Yes, the behavior then was disappointing and hurtful. We hope that bringing the situation into open discussion will assist others who may have experienced similar things under a mission organization, and that it will assist those taking on assignments to be vigilent about possibilities that can emerge on the dark sides of what some mission rhetoric presents.

I’m truly sorry about your experiences. That must be very difficult. It is extremely frustrating to work with an organization that does not keep its word and it is even more painful when that organization is Christian.

Many such missions’ organizations usually lay out a grievance process. Have you contacted them to see the appropriate way to appeal the decision?

Also, many such organizations have donors who fund their projects. Could you get the contact information for a large donor to explain your situation in a kind and humble way? If I supported such an organization I would be gravely concerned about the health of this organization.

Basically seeks an influential third party that could arbitrate a mediation session.

To be honest it seems like this group has proven to be one that does not fulfill their commitments. If they did not honor their word back in the late 60’s I doubt that they will do so now. I do not anticipate that they will help you.

In the end, you and your husband will prayerfully need to decide how much emotional energy you are willing to invest into this situation.

The hours, particularly mine (Donna) were very long each day and duties continued on the weekends. At times our managers were unkind and often extremely critical, to the point of causing extreme stress. The promised housing never materialized for us as other missionaries with more pressing needs than ours were determined to be were given the housing that was promised to us. Consequently we lived in shared accommodation for the 3 years of the assignment. To this day we wonder how we survived the situation.

Once we arrived on ‘the mission field’ we learned that decisions had been made about our personal affairs; e.g., starting a family, etc. Word had been circulated amongst those on the field that there would have to be an understanding that our jobs and the demands were such that starting a family would be out of the question.

Now, as a management professional myself, I look back on those years and the lack of wise management, especially the way in which we were treated, and understand how irresponsible the situation was in which were.

Our income was $100.00 month each. Now nearing retirement age, we have wondered about benefits which we feel should have been set aside for us. This would mean considerable benefit for a period of 40 years.

When we wrote formally to the recruiter to ask about our retirement benefits, he responded informally in a handwritten message on a Christmas card.

We asked with a Christian law firm about this situation (our Question below) and they replied as follows:

Question:
My wife and I, in our early married youth, responded to a call to work as school nurse and teacher, respectively, for the XXX Church Association…for 3 years (1966-70) in Country Y and 1 year on deputation in the US.

Now that we have reached the age of retirement, we enquired recently as to receiving the retirement funds held aside for us during those 4 years. We were informed, in a very informal note, that there were no retirement funds held aside for us and that there would be nothing forthcoming. If this is true, we believe this to be a gross injustice and mismanagement. We believe that, as we were doing God’s work in Sierra Leone and the US, there should have been retirement funds held aside for us at that time from which we should now be able to benefit. We believe that this constitutes grounds for a legal case. Would you please be so kind as to assist us in the recovery of our retirement funds?

Answer:
I am sorry that I cannot assist you in this matter. The Christian Law Association has a firm policy of not taking a side in disputes between two Christians, between a Christian and a Christian ministry, or between two Christian organizations.

Sincerely,

FIRM Z.
——–

We would appreciate some insights re. professional
directions we might take.

Thank you.

All four parts of the series are now posted on our blog. Please share your thoughts with us.
.-= Steven and Debra´s last blog ..Are YOU a Hoarder? Are You Sure? (Part IV of a Four Part Series) =-.

The series began yesterday when we posted part 1. We’re not sure why Comluv is still showing a previous post. It you click on our name it will take you there directly. Please give us some feedback as we progress through the series. It is a vitally important subject to sort out. Thanks!
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