Faith

Report: U.S. Christian Missionary Kids Sexually & Physically Abused

Christian missionaries work feverishly to spread Biblical principles across the globe. But, as they make immense sacrifices to help the abused and downtrodden, are their own children safe while they operate in the field?

In recent years, allegations have surfaced about the abuse of missionary children in the field, both sexually and physically. In a unique, new report, CBN provides details on the tragic claims:

Four mission agencies have already investigated their own employees over child abuse allegations and two others have investigations pending. The search for the truth regarding this important matter may be nowhere near over, though. Some of the stories emerging from the abyss are extremely troubling. Take for instance, Kari Mikitson’s accounts.

Mikitson was a just a small child who attended New Tribes Mission, a boarding school in Senegal, back in the mid-80s. She claims that the very people who were there to support and protect her were the very individuals who abused her. She explains:

“From roughly 6 to 8 years old my dorm father sexually abused me. The physical abuse was most of the teachers there and dorm parents.”

CBN Reports on Christian Missionary Kids Sexual & Physical AbuseBut, Mikitson isn’t alone. In the 1960′s, Wess Stafford also claims that he suffered under the hands of leaders at the Missionary Alliance’s Mamou Academy in Guinea, West Africa.

He says that the students at his school were beaten on a daily basis for very minor offenses. He compares the school to “Auschwitz,” saying:

“The very people who were reading us Bible stories just minutes later after the generator went out were molesting us.”

These, of course, are only two of the stories. Sadly, these individuals kept these occurrences silent for years. Their abusers purportedly used God and the children’s alliance to their parents to scare them into not reporting the offenses. Mikitson explains:

“We were told as children never to tell our parents anything negative about the school or we would be hindering God’s work on the field.”

Individuals familiar with missions environments claim that the situation often lends itself to conditions that foster such horrific behavior. There is little oversight, thus there have traditionally been few, if any, ramifications as a result of these behaviors.

Sadly, it has taken years for the victims’ stories to be taken seriously by these Christian organizations. That said, investigations have finally been conducted and are now aware of what has been occurring. Considering the seriousness of the situation, it is a good sign that these tragic occurrences will be examined, exposed and eradicated.

(h/t CBN News)

Comments (125)

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  • likwidlizard
    Posted on August 19, 2011 at 11:08pm

    Why are these agencies waiting YEARS to investigate these allegations………unless they are guilty? I truly believe molestors use any means available to mask their perversions to victimize innocent children. They try to go unseen by using activities such as religeon, teaching, sports, camps, babysitting, over-nights, anything that involves children of all ages in every walk of life. These predators are the lowest form of human life and they should be shot when found guilty. There is NO CURE for these parasites.

    Report Post » likwidlizard  
    • piper60
      Posted on August 20, 2011 at 8:38am

      This is real similar to what happened to kids who got molested by Catholic priests. Covered their tracks and transferred the priests rather than investigate claims and discipline the priests.

      Report Post » piper60  
  • We the people of the republic
    Posted on August 19, 2011 at 11:02pm

    Sorry to give you the wrong impression.
    I do feel for the victims, lets be clear about that.
    This is still something to question.
    You don’t know these people and the timing is suspicious.

    Report Post » We the people of the republic  
    • JaxsonM
      Posted on August 19, 2011 at 11:13pm

      who says I don’t know these people? One person is my very own loved one! Do you want to read what her life has been like? Read her story here~http://fandaeagles.com/2009/06/this-is-kari/

      Report Post »  
    • Rational Man
      Posted on August 20, 2011 at 3:11am

      The story is from the Christian Broadcasting Network. I doubt there is any hidden agenda. Why would they WANT to tell this story? Except to bring out the truth and help to stop the abuse.

      Report Post » Rational Man  
  • Lost Rebel
    Posted on August 19, 2011 at 10:40pm

    There is great evil in this world, in the media, in this administration, all levels of our government, sadly in religion and even our homes. There is a battle between good and evil and it is raging.

    Report Post » Lost Rebel  
  • MrButcher
    Posted on August 19, 2011 at 10:35pm

    They’re not called “missionaries” for nothing.

    Report Post » MrButcher  
  • We the people of the republic
    Posted on August 19, 2011 at 10:25pm

    Anyone ever heard of…. Free $$$
    bonus! Bring down god!!!!
    They won’t stop at anything…
    Beter than half of these people are oblabermouth bama supporters!

    Report Post » We the people of the republic  
  • We the people of the republic
    Posted on August 19, 2011 at 10:20pm

    You can’t believe everything you hear.
    Many will come out with false lies to disgrace the work of good christians…. look at the timing for this.
    I am sure some of what is said is true but where are the facts? these are just people saying this happened. 40+ YEARS AGO! EVIDENCE PLEASE??? THIS DON’T FLY WITH ME.
    I would be carefull to get sucked into another scam at best to digrace God and religion.
    REMEMBER. This is what the TEA PARTY is about… Christian values…. now how odd we have these people we no nothing about saying these things and of course! broadcasted on the MAIN STREAM MEDIA outlets.
    CAREFULL WHAT YOU BELIEVE.

    Report Post » We the people of the republic  
    • Captain Crunch
      Posted on August 19, 2011 at 10:26pm

      Agreed. The timing of this is suspicous. They will do anything to try to make Christians look bad, and by extension, the Tea Party movement.

      Report Post »  
    • JaxsonM
      Posted on August 19, 2011 at 10:53pm

      Excuse me? Some victims have waited for 20-40 years to be heard. Some things are not political. Your comments further damage victims who are speaking, Please check the blog that was started in 2009 http://www.fandaeagles,com. Maybe your heart can care about what too many young children faced.

      Report Post »  
    • JaxsonM
      Posted on August 19, 2011 at 11:06pm

      We the People – How Dare you think the timing is political. We were Tea Party in our beliefs before there was a Tea Party. We stood at our capital tax day 2009 with thousands. We love Glenn; We love Israel; We love America; We are devastated at what Obama has wrought in such a short period of time.

      We also deeply suffered for years having been missionaries and having experienced the pain of our young daughters being abused at the hands of fellow missionaries. Then the cover-up by the mission board for many, many years while we tried to expose the evil that went on. Our family went through sheer agony.

      Finally, some in the media are noticing what has been a tragic story for far too many. Pure Gratitude for some taking notice.

      If I were you, I would exercise some discernment before you come out with such outlandish statements.

      Report Post »  
    • Rational Man
      Posted on August 20, 2011 at 3:16am

      It seems to me that the attitude of some here may be a good example of why these people hesitated so long before speaking out. Among quite a few other reasons………………..

      Report Post » Rational Man  
  • DREDGE
    Posted on August 19, 2011 at 10:02pm

    I don’t care what they teach, they are perverts. Arrest them put them in prison.
    Just because they feign religious teaching doesn’t exempt them from prison.
    They could represent any place in life. Get rid of them. Their not even worth
    talking about.

    Report Post »  
    • einwolfsrudel
      Posted on August 19, 2011 at 11:26pm

      Gee Dredge aren’t you just a little bit suspicious of their claims? I’m sure it happened to some people, but as many as they claim? Wes Stafford claiming that the school was like being at “Auschwitz.” Auschwitz? Really? Auschwitz?! You mean when you first arrived they stripped you naked and took all of your belongings? Then they put you against a wall and hosed you down with ice cold water then doused you with delousing powder? Then they gave Mr. Stafford a sack like pair of pants and shirt with a used pair of shoes? Then he was forced to live in an overcrowded barracks with no heat, 4 to 6 to a bed (which itself consisted of vermin infested straw covered with burlap and a thin wool blanket)? Then he was daily forced to work 10 to 12 hour days with only a 500 calorie a day diet and could be pulled out of line anytime for anything and beaten or have a guard pull out a 9mm Ruger and put two right in the back of your head (and if the Nazis didn’t get you the Dysentery, Typhus or Tuberculosis did)? HUH? Do you really think that Wes Stafford had to suffer those conditions? Really?

      Sorry to get on a soapbox, but those who did survive Auschwitz never talked about it with a smug grin on their face like Wes Stafford does. The holocaust survivors endured through hardships that none of us today could even dream of surviving through. As I said, some of these people probably suffered abuse, but not as many that claim they did. Nor did they go through same hell as those of the holo

      Report Post »  
    • Libertyluvnmomma
      Posted on August 20, 2011 at 5:16pm

      the story is short on facts.

      Report Post » Libertyluvnmomma  
    • SREGN
      Posted on August 21, 2011 at 3:32pm

      One Wolf – My Dad was a liberator of Ohrdruff camp. To this day he can’t talk about it without bursting into tears. Man’s inhumanity to man knows no bounds. If these molestation stories are true it‘s certainly not Christ’s fault. He truly is the way, the truth, and the light.

      Report Post »  
  • Jezreel
    Posted on August 19, 2011 at 9:57pm

    Goes to prove that organized religion was birthed by satan himself. There is a special place in hell for hirelings and false preachers like that. They will be with the fallen angels who will suffer all enternity for what they did.

    Report Post »  
  • Kaoscontrol
    Posted on August 19, 2011 at 9:33pm

    This is a terrible crime and those who do this should be brought to justice both in this life and the next.

    I do wonder when the liberals will defend pedophiles as being “born that way” and not having a choice. When will they accuse us of being “Pedophobic”.

    Report Post » Kaoscontrol  
    • Preacher Cruz
      Posted on August 19, 2011 at 10:26pm

      I have spoken and written on this numerous times! IF we start down the road of saying that homosexuals are “born that way”….Where does it stop? We can’t call anything wrong if people are inherently conditioned towards certain desires. WHY does no one seem to see this? Why do we have people defending ONLY homosexuals sinful choices? Why not say that wife beating, bestiality, drug abuse etc is all OK? NOT that I am saying that homosexuality is the same as these other things but in one way they are…They are all sin. Just because you may WANT to do something, it doesn’t mean you HAVE to! We are not animals, we have the right to CHOOSE whether we indulge our desires or not. http://www.kjv-truth-ministries.org

      Report Post » Preacher Cruz  
    • JJ Coolay
      Posted on August 20, 2011 at 12:11am

      Kaos.. when that day comes, they will start using a euphemism for “pedophile” because it will be too politically incorrect.

      Report Post » JJ Coolay  
    • joodgy-woodgy puddin -n- pie
      Posted on August 20, 2011 at 8:51pm

      Actually, it has already started pedophilia is being replaced in the psychological disorders books with, let me see if I can remember it correctly… “adolescent atracted”. Sound so much better doesn’t it. Not a preditor just someone who is atracted to young people.
      They are playing the word game.

      Report Post »  
  • lonewolf57
    Posted on August 19, 2011 at 9:32pm

    Its unspeakable and well known what Muslim men do to little boys,while away from their wives for any extended amount of time.Especially in war.

    Report Post » lonewolf57  
    • ohnomrbill
      Posted on August 19, 2011 at 9:35pm

      liar

      Report Post »  
    • bikerr
      Posted on August 19, 2011 at 9:53pm

      @ohnomrbill—prove it.

      Report Post »  
    • JJ Coolay
      Posted on August 20, 2011 at 12:14am

      OhNo… Liar??? Ask any Afghan. Vet…. I bet a lot of them have seen it first hand. My nephew was over there and he said he saw that s**t.

      Report Post » JJ Coolay  
    • JJ Coolay
      Posted on August 20, 2011 at 12:17am

      They’re not false rumors, peppa. Just because you haven’t heard it, doesn’t make it not so.

      Report Post » JJ Coolay  
    • Rational Man
      Posted on August 20, 2011 at 3:25am

      Guess I’m out of the loop on that ugly rumor. Maybe not so well known after all……….
      But nothing surprises me anymore. Shocked, yes! Surprised, no!
      As much as Muslims are despised in the world, something like that would be common knowedge.
      Sounds more like bigotry, with no proof to back it up………………

      Report Post » Rational Man  
    • Lux
      Posted on August 20, 2011 at 9:32am

      There are monsters everywhere. If you aren’t blind, deaf, or dumb you can easily find many credited accounts of the horrors children experience in Afghanistan along with other Muslim ruled countries. Do your homework on the subject and (though you’ll wish you hadn’t) you’ll come across the truth about what they do to those poor kids. You think books/movies like the kite runner are pure fiction? My brother served with the 75th ranger regiment and completed multiple tours in Muslim lands. He like many other soldiers in the special operations command could attest to the atrocities committed against these youth by the so called warriors of Allah.

      Report Post » Lux  
  • sooner12
    Posted on August 19, 2011 at 9:28pm

    I know that these abusers will get their just due when they meet God to answer for themselves, but I can’t help but wish them all hell here on earth. I mean, how can someone who PROFESSES himself as doing Godly work do these things to a child. Children are so vulnerable and need our protection. Instead they get THIS? Now I’m pi$$ed.

    Report Post »  
  • Rice Water
    Posted on August 19, 2011 at 9:08pm

    This is more common than you think in religious communities…sexual abuse, Ritual Satanic Abuse, etc. Always be suspicious when “…the lady doth protest too much”.

    Report Post » Rice Water  
    • Caerus
      Posted on August 19, 2011 at 9:52pm

      Nothing to do with religion of any kind. This happens more commonly than people would think /anywhere/ children are left in the care of a strange adult (sports teams, tutoring, church organizations, marching bands, summer camps, clubs, etc.).

      That said, it is still FAR more common for a child to be abused by a family member. Someone’s weird uncle is much more likely to be molesting their kids than their pastor or coach.

      Report Post »  
    • Rice Water
      Posted on August 19, 2011 at 11:48pm

      Good point, but people are more likely to trust their spiritual leaders than their kids’ high school volleyball coach. When you place your trust in your spiritual guidance with a mortal man, you open yourself up for all kinds of hurt, hurt that includes your children.

      Your kids‘ high school coach probably won’t be successful in convincing you that your kid needs to drink goat’s blood while kneeling in a pentagram to make the team; your pastor probably WILL. Be careful of organized religion, folks; at best, it’s a corruption of your personal relationship with the higher power. At worst, you’ll be drinking a Dixie cup full of cyanide-laced Kool-Aid, and be smiling while doing so.

      Report Post » Rice Water  
  • florida123
    Posted on August 19, 2011 at 9:07pm

    Jesus said it what you do to the least of these you do to me…………These monsters will answer to a Just God one day.

    Report Post » florida123  
  • JaxsonM
    Posted on August 19, 2011 at 9:03pm

    Mossbrain – where did you leave your brain? As someone closely connected to this story, the African people are some of the nicest people you will ever have the privilege of knowing and loving. When your ignorant it is best to keep your mouth (and your comments) shut!
    Anyone wanting more information please see http://www.fandaeagles.com.
    Fanda is the name of the mission school in Senegal and Eagles was their mascot. the full GRACE report is available to read on this site.

    Report Post »  
  • The-Monk
    Posted on August 19, 2011 at 8:56pm

    In Costa Rico they call missionaries and the Catholic Church, “Iglesia de Pedofilia”. It got so bad that the Churches are only allowed to be open for 1 hour on Sundays. The rest of the time the gates are chained closed.

    Report Post » The-Monk  
    • kickagrandma
      Posted on August 19, 2011 at 9:04pm

      It’s Costa Rica and you are right about the gates being chained closed even in rural areas. We were told it was because of burglaries… whoops.

      Report Post »  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on August 19, 2011 at 9:17pm

      @kickagrandma
      When I visit Costa Rico I stay with the a local (Tico) family and not in hotels. This is what they told me and as I drove around I saw for myself the gates chained closed. The families that I‘ve met won’t let their children anywhere’s near a church which is strange considering how religious they are.

      Report Post » The-Monk  
  • RepubliCorp
    Posted on August 19, 2011 at 8:52pm

    Now I understand why I had no interest in being part of church as a kid and stopped going because I thought it was creepy. Survival Instinct

    Report Post » RepubliCorp  
    • Kaoscontrol
      Posted on August 19, 2011 at 9:24pm

      Jesus had 12 disciples and one of them (Judas) turned out to be corrupt to the core. The problem is not the churches, nor the followers of Christ (who have brought so much good to this earth through the centuries). It’s the counterfeits– the ‘wolves in sheep’s clothing.

      Jesus himself spoke about those that might cause one of these little ones to stumble: it would be better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

      Report Post » Kaoscontrol  
    • ohnomrbill
      Posted on August 19, 2011 at 9:35pm

      do you people even know the story of the last supper that Judas was sent by christ to do what his part was Jesus was not betrayed ever by his disciples

      Report Post »  
    • JJ Coolay
      Posted on August 20, 2011 at 12:22am

      OhNo…. Umm, yeah He was.
      Peter betrayed Him 3 times in one night.
      You can say what you want about Judas, but that was betrayal. Whether it was part of a gran design or not.. it was betrayal.
      And yes, we know the story. Sounds like it’s you that does not.

      Report Post » JJ Coolay  
    • SenorStrange
      Posted on August 21, 2011 at 5:42pm

      Yeah cause nothing bad ever happens to anyone outside of a church…What a stupid thing to say.

      Report Post »  
    • DLG123
      Posted on August 22, 2011 at 10:58am

      Peter did NOT betray Jesus 3 times… He did deny him three times. But what does he do after this? Peter REPENTS. After the Resurrection of the Lord what does Jesus ask Peter? John 21:15-17 will give you the answer. 15When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter,* “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?”* He said to him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16He then said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was distressed that he had said to him a third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” [Jesus] said to him, “Feed my sheep. Three times he denied Jesus so Jesus gives him three times to repent. I have heard it said that Judas’ sin was not only the betrayal of the Lord but also the dispair he went into. Thinking his (Judas’) sin was more than God could forgive. Basically his evil was more than the mecry and love of God.

      Report Post » DLG123  
  • MODEL82A1
    Posted on August 19, 2011 at 8:49pm

    MISSIONARY, Lighten up, Frances. And stop molesting your children.

    Report Post » MODEL82A1  
  • conservativewoman
    Posted on August 19, 2011 at 8:46pm

    Unfortunately the very few affect the many. My church (the Catholic Church) now requires all volunteers and employees to have a background check by the DOJ and the FBI, along with taking two courses on Pastoral Conduct and Mandated Reporter Training. As a volunteer without pay, I am happy to do this at my own expense in order to safeguard children and improve the reputation of Catholics. We also 10′s of thousands of Catholics who are doing good, but the publics tends to condemn us all.

    Report Post » conservativewoman  
  • kickagrandma
    Posted on August 19, 2011 at 8:43pm

    We know some REAL missionaries. This does not happen on their watch, thank GOD.

    People who harm children will pay big time. GOD IS NOT MOCKED! And, HE LOVES the little children. HE also LOVES ISRAEL and AMERICA, and HE IS NOT PLEASED with the people working to take us both down.

    “Vengeance is mine saith the LORD.” And, let me assure those of you on the wrong side, when GOD venges, you’re going to know it up close and personal. This list grows longer daily…. you folks are in such deep trouble….

    Report Post »  
    • Glenn is Right
      Posted on August 19, 2011 at 9:09pm

      I think “Loving Children” is the root problem here.

      Report Post » Glenn is Right  
    • Vunks
      Posted on August 19, 2011 at 11:26pm

      If god loves the children why did he let them get molested? Sounds like God didn’t care. If he is so powerful why didn’t he strike them dead.

      Report Post »  
    • Vunks
      Posted on August 19, 2011 at 11:30pm

      The abusers that is not the kids

      Report Post »  
    • JJ Coolay
      Posted on August 20, 2011 at 12:24am

      Vunks, do you not understand the whole aspect of free will?
      God allows human beings the choice of free will. He’s not going to allow free will and then come storming down against anyone that chooses wrongly. There will be judgement, however, an account, for everything we do. All of us!

      Report Post » JJ Coolay  
    • Vunks
      Posted on August 20, 2011 at 2:29am

      The Bible is full of times God stepped in. People are free to think what they want and I will never think less of someone for having a religion, but I call BS on the whole thing. Now if one wants to have a civil debate about religion I don’t mind.

      Report Post »  
    • SovereignSoul
      Posted on August 20, 2011 at 9:36pm

      If god is omnipotent then he already knows the choices we will make. Therefore, Freewill is an illusion, for I am obligated to make the choice god knows I will make. If I choose otherwise then I will have proven god wrong.
      So, in closing, either there is an omnipotent almighty OR we have Freewill.

      Report Post » SovereignSoul  
  • missionarydad
    Posted on August 19, 2011 at 8:43pm

    What you are in favor of keeping this evil secret? Evil needs to be exposed, uprooted and prosecuted if possible, your comments say more about you than anything else,

    Report Post »  
  • proliance
    Posted on August 19, 2011 at 8:39pm

    A lot of Protestant churches are finally paying attention to sexual abuse at the hands of their clergy. The Southern Baptist Convention seems to be at least attempting to do something about it.

    Report Post » proliance  
  • MODEL82A1
    Posted on August 19, 2011 at 8:38pm

    MOSS, do you ever find yourself confused or conflicted when your attempted use of sarcasm ends up being exactly what you really believe? I’m sorry if that question gave you a headache. Just breath deeply and think of someplace nice.

    Report Post » MODEL82A1  
  • Tribulation
    Posted on August 19, 2011 at 8:38pm

    Those in charge and running the Missionary are not Christians there Pagans conducting themselves as vile Romans and not to be lawful men & women…

    Report Post » Tribulation  
    • HisNameWasRobertPaulson
      Posted on August 19, 2011 at 9:07pm

      You are insulting Pagans with your comments. Also, use punctuation. It would be nice to understand you better.

      Report Post »  
  • survivorseed
    Posted on August 19, 2011 at 8:35pm

    you really do have moss for brains don’t you

    Report Post »  
  • capitalismrocks
    Posted on August 19, 2011 at 8:26pm

    Its a real shame when child abusers use their exposure to children through such good causes to hurt these children and in the end the countless 10′s of thousands who have and are doing such good are hurt in the process because these isolated abusers make the whole look bad, its a real shame.

    Report Post » capitalismrocks  
    • MurphysLaw
      Posted on May 14, 2012 at 4:58pm

      I told the SIM, previously the Sudan Interior Mission – now Serving In Mission
      About my uncle, Hugh Rough being a pedophile. They did not
      Investigate at all . They treated me horribly and suggested to me
      That I was simply a sinner who was angry at the church and God

      I went to the RCMP and he ended up pleading guilty to molesting
      6 children. The mission only fired him because I got
      The media involved. They don’t take this seriously
      At all.

      Report Post »  
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