In the Name of "Mission Work"

       The past five years have brought no shortage of abuse scandals to light. For Christian Aid Ministries, that day of reckoning came in 2019 when news of Jeriah Mast’s predatory abuse surfaced. Today, Jeriah Mast is serving a prison sentence for some of the abuse he committed in the United States. However, the extent of his crimes in Haiti, and CAM’s complicity, largely faded from the spotlight without resolution. This month, we review In the Name of “Mission Work,” by Doeurldy Cadet, who shares his account as one of the Haitian victims of Jeriah’s abuse. 

       Cadet’s story goes beyond the abuse he suffered. He describes his experiences growing up in a “Haitian religious circle struggling with scandals, ignorance, dogmas, and authoritarianism.” He also reflects on his experiences with American mission work in general (and CAM in particular). Cadet describes the fallout he and others experienced, but we also see God’s grace at work through the pain.

       With regard to the abuse, Cadet provides conclusive proof that CAM knew Jeriah was a predator as early as 2013 and did nothing. He knows, because he and two others reported their abuse to CAM at that time. Only later did he come to realize that CAM’s instincts were toward self-preservation. (CAM tried to deny knowledge of previous abuse or pass it off as “moral failures between youth.”) 

       Yet Cadet also shows how “wrong beliefs led to wrong actions in allowing the scandal to happen and handling it in the way they did.” A subtle attitude of superiority over Haitian people, an opaque organizational structure, and the unhealthy power dynamics of vulnerable people dependent on foreign aid all helped to set the stage for this tragedy. Cadet’s account exposes the failures of one organization in one country, but we do well to consider whether these same overarching problems affect our philosophy of mission work generally. To castigate CAM without examining ourselves wastes this painful lesson.

       Cadet demonstrates that CAM did just enough to stop the bleeding, but it has consistently refused to take responsibility for its failure. Some wonder if CAM’s good work around the world outweighs this one debacle. Perhaps a better question is whether CAM has become an Anabaptist idol. Is it too big to fail? Have we decided that, in this one instance, the ends justify the means? Cadet says he has no desire to see CAM destroyed, but to repent and rebuild trust. Yet if they are unwilling to do so, God will raise up others to accomplish his work.

Clarification regarding CAM/Jeriah Mast:

       In my last review, I strongly questioned CAM’s handling of the Jeriah Mast situation. After reflection, I realize that I was not sufficiently clear on several points:

2. I am not suggesting that Mr. Cadet’s account is the end of the discussion—only that his account is credible and that he deserves to be taken seriously. I see no reason why insinuations that he may have been tempted to exaggerate would be any more suspect than concerns that CAM may have been tempted to minimize.
3. I questioned whether CAM deserves continued support, but did not clarify what I see as a path forward.I believe that a third party investigation is necessary to resolve concerns and enable repentance where needed. An independent investigation is the path of humility and transparency. Ephesians 5:13 says that when anything is exposed by the light it becomes visible. As a brother in Christ, I urge the CAM leadership to choose the path of accountability and light. 

       CAM has done tremendous good for the kingdom, and I would hope to continue supporting their ministry if they choose this step toward transparency.