Rants, Musings, and Mental Meanderings of a former Conservative Christian Mother. Standing Strong against ignorance, preconceptions, labels and excessive housework. Celebrating original thought, religious freedom, parenthood, free enterprise and chocolate.

Monday, May 12, 2008

The Horrors of Hephzibah House

I at one time attended a church that supported this "rehab program," and I would call on anyone who still does to please do your research! My husband and I sat on the Mission Committee for a short time, and Hephzibah House received one of the largest monthly allotments, even though the same church dropped other missionaries for not being through an approved Mission Board. The home is run by Ron and Patti Williams in Indiana, who answer to no one but themselves. (I think this in itself makes it unwise for other churches to support their work.) If you are supporting this ministry, or even worse, thinking of sending your daughter to Hephzibah House in Indiana, please read this post (Adventures in Mercy) in its entirety. Especially disturbing was the link to Ron Williams views on child abuse thinly disguised as "discipline." I am just shocked this place hasn't been closed down!

Here are some of the links I found with information on this place. Ugh.

Former Hephzibah Girls

The Truth About Hephzibah House

Survivor Stories

Exposing Hephzibah House

This is a link to the article I mentioned, where Ron Williams explains how to "beat" an infant.

14 comments:

Gabriella said...

I am a former student of Hephzibah House in Indiana. Thank you so much for helping us to spread the word about the abuse at this facility!!!

www.formerhephzibahgirls.webs.com

Anonymous said...

I too am a former Hephzibah student and so appreciate those who are helping get the word out! Sometimes, it seems like because they portray themselves so well, people just believe them without really checking into the place, hopefully more and more will truly investigate and realize the truth.
Excellent point that you made about the fact they just answer to themselves...they definately need to have some accountability for the things that they do!!! Keep up the good work!!

Angela said...

Thank you both so much for taking time to read this and comment. Hopefully the more the word gets out, the fewer girls and families can be devastated by this so-called "ministry."

Anonymous said...

I too came from a church that supported "the Double HH Ranch" and am absolutely appalled at the things I am hearing about this place. I remember thinking that it was funny that we had a great relationship with all the other missionaries we supported, but never once in the 13 years we attended there ever saw Ron Williams or had his ministry presented or shared with our congregation. Now I know why - secrecy is the key to continued operation...
I think it is a good thing that this organization is being exposed.

Anonymous said...

Interesting to know.

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for posting this! I have personally heard Ron Williams present the "ministry" of Hephzibah House on three separate occasions. He is very charismatic and in my opinion a convincing con man and abuser of women and all these young girls. How can those who are advocating for these women of Hephzibah House obtain information on the churches who support HH so that we could write letters directly to these pastors. I know there are a few pastors just like him who would not change even if Jesus himself came down and told them Ron Williams was wrong but I honestly have more faith in some of their supporters that they are deceived. If you have any information please send it to prettykitty1964@live.com

Anonymous said...

This is a great ministry and the Williams are very kind people. We live in very unbiblical times where people do not like certain rules.Our church is considering supporting this ministry and I am supportive of this decision. I am sorry that these girls did not like the rules I will pray for them

Anonymous said...

An excellent documentary on this school by Jeri Massi.

http://www.jeriwho.net/tlohh.html

Anonymous said...

thank you so much for shedding light on this place. So many people do not have the time or energy to help shut this place down and I am just so thankful for all the people that care about the future teenagers that will go thru that door and come out a very confused and broken person.

Brenda in FL said...

I never went to Hephzibah House but was horrified to read the comments of survivors. I recently noticed a website that is somewhat of a memorial to the recently deceased Patti Williams. I found it very odd that the so called testimonies of the complimenting parents and former students and staff all sounded to me overly flowery and sooooo similar in content and that not one testimony given so much as included even a first name! Isn't it strange that those who testify against abuse boldly sign their names and those who are supposedly supporting the school don't dare to? Just an observation. Brenda in FL

Gabriella said...

Brenda, thank you for your comment. I think you have made a very wise observation. I have thought the same thing myself, but I can be easily dismissed since I am a former student. To hear another outside observer recognize the rehearsed statements feels a little like being validated. We as former students-myself included-have revisited horribly painful memories and have signed our name along with our statements. One last point...many of the former HH girls have been asked to write statements in support of Ron Williams & HH... he actually gave examples of what to write (and guess what...it sounded just like the stories he has on his page now). He also asked for letters to the newspaper and media BUT he asked that they be sent to him first, and then he would submit the letters. He said he wanted tomake sure he read them first to ensure that they weren't altered or censored once submitted to the secular media.
Gabriella
Www.formerhephzibahgirls.webs.com

Kiwiaussie said...

Brenda, I just came from that site and thought exactly the same thing!!

Shelly said...

tonight HH will be exposed on CNN and 8pm EST. I too was there and I too was beaten by them. BEATEN not disciplined. there is a difference. thank you for sharing

Marigold said...

That guy Ron Williams is totally warped. No child should ever be brain washed to believe a person who inflicts harm. His psychology is messed up and he probably feels like a freak, but disguises it with the sinister behaviors.