It was a July evening, and Canadian missionaries John and Eloise Bergen were just getting ready to settle down for the night at their Kenyan home – when they found themselves fighting for their lives. 

Brutally assaulted, John and Eloise are fortunate to be alive. But in the immediate aftermath of the attacks, they spoke a message of love and forgiveness for their attackers. It was a move that would earn them admiration from some; disbelief and scorn from others.

 

Context

Eloise and John Bergen have spent a life time caring for their family. They've worked as pastor's, carpenters, and caregivers in a wide variety of ways. But as Eloise turned 65, and John became 70 - they embarked on the fulfillment of a dream; to go where they could serve the poorest of the poor.

They began by working in a Kitale refugee camp in Kenya, then devoted themselves to the problem of food security. They established a farm, and taught local children and villagers gardening techniques.

Life was good. And they were making a difference.

Until…

It was a crime that sent shockwaves around the world. In July, 2008, two Canadian missionaries—working with Kenyan orphans—were attacked in their home. Six men jumped John Bergen, beat him with clubs and machetes and left him for dead, tossing his body into bushes. Then they went after his wife, Eloise.

Raped by three of the men, beaten and bound, she was left naked and bleeding.

Eloise managed to free herself. Once free, her first thoughts were for her husband.

Guests

John and Eloise Bergen
www.bergensmission.com

Canadian missionaries will return to Kenya, following attack
www.canadianchristianity.com/nationalupdates/080717kenya.html

In their words: Canadian couple's horrifying ordeal
www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2008/07/11/f-kenya-interview.html

Beaten missionaries plan to return to Africa
www.christianweek.org/stories.php?id=193

Hope For the Nations
www.hopeforthenations.com

More than a rescue operation, Hope for the Nations (HFTN) works in partnership to see “the least of these” become tomorrow’s leaders. HFTN engages in community development, poverty reduction and gender equity in areas where these issues intersect with children. HFTN values partnerships and international networks which efficiently and effectively serve Children at Risk in destitute situations around the world.

www.bergenmission.com

Resources

Links:

What to do if you have been sexually assaulted
www.sarccp.org/fhp1.html

Myths and Realities of Sexual Assault
www.sarccp.org/orp1.html

Books:

“Revolutionary Forgiveness” by Eric E. Wright
www.countrywindow.ca/book-forgive.html

“A Grace Disguised: How The Soul Grows Through Loss” by Jerry Sittser

"The Art of Forgiveness: When you need to forgive and don't know how" By Lewis Smedes
www.amazon.com/Art-Forgiving-Lewis-B-smedes/dp/034541344X

"What's so Amazing about Grace" By Philip Yancey
www.philipyancey.com

Video Podcast