The Soncco Family

The Fallacy of Protecting the Church: Why Covering Up Abuse is Not a Biblical Mandate

One of the biggest criticisms faced by the Survivors of Austin Gardner is the claim that our efforts to expose abuse and toxic culture within Vision Baptist Church are “hurting the church.” This is a common defense used by many churches to deflect from the real issue: the abuse and harm caused to vulnerable individuals within their communities. Unfortunately, this claim is …

Order of the Ring

Austin Gardner’s Circle of Protection: The Order of the Ring to Society of Mentors

Austin Gardner, the former senior pastor of Vision Baptist Church, has been the subject of numerous accusations of sexual abuse and toxic behavior. As a result, Gardner has created exclusive clubs such as the Order of the Ring and the Society of Mentors to protect himself from accountability. To join the Society of Mentors, members must give their soul and …

Exposing the Cover-Up: The Truth Behind Austin Gardner’s Sexual Abuse “investigation”

In recent developments regarding sexual abuse allegations against Austin Gardner, the founder of Vision Baptist Missions in Alpharetta, Georgia, new information has come to light that sheds further light on the situation. In a previous interview released on September 22, 2021, Becky Earnhart made allegations of sexual abuse against Gardner. These allegations were validated by at least 12 submissions on …

Project Update: Vision Baptist Leaders discuss how to avoid an unbiased investigation of their toxic culture.

Uncover the truth behind the Vision Baptist Mission Board’s mishandling of sexual abuse and other serious allegations with this eye-opening video compilation and accompanying blog post. Discover the seven most alarming things revealed. This video is a more extended, in-depth look at the conversations by Vision Baptist Mission Board Leaders about how to avoid accountability and how they were in …

Survivor Story: Elise Wung

“He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3 It has taken me a long time to find my God-given voice and the courage to speak out in hopes of warning others of this type of high-demand organization and abuse by religious leaders. As Jesus has been working in my broken heart since leaving Vision …

Surviving Abuse: Becky Earnhart Shares Her Story of Healing and Justice

Becky Earnhart’s interview on the Preacher Boys Podcast is a powerful account of her experience of abuse and her journey to healing and justice. In the interview, Becky discusses the abuse she suffered at the hands of Austin Gardner, a former leader of Vision Baptist Missions, and her decision to come forward and share her story. Becky’s story is not …

Survivor Story: Heather Marks-Nicol

Survivor Story: Heather Marks-Nicol

The following is a letter that I have submitted to Vision Baptist Church of Alpharetta, Georgia.  The pastor and deacons there have received my letter with care and compassion and are continuing to work prayerfully regarding my testimony as well as those of several others. I do not submit my letter to this site as a form of under-cutting the church, …

Project Updates: Survivor Stories & A Call For A True Independent Investigation

Content Warning: The following blog post contains descriptions of sexual abuse. Last week, Becky Earnhart’s story of sexual abuse at the hands of William Austin Gardner sent shockwaves through the Christian community. Her courage in speaking out about the abuse she endured has inspired other victims to come forward, and legal action is now being taken to pursue justice. But …