GoingRogue Wrote:
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> SouthGate Wrote:
> -------------------------------------------------------
>
> > If the victim was told to be quiet, then it is
> > wrong. I can see the victim maybe not wanting
> > anyone to know, like in Larry's situation, but
> not
> > to protect the guilty.
>
> No, SouthGate. The victim was told not to tell
> ANYONE. When they did tell someone, both of the
> victims that I am personally aware of were called
> liars and ostracized.

Sad and wrong to do something like that.

I did mentioned to many people during my time in TLWF (30+ years), including shepherds, about what had happened to me as a kid, and there was very little response. Both individuals left TLWF in the 70’s and it was now basically a moot point. The problem was, I still had to deal psychologically with something that no 15 year old should have to deal with. The wounds did not leave with the people who caused them – just as is the case with other types of abuse that many others have suffered. It caused a deep mistrust towards pastors and Apco, as well as causing me to question the validity of the worship songs I was singing. Many times I questioned whether any of this was really of God, or was I living in a horror movie?

On top of that, there was the underground culture of drugs and sex that I willingly consented to. I know leaders were aware of what was going on because I got high with some of them - and I’m not referring just to alcohol. Somehow, knowing dirt on many of the pastors helped me excuse my own behavior. The truth is, you reap what you sow and everyone eventually lives in the consequences of their own actions – good and bad. You can hide from other humans – even if they claim to be Christ in the flesh - but not God.

It’s almost comical now thinking back that I, as well as many others, needed a six-pack of beer to survive an elder’s meeting – they were such godly events. I thought it was normal behavior and those that had a problem with it were just being religious. I had no clue I was self-medicating wounds I did not understand and just trying to survive in a very unhealthy atmosphere - and so were all my peers. As I began to get healthy again, my drinking, language, cynicism, and sense of humor naturally changed for the better. Just establishing healthy boundaries was a life saver for me – especially learning to say “No” without another’s permission. Unfortunately, many kids watched their parents act like teenagers, while calling themselves mature sons of God, and the next generation was also twisted.

Excellent post, Larry.

<It’s almost comical now thinking back that I, as well as many others, needed a six-pack of beer to survive an elder’s meeting – they were such godly events>

BTW, the first time Gary threatened to kill me was when he and Marilyn when at our local church for the purpose of commissioning the new pastor. I joked about the pastor bringing a case of beer for this godly occasion, and it didn't go over too well.
NEVER TEASE THE APOSTOLIC FATHERING MINISTRY OR YOU WILL DIE!!
(I think that was the lesson I was suppose to receive, and obviously I have failed)

changedagain - I recall my first corporation meeting in L.A. G&M and company were smoking cigarettes, drinking hard alcohol, and swearing about everything. A couple of years later, they were on a health kick and making an attempt to clean up their language. Times, they are a changin’. Apparently, the way John had trained them to relate required a little adjustment, along with his teaching.

According to Facebook, it looks like G man got married over the weekend. I wonder if they took an offering during the marriage service.

larry bobo Wrote:
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> changedagain - I recall my first corporation
> meeting in L.A. G&M and company were smoking
> cigarettes, drinking hard alcohol, and swearing
> about everything.

I recall that time period. I struggled then, as I do now, recognizing Christ in the Flesh.

girls_turn_it_off Wrote:
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> According to Facebook, it looks like G man got
> married over the weekend. I wonder if they took an
> offering during the marriage service.

Ha--for Apostolic Travel?

girls_turn_it_off Wrote:
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> According to Facebook, it looks like G man got
> married over the weekend. I wonder if they took an
> offering during the marriage service.

Things go a lot faster when you do your own marriage check-out and confirmation. ;)

changedagain Wrote:
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> larry bobo Wrote:
> -------------------------------------------------------
> > changedagain - I recall my first corporation
> > meeting in L.A. G&M and company were smoking
> > cigarettes, drinking hard alcohol, and swearing
> > about everything.
>
> I recall that time period. I struggled then, as I
> do now, recognizing Christ in the Flesh.

"Christ in the Flesh"

Is that a new beer?

girls_turn_it_off Wrote:
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> According to Facebook, it looks like G man got
> married over the weekend. I wonder if they took an
> offering during the marriage service.


I guess it will now be G&S.