing lives daily.
Harlan Dobson has said it all and well. Sexual abuse of a child is a terrible demeaning traumatising thing to do in itself but the denials, redirecting guilt to the victim just multiply the pain. This abuse would have been played out over and over in the dear lady’s mind for years. The doubt the perpetrator put into her mind just adds to the falsely accepted guilt. This is cruel and does need to be sorted. Those who read this story, please pray for Melissa, that she knows and knows that she has done nothing wrong and for the Perp that he can repent fully and truthfully and accept full responsibility and accept whatever comes, and that the elders live up to their responsibilities and show some love and guts.
Thank you for the wake up call
HarlanHobson God sent you to heal and honour Melissa HE sent you as HIS Ambassador to Melissa and her family and all who have been victims of sexual abuse. A very high price will be paid by abusers who will not fearfully repent to God
I found out I was abused as a very young child. My dad caught the lady who was our babysitter when I was a very young boy. My mom told me later in life, mid twenties, of that happening. There was always something on my mind when I had relations when I married and I couldn’t pinpoint it.
Hi Dan, when that happened to you, a door was opened in your life. That door needs to be closed forever if you haven’t done so already. It is a spiritual problem which requires a spiritual solution. Only Jesus can set you free & heal you. What happened to you cannot be changed but the Lord can go back to that time in your past & change how it affected you.
Thank you for printing this letter. Maybe it will encourage other victim to speak out.
I volunteer in an addiction help centre and Cafe in our small city. I can’t yell you how many addicts we abuse or hurt deeply by the church. My first priority is to love them unconditionally, listen to their painful stories and then I seek the Father’s strategy for each one to be healed and redeemed. They are all different and there’s no magic formula toward healing. I may be the only expression of Christ’s love they encounter so I am in constant prayer for them. He has been faithful always to guide me.
It’s disgusting how the church covers up for these pastors all for the greater good. It confuses me that pastors and evangelists who are world wide known don’t call out these churches but say things like “I don’t want to get involved” or “Satan is attacking the church.” And when podcasters call out or expose the church, these same people say “well who has the jurisdiction?” I don’t agree with these podcasters but they’re the only ones I’ve heard up until this article from Mario Murillo ministries. Thank you for bringing to light this issue of sexual abuse. As Christian’s we’ve got to do better!!!!
Robert Morris of Gateway Church in Southlake Texas was just arrested for this. Melissa Hobson and her husband need to get in touch with the woman that was Robert Morris’s victim, she would be able to help
Yes. I was about to say the same thing about Morris. I never cared for him on TV. I didn’t know why. “Just somethings not setting right” I couldn’t watch him anymore but I thought he must be o.k. if he’s on the Victory Channel! So I tried to reason away my misfiring. Within a year he was removed from the channel…and the story came out later.
I know better. It’s not the first time I’ve questioned that ever so quiet hesitation in the depths of my belly. Only to find out I was right. It was the Holy Spirit guiding, steering me.
I HAVE to learn to listen and not Excuse away those inklings.
Biblically You are absolutely right! Jesus confronted sin and never covered it up!
Sexual abuse, Rape, is a life time sentence to a life of pain! Walking healing out with Jesus is the only way to truly be healed. This shows how deep this assault on someone goes and no doubt is a crime and deserves the consequences of such a hideous act to a child or an adult! To think that a church hides such a crime and prefers to hide the truth instead of supporting a child who has done nothing wrong is even a worse Crime!
The church who covers up sin is a church that will never have the fullness of God in that church!
Absolutely astounding! Outrageously unacceptable! ANY behavior and ANY criminal actions against ANYONE, especially children, whether within or outside the church, needs to be addressed legally with the punishment of the predator duly fitting the crime. Sexual predators need to suffer SEVERE consequences; the death penalty…. It’s THAT SERIOUS!!!
As for the church, the words from an old song by Carmen, “Revive us O Lord;
Revive us O Lord!
And cleanse us from our impurity,
and make us Holy;
hear our cry,
and Revive Us
O Lord!”
May GOD’s judgement begin in the House of The Lord!
Dear Hobson family. Your courage and boldness is supernatural. I support you and pray for justice and especially restoration
May God deal with these wolves is sheep skin in his righteous holy way. Watch out. He is coming to judge
In Jesus name. Amdn
When will men face up to their sins??? God sees and is full of agnoy at how we trample on His grace . The end does come and what will you say to your /our creater??? Pray that your sins find you out and come clean before God and man. So we pray for our leaders that they would be true to God first and then to man. Pray all will let Jesus precious blood cleanse them from all sin, pray God give the victems grace and mercy , healing trustin in God’s provision of mercy ,not man’s. Lord help us.
So many similar stories are coming to the Light! My heart breaks for these victims but they are on God’s heart even more. I believe He is fed up with the apostasy of His Ekklesia and His time is now to expose and annihilate this demonic attack on His innocent children. He is banging HIS gavel of justice! Woe to those hypocrites! I pray they truly repent while they still can!
Harland, I am grieved and outraged that your wife suffered this atrocity at the hands of a spiritual leader. I remember you and your precious wife at conferences hosted by New Hope. Melissa was always a genuinely sweet person as you were and I loved you guys very much and still do. Thank you for yours and your precious wife’s bravery and passion for truth righteousness and justice to prevail. If there is anything we can do, anything at all to help move justice forward for precious Melissa please please please let us know. I love you man of God.
When does the abuse stop? The SA/clergy abuse has been rampant. It’s no wonder the Church and Christians in general are not taken seriously and considered weak and spineless. Seems few people think of the words of the prophet Nathan when he told King David he was responsible for Uriah’s death and takingvUriah’s wife and tge statement “your actions are giving your enemy opportunity to blaspheme God”. The actions/lack of action is allowing the world to speak against our God.
Harlan I am deeply grieved. I am absolutely outraged that your precious wife endured such a horrific thing at the hands of a spiritual leader allegedly. I say allegedly not in a way of calling what your wife has been through untrue but as not being a part of this story and trusting that those in power and with the authority will hear you and move forward in getting this thoroughly investigated and handled through the legal system. I fondly remember Melissa and do not believe she has the heart to falsely accuse anyone, nor you. Anything I can do at all to help Melissa get the justice she deserves please let me know. I sincerely love you both and I always will sir.
Lord Jesus, my heart is broken and deeply grieved for Melissa. And I’m truly grieved that the churches elders response- or lack of-as leaders and elders that they appear to be more focused on protecting personal and organizational reputations, then seeking the truth. The church should be a safe place for all, especially children, but clearly it is not. Our FATHER in heaven loves the children. And I’m so grateful that Jesus is our healer, our perfect example of the love of God❤️🙏🏻❣️❣️❣️
I was/am a victim as well. The Bishop and his wife used my husband for money, trips, and gifts. After a while of trying to understand what I was seeing take place between the three of them, his wife, our worship leader, started sending nude pictures to my husband (I found them). I think my husband decided he needed something in return for him paying for their/our trip to Hawaii. I should have stayed home, he took her and not me; Bishop was clueless to them at that time – I think. So, instead of allowing the truth to come out, I wanted to protect everyone involved – the church included. I didn’t want to be a part of the church dividing or falling apart. I confronted my husband and he informed me that her husband and son would kill him if they found out about their behind the scenes story. Because my twin sister was murdered in 1988, I kept their affair (my husband says there was no sex involved???) to myself. I am still part of that congregation working through the damage that happened to me and my marriage. Bishop now knows of their affair and is in the same boat of working on his marriage. For me, though, after two years, I am still struggling. To her credit, if it is a credit, she called it off after stating, “no harm, no foul.” I can’t imagine all the gifts my husband gave her because she enticed him with the words, “You couldn’t handle it.” To date, I have seen no repentance; but, I have seen text messages from her stating that she loved my husband. And, that he loved her; I’m not entirely sure my husband is over her. All this because my husband is a generous man. What do I do with this? How can I pray for this type of thing to be exposed? She leads worship and they wonder why we’re not seeing a move of God in our area. He raises big offerings for other churches so he is used to asking for money from his congregation. My husband and I are both aware of his desire for more so we really work at hearing the Lord on all our giving. After reading this article, I saw me as the one preventing truth from coming out and justice being rendered. I saw me as the victim again. Yikes, I’m so tired of this.
Leave this so-called church immediately. God or the church do not need your protection. He is a God of TRUTH. You and your husband will never be able to salvage your marriage, if possible, if you remain in that cesspool. It is past time for committed Christians to decide to walk in truth and right standing with their Redeemer no matter what the cost. We are not called to cover sin in order “protect” the reputation of any leader or organization. What kind of hit does God’s reputation take when we condone sin for the “spread of the gospel”? What disgusting hypocritical nonsense! Can you possibly imagine Jesus doing this? I wonder how many wounded men and women would flock to a church that openly exposed and dealt severely with sexual abuse. They would truly be able to experience the good news that there they would be welcomed into the healing. arms of a Savior whose heart broke when they were being used and discarded by evil people. Justice and Mercy are wed.
why in the world are you still there????? leave the church or leave him!!!
Paula, When I was seventeen my boyfriend would hit me for no reason. When I got angry and told him I wanted to break it off he told me he would kill himself. I was a nieve kid and was tied in knots. My mom sent me to my grandparents out of state. I was gone 2 days and I was free. When He called to say he was killing himself I said ok and hung up. This guilt and shame came up again in my later years. It seems I have a tendency to take quilt upon myself. The LORD has helped me in this regard. People are sinning and covering it up in plain site. Don’t let them succeed in this. You are not a victim or a perpetrator. Be free dear in Jesus name
What is the bishop’s last name
Reading this article brings a lot of behaviors and the results of these acts to light. It’s a sad day when children will be abused and the adults don’t take proper actions. It hurts everybody! Covering up this situation only destroys the good, the standing of leadership, and the welfare of all. Sadly common in the world today!
God bless you and Melissa. I pray for justice and righteousness to prevail accdg to Amos 5:24, and for her healing. God does miracles. He will show Himself strong; He will contend with those who contend with you! In Jesus name, you will have victory! 🙏🙏
Thank you, Harlan, for advocating for your wife Melissa. Prayers for your family, for church accountability and justice for Melissa.
Re: “His heart must ache over the abuse within His Church—especially sexual abuse, which robs innocence and distorts the very image of the Father’s love.” Perfectly stated.
God Bless you!
Our niece has a similar story, it’s been devastating for her and all her family and dear friends. She’s now 38 and still dealing with the trauma. God help us!
Wow….
This situation makes me very angry. I also am a victim of sexual abuse several times when I was 11 years old. I was threatened with disfigurement If I told my father. I felt dirty and had flashbacks of the abuse for many years.
I finally told a very good Christian counselor when i was in my mid-thirties. This is a horrible crime and I agree this was NOT handled with integrity by the perpetrator or the clergy leadership. The victim, Melissa, has my full sympathy and prayers.
Thank you Mario for posting this letter in its entirety. This is a powerful letter, and a sad example of ‘religion” trying to protect its own.
I continue to pray for a proper resolution to this issue – that the church will admit to its shortcomings in handling this manner, and the church will due what is right to the fullest extent.
I’m not sure if this pastor “the abuser” is still holding a title in this church,” but like the pastor from Kansas City, this person your discussing should have admitted and apologized to The church body, this offense is like murder, it stole this young females childhood. Wrecked her understanding of our Father and perverted Love.
Like from the Book Bonhoeffer
Silence in the face of evil is evil itself
After reading this “Open letter”, I thank you for sharing it.
This is not an isolated case. Far too often the sexual and abuse crimes against our children in “the church” are denied and quietly swept away.
It’s certainly not only the Catholic church that has it’s share of abusers.
Judgment must start in the House of the Lord.
Why do we side with an adult instead of the child…like the child held the person hostage to force this sin…the church has been blinded with the one with the credentials is the authority, not the victim…the 5 fold isn’t a call of supremacy…we’re all equal when it comes to The Word of GOD…
I believe sexual assault of a child is sin and the person that does this should be punished.
Well said my friend. I applaud you for exposing and bringing to light what needs to be condemned.
Yes it does cause great injustice and trauma to 30 Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, “You have brought trouble on me by making me obnoxious to the Canaanites and Perizzites, the people living in this land. We are few in number, and if they join forces against me and attack me, I and my household will be destroyed.”
31 But they replied, “Should he have treated our sister :13..But she said to him, “No, my brother;b for this wrong in sending me away is greater than the other that you did to me.” But he would not listen to her. Opposite Gen 34 re Dinah..30 Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, “You have brought trouble on me by making me obnoxious to the Canaanites and Perizzites, the people living in this land. We are few in number, and if they join forces against me and attack me, I and my household will be destroyed.”
31 But they replied, “Should he have treated our sister like a prostitute?”
Yes it does cause great injustice and trauma to 30 Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, “You have brought trouble on me by making me obnoxious to the Canaanites and Perizzites, the people living in this land. We are few in number, and if they join forces against me and attack me, I and my household will be destroyed.”
31 But they replied, “Should he have treated our sister :vs Tamar 13..But she said to him, “No, my brother;b for this wrong in sending me away is greater than the other that you did to me.” But he would not listen to her. Opposite Gen 34 re Dinah..30 Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, “You have brought trouble on me by making me obnoxious to the Canaanites and Perizzites, the people living in this land. We are few in number, and if they join forces against me and attack me, I and my household will be destroyed.”
31 But they replied, “Should he have treated our sister like a prostitute?”
We had our very prominent pastor step down for the exact same thing. It was 40 years ago and we were all shocked that his sexual encounter began with a 12 yr old. He often spoke from the pulpit about his moral fall with a “young lady”. And I believe was truly remorseful. Yet not truly honest.
It has rocked our church to the core.
We quickly realized that we had placed a man on the throne of Jesus (only Jesus) ! Our church did acknowledge the victim and hired independent outsider to investigate.
Reading your letter gave me a deeper understanding of the victim child.
Thank you for your bravery.
Praying for Melissa and her family. It’s tragic that this is happening in any church, a place where children should be safe and protected.
Just before the exposure of Robert Morris, the mega church pastor in Texas, I had a dream where God said that all corruption and evil was going to be exposed. That everything done in the dark would be exposed by the light in all areas. I fear that there is far more buried evil than even the conspiracy believers think. May God who abhors evil, especially that done to children, provide comfort, healing, strength, and peace to the victims. And may we as His followers stand with and for them.
This reminds me of when Tamar was raped by her half brother Ammon and how Jonadab explained to him what to do to and with her. We know how that worked out.
Excellent article. Judgement must begin in the house of God.
And how many other children did he abuse? A single victim of a predator is uncommon…in fact I’ve never heard of a child predator of having only one victim. This man should never be allowed in a position of leadership again and not in a fellowship again unless he confesses and truly repents with godly sorrow. Even if he repents, he should not be allowed near children again. We must protect victims, not predators. I pray with tears for Melissa and what she suffered at the hands of this sick man. Lord I ask for You to completely restore her and to defeat the enemy’s plans to destroy her. I pray for You to shine through her as a testimony of Your power and love. God bless you Melissa🙏🙏❤️❤️
Bravo, Harlan and Melissa, for your courage to speak out. May God grace you to continue to help bring Biblical accountability to the Ekklesia. In so doing, you protect and encourage others, and demonstrate trust in God to manifest healing in your own, and other lives. God’s blessings to you.
That was so powerful to read for me an incest and molest survivor now overcomer. If only we all had an advocate and supporter so tenacious and God fearing. To hear the real scriptures he quoted for a child molester and the institution wanting to cover it up was so reassuring- Gods response to something so horrific as child sex abuse. Without true repentance there’s one final destination Harlan perhaps kindly omitted.
That was so encouraging and well stated. Thank you Harlan… and Mario!
Children are not “sexual beings.” Whether an adolescent is 12 or 17, whether they know HOW to commit a sexual act or not, whether they even WANT to or not, is NOT the crux of this issue. Neither is “forgiveness.” The issue is that they are MINORS. They do not have the mental, emotional, legal, medical and spiritual insight to consent to buying a pack of cigarettes or getting a tattoo or renting a car, let alone to consent to sexual activity — no matter how old the other participant, but PARTICULARLY if the other participant is an adult. The most disturbing part of this culture is the perversion of our children. Soft phraseology, like “sexual beings,” “age of consent” and “minor-attracted persons,” are lies, absolute perversions of the truth. This is a litmus test issue — either the Church protects children or it is not the Church of Jesus Christ our Lord. I am not someone with an opinion to share, I am a survivor and a child of the Living God, healed by the blood of Jesus. We must choose, Church — are we devoted to truth or to opinion? Are we defenders of the name of Jesus and His righteousness or of Man’s definition of “equity” and “social justice?” Whose kingdom are we building? And ultimately, Whose Children are they? “But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:14
On my radio program “Hardcore Christianity, 1010 AM I highlight all of these ministerial abuse cases, as I will this one. No one actually knows the root of it. Sexual perversion demons get into the bodies of ministers and drive them to abuse others. Since the church abandoned true deliverance, these demons “carryover’ from the person’s unsaved life to their Christian life, later causing a scandal and untold pain. If you are in ministry and have same sex urges, trans urges, heterosexual adultery urges and they are becoming un-manageable, you are eligible for free deliverance and counseling services. Please come in confidence before your entire life is destroyed. 602 636 5800
The daughter of friends in Tilamook OR, suffered sexual abuse that was denied by church elders. The daughter did not pursue court action to avoid opening the trauma.
I pray justice is served to the sex abuser, and there are indeed consequences for his demonic actions against an innocent child. I would sign a petition for calling for a third party investigation. Looks to me otherwise your support is scattered, not everyone connects with social media. I don’t.
This is exactly what happened to my niece. Almost word for word. Sadly my niece has lost her faith. These people will certainly be responsible for her soul. The Pastor is continuing to Pastor at another church.
Too many people get away with this crime. Prison sentence and the others who did nothing need to be thrown out of the church. The prison sentence should still stand. The statute of limitations should be extended in this case.
Harlan and Melissa,
I is really hard to read this account just recognizing a 12 year old girl was faced with the tramatization of a preditor, that is enough to turn my stomach.
As a pastor, there were two times I say these circumstances leading me to investigate with words and then bring in the authorites. Both men were convicted and went to prison, one a father of a six year old daughter, the other was an uncle of a 13 year old girl.
I hear your story and it grieves me deeply. I know God’s love for you is perfect, powerful and precious, more than the sands: Psalms 139:17-18.
Your many traumas and your deepening grief over these matters is one of the most sinister events that could be taking place right now, there are no words to cover this atrocity.
I will be praying this man is jailed, the church cannot remain gracious to the incidious manipulative raping of a child under any circumstances! Innocense and trust were shattered forever for this person, there is no other option but for this person commiting this act, be prosecuted and sent to jail! That is earthly judical laws already in place in every state for such a hanious crime!
I was riveted by this story. I too, have been a victim of molestation as a 6 yr old. It was by a 14 yr old boy, but nonetheless, it scarred me. It took me decades to come to grips with what had happened. What made it worse, when his Dad and my Dad walked in on it, he got beaten by his Dad. I was spanked with my Dad’s belt and was ridiculed by my parents over it for months. I had know idea why I was being blamed, belittled, and shamed. I was just a little girl. I can still feel the aftermath of the abuse while reading Melissa’s story. My prayer is that her voice will be heard, and healing come. That thus “pastor” will become truly repentant and accept justice. 🙏
I am so sorry that happened to you. Your parents reacted wrongly. You were a baby being abused. I pray God has settled this in your heart that you had no guilt of responsibility in the matter.
This was a long article to read, but I did take time read and reflect on it. I fear that this happens in more churches than we would realize. We need God’s grace to confess and forsake all sin.
I was somewhat surprised that Mario chose to share this message so soon after the powerful tent crusade that just took place.
Perhaps because before real revival that comes
through holiness unto God, – especially by the shepherds-
salt and light must be poured in to purify the Body of Christ.
Mario didn’t choose the timing of Harlan’s letter about his wife. The letter was just written. He simply posted it to help give the couple mass public awareness of their saga.
I also want to say, thank you, for printing this letter. I’m not only praying for his wife but all forms of sexual sin coming from the leaders of our churches.
Thank you for boldly and truthfully addressing this. May the Peace of God’s Love be with you, your family, and your ministry.
I pray that Melissa will get Justice. I pray for the abuser & the leadership of the Church that they will repent & seek God for healing in this tragic situation.
As God is exposing corruption in our government I pray that corruption in the church will also be exposed. All sin is forgiven but crime must be exposed and the perpetrators punished. Many prisoners receive Salvation but their sentences are still carried out.
What a wonderful testament of love & protection this man has for his wife! I cannot attest to his faith as a Believer as I do not know him but from what I just read… how graceful Melissa must be to have this man at her side!! I agree 100% in EVERYTHING he has written! Why “in the world” would this wolf in sheep’s clothing be not only believed but “congratulated” for repentance?? There has been ZERO REPENTANCE TO HIS VICTIM,Melissa, which only God knows if she is the only one???
I will pray for the healing of this extraordinary woman & her husband that peace will come! No worries tho… VENGEANCE WILL COME FROM THE LORD WHO IS TRUTH & KNOWS TRUTH! Regardless of “the wolves & those that stand up/or hide behind them!”
Forgive the sinner and punish the criminal(s)! All Glory To GOD ALMIGHTY! Praised Be YOU KING JESUS… HALLELUJAH!!!
Wow ! God will NOT be mocked by the pastors and Elders of City Church in Batavia, N.Y. I seem to recall some pushback in that area when Mario was going to Batavia with his tent. Not sure if it was the 1st time or when he planned to return. HHMMM. Sexual abuse of a child beginning @ age 12 is NOT an affair Forgiveness is all fine & good, but allowing this man to continue in the pulpit, and trying to blame the victim is ludicrous. Those assistants to the pastor are ridiculous. I’d be out the door of that place. But, God will have His justice no man can stop it, He knows exactly what to do.
My God! It happened to me too this time in a physicians office. It happened 9 years ago and I am planning on filing a lawsuit against this office asap. You Melissa and Mario give me strength to not let this go.
This happens so much.I will not let my situation go any longer.
Thank you Mario for admonishing and exhorting God’s bride the Church to purity, as we are called to be pure and without spot. God wrote to us in 1 Timothy 3 that bishops and deacons must be the husband of one wife. Adulterers have disqualified themselves from deaconships and above and if they cannot find the wherewithal to step down we the Church ought to obey God and put them out as He says to.
So the root of this pervasive sexual sin in the camp is with us God’s people that countenance such sin in our camp and refuse to obey God and put out of leadership those that cannot contain themselves sexually.
He tells us that if they do repent replete with works meet for repentance to take them back in – NOT to elevate them back into leadership roles lest they be lifted up with pride – He says so.
Although we His people are the root and cause of winking at sin, there is no excuse for “apostolic” anything to attempt to apply hyper-grace to fellow leaders. We God’s people are called to hold one another accountable, including and especially God’s 5 Fold Ministry that He rises up to train US – His people – to do the work of the ministry! Wooo hooo! Serving Jesus is so much more FUN than the world the flesh and the devil! Thank You God!
Putting on the whole armor of God then STANDING gird with the belt of The Truth does put one in the direct line of fire of many fiery darts most all of which are hurled by “believers”. This I know from some 46 years of seeking His face in Spirit and in Truth and LEARNING to speak The Truth in love.
My testimony is the Shield of Faith blocks ALL fiery darts, and that such trials and suffering caused by standing in The Truth and speaking The Truth in love are worth it all!!!
I love you my dear brother in Jesus Mario Murillo, THANK YOU for your example of holding one another accountable in The Truth and in love 🙂
Having gird ourselves in the full armor of God, and having done all, we shall stand, praise Jesus forevermore 🙂
I was sexually abused when I was a child by a neighbor and I know how it can mess you up and it takes a long time to get straightened out. Sexual abuse opens the door for the demonic to come in. Sometimes a person who has been sexually abused as a child will turn to a homosexual lifestyle in later years and even become an abuser themselves. But thankfully the LORD kept me from that but it did cause problems later on. Deep down I hated men and didn’t realize it, until I went through inner healing and I allowed the LORD softened my heart to be able to forgive the person who did it and to change how I felt about men. I didn’t have to meet personally with my abuser but The LORD also made me to realize that hurting people hurt people and it could have been, that the person who abused me had been abused themselves when young, and was never healed by the LORD but I don’t know that but that’s how I could forgive them.
I was in the age group that nothing was done about it, but in my age children were seen and not heard and a child was less likely to believed than an adult. But the neighbor moved not to long after it was known. I’ve found my peace and comfort in the LORD and have gone on with my life. I’m happily married with children and grandchildren. He can bring good out of bad and He always does it, it just depends on us, if we will see it that way. Everything we have gone through in our lives whether the good, the bad, or the ugly, God will do whatever it takes to bring about the best for us. If we can only forgive and let Him take care of it and He will. I later found out that the person who had abused me died of cancer. God has His way bringing His justice for His children. I never wished bad on the person, just left it in God’s hands.
We wrestle not against flesh and blood….
What is being brought to the light lis the just the beginning. It is the beginning of a deliverance process by which we defeat the spiritual forces operating in the church. Is there still room in the debate that deliverance is only for the unsaved? Wake up to Righteousness and declare war on our enemy with the all the weapons our Lord has provided for us. Deliverance is a legitimate ministry for and in the body of Christ by which the roots of the offense is addressed. Let your light shine even in the very presence of evil. Without roots it will not sprout again.
This happened to Melissa, then it has happened or is still happening with other children.
The cover up is unconscionable. God said when we seek to cover our sin, it will be shouted from the housetops.
If these men have not seared their consciences, they are continually under conviction.
After reading this story, I am appalled as to why this man is not in jail. NY state lengthened the time for reporting these kinds of crimes. I know my Bible. When it comes to sexual or physical abuse of any kind within the church this is a crime, period.
Bitterness is a problem in people today and some sin is too egregious for the victims to forgive. What if the Pastor did finally repent for molesting a child for years while he was in ministry. Let’s say he asked Jesus and the victim to forgive him and even stepped down and perhaps jail time. Now what after that for the victim? Jesus asked us to forgive as He forgave us. Casting ones sin as far as the east is from the west, like it never happened. So many people want to hang on to bitterness and will not forgive and now this is doing damage to themselves. She was molested and now has the right to never forgive her predator. It’s a vicious cycle and only Jesus can provide the healing that is needed for both parties.
Hello Mario,
I went through another form of abuse. Jesus spoke: “This is your chance.” I asked, “Chance at what?” He said, “To love your enemy. You will have no enemies in heaven.” That made me afraid. =>I want the “Christians” who did wrong/broke the law in heaven. The altervative is TERRIBLE. I pray they repent. So far, the cover up is massive. One godly man who would not participate in the cover-up lost his career. He sued in court. Mario, could you speak to loving your enemy while dealing with abuse in a little more detail? Anonymous please1
The article was long, and I kinda skipped to the end. I just want to add that while reading Matt. 25, I looked up the wise and the foolish. In 5429 of the strongs the wise have the ability to reign in their sensitive natures, the cognitive and their feelings. I think this is more than that. One lingering look and appetites overwhelm. Moving in the forbidden area takes in spirits that are ravenous in appetite and violent. The door to Christ slams shut. Why do we not move people to the fear of God? Because we are not wise,(5429),we are silenced or “opposed by religious rite or mystery”. “Foolish”. 3474, dull or stupid, blockhead, absurb loolishness. Move in the Light; rebuke fearlessly. Sexual Sin is a foolishness that will be judged, s laughtered by the demonic forces that led you into it forever.
I am having a few computer problems, but you might want to look this up and warn. I think we will see God show up for the oppressed and against this hyprocisy. Get ready. and thank you!
We had a similar situation happen to our daughter when she was approx 12 yrs old with an Elder of the church. He tried to physically kiss our daughter, but she ran away.
Our daughter was babysitting his child & bringing our daughter home – he tried to kiss her. Nothing more happened because we did not allow her to babysit his child anymore. We brought this incident to the Pastor – telling us he would take care of it.
We found out more young girl children he had tried to violate. In todays thinking – I would not hesitate to report it to the police. We thank God that he did not try to sexually abuse our daughter. It is not okay that church officials are abusing our children and not reporting it to the police.
This is a crime of sexual abuse in the church! It has to be dealt with like a real crime that it is!
There is a big group of podcasters calling out these predators. Robert Morris is one a will be on trial soon. You don’t touch the children or others sexually!!!! Many pastors are sick!!! Youth leaders too!!!
The Bible is clear about rape as something to be avenged (Dinah, Tamir), and crimes against children (large stone around neck). Like Tamir, the abused are exiled today as well.
Biblical conflict resolution and forgiveness don’t cut it. It is what abusers use to normalize and justify crimes. Yet another article hurts the abused.
Most abused people don’t get to go to church. The nightmares, blame, shame are too much to handle. They are doing the best they can do.
What an incredible letter written by Harlan. I am observing that God is ‘cleaning house’, as so many churches and ministries are being exposed for the sins of ministry leadership: Gateway, Daystar, IHOP, Faith Life Church…and there will be more ministries exposed, I am sure.
Thank you, Mario, for printing this letter. Christians need to wake up and acknowledge if sin is in their churches/ministries. Yes, God forgives, but we cannot continue sweeping sin under the rug.
We can make our own decisions but we cannot choose our own consequences. Let this serve as a severe warning and deterrent to any and all who would think of causing a child to stumble. Thank you Mario for loving and caring enough to share this.
As a sexual assault victim myself, I can tell you that 12 is not an age of consent. This was not an affair. My abuse came from outside of the church and nothing was done at the time because the abuser was my father. I didn’t speak, nor did my mother. He died an early death, and so I have not had to deal with this in my adult years, and I am long healed of it. I bring it up only to stress, as her husband stressed, that a child at this age cannot give sexual consent. Their brain and executive functioning is not complete at this age. They are looking to adults as leaders, mentors, protectors. This man needs to deal with his sin, apologize, admit he was the responsible party, and – oh – go to jail.
I wondered how the Jewish leaders could pay money to the guards to lie about Jesus resurrection. Seems like a similar situation, leaders protecting themselves rather than what the Lord would want. That’s not what the church should be.
Even when the pastor steps down and leaves the seducing spirit that caused the fall can remain.
We think seducing means sexual and that the operations of such a spirit will always be the same. (Sexual sin is the easiest sin to seduce and hardest to defend against)
But, the charge given to a seducing spirit is to hinder the spiritual functionality of a church body or person.
“Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” Be careful how you listen with your heart when listening with your ears. We are often far too casual and assumptive in our Spiritual Walks.
Lastly: Reread Ed & Gaye Wheat’s book, “Intended for pleasure” and don’t get so spiritually minded that you fail in the bedroom, Proverbs 5:19
Wives take heed we men see everything, whether we want to or not, and we are visually driven… Drat I’ve started a sermon, sorry Mario. I had a pastor I really cared about, lots of potential but I suspect his wife was too busy for him, “Serving God”.
We just don’t teach about this stuff…
Abba Father…
How many more victims have there been?
The Abused story does not vary…
Everyone who was alive when President J F Kennedy was killed will Never forget what they were doing on that fateful day nor will EVERY victim of September 11th forget any details.
The TRUTH is the ONLY ANSWER.
This mess is a vivid reflection of where our country is right now.
GOD have mercy on us!
Notes: In Psalm 51 David confesses his sin with a contrite heart. He does Not blame Basheba for seducing him, when she was sunbathing, perhaps leaving little to the imagination, where she possibly knew that sometimes the King observed things from his roof.
David’s son raped his daughter. David numbered the children of Israel which brought numerous deaths.
And the keys of David are found in the book of revelation.
A man after God’s own heart. Willing to repent.
For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
In Psalm 51 we see David acknowledging his sin. There is not one
mention of Bathsheba. He offered up No excuses for his sin.
His example gives us hope.
Revelation 3:7
These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;
Every church leader needs to have this letter from Brother Hobson in their Christian leadership protocols.