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Seeking Forgiveness

By August 10, 2013June 20th, 2014No Comments

“The board wanted the meeting to be a clear request for forgiveness,” says Don Whipple of the June 20 resolution meeting in Lafayette, Ind. During the meeting, Tom Wright began the board’s apology by reading Psalm 51:17: “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart—These, O God, you will not despise.” The apology included these words:

We understand that our incompetent management has had significant impact and consequences on various people and groups associated with EBM. We acknowledge our wrongdoing and seek forgiveness from:

The missionaries and their families who were among other things exposed to a sudden and traumatic change of a partnering agency as well as, for most, significant financial loss.

The pastors, churches and donors who had put their trust in EBM by partnering with EBM in the work of global outreach.

The administration and staff of the EBM home office who at times served under incredible stress, and as a result of our mismanagement many lost their jobs and all were disconnected from a ministry they loved and had poured their lives into.

The larger body of Christ and general public which includes but is not limited to former EBM vendors who did not receive full payment for services as well as those who have heard or read of the dissolution.

The Lord Jesus, for above all the shame it has brought upon the lovely name of our Savior. For that we are in the deepest sorrow and heaviest regret.

The Board grieves over the sorrow, heartache and loss you have experienced. Ultimately we recognize that we are accountable to God. We are in need of great grace. We would ask for your forgiveness based not on the merits of our confession, but on the merits of Christ’s mercy in forgiving all of us. Eph. 4:32 “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

It is our fervent prayer and desire that this process result in God’s name being honored in the ministries we all represent so that EBM will be remembered for how we as a family resolved a very sad and difficult experience. —EBM Board of Directors

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