Possible WOFF Defenses- Part 4- The Children

    We continue our list of possible Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) defenses for their practices and lifestyles. One spring evening in 2008, in a parking lot of the Wal-Mart in Shelby, NC; I was talking on my cell phone to a WOFF member who was in “leadership”. She was doing her best to answer my growing list of objections by attempting to point out the good points of life at WOFF. I had not yet voiced my true concerns, just my sadness and dismay at how I was being treated in my household. The shunning was taking its toll on me.

   This person said many things, one of which; what about the children. See how well behaved and mannerly they are? Everyone does so well in school. They “take hold” for the most part. Honestly, I cannot remember the exact words. But, it was one of the often repeated excuses used by Jane Whaley and WOFF members. There seemed to be some desire to overlook certain things, if only outsiders would see how the children behaved, obeyed and could carry on a good conversation. After all, remember the DSS case which was settled on appeal. WOFF “won” that case- right? So, how could there be anything wrong at WOFF? (I have already mentioned my take on the DSS case and its outcome here.. http://religiouscultsinfo.com/?p=2267 )

    First, over the years there have been several meetings and conferences showcasing the school projects of the students at WOFF. There was a routine before every such meeting. Scrubbed clean and repainted- every area that would be open to the public. From the top, cleaning the light fixtures and also return vents in the ceiling, all the way down to scrubbing the grout in the bathroom floors. (I know; I had that job at least twice.) The clothes to be worn were reviewed and everything approved before these meetings. Sometimes several folks would work late into the night, finishing projects and setting up the displays. Making sure everything was just right. Why mention this? Because what visitors saw at these meetings was a well orchestrated veneer.

     

      In many ways, this was similar to what Deborah Layton records in her book, Seductive Poison by Deborah Layton (copyright 1998 – Anchor Books, ISBN 0-385-48984-6). She writes of the visits from outsiders, “It was true; when government visitors, doctors, even our attorney, Charles Garry, came to Jonestown we put on a tremendous show for them… The teenage dancers, the band, and our rehearsed pretense of freedom, reenacted for their benefit alone, worked every time. Perhaps it was impossible to see through the veneer. Jim had perfected it so well.” (page 221) Youth from Peoples Temple also went into Georgetown to perform at the Guyanese Cultural Center. They would perform “A Cultural Presentation to the Guyanese People, A Dance of Freedom”. How ironic was that? The reason told to the performers was “..to show them (the Guyanese) we are as happy as they.” (page 215-216)

    Yes, the WOFF youth and children do “perform” well in public. Who can forget the Congressman Charles Taylor Prayer Breakfast choirs formed with the WOFF youth and children? That was a big production and definitely showed to those in attendance “we are as happy as they”- or happier! During the practice for these sessions, if a participant did not have the right smile or attitude, they were excused and “helped”. But, that was true for any time of singing – in front of visitors or not. Jane did not allow grump faces or even just a normal face- “BIG HAPPY FACES EVERYONE!” Who can forget those times? They were so rich.

    Next, let’s mention that the majority of court cases concerning WOFF members have been over child custody. Children have been subjects of court battles- for years. Children are on record as admitting being coached for answers in court and it only follows reason that in a crunch, WOFF leadership would want the best foot forward, for the public. So, when visitors are present – loud prayer and deliverance was/ is put on hold or monitored. Children would receive their correction in a back room or at home. Even in 2003, in the presence of cult-apologist, Dick Anthony; we were on pins and needles and on our best behavior. I remember those meetings as he walked among us. NO, I did not know at the time he was being paid $3,500 a day to walk in on our services and take notes! In my opinion, he looked a little fixated when he was in the prayer times. I do not know if he wore ear plugs- hope so. Maybe he had some foregone conclusions? After all at that price, one may know the answers before you hear the questions. ( see link here.. http://www.cultnews.com/archives/000664.html )   

   Here are three statements about WOFF from newspaper accounts.

   “Judge Randy Pool declared the environment created by the WOFF abusive to children because of excessive corporal punishment, use of blasting to exorcise demons and other means of control and discipline.” (found here.. http://www.rickross.com/reference/wordoffaith/wordoffaith59.html )

“The environment created at WOFF has an adverse effect on the health, safety and welfare of children,” the ruling continues. “The court recognizes a First Amendment right to the exercise of religious freedom, so long as the health, safety and welfare of children are not affected. The Court finds by clear and convincing evidence the children were abused and neglected by isolation, excessive corporal punishment and blasting while at WOFF church.”

Found here.. http://www.rickross.com/reference/wordoffaith/wordoffaith38.html

Not every case allows children to stay at WOFF:

“Judge Robert S. Cilley cited a previous custody case in his recent ruling to remove the 6-year-old boy. He acknowledged that WOFF has had “an adverse effect on the health, safety and welfare of children.”  Found here.. http://www.cultnews.com/?cat=159

    I can only surmise as to why children were allowed to stay in WOFF.  In one case, the judge did order one young man to be excused from loud prayer sessions but, stay in the custody of the mother- a WOFF member. That confused me even being on the inside! Also, there appears to be such a deep caution in regards to parental rights over children and “freedom of religion” choices. We have discussed this in previous posts. Also, proving mind control without testimony from inside this group has been a tough case. My opinion is that judges may not be as versed in the signs of mind control and how to examine for it thoroughly. They would rely on the expert witness of others for that. We all know how that goes: Thank you, Dick Anthony.  

     Additionally, we realize that many of the young children attending WOFF now have lived all their life or the majority of their life INSIDE WOFF. Many of them have NO OTHER point of reference. Many have never been allowed to make socially accepted childhood decisions and confess no outward desire for such “freedom”. Here are three quotes to note about abnormal family/church surroundings.

     Brent Jeffs in “Lost Boy” (copyright 2009) states “ A very young child thinks virtually any family situation is normal, since that’s the only life he knows.” (page 55)  He echoes the same sentiment that Jim Jones, Jr. stated when talking about his family. “When you live in a dysfunctional family you think it is normal.” (PBS documentary- JONESTOWN- “The Life and Death of People’s Temple- copyright 2007)  Brent Jeffs also wrote that “It’s amazing how well fear can work to suppress rational thought, something I unfortunately experienced over and over during my time in the (FLDS) church.” (page 99)

    What former WOFF member would not confirm that the environment for children and adults in WOFF is laden and thick with fear? I have seen with my own eyes children wrecked with fear over some of the simplest things. Also, a deep fear of “going to hell” is weighted upon the children, as early as four years old (or earlier). What child, save just a rare few, would speak up and expose such torment to outsiders? Since this environment is all most of them know, they only think it is “normal” and needs to be “protected” from outsiders and change. A child in the middle of this environment would not know it is dysfunctional, unless they learn so by the grace of God or some other outside intervention.

     In conclusion, before outsiders believe Jane Whaley and WOFF members as they offer their children as validation for the abnormal practices and intense lifestyle; take a minute and consider the source. Consider the internal control dynamics and foundation of fear that WOFF in built on. Though the children are well behaved and well dressed, those two points don’t automatically guarantee an emotionally healthy, safe environment. I must add the documented behavior of several children who have had one or the other parent leave the church. The parent on the outside has historically been treated with contempt and extreme disgust- supposedly with Jane’s blessings. At least, during my time at WOFF, I saw several cases where this was true. Not much has changed.

      Lastly, faithful WOFF members may say how much the children “love the life” at WOFF. To put matters in perspective, I can only offer this quote from Annie Moore in her last letter from Jonestown, as she had just watched over 900 people die including 304 children perish (see source.. http://jonestown.sdsu.edu/ ) She may have shot Jim Jones in the head or at least witnessed his death and was ready to die herself on November 18, 1978, she writes of Jonestown:  

 “..a paradise in the jungle. The children loved it. So did everyone else.” From Seductive Poison by Deborah Layton (copyright 1998 – see above, page 301)

    I must point out that her perceptions are not consistent with survivor testimonies. Somewhere, someone was deceived.

   Please, consume the information on this site responsibly. The author is not a licensed mental health professional and encourages those that need professional help to seek it. The intent of the material is to inform and be a resource. Be sure to tell every member that you know at WOFF about this blog. There are readers at WOFF. Comments are invited from all readers, including present or former members. Polls are not scientific and no private information is gathered.

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      (Please, take time to read the Terms of Use for this personal blog. As mentioned, the information about WOFF is from my memories and recollections as perfect as that may be or not be. ) Scripture references are Amplified Version unless otherwise noted. (Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation ) This is post number 148.