Source: “Updated: Wednesday, June 5 2013, 09:40 PM EDT “Former students of a mountain college have filed complaints claiming they were harassed on campus by members of a controversial church. The two students are former members of the Rutherford County’s Word of Faith church and both say the harassment at Isothermal Community College began when they left the church.”
Ashlea Surles put together a great report documenting the complaints of harassment from former members of Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) by present group members. The incidents happened over a period of time and were a prime example of the treatment former members receive when encountering present members. Read more here: http://www.wlos.com/shared/news/features/top-stories/stories/wlos_students-claim-harrassment-11963.shtml (the link may change; I will attempt to update it when it does.)
A few of the behaviors noted in the complaints are outlined this post.
“There have been two complaints filed orally,” said Isothermal Community College Director of Marketing Mike Gavin. “The alleged harasser was not a student at the college and not an employee at the college – just come to campus.”– Allow me to translate into WOFF-speak- the adult was a “guard” to watch members and make sure they don’t talk to non-members for too long, ask too many questions or seek freedom and try to leave the church. In this case, they got to torment and bully ex-members as well.
“Both of the complaints focused on a cousin of one of the students – a female member of the church. “She would wait outside with the window rolled down and I would wait for like 20 minutes after class for her to leave … and she would not,” one of the students said.” The adult was “fulfilling her call” and “doing the work of the ministry” by behaving like this according to WOFF accepted practices. My question is was she also trying out for a spot on the security team that guards the church?
“Complaints included being followed in and out of class, a church member passing a threatening note during class – or being told threatening things while on campus.” If the WOFF members are willing to act like this and/or accept this behavior as normal in public; think how enjoyable it is to live INSIDE that group!
“There would be times when they would say okay you’re going to possibly die, you’re going to get cancer, you’re going to get this that and the other,” said one of the students. The student or students who said this did not originate this line of doom and gloom. These originate with Jane Whaley and are approved words to use on those thinking about leaving or have already left WOFF.
“That same students said the adult church member once took pictures through a window during class until a teacher stepped in.” This is very concerning. But, again did this person just repeat what had been deemed acceptable for those on “security” with the church?
“We responded with the way we would respond to any complaint of that kind of nature and let our sheriff ‘s deputies who are stationed here on campus know,” said Gavin.” Do you think a NEW Security Policy is needed? Does ICC need to warn these “guards” that their behavior is NOT acceptable and issue the “Trespass Notice?” WOFF members know what those are already.
Finally:
“An attorney for Word of Faith said Wednesday that he believes the complaints are nothing more than a family dispute. He says the church affiliation of any of the parties involved is irrelevant.”
Since we know all family relationships of WOFF members are subject to church practices and Jane’s directives; then regardless- when the members harassed former members they were displaying WOFF approved practices, beliefs and the will of Jane Whaley herself. Does knowing this make you want to join? And is this the same attorney who said, “We have absolutely nothing to hide…”
Even with that, let us remember:
“It is never too late to wake up and leave and reclaim your life!” Steve Hassan
Thank you, for taking time to visit and read this blog. 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. Jane told me. 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, for posts written by John Huddle, any information about WOFF is from his 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 441.