Mary Mackert Introduction Letters
On June 4, 2008 I had the blessing of having Mary Mackert on our radio outreach program; Way of the Cross. The programs will air on June 8th and the 15th so be sure to download the podcasts and hear this woman’s incredible story of how God miraculously saved her and four of her five children from a life of polygamy and spiritual death. It’s another example of God’s mercy on us and His sovereignty!
Mary was one of five children in the home she grew up in along with her mother and her mother’s sister wife. In all there were 32 children that were born to this one man. In addition to this when she turned 17 years old she was given in marriage to a fifty year old man. You can read more about her story at www.xpolygamist.com
During the last few months there has been a ton of publicity about the polygamous compound down in Eldorado, TX and as you can imagine the ramifications from all that took place will carry on for years to come.
Mary has written letters to both the children of the compound and to Judge Walthers, the original judge that ruled the children be placed in foster care. We’ve placed both letters on our site so you can read them for yourselves! We’re asking that anyone interested in seeing that justice will be upheld for these children to sign a petition as a show of support. You can e-mail or send us your information via snail mail. Include your name, address as well as your e-mail address and after one month we will compile everything and send it in to the judge. We won’t be publishing the names of those who write in for privacy reasons; however when we are finished with the petition we will let everyone know how many people got involved!
One of LAM’s supporters lives in Eldorado, TX and has been very instrumental in giving us updates of what is really going on with the people of the Yearning For Zion ranch. Last Monday (6/2/08) this was reported in a local paper; “In fact, a CPS witness testified at length during the April 17-18 hearing that children were at risk of hampered brain development under the authoritarian sect lifestyle.”
We will be sending the list of names and the letters to Governor Rick Perry of TX, the senators John Comyn and Kay Bailey Hutchinson, US representative Mike Conway and other state officials. We will also be posting the letters in the newspapers in San Angleo and Eldorado, TX.
Help us get the word out that these children should not be overlooked and those who are responsible for the atrocities of abusing these children need to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law!
Send us your name, address and e-mail if you want your name to be included. We’ll send you a copy of our list after one month and also be posting our results in next month’s newsletter.
May God bless you for helping us!
With Love in Christ;
Michelle Grim
Founder Life After Ministries
Mary Mackert Letters
Mary L. Mackert
517176 Highway 95
Bonners Ferry, Idaho 83805
May 23, 2008
Family & Child Protective Services
Attn: Lynn McFadden
622 South Oakes Street
San Angelo, Texas 76903-7013
Letter #1
To The Children From the YFZ Ranch:
In 1953 I was a little child caught up in the efforts of people that wanted to protect me from any harm or danger. Like you, I did not understand. For whatever reasons, I was returned to my parents.
Since my youth, God has worked in and through my life. He has blessed the lives of my children in marvelous ways. He wants to bless your life, too.
In ways we do not always understand God works wonders. Be patient and wait upon the Lord. He loves you and has not forgotten you.
The Bible says that God turns the hand of the king. He is working through the government to bless your life, trust Him.
You are my family. I love you and am praying for you. I sincerely desire your happiness and God’s will for your life.
I want to help you and other FLDS children. Please call and talk to me. I am here and ready to serve in any way.
With God as My Helper,
Mary L. Mackert
Letter #2
Mary L. Mackert
517176 Highway 95
Bonners Ferry, Idaho 83805
May 23, 2008
Judge Barbara L. Walther
112 West Beauregard Avenue
San Angelo, Texas 76903-5850
RE: ASSISTING WITH FAMILIES FROM THE YEARNING FOR ZION RANCH
Dear Judge Walther,
The State of Arizona, under the direction of Governor Pyle, rescued children from Short Creek, Arizona in 1953. I was 18 months old at the time. Public opinion and civil rights issues put pressure on the authorities and children were returned to their parents. Because of this I grew up in the FLDS religion, entered into an arranged marriage at seventeen to a fifty-year-old man, and had five children.
In 1984 I escaped, but not without consequences. By order of the prophet, Rulon Jeffs, I was abducted and locked in my room for one-and-a-half days. My husband threatened to execute me, blood atonement style. When I would not agree to return, he reluctantly allowed me to leave “with the shirt on my back.”
The court gave me full custody of my five boys. Our adjustment to a society we feared has been difficult. However, my children are grateful for the courage and determination that gave them a better life. They have grown to adulthood, have families and are happy, productive citizens.
If the courts decide against returning these children, my hope is to see them recover from the indoctrination that enslaves them. These are my people. I sincerely desire their success and happiness.
I want to be of any assistance to you and others dealing with the FLDS children. Please contact me. I am available to serve in any capacity.
Most Respectfully,
Mary L. Mackert
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