Tom White, executive director of Voice of the Martyrs (VOM) for more than 20 year, is dead–apparently a suicide. The details are absolutely tragic: White, 64, was apparently being investigated by Oklahoma authorities for allegedly having “inappropriate contact with a young girl.”
VOM responded to the allegations with this statement:
The Voice of the Martyrs statement concerning the death of Tom White:
The events of the last week are tragic. On Wednesday we learned that Tom White, VOM’s executive director, had died.
Allegations were made to authorities this week that Tom had inappropriate contact with a young girl. Rather than face those allegations, and all of the resulting fallout for his family and this ministry and himself, Tom appears to have chosen to take his own life.
None of those in leadership at VOM, including our Board of Directors, were aware of these allegations at the time of Tom’s death.
There is no doubt that Tom cared about his wife, his children and his grandchildren. And there’s no doubt that he cared about VOM.
We are deeply saddened by these events. Our hearts are broken.
However, the work that God has called VOM to do is bigger than any one of us. There are persecuted Christians who need our help. The legal process will go forward, and we will continue serving with our persecuted brothers and sisters.
We appreciate the many who are praying for our work, and we encourage you to join us in praying for Tom’s family during this difficult time, as well as the family of the alleged victim.
Read the report from Jeremy Weber of Christianity Today.
Voice of the Martyrs is a great and important ministry. They are blessing to brothers and sisters that we don’t see, don’t know, and often forget. (“Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.” (Heb. 13:3)) None of that has changed.
Update: On April 25, 2012, VOM released a letter from their President, James E. Dau. It was recently mailed to those who subscribe to their free monthly newsletter.