Hi everyone,

I had no idea this forum existed. I have kept up with a few of you from other forums and on Facebook, but this seem to be a central information hub.

I lost my best friend to this group 2 years ago. I had the same experience with him as many of you have had with your loved ones. It was very discouraging because we were so close. He even baptized me five years ago when I began my walk with Christ.

Today, I am working on a masters degree and PhD in human communication. Much of my research centers on how groups communicate and how it affects their decision making. I am constantly referring back to this group and applying knowledge to what I've seen and experienced. They truly are mixed up in something dangerous (from a sociological perspective). One day when I have more time I'll make a more extensive post.

[...]

Now, about our YMBBA friends, I read through the entire thread and have a few questions:

-What's the deal with opening a store? I feel like that would contradict their doctrinal stance of "the world" and "financial dependence." I'm curious about how it will affect their leadership. Will the elders oversee it too? Is it a sign that their chief financier cut off aid?

-What are their numbers like? I read that it is 100+ now in this little town. I remember when it was no more than 20. Are they fitting all of those people into 6 apartments, or did they get a larger facility?

-I read in this thread about speculation that they might try and run for local office. Is this true? Again, doesn't that contradict their doctrinal stance?



Keep in touch. I'll be providing some scholarly research soon. I look forward with chatting with you all and swapping stories. Its great to finally find a community of support - people to grieve and pray with. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions,

In Christ,
A



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/09/2012 02:15AM by rrmoderator.

Aegonis3:

Please don't promote Steve Hassan on this thread.

I have received many complaints about him and would not recommend him to anyone for anything.

See [forum.culteducation.com]

Now let's get back on topic which is "YMBBA Ministries".

Disclaimer regarding Steve Hassan

The Ross Institute of New Jersey/May 2013

See [www.culteducation.com]

The inclusion of news articles within the Ross Institute of New Jersey (RI) archives, which mention and/or quote Steven Hassan, in no way suggests that RI recommends Mr. Hassan or recognizes him in any way.

News articles that mention Steve Hassan have been archived for historical purposes only due to the information they contain about controversial groups, movements and/or leaders.

RI does not recommend Steven Hassan.

RI has received serious complaints about Steve Hassan concerning his fees. Mr. Hassan does not publicly disclose his fee schedule, but according to complaints Steve Hassan has charged fees varying from $250.00 per hour or $2,500.00 per day to $500.00 per hour or $5,000.00 per day. This does not include Mr. Hassan's expenses, which according to complaints can be quite substantial.

Steven Hassan has charged families tens of thousands of dollars and provided questionable results. One recent complaint cited total fees of almost $50,000.00. But this very expensive intervention effort ended in failure.

Dr. Cathleen Mann, who holds a doctorate in psychology and has been a licensed counselor in the state of Colorado since 1994 points out, "Nowhere does Hassan provide a base rate and/or any type or accepted statistical method defining his results..."

Steve Hassan has at times suggested to potential clients that they purchase a preliminary report based upon what he calls his "BITE" model. These "BITE reports" can potentially cost thousands of dollars.

See [corp.sec.state.ma.us]

Steve Hassan runs a for-profit corporation called "Freedom of Mind." Mr. Hassan is listed as the corporate agent for that business as well as its president and treasurer.

RI does not recommend "Freedom of Mind" as a resource.

RI also does not list or recommend Steve Hassan's books.

To better understand why Mr. Hassan's books are not recommended by RI read this detailed review of his most recently self-published book titled "Freedom of Mind."

See [www.cultnews.com]

Steve Hassan's cult intervention methodology has historically raised concerns since its inception. The book "Recovery from Cults" (W.W. Norton & Co. pp. 174-175) edited by Dr. Michael Langone states the following:

"Calling his approach 'strategic intervention [sic] therapy,' Hassan (1988) stresses that, although he too tries to communicate a body of information to cultists and to help them think independently, he also does formal counseling. As with many humanistic counseling approaches, Hassan’s runs the risk of imposing clarity, however subtly, on the framework’s foundational ambiguity and thereby manipulating the client."

RI has also learned that Mr. Hassan has had dual-relationships with his counseling clients. That is, clients seeing Mr. Hassan for counseling may also do professional cult intervention work with him.

Professionals in the field of cultic studies have also expressed concerns regarding Steven Hassan's use of hypnosis and Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP).

Based upon complaints and the concerns expressed about Mr. Hassan RI does not recommend Steve Hassan for counseling, intervention work or any other form of professional consultation.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/10/2013 08:54PM by rrmoderator.

Sorry Moderator; I'm new here.

To whom it may concern:

There are many excellent books available on the subject of cults, coercive persuasion and related issues.

See [www.culteducation.com]

Many be available through your local library.

I have been following this group since Sep 6, 2012. My daughter is there with my grandbaby. I need to get a hold of someone that is there in Wells to check on my family. I am praying AND I KNOW that God will bring them both home, but I don't want them to be TOO messed up in the head!

Welcome Aegonis3 and Yattia. A couple of books I recommend are "Prayers for Prodigals" by James Banks and "The Heresy of Mind Control" by Stephen Martin. The first one is bringing me comfort and is a great source of specific Scriptures I can pray over my daughter, son-in-law and grandkids. The second book brings me knowledge and understanding in the how this could have happened. I know that God truly is in control of this and I continue to seek the lessons He is teaching me through it all---one of the key lessons is trusting Him in ALL things and depending on Him. Once again, I encourage you to be strong and courageous because He IS with us!

Hi everyone, so apparently the group is feeling a bit threatened by the unity and power of the saints. So, a few of us feel it is time for another weekend of prayer and fasting. Anyone is welcomed to join us. We want to join together and pray for any child, family member or friend that is currently being deceived by 'the father of lies' whether they are caught in this group or are in some other situation that is keeping them from living in fullness with the One True God. We are praying that God would open their eyes and ears to the truth and that the Holy Spirit would rain down on them and set the captives free.
So pray about joining with us in whatever way God calls you to. We will be praying/fasting this weekend. (Oct 20-21)
If you want to add anything or anyone to be covered in prayer this weekend just post it here.
Psalm 33:32- May your unfailing love rest upon us O Lord, even as we put our hope in you.
Stand strong fellow saints, God is faithful and just (and always victorious!)

@Justin: Absolutely. I think that's a great idea. May I ask what is going on? Is that a step toward the group breaking down? Feel free to PM me if anonymity is easier.

@Kjdean: Thanks for the warm welcome and recommendations :)

I'm in for the weekend. For our new members, please private message me the names of those you know who are involved and I will add them to my "prayer wall" of names. God is faithful!

I apologize for not checking in here lately. I have been a little busy!!! I hope you all are enjoying this Fall Weather!!!! God Bless!!!