Linda – From 1971 to 1980
Linda attended a Basic Seminar in 1971. What she learned during that week transformed her life and gave her a strong desire to grow in the Lord and serve Him. She worked on the Headquarters staff for 9 years. Her joy in the Lord was very evident to everyone who worked with her. For the past eighteen years Linda has been a busy pastor’s wife. She is able to give wise counsel to troubled youth and their parents.
To Whom it May Concern,
I worked at the Oak Brook Headquarters of the Institute in Basic Life Principles from November of 1971 through May of 1980. During many of those years I worked in the Northwoods for one or two weeks a month. The other times I worked at Oak Brook and also traveled to work on registration teams in various cities where the Basic Seminars were held. I was busy and totally fulfilled as a young woman, but my greatest joy was that I was serving my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ through this ministry. I knew He had called me to this work.
Everything that Bill taught me was consistent with what I had learned throughout my life at my evangelical church. Many from my church attended the Basic Seminars and they were thrilled to learn that I had been asked to join the staff.
During my tenure, I had many opportunities to work closely with Bill Gothard. During all these times I can honestly say that Bill never ever touched me in an inappropriate way. We had a Godly and loving brotherly friendship. Bill proved himself to me over and over again. Actually no proving was necessary because we had a quiet understanding that we were both serving the Lord.
Bill Gothard loved all the staff in the same way. None of my staff colleagues ever indicated to me that Bill’s behavior with us as individuals was inappropriate in any way. I am making this statement in response to allegations that I have read on the internet. Since I have first-hand experience, I want the truth to be known.
I also want the truth to be known about what took place in the Northwoods prior to 1980, since I was a part of the staff up there as well as at the Headquarters. I can say definitely that Bill Gothard was not aware of the misconduct that was secretly going on. All of us staff girls were very close to each other because we lived together. Even we did not know what was happening to each other. We were each sworn to secrecy with the promise of marriage. If we who were with each other all the time did not know, how could we expect Bill to know. When he did finally understand what had been happening, he was broken hearted and in deep grief.
Sincerely,
Linda