(1/2) Kelly Haines Is Using Her Voice to Help Others at Her New Website: “Life Hurts. You’re a Fighter.”

Posted on by August 16, 2019avatar

“If you want to know where to find your contribution to the world, look at your wounds. When you learn how to heal them, teach others”—Emily Maroutian​

 

(This is Post 1 of 2 tonight.)

I still remember when I was speaking with Kelly before writing her story. She asked me a question. “Do you think anyone will be interested in my story?” I assured her that people would but I never know how media will respond. Well, respond they did ad Kelly, along with Jules Woodson, are our first TWW media stars, having appeared on the Dr Oz show.

Kelly had a tough story to tell. What impressed me about her when we first spoke, was her complete transparency as she discussed not only her abuse but her struggles in the years that followed. Not only did her story draw attention but her abuser decided to send a statement to TWW which exposed him for what he is. I still cannot believe that people allow this man to be their pastor.

Here are some TWW posts surrounding Kelly’s story:

John Longaker, a Convicted Predator, Is Now a Pastor and His Brave Victim, Kelly Haines, Wants to Know Why

Vermont’s Fellowship Bible Church Attracts News Media After Hiring a Convicted Predator as Pastor Without a Background Check and Then Claiming They Don’t Believe He’s Guilty

An Email from a Convicted Predator: Pastor John Longaker and a Challenge for TWW Readers

Introducing Life Hurts. You’re a Fighter

Here is a link to Kelly’s new website.

Kelly has links to appearance on the Dr Oz show and all sorts of information. My favorite blog entry so far?

Do you need to tell your story? Let me help you.

I know she will help many people and am so glad to have another one of the good guys out here. Love you, Kelly!

Comments

(1/2) Kelly Haines Is Using Her Voice to Help Others at Her New Website: “Life Hurts. You’re a Fighter.” — 16 Comments

  2. This is the beauty of healing. Thank you Dee, you and your followers are amazing people who supported me and loved me as I shared my story. May I be just a little bit of what you already are….. a hero!

  5. “If you want to know where to find your contribution to the world, look at your wounds. When you learn how to heal them, teach others”—Emily Maroutian​
    I love this quote. It gives me direction as I ask God daily, ‘What do you want me to do now?’ I truly desire to help others avoid the wounds I suffered, due mostly to naivete and ignorance. Church folk need to know about such things as narcissism, authoritarianism and spiritual abuse. You cannot protect yourself from what you don’t know exists. Best of luck to you, Kelly.

  6. I trust that Kelly’s story will make churches more aware of the importance of background checks for any incoming staff. Thank you, Kelly, for sharing your story. As for JL, he will either be a model citizen or mess up again…I pray it isn’t messing up.

  7. TS00: I ask God daily, ‘What do you want me to do now?’

    One of my daily prayers was written by the 19th-century Unitarian clergyman Edward Everett Hale. It exists in several versions, and this is the one I pray:

    I am but one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. What I can do, I ought to do. What I ought to do, by the grace of God I shall do. Lord, what would you have me do?

  8. Kelly Haines,

    Thank you for creating your website. I took a look tonight and plan to spend more time reading and listening in the next few days. I wish you healing and peace.

  9. Friend,

    Thank you. While I have found my voice I appreciate prayers for healing. Healing is very very hard. Some days you want to throw in the towel and give up. Sexual abuse leaves pain that lasts a lifetime. My prayer is I never give up and keep pressing forward. Maybe a new post idea to come Thank you for the encouragement

  10. Kelly Haines,

    Kelly, you are a hero.

    I know the courage that it takes to, in the face of raw fear, speak the truth on being abused. To do so feels like it might just anihilate – but it doesn’t – and a sliver of strength is gained.

    To speak up and tell this truth in the face of those who hate you for it. That is the definition of courage. I applaud you and root for you. Every step you take toward unmasking the damage and finding peace is worth it, even though it is a life-long process.

    Thank you for being courageous. May true peace be yours.

  11. Continue to press on Kelly! Your God ordained purpose will be fulfilled as you continue to heal. Others will also be restored through your strength and determination to let your God given light shine. Much love to you!

  13. Jeannette Altes,

    So sweet! I hope that I can inspire others to find their voice in whatever capacity that may be. All survivors and those that support them are hero’s in my book

  16. “When I was originally approached about sharing my story with The Wartburg Watch I had never heard of the blog. I remember reading her posts and thinking, “This women deals with the big guys, mega churches. Why would she want to write about my small town church story?” I reluctantly reached out and Dee and I spoke. Keep in mind, I had no idea of the following that The Wartburg Watch had. Dee asked me to “Share my story” I spent two hours explaining every detail I remembered. I explained the mental health issues I was facing, I spoke to her about so much on that call. Her response was, “I’d like to write your story.” She assured me that this was my story and anything that is posted would only be done with my approval. I knew I could change my mind at any time. I decided to go ahead and tell my story. What did I have to lose? This sweet lady will write my story and maybe 100 people will read it and maybe I would find a friend who can relate.” -Kelly Haines
    —
    https://lifehurtsyouareafighter.com/2018/11/24/did-predatorpastor-john-longaker-head-pastor-of-fellowship-bible-church-in-castleton-vt-win-in-deceiving-people-about-his-sexual-misconduct/