Last weekend, members of the G.R.A.C.E. investigative team conducted the first phase of in-person interviews with MKs who were in Bangladesh during the tragic child abuse by former missionary Dr. Donn Ketcham. Because ABWE is committed to transparency in the investigation, here is G.R.A.C.E.’s update in full:
ABWE Investigation Update – November, 2011
Over the last weekend, members of the GRACE Investigative Team began the first phase of in-‐person interviews with MKs who were on the Bangladesh field during the tenure of Donn Ketcham. Even with an additional day added to the planned schedule, the team was unable to interview all of the MKs who responded to the initial questionnaire. GRACE plans to schedule additional interviews to ensure that all those who expressed a willingness to participate in the investigation are heard.
Going into these interviews, GRACE had hoped to gather information to assist the team in learning about: 1) the behavior and abuse issues related to Donn Ketcham, 2) the mission culture of the ABWE field in Bangladesh, and 3) the manner in which ABWE responded to the issues relating to Donn Ketcham. The interviews did, in fact, succeed in beginning to help build an understanding that will guide the team in completing a thorough, balanced, and independent investigation. GRACE wishes to thank those who gave of their valuable time to share memories of their years in Bangladesh. The conversations were often emotional and painful, but God’s presence was strong and supportive throughout the weekend.
In addition to the MKs who have not yet been interviewed, there are many other individuals who have important information to provide the team. In the coming weeks, GRACE will be providing questionnaires to non-‐MKs who were on the field during Donn Ketcham’s time in Bangladesh. In addition to these interviews, GRACE continues to work towards obtaining a growing list of documentation from ABWE. The ability to review such written documentation is a necessary component of any thorough investigation. On September 28, 2011, members of the GRACE team met with the newly assigned liaisons from ABWE to work toward receiving documents previously requested from ABWE, along with the coordination of GRACE obtaining medical releases from MKs.
If you are aware of individuals who may have knowledge pertinent to this investigation, please encourage them to contact GRACE at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) so that we can provide them with questionnaires.
As always, the GRACE team covers your prayers and support as we continue with difficult but most essential phase of this investigation.
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