Anonymous from Tuscola
This personal account came out as George Geftakys was excommunicated. Brent T. had this comment: "Another phenomenon is occurring. Many others, who also have stories of abuse, are coming forward. Like Rachel and Judy, they too were afraid to tell their stories, due to fear, and the sense that nothing would ever change. Things are changing, and this is giving new hope to the victims of the past...This account has been independently verified with people not related to the author."
I grew up in a small town in Illinois--Tuscola. My mother was re-married when I was 5 years old. I had a sister who was 4 and a brother who was 6. The "pastor" who married them was soon let go due to situations I know not of. I believe it was at that point, in about 1971, that the Tuscola "Bible study" was started. My mom and her new husband and the three of us all attended. That Bible study would be later become known as a Geftakys assembly.
The sexual abuse of my sister and I at the hands of my mother's husband actually began before they were married and continued on until we left the home. The abuse changed as the years passed.
My dear feisty little sister told my mom after the first abuse, I believe. When they got into the "Assembly," the stories of abuse were told to the "brothers." He was counseled and was made to apologize. This began a cycle that would continue my entire childhood--being caught, repenting with tears and an apology. Then it would start all over again.
I guess there was a lot of covering up that went on, all across this nation of ours, huh?
Funny thing is, as a little girl, I remember looking up at George. His presence was so very large, so intimidating. As a person who has a "prophetic bent," my discernment was alive even then. I remember looking into his dark face and searching, wondering why I could not see Jesus there.
There were those in whom I could see Jesus in, though, and they hold the fondest memories for me to this day. They were safe for me and I trusted them.
As I sit here, I am welling up with tears at the hurt that has not only been caused and allowed at the hands of those in charge, but the shame and harm that has come to the sweet name of Jesus in the process. David Geftakys and Mark Miller "labored" in the Tuscola Assembly for many extended periods of time. These people have much to answer for, and they need our prayers.
"I will bring the blind by a way they did not know;
I will lead them in paths they have not known.
I will make darkness light before them,
And crooked places straight.
These things I will do for them,
And not forsake them." Isaiah 42:16
