Ep. 395: Bethany Christian Services Sues Michigan, China Adoptions, 9/11 Heroes Get Help

MinistryWatch Podcast

On today’s program, Bethany Christian Services is suing Michigan for religious discrimination after the state denied its contracts to resettle refugee families. We’ll have details.

And, as we recognize another solemn anniversary of 9/11, we look at one ministry helping military heroes win the war back at home.

Plus, a new survey shows that giving to churches and charities is down—by a lot.

But first, China has closed its foreign adoption program, leaving families devastated. The decision announced on September 5 by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning brings the 30-year program to an end, with exceptions for international residents adopting blood relatives or stepchildren. The program officially ended August 28.

The producer for today’s program is Jeff McIntosh. We get database and other technical support from Stephen DuBarry, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth. Writers who contributed to today’s program include Bob Smietana, Kim Roberts, Bobby Ross Jr., Paul Clolery, Brittany Smith, and Christina Darnell.

A special thanks to Religion UnPlugged and The NonProfit Times for contributing material for this week’s podcast.

Until next time, may God bless you.

MANUSCRIPT

FIRST SEGMENT

Warren:

Hello everybody. I’m Warren Smith, coming to you from Charlotte, North Carolina.

Natasha:

And I’m Natasha Cowden, coming to you from Denver, Colorado. And we’d like to welcome you to the MinistryWatch podcast.

Warren:

On today’s program, Bethany Christian Services is suing Michigan for religious discrimination after the state denied its contracts to resettle refugee families. We’ll have details.

And, as we recognize another solemn anniversary of 9/11, we look at one ministry helping military heroes win the war back at home.

Plus, a new survey shows that giving to churches and charities is down—by a lot. We’ll take a look.

Natasha:

But first, China has closed its foreign adoption program, leaving families devastated.

Warren:

The decision announced on September 5 by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning brings the 30-year program to an end, with exceptions for international residents adopting blood relatives or stepchildren. The program officially ended August 28.

Natasha:

What’s going to happen for families who were in the process of adopting?

Warren:

The State Department is “seeking written clarification from the [People’s Republic of China] authorities regarding the impact on intercountry adoption cases already in process and will maintain close communication with Adoption Service Providers and prospective adoptive parents.”

Lifeline Children’s Services, the largest evangelical adoption ministry in the U.S., had about 48 families who had been matched with Chinese children and were in shock and disbelief at the news.

Several of the families had met the children and spent time with them in their homes through a hosting program put on by Lifeline.

Joshua Zhong and Lily Nie, two Chinese immigrants who founded Cherish Children Adoption International (CCAI), the largest adoption agency for Chinese children said China’s program for international adoption was considered a model for the world with more transparency and less corruption than others. It had been praised by the United States government.

Natasha:

What’s going to happen to the orphans in China?

Warren:

Zhong doesn’t know whether they will receive the appropriate counseling, especially those who were expecting to be adopted.

The Chinese program is better equipped with resources than it was 30 years ago. CCAI will continue its charitable efforts, including childcare, foster care, medical services, educational funds, and disaster relief to help the thousands of abandoned children in China.

Natasha:

Next, Bethany Christian Services sues the state of Michigan.

Warren:

Bethany Christian Services has filed a federal lawsuit against the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and the Office of Global Michigan (OGM) for discriminating against it because of its religious hiring practices.

According to Bethany, the state denied its contracts to resettle refugee families and place unaccompanied minors in foster homes for the first time since it began contracting with the state in 1981.

In a press statement the group said, “By denying funding for Bethany’s refugee-resettlement services, Michigan officials are blocking critical social services to vulnerable children and families, and jeopardizing jobs at Bethany.

Natasha:

In 2023, Bethany reported helping over 600 refugees and immigrants and placed around 300 unaccompanied minor refugees in foster families in the state.

Warren:

But this year, the State of Michigan began denying contracts to Bethany. According to Bethany’s General Counsel Nhung Hurst, the state implemented a new requirement requiring organizations to hire people from all religions.

Hurst said contracts with Michigan dating back decades have never included this requirement and that no other organizations were affected by the new provision.

Natasha:

Why is Bethany affected?

Warren:

Bethany requires its employees to agree to its statement of faith, which is a restatement of the Apostles’ Creed, a summary of beliefs used by Christians around the world.

Hurst said, “Federal law is clear, and the courts have repeatedly affirmed that faith-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, like ours, can hire staff and select leaders who share the organization’s faith mission. Federal law affirms that Muslim nonprofits can hire Muslims; Jewish nonprofits can hire people of Jewish faith; and Christian nonprofits can hire Christians,”

Natasha:

And Bethany tried to find a resolution before filing this lawsuit.

Warren:

Bethany said it made 19 attempts to discuss the situation with the OGM and also prayed for a resolution. After they were unsuccessful, Bethany asked the federal court to intervene and enjoin the OGM from ending the existing contracts until a final resolution of its religious discrimination claims can be reached.

Natasha:

Speaking of lawsuits, our next story involves one filed by an 18-year-old.

Warren:

Another lawsuit against the leaders of Circle of Hope Girls Ranch and Boarding School alleging multiple instances of abuse was filed this week in federal court in Missouri, this time by the youngest person yet to take action.

The lawsuit is brought under the pseudonym Jane Doe DA, who is currently 18, against Stephanie and Boyd Householder and Circle of Hope. It also names Jeff Ables, the pastor at Berean Baptist Church in Springfield as a defendant.

Natasha:

Can you remind us what’s happened so far with Circle of Hope?

Warren:

The boarding school for troubled girls closed in September 2020 after former students and even the daughter of the school’s founders reported an atmosphere of abuse. Stephanie Householder’s felony trial for child abuse and neglect is currently scheduled for October 28. Boyd Householder died in June from cardiac arrest.

Natasha:

This new lawsuit contains some strong allegations.

Warren:

Jane Doe DA claims in the lawsuit that she was subjected to physical, mental, and sexual abuse in 2019 and 2020, starting when she was only 13 years old. She is seeking $75 million in damages.

The lawsuit contains allegations of sex trafficking, involuntarily servitude, and fraud. It claims Circle of Hope established a hierarchical system that allowed students to punish one another.

the court documents state that “She lived in fear for the entire time she was at Circle of Hope and suffers anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other psychological issues to this day.”

Natasha:

Ables, a former board director for Circle of Hope, is named in the lawsuit for failing to report the abuse even after the Householder’s daughter, Amanda, directly reported it to him in 2008.

Warren:

Instead of reporting the alleged abuse to authorities, Ables is accused of telling the Householders about Amanda’s allegations for which she was punished.

Amanda Householder sued her parents in 2022, alleging they made her perform forced labor, beat her for their own sexual gratification, force-fed her until she vomited, and made her impose punishments on other students at the boarding school.

According to the lawsuit, Ables allegedly “hid children” at the church to prevent the Department of Family Services and Children’s Division from investigating complaints against Circle of Hope.

Ables has been the pastor at Berean Baptist Church since October 2000.

Natasha:

Warren, let’s take a quick break. When we return, a ministry helping military heroes with PTSD who are still fighting a war at home.

I’m Natasha Cowden, along with my co-host Warren Smith, and we’ll have that story and much more, after this short break.

BREAK

SECOND SEGMENT

Natasha:

Welcome back. I’m Natasha Cowden, along with my co-host Warren Smith, and you’re listening to the MinistryWatch podcast.

Next, the story we promised before the break, every day an estimated 22 U-S veterans die by suicide—SOF Missions is working to change that.

Warren:

Wednesday marked the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks that propelled the United States into two decades of war.

A 20-year military veteran — first with the Marine Corps and later with the Air Force — Damon Friedman knows firsthand about the war’s long-lasting effects.

As he tells it, “The cost of the war on terror was paid by my wife and kids.”

After contemplating suicide, Friedman finally got the help he needed — body, mind and soul.

While still in the Air Force, he — along with his wife Dayna — started a faith-based nonprofit called SOF Missions. The SOF stands for “Shield of Faith.”

Natasha:

What does SOF Missions do?

Warren:

For a few years, SOF Missions focused on international mission work, such as medical clinics, food distributions and orphanages.

But in 2016, the Friedmans, who live in the Tampa area, changed the emphasis. Now SOF Missions exclusively helps veterans who — like Damon — struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder and other challenges from military service.

Natasha:

So far, SOF Missions has raised about $10 million and helped more than 300 veterans through its intensive “Be Resilient” clinics and retreats.

Warren:

At those retreats, About 30 health care practitioners work with the veterans during their time in Florida — typically five-day visits — and then follow up after their return home.

Damon said of the approach. “We do head to toe, bumper to bumper — psychological, social, physical, cognitive, spiritual care,”

Natasha:

How does this tie in with 9/11?

Warren:

Retired Army Capt. John Arroyo, a 20-year military veteran, deployed twice to Afghanistan and once to Iraq. Said,“On 9/11, so many people joined the service because they wanted to fight for their nation,” “And so now, what SOF Missions is doing is helping them fight in their home — helping them get their mental health back, helping them get their physical health back — because they were willing to sacrifice.”

Natasha:

September is deaf awareness month, and MinistryWatch is highlighting the work of several ministries that are committed to bringing the Gospel to the deaf community.

Warren:

It is widely believed that out of the world’s population of between 150 and 250 million deaf persons, only 2% are professing Christians, making them one of the largest unreached people groups in the world.

According to Mark Lowenstein, Pioneer Bible Translators director of deaf programs, the challenges in reaching the deaf community are several: they are scattered, they are often looked down upon as cursed, parents often abandon them, and not many people make the effort to communicate with them in sign language. Additionally, there are at least 350 unique sign languages in the world.

So we wanted to feature a few ministries we think are worthy of support.

Natasha:

Who’s on the list?

Warren:

Deaf Bible Society’s mission is “to provide the Bible by video in the world’s many sign languages.” It says there is only one sign language with a full bible translation, but 15% have access to some portion of the Bible. Deaf Bible Society is involved in 78 translation projects and has created an online platform and app with sign language videos of Scripture. In the MinistryWatch database, Deaf Bible Society an A transparency grade, and a donor confidence score of 100.

We have others on the list, including some we think you should NOT give to because they are not transparent with their financial information. You can see our list at MinistryWatch.com

Natasha:

Next, scandal closes down a Canadian church.

Warren:

Leaders of The Meeting House, a Toronto area megachurch with multiple locations and once one of the largest congregations in Canada, has shut down its public ministry, becoming a consortium of smaller congregations.

“It is with sadness that we are required to bring the public-facing ministry of The Meeting House to an end as of August 29,” according to a statement posted on the church’s website.

Natasha:

What’s going to happen with their campuses?

Warren:

The church’s remote sites will be rebranded as the “BIC Church Collective,” a group of nine congregations that share preaching as well as back-office support. Details of the new collective, which is part of the Be In Christ denomination, were scant.

Natasha:

What was the catalyst for this change?

Warren:

The launch of the new collective comes as The Meeting House congregants continue to reckon with the fallout from abuse allegations against its former longtime pastor, Bruxy Cavey. In late 2021, Cavey was accused of sexual misconduct and resigned a few months later. A church investigation later alleged that his conduct had been abusive. The Meeting House also disclosed that an investigation found 38 cases of reported misconduct involving four pastors at the church.

In his 25 years of leadership, Cavey had grown The Meeting House, which was founded as Upper Oaks Community Church, into a congregation of more than 5,000 meetings in 19 satellite campuses and more than 200 home groups, according to The Walrus.

Cavey has admitted what he called moral failings but has denied committing any crime. “I don’t believe I failed legally,” he said in July after one of the charges against him was stayed.

The Meeting House still faces legal troubles despite the end of its public ministries. The church is facing several lawsuits filed in the wake of the abuse allegations.

Natasha:

Warren, we’re going to take another break. When we return, our lightning round of ministry news of the week.

I’m Natasha Cowden, with my co-host Warren Smith. More in a moment.

BREAK

THIRD SEGMENT

Natasha:

Welcome back. I’m Natasha Cowden, with my co-host Warren Smith and you’re listening to the MinistryWatch Podcast.

Warren, we like to use this last segment as a sort of lightning round of shorter news briefs.

What’s up first?

Warren:

Giving is down among evangelical Christians, according to a new study by Infinity Concepts and Grey Matter Research.

The study—called The Giving Gap: Changes in Evangelical Generosity— found that 61% of evangelicals say they gave to their church in the last 12 months. That is down 13% from 2021 when 74% reported giving to their local congregation.

Additionally, fewer evangelical Christians are giving to Christian ministries or charities outside their church. In 2024, only 50% reported giving to a ministry, down from 58% in 2021.

According to the research, non-white donors are giving more to church and charities. Their generosity as a percentage of their income rose by 8%.

“Evangelicals of color have remained more steadfast in their church giving than have [w]hite evangelicals,” the report says.

Among the most generous givers, according to the study, are those who regularly read and study the Bible, pray, attend worship, and attend church small groups. They are about twice as likely to give to charity and three times as likely to give to church when compared with those who infrequently or never engage in spiritual activities.

Natasha:

And who is in our Ministry Spotlight this week?

Warren:

Eight Days of Hope (EDOH), a national disaster relief organization, saw a significant shift in its overall Ministry Watch efficiency rating this month, moving from 5 stars to 1 star.

The efficiency rating is based on three categories: fund acquisition, resource allocation and asset utilization.

The organization’s fund acquisition rating is 1 star, partly due to an increase in its fundraising costs. From 2022 to 2023, the organization’s fundraising cost ratio grew from 1% to 11%. The Relief and Development sector median is 6%.

EDOH also saw a sharp increase in the “General and Admin ratio” category, jumping from 1% to 16%, affecting its overall resource allocation rating.

In addition, from 2020 to 2023, the organization’s assets grew from $7.5 million to $11.8 million.

Natasha:

And who did we highlight in Ministries Making a Difference?

Warren:

Members of Rochester Church of Christ in Rochester, New York, have been handing out free coffee and prayer at their local weekend farmer’s market throughout the summer. With a covered table set under a tent, members prepare coffee for passersby and offer personal prayer. Volunteers do not accept donations, but share information on Sunday services if asked. They’ve prayed with people concerning general concerns, such as the election, as well as personal challenges, including a veteran struggling with PTSD.

International Mission Board and Wycliffe Bible Translators have collaborated with almost 100 organizations and churches to translate Bible stories into more than 75 new deaf languages around the world. Wycliffe Bible Translators has 4 stars and an “A” transparency grade in the MinistryWatch database, and a donor confidence score of 88.

Africa New Life Ministries International was launched in 2001 in response to the devastation caused by the Rwandan genocide in 1994. Since then, Rwandan staff have worked to rebuild their community through holistic care, including education, vocational training, survivor counseling, and medical care. In 2023, 788 students graduated high school, 1,077 pastors and students were trained at the Africa College of Theology, 5.4 million meals were provided through schools and programs, and 72,901 patients received care at the Dream Medical Center Hospital. Africa New Life Ministries has 3 stars and an “A” transparency grade in the MinistryWatch database, and a donor confidence score of 98.

Christian Community Action in Lewisville, Texas, was recently certified by the Best Christian Workplaces as “sharing a common commitment to workplace health and employee engagement.” CCA works to care for the poor in its community through three main areas—rescue, relief, and restoration. CCA has 2 stars and an “A” transparency grade in the MinistryWatch database, and a donor confidence score of 85.

Natasha:

Warren, any final thoughts before we go?

Warren:

8 Tales of Transformation

Webinar: Introduction to Intelligent Giving with Al Mueller of Excellence in Giving.

CORRECTION: I made a mistake on last week’s podcast that I’d like to correct. I said that Trinity International University is in Columbia, South Carolina. That was a mistake. Trinity International University is in Deerfield, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Apologies to Trinity International University, and to Columbia International University, which is in Columbia, South Carolina. And thanks to Ben Bradbury and other listeners who emailed me to graciously point out my mistake.

Natasha:

The producer for today’s program is Jeff McIntosh. We get database and other technical support from Stephen DuBarry, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth. Writers who contributed to today’s program include Bob Smietana, Kim Roberts, Bobby Ross Jr., Paul Clolery, Brittany Smith, and Christina Darnell.

A special thanks to Religion UnPlugged and The NonProfit Times for contributing material for this week’s podcast.

I’m Natasha Cowden, in Denver, Colorado.

Warren:

And I’m Warren Smith in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Natasha:

You’ve been listening to the MinistryWatch podcast. Until next time, may God bless you.