Communications – Page 6

September 15, 2014 – JD replies to KP: Board should be present in a meeting

JD explains he appealed to the board because KP had not responded to JD’s August 22nd email about scheduling a meeting and because the board is KP’s authority.

“I never received a response to that email… So I was pleasantly surprised to hear from you… I am appreciative that you acknowledge the board as your authority.”

JD Smith <xxxxxxxxxxx>

Fwd: Latest Letter to Board Members

JD Smith <xxxxxxxxxxxxx>

Mon, Sep 15, 2014 at 7:20 PM

To: “K.P. Yohannan” <kp@gfa.org>

Cc: [GFA Board]

Dear Brother K.P.,

Thank you for your email. On August 22, nearly a month ago, I emailed you, saying:

“Can you confirm that you are willing to schedule a meeting with us, at which the GFA US board is present by phone or in person, and having a mediator we select who can keep it on track with the agenda?”

I never received a response to that email, even though you had been quite responsive by email from India previously. On September 6, I emailed you again, saying:

“In your last email to me, you offered to meet with us, with whoever we wanted to bring. In response, I emailed you asking about inviting board members and a mediator to a recorded meeting, and I’ve not heard back from you for two weeks. Can you please confirm your willingness to schedule that meeting?”

I also received no response to that email. So I was pleasantly surprised to hear from you this morning.

I am appreciative that you acknowledge the board as your authority, and that we have appealed to them. Thus you can understand that for any meeting to have a beneficial outcome at this stage, it would need to include the board, as well as a small representative group of us and a mediator to keep it on track with the agenda.

Brother K.P., this isn’t just an issue between you and me. Seventy-five people signed this most recent appeal to the board. They all desire these problems to be brought to the attention of the board and dealt with correctly and corporately, so a meeting with just me won’t be adequate to achieve that. We strongly believe that the board is the main avenue for the reconciliation you speak of.

I will call you tomorrow afternoon to arrange details for a meeting and discuss any pertinent details. If that time doesn’t work, please suggest a more preferable time.

In Him,

September 15, 2014 – KP emails JD acknowledging receipt of 2nd Letter

KP tells JD he was surprised by our appeal to the board and that he thought we were working toward a meeting but hadn’t yet had a chance to schedule.

“I still think that you and I getting together to discuss these grievances face-to-face would be the best and most biblical way of reconciliation. However, since you have a appealed to the board as our authority, I will contact them and set up a meeting for them to examine and inquire of us and our leadership practices and teachings as a ministry as you have suggested.”

JD Smith <xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>

Fwd: Latest Letter to Board Members

K.P. Yohannan <kp@gfa.org>

Mon, Sep 15, 2014 at 4:41 AM

To: “jaydge@gmail.com JD Smith” <xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>

Sent from my iPhone

Begin forwarded message:

From: “K.P. Yohannan” <kp@gfa.org<mailto:kp@gfa.org>>
Date: September 14, 2014 at 8:55:48 PM CDT
To: “JD Smith (xxxxxxxxxxxxx<mailto:xxxxxxxxxxxxx>)” <xxxxxxxxxxxxx<mailto:xxxxxxxxxxxxx>>
Subject: Latest Letter to Board Members

Dear Brother JD, I arrived back from India less than 48 hours ago and immediately went to Florida where I had meetings this weekend. While I was there, one our US Board members, Chuck Zink asked me if I had received your latest letter to the Board of Directors. I told him that I was totally unaware of a third letter to the board and ask him if he would please send it to me.

JD, I remember as I was leaving the States for this most recent trip to India that we were going to plan to get together and talk when I got back. As you can imagine, I was quite surprised to hear of this most recent letter since we had not even had a chance to set that up yet.

I still think that you and I getting together to discuss these grievances face-to-face would be the best and most biblical way of reconciliation. However, since you have a appealed to the board as our authority, I will contact them and set up a meeting for them to examine and inquire of us and our leadership practices and teachings as a ministry as you have suggested.

In the meantime, let us work toward reconciliation of this matter as we have discussed in the most recent past. Continued strife and division does not help any of us. JD, is there a time that I can meet with you in person or by telephone to talk with you about reconciliation of this matter?

Thank you, brother. Kpy

September 6, 2014 – JD emails KP again after 2 weeks’ silence

JD emails KP again after 2 weeks’ silence because we had not heard anymore about scheduling a meeting. JD requested confirmation of KP’s willingness to meet.

“Can you please confirm your willingness to schedule that meeting?”

JD Smith <xxxxxxxxxxxx>

Re: Called you

JD Smith <xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>

Sat, Sep 6, 2014 at 1:29 PM

To: “K.P. Yohannan” <kp@gfa.org>

Dear Brother KP,

In your last email to me, you offered to meet with us, with whoever we wanted to bring. In response, I emailed you asking about inviting board members and a mediator to a recorded meeting, and I’ve not heard back from you for two weeks.

Can you please confirm your willingness to schedule that meeting?

Thanks,

On Fri, Aug 22, 2014 at 2:06 PM, JD Smith <xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

We’d also like it to be video-recorded. Please let me know.

Thanks,

On Fri, Aug 22, 2014 at 12:49 PM, JD Smith <xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

Hi Brother K.P.,

Can you confirm that you are willing to schedule a meeting with us, at which the GFA US board is present by phone or in person, and having a mediator we select who can keep it on track with the agenda?

Thanks,

On Mon, Aug 11, 2014 at 8:26 PM, K.P. Yohannan <kp@gfa.org> wrote:

Dear brother JD
Thank you for writing back.
This is to say I am willing to meet with you and any one else as soon as I get back. This is something you asked for from the beginning.
No, JD this meeting will not be to argue and prove GFA is right and that we did not fail but honestly listen all and admit our sins as we are able to hear you share with us as brothers and sisters in the family of our Father.
The response you got from us is based on our understanding that dose not mean we are right in all things.
The fact so many feels hurt about the way we dealt with them tells me their reality is what they share. That is the reason I believe our meeting is important for understanding.
Satan surly hate for us to live in love and be one, answer to Christ’s prayer in John 17.
If all of these brothers and sisters want to come together or some you choose to represent them or what ever you think will help to bring reconciliation, please let us do it.
Also JD we are learning from it for the feature and for us now.
That is the reason I sent on the articles you posted to all our leaders.
One thing we all want is the lords name glorified and I know God is answering prayers.
I cried out to The Lord much with fasting and prayers for His mercy for all of us.
JD, is there a telephone number I can reach you? Please let me know. Please say my greetings to your wife and children.
Sent from my iPhone

On Aug 11, 2014, at 11:51 PM, “JD Smith” <xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx<mailto:xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>> wrote:

Dear Brother KP,

I received your message, and I appreciate your interest in making things right.At this time, however, it appears that there is nothing in your view which you feel needs to be made right – if I read both of your leadership’s written responses correctly, which David _____ emailed to me. In them, you made it plain that you flatly deny that there is any truth to our claims.That being the case, I don’t know what purpose a meeting would have, other than attempting to convince us that the testimonies of scores of our friends are not true, or that you had an acceptable reason for the spiritual abuse and hurt so many staff have suffered at your hands. I see no sign of repentance or willingness to acknowledge even one iota of the things we wrote about, to make them right.If you’ve changed your mind, please send a new written response at your convenience.Meanwhile, since we have your clear written response, we will proceed prayerfully in the way we see best, and according to pastoral counsel.Regards,
JD

On Aug 10, 2014 5:07 AM, “K.P. Yohannan” <kp@gfa.org<mailto:kp@gfa.org>> wrote:
Dear brother JD
I called and left message I hope you got it.
I read your post about abuse leadership etc. both of them. I have forwarded it to all our leaders. As I told you before, I/we do want to meet with you and others and I want to make things right with our brothers and sisters.
Also I want ask your forgiveness for not responding to your emails wishing to talk about my book on submission and godliness etc. I am sorry.
Just the other day standing by the lake I thought about your baptism and the time we had together.
We are now working on the adaption license and I pray we will be able to help so many precious children.
JD I want you and family to come for our campus opening and we are inviting all the ex-GFA to come for it.
With love and prayers.
Kpy
Ps. I will be back in a few weeks. Looking forward to seeing you then.
Sent from my iPhone

September 3, 2014 * Diaspora corrects 2nd Letter to GFA Board

Diaspora realized the original 2nd appeal letter included identifying information regarding some indiscretions and also contained an incorrect signature count. We asked that the original be destroyed and replaced with this corrected version.

“I would like to send you a corrected version of the document I attached last night …”

Corrected Letter to GFA Board

JD Smith <xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>

Re: Final appeal to GFA board from 75 former staff

JD Smith <xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>

Wed, Sep 3, 2014 at 1:55 PM

To: [GFA Board]

Dear Directors,

I would like to send you a corrected version of the document I attached last night (attached.) There were only two changes made:

1) The number of signers was listed incorrectly. There are 75 signers.

2) The first two paragraphs of the _____ testimony made it very easy for Canadian staff to identify who had been caught viewing pornographic material. Our desire is most certainly not to expose them or hurt their reputations. So we consolidated the two paragraphs into one which does not give enough info to reveal their identity. We want to be above reproach in how we go about all of this; I am sure you understand.

Please delete and destroy the first version that was sent and use this one instead going forward, especially if you are sharing it with other leaders.

Also, we do not have an email address for US Director Skip Heitzig. Feel free to forward this to him.

For Christ’s Glory,

xxx-xxx-xxxx

On Tue, Sep 2, 2014 at 11:28 PM, JD Smith <xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
…

September 3, 2014 – JD explains emails in 2nd Letter to Rob

JD acknowledges that while it appears KP is working with us, there is no action to match.

“The fact that he offered “the meeting you wanted” but has not responded for 12 days yet to my last email about involving the board and a mediator, casts serious doubt on his willingness to actually give us the meeting we wanted, which would have a mediator and board members present.”

JD Smith <xxxxxxxxxxxx>

Re: Final appeal to GFA board from 75 former staff

JD Smith <xxxxxxxxxxxxx>

Wed, Sep 3, 2014 at 12:24 PM

To: Rob

Cc: [GFA Canada Board]

Dear Director Rob,

Thank you for your prompt and thoughtful review of this letter, and your response.

The main reason I included a copy of the last few emails between me and KP is because I believe a primary reason the GFA directors have not begun a serious investigation is that they believe KP has made bona-fide attempts to discuss these matters with us genuinely and we have not taken him up on it. In fact, the opposite is true.

The fact that he offered “the meeting you wanted” but has not responded for 12 days yet to my last email about involving the board and a mediator, casts serious doubt on his willingness to actually give us the meeting we wanted, which would have a mediator and board members present. Not to mention that numerous attempts to discuss these things with him in the past have met with failure, and while he is sending flattering words to me privately, his counterpart David _____ is speaking angrily toward me and other former staff on his behalf, speaking lies to us and about us. It seems that KP only wants to speak with a small number of us, privately, with no accountability. We’re dealing with institutional sins that affected everyone, and a personal conversation just isn’t going to change that and isn’t appropriate at this stage – we NEED you and the other board members involved in dealing with this.

The content of the emails was not sensitive in nature, and KP knows I am communicating with him on behalf of a large group, not just myself, so he can reasonably expect me to discuss his responses with them as well.

Similarly, I included a personal email thread in the letter between Cassie and Danny. This again was needed as evidence and did not divulge personal information of any significantly sensitive nature.

None of the 75 signers raised a concern about sharing the emails; we had a peace about the content of the letter. But I take your rebuke seriously and will make sure to be extra cautious in that area.

We felt it was important for you as board members to see the full conversation that is taking place behind the scenes, both for KP’s sake as well as for ours, as it was clearly communicated to us that the board in the US had determined there was no need for further dialogue.

I can understand your concern about being extra careful in how we handle this situation, as you also seem to recognize issues and desire repentance, and want to see it done well. That gives me hope that you do in fact believe our concerns are legitimate and wish to dialogue further with us. Once you’ve discussed this with the other board members, please let me know if you do.

In Him,
JD

Greetings JD,
I have read the materials you have sent along over the past months and note that you raise very serious concerns. The last few pages of this document pass along email correspondence between yourself and KP. I find it inappropriate that you would distribute such correspondence which is obviously personal and delivered in trust and confidence. Clearly brother KP is reaching out to you and the others who have a grievance with GFA, for reconciliation. Why not pursue that offer rather than break trust further by publicly distributing personal correspondence as you have done?
As a board member in Canada I will seek to be as aware and engaged as I can be in the health and effectiveness of the ministry and I appreciate your appeal to us as board members to respond to your concerns. I do believe that God is refining us all and have no doubt that you too are wanting to honour The Lord in all of this. May that refining happen without further damage to the unity of Christ’s body.In Him,
Rob

> On Sep 2, 2014, at 8:28 PM, “JD Smith” <xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

September 3, 2014 – Canada Board member Rob rebukes emails in 2nd Letter

Rob acknowledges the serious nature of our concerns and rebukes JD for attaching personal emails between KP and JD while KP seems to be trying to work things out.

“I have read the materials you have sent along over the past months and note that you raise very serious concerns…. Why not pursue [KP’s] offer rather than break trust further by publicly distributing personal correspondence as you have done?”

JD Smith <xxxxxxxxxxxxx>

Re: Final appeal to GFA board from 75 former staff

Rob Thiessen

Wed, Sep 3, 2014 at 12:14 AM

To: JD Smith <xxxxxxxxxxxxx>

Cc: [GFA Canada Board]

September 2, 2014 * Diaspora’s 2nd Letter – Final Appeal to Board

JD sends Diaspora’s Appeal to arms-length board members in US and Canada to please consider our concerns.

“Since the leadership at GFA has dismissed our claims that a number of serious issues exist within GFA, we now appeal directly to you…”

Appeal to GFA Board

[note – this is the corrected version that was sent in the Sept. 3, 2014 email. The original will not be posted for the same reasons given in that email.]

JD <xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>

Final appeal to GFA board from 75 former staff

JD <xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>

Tue, Sep 2, 2014 at 10:28 PM

To: [GFA Board]

Dear GFA US & Canada Arms-Length Board Members,

Since the leadership at GFA has dismissed our claims that a number of serious issues exist within GFA, we now appeal directly to you, the arms-length directors, as the only people in the world who can possibly address these issues internally.

Won’t you please prayerfully consider the information presented in the attached letter and let us know if you have any questions or concerns, or if you would like to see additional information or testimonies? Thank you for caring about GFA and its staff, students and supporters.

In Him,

JD Smith, on behalf of myself and 74 former GFA staff

Please feel free to contact me directly:

xxx-xxx-xxxx

xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

xxxxx, Dallas, TX 75219

August 22, 2014 – JD emails KP requesting meeting be video recorded

JD communicates the desire by the Diaspora that the meeting be video taped.

“We’d also like it to be video-recorded.”

JD Smith <xxxxxxxxxxx>

Re: Called you

JD Smith <xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>

Fri, Aug 22, 2014 at 1:06 PM

To: “K.P. Yohannan” <kp@gfa.org>

We’d also like it to be video-recorded. Please let me know.

Thanks,

On Fri, Aug 22, 2014 at 12:49 PM, JD Smith <xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

Hi Brother K.P.,

Thanks,

On Mon, Aug 11, 2014 at 8:26 PM, K.P. Yohannan <kp@gfa.org> wrote:
…

August 22, 2014 – JD emails KP to confirm setting up a group meeting

JD emails KP to confirm setting up a group meeting including the board and a mediator.

“Can you confirm that you are willing to schedule a meeting with us…?”

JD Smith <xxxxxxxxxxxxx>

Re: Called you

JD Smith <xxxxxxxxxxxxx>

Fri, Aug 22, 2014 at 12:49 PM

To: “K.P. Yohannan” <kp@gfa.org>

Hi Brother K.P.,

Thanks,

On Mon, Aug 11, 2014 at 8:26 PM, K.P. Yohannan <kp@gfa.org> wrote:Dear brother JD
Thank you for writing back.
This is to say I am willing to meet with you and any one else as soon as I get back. This is something you asked for from the beginning.
No, JD this meeting will not be to argue and prove GFA is right and that we did not fail but honestly listen all and admit our sins as we are able to hear you share with us as brothers and sisters in the family of our Father.
The response you got from us is based on our understanding that dose not mean we are right in all things.
The fact so many feels hurt about the way we dealt with them tells me their reality is what they share. That is the reason I believe our meeting is important for understanding.
Satan surly hate for us to live in love and be one, answer to Christ’s prayer in John 17.
If all of these brothers and sisters want to come together or some you choose to represent them or what ever you think will help to bring reconciliation, please let us do it.
Also JD we are learning from it for the feature and for us now.
That is the reason I sent on the articles you posted to all our leaders.
One thing we all want is the lords name glorified and I know God is answering prayers.
I cried out to The Lord much with fasting and prayers for His mercy for all of us.
JD, is there a telephone number I can reach you? Please let me know. Please say my greetings to your wife and children.
Sent from my iPhone

On Aug 11, 2014, at 11:51 PM, “JD Smith” <xxxxxxxxxxxxxx<mailto:xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>> wrote:Dear Brother KP,I received your message, and I appreciate your interest in making things right.At this time, however, it appears that there is nothing in your view which you feel needs to be made right – if I read both of your leadership’s written responses correctly, which David _____ emailed to me. In them, you made it plain that you flatly deny that there is any truth to our claims.That being the case, I don’t know what purpose a meeting would have, other than attempting to convince us that the testimonies of scores of our friends are not true, or that you had an acceptable reason for the spiritual abuse and hurt so many staff have suffered at your hands. I see no sign of repentance or willingness to acknowledge even one iota of the things we wrote about, to make them right.If you’ve changed your mind, please send a new written response at your convenience.Meanwhile, since we have your clear written response, we will proceed prayerfully in the way we see best, and according to pastoral counsel.Regards,
JD

August 20, 2014 – GFA invites Diaspora members to “GFA Family Gathering” November 7-8

GFA invites Diaspora to see new campus and reconnect.

Note: the Family Gathering was postponed by KP on October 10, 2014.

“Coming together like this will be an opportunity to bring cleansing and develop a closer relationship.”

Save the Date

K.P. Yohannan <kp@gfa.org>	Wed, Aug 20, 2014 at 9:32 AM
To: [multiple email addresses]

Dear [multiple Diaspora individuals],

I am so grateful for the time you spent serving with us and being a part of reaching multiplied millions in Asia who had not previously heard His name!

It is through the hands of all of us who served at GFA at one time or another over the last 35 years that so many lives have been touched, changed and saved. Your service at Gospel for Asia has borne eternal fruit for His glory, and we as a ministry would not be where we are without the investment you made with us.

As a part of us, I wanted to make sure you knew the latest development in our US headquarters. After more than 15 years of prayer, God has miraculously provided us with a tool to reach more precious souls for His glory. We have acquired property about 60 miles from our current location and developed it into a campus to house the ministry. This campus has been miraculously provided for by the Lord, and will help us to save up to $5M per year in operating costs, while allowing us to expand the size of the staff and the School of Discipleship.

You are invited to a GFA Family Gathering weekend November 7-8, 2014 to celebrate His faithfulness. Our time together will begin with a First Friday Prayer Meeting on November 7. On Saturday there will be tours of the campus as well as a pig roast for lunch. We hope that you can come for this time of fellowship and rejoicing in what the Lord has done. We look forward to connecting with you to hear how God is working in your life and how we can continue to pray for you and your family.

In all relationships there will be struggles, misunderstandings, failures, and hurt. Many times we are not even aware that we are hurting others through our words and actions. I often feel grieved when I think about my lack of love and humility in dealing with my brothers and sisters at different times over the years.

Coming together like this will be an opportunity to bring cleansing and develop a closer relationship. I would personally like to talk to you when you’re here. May I ask you to please do all you can to be with us for this special occasion? You are part of our lives and you always will be.

If you can join us, please contact me by email at kp@gfa.org as soon as you can, so that we can make the necessary arrangements. If you are not able to come for these dates, please know that you are welcome here any time, just let me know when you are planning to visit so I can do my best to also be here.

Thank you very much for your part in serving with GFA and growing His Kingdom. I hope you will be able to come and celebrate the Lord’s faithfulness.

Your brother in Christ,

K. P. Yohannan