Continuing to serve cult leaders should not be considered "going forward." That's the warped mindset someone who has been robbed of self-esteem by long term exposure to the "living word." Those who chose to leave the cult, creating the opportunity to live a much healthier life--which includes the freedom to make their own decisions--are the ones going forward. They'
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Three massive egos demanding absolute obedience from members of the fellowship 24/7. It was hard not to notice that when things didn't go their way, each one would yield to a 'bad spirit'...and spin it, of course, as God's righteous anger. Such a delight. :) Reep wrote: Also, for the record, John Robert Stevens never in his life was anything even remotely resembling a &qu
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

For the record, I don't think it is anyone's business how clean someone else's pipe is. Even for TLWF, that inquiry is going too far. #FocusOnYourOwnPipe
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Is it possible for God to see a person if they have bangs? (asking for a friend)
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

A justifiable reason not to take your "walls" down: "I had a wall up to everybody because they were all morons." -Sam Davis (paraphrased) > Episode 2 of Oops! I'm in a cult. Eleni Davis and > son, Sam, open up about their years in the cult. > Excellent insights. I'm not sure why I'm still > somewhat surprised at revelations. > >
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

You have an electric guitar? Yeah, I just bought it. Have you played it yet? No, right now I'm thinking about a song. If I think about it, I'll be able to play it. What song? Layla. I'm going to play both Eric Clapton and Duane Allman's parts at the same time--much better than they played it. Alright, this should be interesting. Go for it. (7 minutes
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Yes, I just confirmed this on a very reputable translation site: Enter Text divinely appointed Translation self-appointed FCSLC Wrote: “dead weight” is another charged, cringeworthy and ridiculous sentiment belonging to the ongoing list of hustle terms headed by the all-time scam phrase, “divinely appointed.”
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

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

What do you think of when you hear the phrase 'dead weight?' A 'living word' brought by Gary Hargrave. It's such a relief no longer being subjected to that!
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Thanks Puddington.
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

From September of 2018: Posted by: reveal Date: September 08, 2018 09:18AM The "I don't want your shit on my calendar" response on the part of that pastor is so indicative of LW shepherds' dismissive and demeaning attitudes towards sheep. You can't tell me that woman has a "shepherd's heart", LOL. They are so careless and reckless with people's
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

An eventful year, for sure: Posted by: changedagain Date: November 20, 2018 09:45AM Wishing everyone in this forum a Happy Thanksgiving. It's been a pleasure conversing with you during this eventful year. In fact, I'm almost at the point where..assuming I ever get a calendar...I would definitely consider putting your sh*t on it. That's a big 'breakthrough'(sorry f
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"I still think nothing will ever be as bad as hurricane Marilyn." (former cult member who wishes to remain anonymous)
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

"It's a matter of time before it implodes." A post from ten years ago: Posted by: sierradawn Date: July 12, 2013 12:01PM Quote changedagain My wife knew your parents well. She too originated from Yakima, during the time period you mentioned. Thank you for posting this. It's saturated with a great deal of insight, and though painful to absorb, should greatly help tho
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And now for something completely different: Romeo and Juliet
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From December of 2019: Posted by: 4generation Date: December 27, 2019 09:28AM Welcome Powertrip, so good to see another brazilian posting here. Unfortunately what you shared with us is not a surprise to me and only shows how deceived we have been for decades in this church. For me who was born into this cult and spent years serving these "men of God," cleaning their homes,
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Discussion group stats: Posts: 12,389 Page views: 3,469,477 note: This is the 25th year I have been driving the L.A. freeways without a covering. I have no idea why I keep testing fate. Anyway, wish me the best.
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"Autocratic leaders often lie as a way of demonstrating how powerful they are - so powerful they can bend the truth, deny reality. -Anne Applebaum
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Changed4me wrote: To be clear, there were several woman prior to Marilyn who were thought to be groomed as John's right hand support ministry... it was not just Marilyn. Ultimately she became the final chosen one. A belated congrats to Marilyn.
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

And then there's this: Posted by: Invisible Date: September 19, 2014 02:27AM I was told that at the end of the memorial service, a love offering was taken up for the children of the man who had died. After the memorial service was over, one of the family members went to the ministry who was in charge of the offering. Instead of receiving the offering taken up for the children, they w
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

From February of 2014: Posted by: changedagain Date: February 04, 2014 06:18AM paleface Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > There actually are a few dead bodies in the > wake of the SS TLW. Several suicides from people > that felt they could never measure up to the > demands made by shepherds. I can't help but think > they would be al
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Bears repeating... Posted by: rrmoderator Date: July 16, 2013 05:53PM Ten warning signs of a potentially unsafe group/leader. Absolute authoritarianism without meaningful accountability. No tolerance for questions or critical inquiry. No meaningful financial disclosure regarding budget, expenses such as an independently audited financial statement. Unreasonable fear about the
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Saw enough wrote: Or now being told that Gary & Marilyn's prayers for the Catholic church resulted in the election of the current pope I wonder if the pope was aware of their role in getting him elected, and if so, he even bothered thanking them. I don't mean to cast aspersions toward the pope. It's just something that crossed my mind. #Gratitude
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Posted by: Onion Date: April 28, 2019 07:58AM Changedagain - Thank you for sharing saw enough from 2013. Whoever he or she is, I would like to give them thanks. This post is beautifully written and 100% accurate. Some things began to change last year as a result of people bravely taking a stand. I understand some private communications started the ball rolling quite some time before the p
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

From August of 2013: Posted by: Saw enough Date: August 13, 2013 02:52PM It would be nice if churches, like doctors, took an oath to "First, do no harm." The Living Word Fellowship has been marked by a series of abusive relationships and a lack of transparency, dating back to its beginning. For example: Sexual abuse was common in churches like Anaheim, San Diego, Washington
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

From June of 2011: Posted by: changedagain Date: June 12, 2011 01:21AM Quote jhorning 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
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

A few posts from February of 2017 re: Bob M. Posted by: changedagain Date: February 01, 2017 08:22AM One of the few things I'm proud is my response to being put over the worship schedule in SG during the last couple years of Bob M's life, and letting him do whatever the hell he wanted, including skipping the services. Of course, it was a private agreement we had, and hopefully
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

A post by 'Wasted' from October 2020: Posted by: Wasted Date: October 31, 2020 06:28AM I have spent a lot of time reading many people’s stories and experiences within the cult that was/is The Living Word Fellowship. It is horrible, disgusting, and I am so sorry for all of those it has impacted. Thank you to so many who have shared. I sincerely hope as you move forward from these
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

Posts by Changed4me and Invisible from late July of 2013: Posted by: Changed4me Date: July 30, 2013 10:19AM John's first wife was named Martha Stevens. John and Martha lived in a home in North Hollywood on Kling St. The Blix House was connected directly behind John's home. What I know about Martha is from what others told me or from comments JRS made. I do know that John would ha
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

It turns out that this quote is not from the Sermon on the Mount. Boy, did I get duped: "Blessed are those who have no sympathy, for they shall rise up the chain of command."
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families