Re: The Living Word Fellowship, The Walk, John Robert Stevens
Posted by:
changedagain
()
Date: August 25, 2019 02:50AM
Posts by GSchaeff and Larry Bobo from October 2018:
Re: The Living Word Fellowship, The Walk, John Robert Stevens
Posted by: GSchaeff
Date: October 28, 2018 08:04PM
Greetings everyone,
I'm sharing some documents I've accumulated recently.
1) Here is Woodrow Nichol's book on TLW. In it, Nichols documents many travesties which serve as warning signs for some of the terrible things we've unfortunately all become aware of recently. Nichols raises many warning signs about JRS' authoritarian personality, as well as his insistence on total submission and unquestioning loyalty from his followers. Nichols also documents allegations of JRS abusing the trust and devotion his congregation placed in him by using his position as pastor to pursue and commit affairs, beginning as early as 1967. That particular incident split the Valley church when love letters were found corroborating claims that he'd been using his influence as pastor to seduce a deacon's wife.
[drive.google.com]
2) This is an article in the Honolulu Advertiser dated Sunday, June 27th, 1999, a time that Gary was likely giving a Summer Camp sermon at Shiloh, Iowa. In the article, Gary is showing off his "Hidden Island Sanctuary," a luxurious property he and Marilyn owned on Oahu. This property is located within a mile of both the ocean and Diamond Head State Park. In the article, Gary claims that most of the renovations were done almost exclusively with church labor. It appears that in either June of 2000 or April 2005, Gary sold this property at a considerable gain. If it was sold in 2005, the sale price was $3.5M. Also in April 2005, Gary purchased his current property, located within a half mile of another beach. Gary's current property appears to have also been renovated and has since seen a large increase in value as well, from approx. $1.75 million in 2005 to approx. $3.25M today. My sources all come from public data available online, primarily the City & County of Honolulu and a local Oahu real estate page, oahure.com. Therefore, these figures could be inaccurate, but are reasonable estimations. I share them because this is how things appear based on public data. At the very least, this shows an example of the luxury Gary and Marilyn have enjoyed for the past few decades. Unfortunately, if accurate, it could also serve as an example of Gary using church labor to greatly amplify his personal wealth.
[drive.google.com]
3. An interview given to the Iowa City Press Citizen detailing "death prayers" being directed by leadership toward Martha Stevens at Shiloh. These prayers have been vehemently denied by leadership as having occurred, although at times it is admitted that they were prevalent, but "in no way sanctioned by JRS or senior leaders."
[drive.google.com]
4. A Des Moines Register article detailing a burglary case involving Joe Knott, a member of TLW, who burned down the house of a critic of John Robert Stevens. In the court case, Knott claimed that the local church at Shiloh incited him to commit the burglary and arson.
[drive.google.com]
These articles do not prove beyond a reasonable doubt any wrong doing. That said, they should raise questions. Those questions should be asked, and they should not be discouraged. These events do not need to be believed, but we should all be aware that they're possibilities. I repeat, they should not be discouraged. At this point in TLWF's history, ex-members probably outnumber current members by thousands. There are countless testimonies of ex-members explaining how TLWF harshly discourages asking questions that are critical of its history or the decisions of its leaders. My point is not to spread gossip. My point is that this church has discouraged any criticism whatsoever with phrases like "that's just gossip," "check your spirit," or "so and so is just bitter." Ask questions. Demand answers. There is nothing shameful about seeking the truth.
GS
Re: The Living Word Fellowship, The Walk, John Robert Stevens
Posted by: larry bobo ()
Date: October 29, 2018 07:11AM
I know that forgiveness provides a path to freedom for those who have been offended. Trust, on the other hand, is something that is earned. Decades of good behavior can be offset by one betrayal. However, decades of betrayal reveal a deep character flaw that should not be ignored. The corporation of TLWF could be closed down, ending public outcry over violations, since it no longer exists – as well as accountability of those involved. Moving the same leaders to a new corporation does not solve the problem - even if it may end bad press from the past. Business corporations do it all the time to limit the liability of their Board of Directors. Same people, new name, and the same problems. No matter where you go, there you are – even if you declare it’s a new day and any past problems were the other guys fault.
I am suspect of the new open door for complaints, since for many years it was the method of fishing for who to remove from the fellowship. If you disagree, you’re gone. It may also be a way of exposing legitimate legal concerns so that legal defense strategies can be put in place. There is not the history that would show a legitimate concern for the people, instead of personal gain. For Gary to suggest that it is he who started an investigation is laughable. He just finally got exposed a little deeper. One can only hope that as people bare their hearts, there will at least be some shepherds that will show compassion, instead of following the party line no matter who it hurts.
Sexual abuse is always a wake-up call to most people. It certainly has generated a lively recent discussion – perhaps because of the Me Too movement. Spiritual abuse, on the other hand, can be equally damaging. I experienced both in TLWF, and for me, the spiritual abuse was much more traumatic and difficult to unravel. Most people, who were old enough to make the choice (first, second, and third generations), became a part of TLWF seeking a deeper walk with God. Most left questioning their Christianity altogether. That is not good fruit. I’m encouraged by the overwhelming response to Shalom’s letters by mostly her peers. It gives me hope for the future.