The Roys Report: Interview with Deborah Perkins - Part 2
Key Themes:
Victim Support: Importance of being believed by others and having advocates willing to display courage to hold perpetrators accountable.
Community Support: Deborah Perkins' experience of receiving support from her Christian community after coming forward about her abuse.
Betrayal and Courage: Experiences of betrayal from leaders and some family members, contrasted with the courage of others who stood by her.
Transcript Highlights:
Initial Revelation:
Telling Her Husband: Deborah tells her husband, Murray, about the abuse. She describes it as a safe action, supported by a strong relationship.
Revealing to Allan Hood: Her first disclosure outside of family was to Allan Hood, former president of IHOP's university. His emotional response was pivotal in advancing her courage.
Community Response:
Collective Courage: Describes the supportive community as an 'army' standing firm against a system of evil and darkness.
Stonewalled by Leaders: Details how some leaders at IHOP, people she believed were friends, protected the abuser instead of supporting her.
Betrayal and Healing:
Family and Friends: The deep sense of betrayal from those who protected Mike Bickle, including certain family members.
Healing Process: The role of tears, support from close friends, and the courage of the community in her healing journey.
Advocacy and Systemic Issues:
Misuse of Biblical Texts: Discussion on the misuse of Matthew 18 by some leaders to manipulate and keep stories of abuse silent.
Patterns of Abuse: Highlighted the patterns in Mike Bickle's behavior across multiple victims.
Lessons on Support and Advocacy:
Role of Advocates: Importance of having advocates like Elizabeth Herder, who played a significant role in supporting Deborah.
Support from the Body of Christ: Seeing the beauty of Jesus through the genuine support and love from the Christian community.
Challenges of Speaking Out: The personal cost and attacks faced after coming forward with her story.
Conclusion:
Ongoing Journey: Deborah's continued journey in advocating against abuse and her hope for a purified church.
Invitation to Restore Conference: Anticipation of further community and advocacy collaboration at the Restore Conference.
Reflection:
Deborah Perkins' Testimony: A powerful story of courage, betrayal, support, and advocacy in the face of systemic failure within a religious organization.
Broader Implications: Raises questions about governance, accountability, and the treatment of abuse survivors within the church.
Call to Action:
Support for Survivors: Encourages listeners to be proactive in supporting and believing survivors of abuse.
Critique of Current Systems: Encourages a critical examination of church systems and leadership accountability.
Invitation to Engage: Listeners are invited to subscribe to the podcast and support through donations for continued reporting on these issues.