Church Leader and Musician Faces Allegations of Sexual Abuse by Multiple Women

The life of Mervin Budram – a church leader, a musician and a businessman – has taken a major blow after several young women have come forward with sexual claims against him.  Rebecca Stirm-Lennan was the first to go public on social media, explaining that she was preyed upon at the age of eleven by Budram.  Her courage inspired several other young women to come forward, with similar allegations; some were inappropriate touches while others were claims of rape.  Rebecca had reportedly told her family of her personal experience back in May this year.  Last week, she decided to go public with her story.  She wrote, in one of her posts, quote, “I have been able to make some strides at moving on, letting go and choosing my own peace and freedom over the triggers and reactions I would naturally like to choose instead.  But I cannot stand by, stay silent and sweep this thing under the rug.”  End of quote. 

Rebecca’s choice to go public has encouraged a handful of other women to come forward with their experience involving Budram.  But the victims of Budram are not the only women coming forward.  There have been others empathizing with Rebecca and telling their own story of rape, sexual assault and abuse by persons they trusted.  Unfortunately, none of these women brought their abuser to justice.  Rebecca and another young woman, Kelsie Parham have both filed reports with the Police, and we understand that the DPP’s Office is reviewing the cases.  Since the claims began unraveling, the Jubilee Ministries – headed by Pastor Scott Stirm and Kerm Thimbrel, has issued a statement on the matter. 

The church leaders say they are saddened by the disturbing reports, and has indicated that Budram was immediately removed from all leadership and ministry roles. It noted that other ministries outside of their church have graciously stepped up to offer counseling to Rebecca, while others engaged the Budram family. As a ministry we want to be categorically clear that we do not condone or tolerate any form of abuse, be that from leaders or members of our church family. We as leaders hold ourselves to high standards and boundaries. Mervin chose to disregard all that we teach, preach, mentor and live at Jubilee Ministries. He knows that this is 100% on his shoulders. Our primary focus is to stand in solidarity with the victims and their families.  Love News understands that the Church has been aware since May of this year, and had been doing their own investigations.  We further understand that Rebecca had filed a report to Police on June 5 this year at the Roaring Creek Police Station.