Quotejhorning I've reached out recently to current members that I have known for years, but they won't talk about the walk or what is going on. They will not respond to me if I question what they are doing. John, The short answer is they probably believe they are on the right path, and having invested most of their lives in this, are wary of listening to anyone that might sway th
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Quotejhorning I recall having communion one sunday with wine that Damon made. It tasted the way turpentine smelled. Ahh yes. Just one of the many gifts possessed by Demon Davis (changing water into turpentine).
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

One thing I learned not to do was question the validity of a pastor's word just because he happened to be totally wasted (alcohol) when he delivered it. In fact, I eventually came to the conclusion that God preferred moving through an alcoholic ministry. Take that, religious spirit!
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Quotepaleface I guess it is easy to fault JRS and claim "His big error was not opening up to Marilyn all the way". The hint is that John missed the mark here. Was that the "big mistake" ? I don't think so. Yeah...specifically, I don't think John's big problem during the time period he was having an affair was not being open to another woman, also not
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Quotepaleface It is often taught that if you learned to think like the leader (MH) you would have her thinking, and that her thinking was God's thinking. She was the "Lamp of Israel" and was the incarnation of Christ on the earth. I remember it being said often, in the 70's, that you really couldn't understand the scriptures without John's word. And then at som
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

I knew Mark and Fred well. I liked being around them...thought they were very good-natured. What was so 'infamous' about your Dad, BTW?
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

QuoteAmosthe problem is that the yardstick we used to measure change was given to us by people who forgot to use it on themselves first. The default mode (post-John) was to blame the people for things not working out. The "word" and directives were never the problem, of course. Nor was the fact that all the real power (decision-making) in the organization was vested in just a couple
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

QuoteAmosActually it is not working out -- those folks are nuts! Amos, I received an email today from a friend that spent as much time, actually more, in this group than I did. What he wrote, excerpted below, reflects my own attitude. Here goes: 'The more things "change" the more they stay the same. You know what's amazing? After year after year after year of 5-7 s
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Congrats on being clean and sober for over 11 years, Jerry--and welcome to the forum. Based on your walk history it's unlikely our paths crossed--but I'm sure you'll find someone here that knows you. My name is Mike, BTW.
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

QuoteAmosActually it is not working out -- those folks are nuts! ha--yeah, it feels good returning to some semblance of sanity.
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

QuoteAmosThat's Amos, not Anos ... Are you referring in your observations about designated relationships and the Hargraves getting away with anything they please to something specific that happened to you? Amos, Actually, both. I've gone into some detail over on the factnet site...as have many others. At this point, I'm not interested in repeating myself....better things to
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

"They believe that simply having a relationship with an invisible God does not result in any real spiritual growth since in practical terms an invisible God does not do much to stop the Hargraves from doing whatever they want." finally, some honesty!
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

QuoteAnos In fellowship parlance, if you are married, your spouse is one of your "designated relationships." Well, until you get tired of her, and get a new--hopefully younger--designated relationship.
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Quotelouann Yes, they did use us. This group was and is a cult, and too many fine people have had their spirituality and dedication abused and exploited. I think it was Larry Bobo, on Factnet, that mentioned Gary and Marilyn's salary...sometime in the 90's...as being $90,000 a year ($180,000 total). This, of course, does not reflect the amount of donated or discounted services t
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

You know that if Gary & Marilyn were not busy administering the Kingdom, they would be right out there with you: cutting the rose bushes, weeding in the lagoon, scrubbing the toilets with a tooth brush etc. You sound like a whiner, who can't handle a little discipline. Grow up!
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families