She receives SS death benefits for the father of some of the children and I think SS benefits being a widow. Could it be that if she tells someone she's remarried, and to someone else that is married, that she loses death benefits for herself?
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

The woman I'm referring to is at least 30....
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Trying to understand. Why would a polygamous family not get birth certificates for the children? Isn't it against the law to not get them?
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

QuoteelbruceQuoteJadedBy latest revelation, the oldest boy has had to leave the group. I think he will be 19 soon. I don't know where he has gone yet... but was told he was slow and not happy about having to leave. (I lived with him for a year when he was about six-- I would never say he was "slow". Sheltered, most likely)[/quote This looks like a big red flag for a potential
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Wow. I didn't realize I said something earlier that kinda gives my identity away.... I didn't know her before she married John. I didn't meet her until his death. She was very young when she met him, 21 or 22. Only six years older than his oldest son. I believe that she was seeking light and knowledge and was/is a loving person who would probably have given the shoes off h
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

QuoteJadedQuotetaffkidGreetings, I am seeking more information on the activities of the Church of Elias. It appears that the organization has, or is in the process of moving to Blackfoot, Idaho. The website for the church is registered to a James D. Armstrong who currently lives in Blackfoot and operates the Emergency Supply Depot in Blackfoot. I had the opportunity to speak to Armstrong. We d
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

QuotetaffkidGreetings, I am seeking more information on the activities of the Church of Elias. It appears that the organization has, or is in the process of moving to Blackfoot, Idaho. The website for the church is registered to a James D. Armstrong who currently lives in Blackfoot and operates the Emergency Supply Depot in Blackfoot. I had the opportunity to speak to Armstrong. We did not dis
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Sorry, I didn't see this message until this morning when someone emailed me.... John was convincing and she was able to marry him after a short time. I don't know who introduced them. Brainwashing? Yes. Her parents did talk to his ex wife, but not until after he died and they met her at the funeral. John had told them that she was hiding from him and would not let him see the c
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

QuotemoocowHello! I have been fascinated with this group for a few years now. You see, the prophet's widow was a friend of mine, and I'm still struggling to understand what happened to her. I was the black sheep of my family, while she was an absolute angel, and then the next thing I know she has been swept off her feet to this madness. Or, maybe it's not complete madness... Yo
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

QuoteJadedThey have a website at where information can be requested. The church lives in Idaho, mostly in Pocatello. The prophet who started the church, John Michael Fletcher, died a few years ago. They receive direction from him, according to the website. Few members. Counting only adults, less than 10 while the rest are children. The prophet's widow has had children since her hu
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Just an update on the group. The widow became the church concubine and had another baby for the leader of the church. She "married" him near the beginning of this year, although he is already married to the other woman. They had to leave their homes as no one is employed, living off death benefits and welfare, and are living in the hills. They run a survivalist store, although
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Do you think they would do anything? I honestly don't know... If I call and tell them that I have been told they have a temple in her basement and that the children are taught things, but I don't know exactly what they are taught and only suspect... will they listen? What has been done in other cities, or states?
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Confused&Recovering, I know where you are and I know how difficult it is to leave with your family. Been there, done that (look up my post) It is an inner strength. Even now, I look back and wonder if it was really me. Which is me? Then or now? Or still not? It hurts, still. When you are the leaver, you end up being the one who wears the weight on your shoulders for breaking u
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Toni, You are right. I took your comment as advice and posted a thread about the church. It is small, but it is important.... some of the teachings were scary. Still are. Thank you for your encouragement.
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

They have a website at where information can be requested. The church lives in Idaho, mostly in Pocatello. The prophet who started the church, John Michael Fletcher, died a few years ago. They receive direction from him, according to the website. Few members. Counting only adults, less than 10 while the rest are children. The prophet's widow has had children since her husband died
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

The group I came from is very small, less than a dozen adult members. They have a prophet. He passed away two years ago. They still worship him and wait for further light and knowledge. They wait for him to be resurrected. They have an Internet web site and they still try to recruit. (They aren't very successful) They are isolated and not allowed to talk to family members. Any disc
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

I am new to this forum. I left the group in 1995, divorced him and took full custody of our sons. It was a very small group and is still a very small group with less than a dozen followers if you don't count the children. I still see the effects on my family and deal with them one by one. My sons father died eight years after we left. He left behind a pregnant wife, two children by
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families