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rev. Billy honeycutt- a life of faith, love and service

Today, I attended A Worship Service of Faith in God. This memorial gathering to Rev. Billy Honeycutt of Rutherfordton, NC was held at the First Baptist Church. There were very few open seats when I walked in around 2:42pm. Eric Ross and his wife had a seat for me.

I met Billy when I began serving with the Faith Freedom Fund (FFF). If my memory is accurate, that was in 2011. When I had my first sit down with Michael Lowry, Billy was there in the Chinese restaurant to listen and ask questions. There I witnessed Billy’s mature stability and tender heart as we listened to Michael tell his incredible story. A few weeks later, Billy also went with me when we took Michael to Asheville airport.

The FFF helped many different survivors over the next several years. Each survivor came out and told us their story. I admit, at times, after hearing these stories my emotions would become intense. Other Board members may have shared those emotions, however, when we closed our meetings and it was time to pray, Billy’s prayers would calm and direct us to consider the person who had recently exited and those who remained in Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF).

A general paraphrase of his prayers included these thoughts; We pray for wisdom not only for us but for this young man or woman who had recently left WOFF. He went on to pray for those that were still in the group, for them to have a curious, inquiring mind and heart. Let them to begin to ask You about what they’re seeing and experiencing. Lead them to ask You, Father, for answers.

Today, as I reflected on my times with Billy, I was reminded that nowhere in these prayers did he express hatred for anyone at WOFF, regardless of what we had heard regarding the abuses the recent ex-member had experienced.  He prayed from a heart full of the love of God.

During and after the Worship Service, I learned of other ministries he started and gave his life to. Meeting his family was an honor as well. To his wife and family, I say, “Thank you”- for sharing him with the FFF. Our evening meetings went longer than we planned- most every time.  

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Freightworks, llc closes and then…

March 6, 2023 – a video was released by Freightworks, LLC (FW). In
this emotional narrative titled, “Final Announcement”, Joyce Siqueira, VP of Operations begins, “Last Tuesday, the world changed for me.  I lay awake virtually all that night praying, trying to think if there was just one more thing we could do…. At that same time, trying to find the words for this announcement which has been written with many tears.”

Joyce gave an account of the recent adverse events (labeling
February as typically “our toughest month”); which caused the company to decide, “We are just not going to be able to pull through this one…”

After much agony, a business decision was made to close the
company.

Joyce acknowledged a lesson Josh taught her “over these years”- He
realized that the company supported “over 200 families. Our obligation was to run a viable and sustainable company that they could depend on…”

Joyce explained current market conditions and certain core (unnamed) customers demanding significant rate reductions along with volume reductions. Adding to the narrative were other events (not explained) which made it impossible to see a path forward. She said the best course for all concerned- was an “orderly closing.” She listed certain promises for existing drivers and requests to help make sure the equipment is left in a safe place. This video ended with a fade to black as Joyce finished.

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After 30 years – couple leaves woff

Is your membership ‘Locked in’ forever? Really?

A few days ago, news about a couple from Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) leaving after 30+ years of dedicated attendance caught my attention. After years of volunteering locally for every offered task and chance to serve, this couple spent the last several years in Ghana. Their dedication and support of Jane Whaley and Sam was undeniable.

In the 90’s, before we moved to Spindale, my family stayed with this couple during the weeklong seminars. They shared their home freely and without hesitation.  He has master-level construction skills and everything she cook is delicious. She baked cakes, pies and cookies that were simply irresistible.

I have not talked to them since their departure. They left North Carolina and from all indications- don’t plan on returning to Jane’s nest.     

Why do I share this news? It gives others hope. Not only for those of us with family members still behind the WOFF walls of deception and lies, but for those members who know this couple was a part of the “worker-bee True Believer” group. This couple was constant and dependable – until they weren’t.

What changed? After 30 plus years it must be something big- or not. Let me explain.

Several years ago, this story was relayed to me. A pastor in the area was shopping for a phone. That day, the clerk helping him was an outspoken WOFF member. (Imagine an outspoken WOFF member?) This salesperson knew the pastor was active in helping ex-members of WOFF. This seemed to give her more courage and she was laying it on thick – even by WOFF standards.

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WOFF Member: Are you enthusiastic AND resentful?

Can you be enthusiastic- all excited about your belief and approval of all the things WOFF, while also at times, at least inwardly, very negative and screaming to leave? Yes, this condition happens to many members. It is not the “Devil in you” causing this back and forth. Let me use the following text to explain what is happening to you.

Members of groups such as WOFF can be excited and evangelistic about their group one minute and then “… the potential for a sudden reversal of sentiment, for the release of bitter emotions directed both at (the controls used in their group) and the (leaders) that perpetuate it.”  

Has this happened to you or someone close to you? Singing with their whole heart while jumping up and down to “God’s music” one minute, and not long after, scheming to leave as soon as they see a way out?  Yes, it could be evidence of their fine-tuned ability to play along to get along and stay out of trouble. The daily dynamics of WOFF-life require always reading the prevailing winds and moods of the leaders and predicting how to stay low and out of the radar..  

Stop to think about it. Living this way is not a rewarding life. Always suppressing the doubts so they don’t slip out. Is this how you live? Do you harbor contradictory thoughts or feelings about life in WOFF?

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LET’S TALK ABOUT CULTS AND THE LAW

Recently, I received the following information about a new and timely International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA) presentation. Over the years, many survivors have voiced questions about what options they have in relation to their previous group. This presentation is a resource for answers to those questions. DO NOT MISS this opportunity!

Phil Elberg, Esq. has experience that is a valuable resource for survivors of controlling groups. I am excited to hear his story and draw from his wealth of knowledge.

Please, don’t pass up this opportunity. You can view from the privacy of your home. It is FREE! There is no requirement to donate. If you are able, please, consider a donation to support this educational project.

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ICSA Spring Conference July 11-12, 2020

This virtual conference will help members, ex-members, family members and professionals learn about high-demand (closed) groups.  This organization cares about those involved, those who have left and those who have family still in high-demand – cultic groups. Look at the agenda. Hurry, some sessions are already full.  ‘

See registration details – HERE

Gain Control of Your Inner narrative – ver.-2.0

(This is a repost/reworking of a blog from October 2017. I believe the topic is more relavant today than in years past. We live in a world of uniquely intense and emotional events. We are living in surreal times.)

We all do it. We all have the ongoing inner narrative which continually voices to the audience of one- you. Okay, some will not readily share the ongoing narrative which rolls continually on the inside of them, they have filters. Filters can be good at times. For now, let’s just admit the fact that we all experience self-talk.

Are you aware of the continual thread of self-talk which is in you? Do you realize the power of your self-talk to not only interpret, but mold your reality? I did not realize how important it was until recently. Oh, I have known about positive thinking and read books in the past about the power of being positive. But, does that really matter? Apparently it does.

In an article by the Mayo Clinic under the heading of Stress Management; “Positive thinking: Stop negative self-talk to reduce stress”- “Is your glass half-empty or half-full? How you answer this age-old question about positive thinking may reflect your outlook on life, your attitude toward yourself, and whether you’re optimistic or pessimistic — and it may even affect your health.”

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