Abuse has no place in any organization - but especially not the church! Leaders must be held to a very high standard. When the church inflicts trauma and harm instead of shelter and healing, it's time for change. Since many churches don't have internal HR policies, it's often up to the public to hold them accountable and force them to change.

Below is an Open Letter written by us, the survivors of #theharvest, and delivered to the Oversight Committee at Harvest Ministries International on November 30, 2024, asking HMI to engage with a third-party investigator to establish the facts and provide a path forward to protect future victims from harm. The allegations referenced in the letter currently include grooming and sexual abuse of young girls, repeated and prolonged spiritual abuse, and the public shaming and silencing of survivours and whistleblowers. Given the seriousness of these allegations, the Committee's response to our concerns is obviously very important.

On Tuesday, December 17th, 2024, the Oversight Committee sent a joint response by email referring to the numerous survivor stories as "an amalgamation of vague inferences and references" and calling for a "Biblical process" in "the pursuit of reconciliation with Art Lucier". They have not acknowledged the necessity for a third-party investigation. They have not acknowledged the severity of the allegations and the re-traumatization that would occur if these victims were forced to engage in their process for reconciliation.

This is why we're asking you now to stand with us. Enough is enough! If The Harvest wishes to continue its mission as a Christian organization then it MUST do better!

View Joint Committee Response

Read Survivor Stories

An Open Letter to #theharvest
To Marc Brisebois, Wendy Leigh, Hal Welwood, and Casey Brost of the Oversight Committee at Harvest Ministries International. The following is presented without prejudice on behalf of the undersigned and in representation of the victims this letter represents. We who care for the vulnerable, for the lost sheep, for the saint and the sinner, are calling on you to take action.

[The Problem]

Allegations of abuse, whether physical, spiritual, sexual, or emotional, have followed Art Lucier through his time in ministry. These allegations have for so long been just whispers in the background, but recently they've started to get louder. It is only with great strength and courage that these allegations have come forward at all.

[Who We Are]

We are the victims, the abused, and the survivors. We are family, friends, and supporters who've witnessed this pain and suffering. We've lived in silence, afraid to speak out. But recently, more has come to light, and the seriousness of the aforementioned allegations cannot be ignored any longer. Those who looked to the church for community, love, and support should not have left in pain. We recognize that not everyone shares our experiences, but we believe that this is a problem bigger than one individual.

[What We Want]

To date, no viable resolution has been offered to the victims. Therefore, out of concern for our fellow Canadians, we are asking the Oversight Committee at Harvest Ministries International to fully cooperate with an agreed-upon third-party investigation into these allegations of abuse, the findings to be made public. We are asking that Harvest Ministries International fully comply with all recommendations made as a result of the investigation.

 

Signed,

-Salem Webb, SIL of Art Lucier

-Ruth Esther Hird, former member of Kitimat Harvest Church

-Ayla Thompson, former member of Kitimat Harvest Church

-Jasmine Hall, former member of Kitimat Harvest Church

-Teona Fifi, former member of Kitimat Harvest Church

-Hiram Webb, former Member of Kitimat Harvest Church

-Rebekah Crown, former member of Kitimat Harvest Church

-Dixie Webb, former member of Kitimat Harvest Church

-Dolly Reid, former member of Kitimat Harvest Church

-Summer Rain, former member of Kitimat Harvest Church

-Tristen Gammie, former member of Kitimat Harvest Church

-Joe Pauloski, former member of Kitimat Harvest Church

-Denver Webb, former member of Kitimat Harvest Church

-Cara Webb, former member of Kitimat Harvest Church

-Dora Delavina Watts, former foster child of Art and Heather Lucier

-Colleen Hancar, Supporter and former Volunteer in BFC and Canadian Firewal

-Dale Hubscher, former BFC volunteer

-Brenda Hubscher, former BFC volunteer

-Ngozi Schalin-Lauman, former member of Kelowna Harvest Church

-Andrew Schalin-Lauman, former member of Kelowna Harvest Church

-Deborah Werklund, former intercessor for BFC

-Lael Wilding, former member of Kitimat Harvest Church

-David Wilding, former member of Kitimat Harvest Church

-Michelle Harker, former member of Kitimat Harvest Church

-Layne Vilness, former member of Kitimat Harvest Church

-Vivian Moon, former member of Kitimat Harvest Church

-Anonymous, former member of Kitimat Harvest Church

-Anonymous, former member of Kitimat Harvest Church

-Anonymous, former member of Kitimat Harvest Church

-Anonymous, former BFC/Firewall attendee

-Anonymous, former member of Kitimat Harvest Church

-Anonymous, former member of Kitimat Harvest Church

 

With Support From,

-Megan Benninger, Baptist Accountability

-Pastors Amanda Lynn and Ken White, supporters

-John Elving, Street Advocate

-Lisa M. Weber, supporter, Godmother of a survivor

-Kate Fleming, supporter

-Laurie Meanwel, supporter

-Sandra Hidebrand, supporter

-Rose Webb, supporter

-Michael Nadeau, supporter 

-Kregan Liang, supporter

-Jesse Webb, supporter

-Kathie Johnson, supporter

-Brianna Quock, supporter 

-Kim Papish, supporter

-Neva Dinkmeier, supporter

-Lucinda Dixon, supporter 

-Joann and Sylvain Fortin, supporter 

-Maryann Baumbach Ouellett, supporter 

-Bethany Whelan, supporter 

-Laurel Webber, supporter 

-Danny Nunes, supporter

-Jenna Ippel, supporter

-Daniel Pidgeon, supporter

-Danny Nunes, supporter

-Kristine Moon, supporter

-Jeff Webb, supporter

-Thomasina Brown, supporter

-Lynnie Lewter, supporter

-Shawn LeBlanc, supporter

-Willette Swanson, supporter

-Anonymous, supporter

-Anonymous, supporter

-Anonymous, supporter

-Anonymous, supporter

-Anonymous, supporter