October of 2022: Posted by: changedagain Date: October 25, 2022 10:29PM Despite our prayers, John never returned. But Satan is back. John's victory over him was just temporary, I guess. Perhaps he will be brought down again by the death of a future Apostle...and this time it will be permanent. We can only hope. #LookOnTheBrightSide /s Saw Enough wrote: There was a period of time
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Larry has shouldered a lot of responsibility in helping people recover from the heartless organization that was TLWF. I'm glad he has been so vocal for so many years--both in this forum and on Factnet. Certainly a much needed voice in confronting false authority.
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

A question that was never asked back in day, lest the person asking lose their 'covering,' and possibly disappear from the face of the earth: "Hey Mom and Dad, instead of being Christ in the flesh, could you two just be decent human beings--even for a day? I really think that would be more helpful. Thanks in advance!"
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

The podcast reminded me of this exhortation to the Valley church by an L.A. shepherd, not known for his social skills: "If you're not going to respect Marilyn as Christ then get the fuck out of my church."
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Yes Reepicheep Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- Another excellent episode of Oops! I'm In A Cult is up on YouTube.
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

fromsouthchicago did not take his cousin seriously: Posted by: fromsouthchicago Date: October 25, 2018 09:46AM (excerpt) I’m not sure this has been true for everyone in my extended family, but I know that for those in my immediate family and for me Marilyn, CLW and TLWF was a side show, something akin to a traveling carnival. I didn’t take anything that Marilyn said or did seriously. To
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

A few posts from July of 2018: Posted by: Cloudwatcher Date: July 13, 2018 10:08PM changedagain Wrote: The truth about the nefarious ways of TLWF leadership through the years is surfacing, causing quite the reaction. Here's an excerpt from the latest 'living word' emanating from Shiloh (below). It's the same twisting of reality, but the warnings/threats to the people
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

The Titanic voyage was not perfect either. #ControversialStance Gary has recently admitted over the pulpit "Some mistakes have been made in the past. We are not perfect.".
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Jez, Here's a few posts mentioning John allegedly bringing down Satan with his death. Then Satan returned, of course. Perhaps he'll be brought down again in the near future by another apostle's death. We can only hope. ;) Posted by: paleface Date: March 24, 2011 08:28AM Gary has recently admitted over the pulpit "Some mistakes have been made in the past. We are no
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

From May of 2019: Posted by: larry bobo Date: May 15, 2019 11:55AM At the time of John’s death, the upward flow had already started. As Gary and Marilyn took control of the organization, the level of control and focus on them increased dramatically. There were a few members of the third generation that had referred to John as “Christ in the Flesh”, but to most, he was the “Door Opener Apo
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

What does MIW stand for? I thought I told you that I'm not good with acronyms. Just venture a guess. Make it worse? Where did that come from? For whatever reason, I was envisioning a TLWF leader counseling a congregant who had experienced a traumatic event.
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Some people (in the know) referred to it as Holy Las Vegas. light777 wrote: Marilyn and Gary's relationship, how they spent weeks on end alone in Las Vegas after John died.
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Thanks, Jez. If put any effort into it, I know it will suck. But if I relax and just allow the bitter comic in the sky use me as a vessel (not handmaiden), things seem to work out. There's always been a liveliness to this forum, along with the one that preceded it (Factnet). Can't underestimate the value of people being free to express themselves. I too, vastly appreciate the humor
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Yes, each one with a huge ego. Oops...I must have a huge ego by recognizing this and pointing it out. Please disregard my comment! ;) Reep wrote: That's for sure, Changed. Especially if it was a zero with the rim rubbed out. And I feel that I would be remiss if I didn't point out that neither JRS, nor Marilyn, nor Gary, nor Rick ever attempted to be that (a zero) even once in m
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

I'm a little confused. So what do you want me to be? Anything but you. I can do that. Good f*ck you What did you say? I said bless you. That's not what I heard You need new ears. What? I said it is a new year. #KeepThemConfused #KingdomIsRelationships
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Apparently people come back to this forum periodically just get their "flash of PTSD." Never again say that we do not have a purpose here. ;) Posted by: 40yearsin2016 Date: December 16, 2016 06:23PM "This collection of John Robert Stevens’ ministry of the living Word from July 1981 – December 1982 became an unfolding, crescendo of impartation — a creative tidal wave in the
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

From December of 2019: Posted by: Northerngate Date: December 02, 2019 04:25PM Reepicheep said: I'm not sure what the combination of factors is that makes TLWF one of the most difficult groups to leave. It undoubtedly has something to do with the God-like status of John Robert Stevens. My heart was saddened that my landlord came into that group when he was nineteen. He said he
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

From August of 2018: Posted by: light777 Date: August 07, 2018 12:27PM As I shared on a previous message, I was forced into this cult! I saw a lot! However, I trusted my Mother and I complied; eventually believing this BS, to the point that I uprooted my life and moved to the "inner camp" to be close to TLW and very much a part of TLW and G&M, along with their family. In the
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Was Marilyn compensated for serving as John's secretary? Nevermind. CARe wrote: a classmate was purchasing a bra from MH before she was married to JRS. Apparently this was how MH supported herself.
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Approximately three years ago: Posted by: puddington Date: October 13, 2020 12:07AM Shiloh has been torched. Posted by: CARe Date: October 13, 2020 01:47AM One of the KVF fireman asked me last week if I knew any former or current congregants that would be disgruntled enough to shoot at them when they light it (Shiloh) up!?! I was shocked at the question and my first reaction from
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

From August 2018: Posted by: rrmoderator Date: August 14, 2018 02:11AM (excerpt) It's about the behavior and group dynamics of the Living Word Fellowship, The Walk and how its leadership treated people. It's also about the leadership structure and the issue of accountability and financial transparency. People can believe whatever they wish, but they cannot do whatever the
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

The latest episode of Scott & Charity's podcast:
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Marilyn, turn it off!! (I suppose it is too late now) pressingonbyHisgrace wrote: That witch would come to Anaheim and beat the sheep, when she wasn't blatantly flirting from the podium with Gary and others.
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Have you ever applauded after a comment during a church service? Just once. When? It was at a Sunday morning feast service in the Valley. The pastor/dentist told the congregation that he was just there for Gary & Marilyn, no one else. And you applauded that? Yes. At the time, I just didn't want anyone to be in church because of me. It was sort of a relief.
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Imapurple wrote: The evil I’ve seen with Rick, his mother and Gary goes without saying. Not to mention others like Scott, Steve and others. Yes, the fruit of top leadership not being accountable, in practice, to the congregation. Here's the first three (of ten) warning signs of a potentially unsafe group/leader, according to Rick Ross: Absolute authoritarianism without meaningful
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

How long have you been in this church? Twenty three years And who is your designated relationship? John Robert Hargrave How old is he? Five. But he'll be six next month. ________________________________________ Reep wrote: And I had zero idea that Marilyn's idea for getting John back was to make a "baby JRS" with Gary Hargrave. Oh my. That's a scar
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Reep: And this Marilyn quote, "I don't need you. I have to move fast to get John back." Well, ain't that the truth! And little did we know what, exactly she was talking about. Or exactly how fast she was moving. With Gary, that is. A few people on this forum shared these details. (Onion, Imapurple). And I had zero idea that Marilyn's idea for getting John back was to
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

True, Reep.
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

From Jan. of 2019: Posted by: pressingonbyHisgrace Date: January 03, 2019 01:48PM Do you remember the phrase "You're killing John"? This was said to people who were not toe-ing the line correctly, in the late 70's and early 80's. The responsibility of God not moving John into resurrection life was laid upon the congregation. We were told (mostly by Marilyn Hargrave
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

The Wikipedia entry:
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families