Official Statement from the Wallace Legacy Foundation Concerning Benjamin Garlick and La Espada Ministries
We at the Wallace Legacy Foundation (WLF) are profoundly shocked and saddened by the recent arrests of Benjamin and Shaantal Garlick, leaders at La Espada Ministries, an organization to which we had extended our support. Our hearts and deepest sympathies are with their children, the victims in this deeply troubling situation.
In the previous year, WLF had granted $1,000 to La Espada Ministries to aid in the purchase of a van. We want to clarify that, at the time of this contribution, we had no knowledge of any allegations or suspicions of abuse or misconduct related to either of the Garlicks or the ministry which Benjamin led.
Responding immediately to these alarming revelations, we have decisively removed all mentions and associations with La Espada Ministries from our website, social media platforms, and any future funding considerations. We have also communicated with our donors who had generously contributed to La Espada Ministries through the WLF, keeping them informed of the ongoing situation.
While the WLF has made every effort in the past to ensure that the caliber of our partners is beyond reproach, we recognize that the efforts must be ongoing. Therefore, to further fortify our due diligence and ensure the integrity of the organizations we support, we are rigorously updating our policies. This includes the initiation of comprehensive background and reference checks on pivotal individuals within prospective recipient organizations. Our unwavering commitment is to support only those organizations that uphold the highest standards of trust, transparency, and positive impact on our communities and beyond.
Our thoughts and prayers are steadfastly with the victims during this harrowing time, and we remain resolute in our mission to foster and support endeavors that bring about meaningful and positive change in our society through the spread of the Gospel message.
Sincerely,
The Wallace Legacy Foundation
