The more you read about these various cult groups, the more you realize how similar they are. That is why I would encourage those on this thread to take advantage of the material Rick Ross has suggested. At first you will think that nobody could possibly understand what you have been through with TLWF. Once you become familiar with about 50 of these groups, you will definitely go through a par
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

It has been Gary’s MO to direct the activities of TLWF and then remove middle management to take the fall when obviously wrong behavior has come to light, instead of taking personal responsibility himself. To suggest that he had no knowledge of Rick’s activities – after four marriages – is absurd. I agree with onion that those who allowed Rick to continue in this type of behavior, are also resp
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Onion – Thank you for articulating so well several issues that have deeply wounded members of TLWF. Thank you also for making your letter public so that those in and out of TLWF will be able to witness Gary’s response to what you have written. I’m hoping that it will bear fruit. I’m sure Gary will at least read it. I sent a similar letter on January 9, 1994 listing 7 areas of concern – all di
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

This twisted tale and reincarnation story of JRS reminds me of another story: “This Christianity beliefs video from The Fuel Project tells the story of Tammuz. Semiramus had became pregnant with an illegitimate son and Nimrod threatened to dethrone her and expose her past as a prostitute. She apparently then plotted to have Nimrod killed. Afterwards, she presented her son Tammuz as an imm
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Onion – Thank you so much for turning on the light on what has been hidden in secret for a long time regarding TLWF. It makes me further appreciate Jesus’ words when he said, “So do not be afraid of them. For nothing is concealed that will not be uncovered, or hidden that will not be made known. 27What I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the h
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

First of all, I wanted to say that I’ve noticed a difference in kBOY’s posts, and I believe he has tried to make adjustments so that he meets rrmoderator’s requirements. As an electrical instructor, I get paid to research and then to condense and simplify my findings as a time saver for students. They get to learn in a few hours what might have taken a few years to learn the long way. I believ
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

After reading a number of books on cults and researching on the internet, the thing that surprised me the most was how alike they all were. I assumed my experience in TLWF was unique, and nothing at all like other groups. The techniques the leaders use in all groups - not just Christian - are remarkably similar. There are even other fringe Christian groups out there with Shilohs who also think
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Something my counselor said to me that was helpful was that I was not responsible for that fact that I had been abused, but I was responsible for my recovery from that abuse. In the recovery process you do gain tools that help you avoid similar abuse in the future. Not only have I read “Cults Inside Out”, which I would highly recommend, but many others as well. Unfortunately, not everyone want
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

rrmoderator – I was wondering if you could shed some light on the manipulation that also takes place to keep people from leaving a destructive cult. I think most of us who have left TLWF felt that we would be harmed for our decision. God would judge us, and therefore not only this life, but also our eternity was at stake. For me, it was such a strong fear that I was surprised when I woke up ea
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

kBoy said: “It would have been difficult for anyone who spent any significant time in the fellowship to have avoided the disaster known as 'designated' relationships, built first on the apostolic hierarchy of Ephesians, and then refined with the Elijah/Elisha and Paul/Timothy iterations of the JRS era. The G&M era saw a much more destructive version that built a chain of such rela
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

I wanted to underscore and emphasize the validity of what rrmoderator has stated. I know TLWF has indoctrinated us to not place much value on the words of professionals – especially in light of “words from God”. I would also suggest going deeper in your personal research to see for yourself if the following are true: “You should not imply blame regarding the victims, but rather place the bla
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Welcome dirtybrushes and Road to Damascus! I think we all realize by looking at the number of views that many others are following this site privately. Each additional voice strengthens everyone. I'm so pleased you've decided to jump in and share! dirtybrushes - Thanks for the kind words! I also had roots in Christianity prior to TLWF and it has proved to be helpful in the long r
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

I think leaving TLWF, with its parental-like control, is very similar to leaving home as a young adult. Many young people who have grown up in the church go through a period of deeper soul searching – especially those who are bombarded with atheism in college. Their spiritual life has to become personal, and not just something second-hand from their parents or church. Some come to the same con
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Onion - Thanks for the feedback! I've been posting for more than 15 years, starting originally on Factnet. From my first post, I've used my real name. I certainly have refused to be silenced by fear and would not want to silence anyone else. I don't think there is anything of substance to be fearful of as far as TLWF is concerned. Their only power comes from a belief system of b
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Many who came out of denominational Christianity in the 1960’s, as my family did, became a part of the “Walk” looking for a deeper walk with God. The last thing on our minds was ruling over others or pronouncing the “judgements of God” on those who left the group or didn’t see things exactly as we did. We were looking for a deeper walk with God than we had been able to find elsewhere. It seeme
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Onion said, "Larry Cotton was indeed included with G & M as a leadership role after JRS died. But Marilyn was onto Gary immediately and there were rumors it started long before JRS died. I have no information on that.' My sister is married to Vere Thomas' son, Bruce. As a result, I've heard Vere's version of John's last days before he died. Vere also passed
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

puddington - Unfortunately, many others were told the same thing after leaving. I wonder if there has been any attempt by TLWF to refund offerings, since "true sons" would never want to receive dirty money from vessels of Satan. I would suggest that using people for personal gain as long as possible and then discarding them to be more the MO of the "true sons". The abuse is
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

On the surface, most of those in TLWF would say, "Of course we follow the teachings of Jesus." Read what Jesus said about obeying leaders (The Message) and then decide if TLWF is part of the problem, or part of the answer: "-7 “Instead of giving you God’s Law as food and drink by which you can banquet on God, they package it in bundles of rules, loading you down like pack anima
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

With all the current sermons on obedience in TLWF, the first thing I want to do is apologize to those who personally knew me, for pointing to obedience to humans, instead of obedience to God. I know I did not do it with malice, believing God and my leaders were one and the same, but nevertheless the devastating results were the same. I also know that much of the fruit in my life during that ti
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Onion - I agree with you, coercive persuasion is something we know from personal experience. I distinctly remember when TLWF deception bubble popped and I came back to my senses. I had to laugh at myself for believing that if I obeyed the leadership, I would bypass death - especially when the ones offering this incredible power obviously did not possess it themselves in the first place to be ab
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

I watched the 1990 Shiloh Amphitheater YouTube video and it brought back good memories for me. I worked on the electrical portion of the amphitheater and had a great time with those that helped build it. In hindsight, I believe I really had faith – it was just misdirected. It’s true that the battle of faith comes down to “Hath God said?” The real question is who is God – some human or what was
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

I believe there is a significant difference between the God of TLWF and the God Jesus spoke of. The God of TLWF promises to elevate followers to ruling over others (which in actuality only happens for those at the top) while directing them to judge, condemn, and exclude others. The God Jesus spoke of encouraged followers to serve others, sharing the good news that God wanted so much to include
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

I think TLWF is in a unique position among cults, offering teaching that is closer to the truth than most groups. It makes it even more deceptive. Perhaps it is the reason for the large number of views on this site, for such a small group. First of all, it makes the claim of being Christian. Although the differences from Jesus’ teaching are subtle, the resulting damage is far greater in the l
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

NickleandDimed – I think all of us are in different places in the discovery process about John. None are right or wrong – just different perspectives that are all subject to change as we learn more. Some cannot face the fact that they have lived under a lie and prefer the illusion and sense of emotional comfort that a false belief system provides. To invest the time and effort to find out othe
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

NickleandDimed - Interesting take on what I said about vomit. What I actually said was about my earlier posts on FactNet. I was the one doing the vomiting - not someone else - nor was it a reference to other's comments. Much of what I originally said, I would not say the same way now. I'm not in the same place and it just is not that helpful to others. I was wretching over what I had
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

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
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

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
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Sexual abuse was more than just a rumor in TLWF. I was personally abused by a gay pastor as well as a woman everyone would know who was around in the 70’s. She wrote many of the worship songs sung during that era. I was 15 and both the man the woman were in their 30’s. I would never suggest their actions were directed by the leadership, however, the atmosphere was so toxic that many things ex
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

I think those who functioned in positions of authority, like changedagain, may have more insight to the dynamics of TLWF structure and therefore more apt to see where the real direction was coming from. I remember the weekly calls to Apco, where the smallest details of operating the church were discussed. I do not recall personal initiative ever being a part of the discussion – you did what you
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

TheycalledmeJonah - Perhaps the most difficult thing most of us who have left face is the loss of decades old relationships. Our love for them certainly has not changed, yet the relationship ends because we have chosen to no longer live in a toxic environment. Most have experienced what happens when you show up at a LWF function and suddenly become a long lost friend. Randomly meeting at the st
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families