For years, the video sat on the website for Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) titled- Joe English Testimony- He began his delivery with something like, “Many people have asked, ‘What happened to Joe English?’” He then went on for several minutes, (?) explaining his previous life of drugs and rock and roll. He had played drums for ‘Paul McCartney and Wings’® and gave an account of that lifestyle. I seem to remember a part of his testimony about watching television as a young person and promising himself he would be just like the drummer on the television. The name escapes me, or was it Desi Arnez, Jr.?

Honestly, it was TOUGH getting through the whole video testimony because I had worked with Joe for a short time and was exposed to Joe’s ups and downs, ins and outs – as we all were in WOFF. He was up on stage and then out in the world, then up on stage as Jane’s trophy and then out of the church. It was sad. His testimony echoed through an empty hallway for me. I do not doubt his chemical dependency or his overwhelming struggles. All things considered, it appeared he did not get the real help needed to lead him out of his addictions or other inconsistencies. My one memory of Joe before WOFF included an outside concert in Ladson, SC around 1984. He was playing drums at what was then called, Baptist College. That day, I had no appreciation for his music or his message and left after just a few minutes.

Well, today- we are all asking- What happened to Joe English? The video has been removed and with no evident reason on the website. But, this is where good old fashioned rumors come into play. I don’t usually post such things, but the source seems credible. Yet, as a disclosure, until we hear the true story from the subject himself, this is unconfirmed information.

I was told that last Sunday the entire service, not sure morning or evening, was dedicated to explaining Joe’s leaving and why he left. Included was some information that did not make total sense, but here goes. Jane was reported as saying “Wings” was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Joe was not willing to partake of the monetary benefits. He wanted no part of the rerun of that time of his life. Okay, I am confused.

First off, from a separate, very credible non-WOFF source, “Wings” has NOT been inducted into the R&R Hall of Fame. I quote, “Wing hasn’t been inducted but their catalog has slowly been re-released and Joe has been getting some money from it and participating in the liner notes.”

The time frame of Joe’s participation is not clear. So, let’s don’t jump off the bridge here. I believe my source is much more connected to rock and roll than is Jane – dah. What I conclude is that Joe took steps again to leave, Jane requires his “testimony” be taken down from the website and that is about all I know for sure. Honestly, except for caring about Joe as a person, I could not care less why he left. It just befuddled me for a minute why he would leave such a place that he declared had helped him so much in the past.

Joe, I understand now. I wrote a glowing testimonial when I was there, which I hope has been canned. While you are a part of WOFF, you write or speak about what you know at the time. As the days and weeks pass, you learn more and become aware of the total package. From a more enlightened position, your perspective of the membership benefits can change. Right? That seems to be the course of several in recent months. What are we up to 38 recent leave takers? Am I low on that number?

The job I do not want? The webmaster or trainee in charge of taking all the folks who have left OUT of the pictures on the website! They are certainly BEHIND on their task. But then again, for them to be overwhelmed by the task is a good thing. Hilarious.

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Scripture references are Amplified Version unless otherwise noted. (Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation ) This is post number 516.