After long delays for one reason or another, the Anderson vs. Anderson custody case began this morning in front of the Honorable Judge Thomas McAvoy “Mack” Brittain, Jr. in courtroom 3 of the Rutherford County courthouse. There was a full day of testimonies from several folks. For this post, I will summarize a few key points and expound on them in the mp3 file included. I am not promising this format from here on out, but I am hoping it will be quicker and a better use of my time. Not sure you would call this an official podcast, but I will do my best to edit the audio to make it pleasant to listen to while including much more information than if I wrote out today’s adventures.
Here is a short recap of a few of the vital issues on the table. Plaintiff Nicholas Anderson filed action against Sarah Anderson after she left the Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) February 26, 2016. The son, Aden Brock Anderson first left with Sarah and on a subsequent weekend of agreed visitation for Nick, he did not return the child as promised. March 7, 2016, he filed for divorce and child custody. He first listed he desire for primary care and custody, but also listed a shared custody option.
March 16, 2016; Judge Laura Powell signed a Memorandum of Judgment outlining joint custody and the parameters. Included in this order was the following:
“e. Neither party shall subject the child or allow anyone else to subject the child to abuse, including yelling, shaking, striking or any form of physical abuse.”
I was in the court room that day and felt this was a victory for Sarah. Not a guarantee it would never happen, just open acknowledgment that the Judge was aware it could happen and may have previously. Unfortunately, Judge Powell recused herself February 28, 2017 the day after the first article from the Associated Press outlining allegations of abuse from ex-members.
April 4, 2016- Sarah filed an Answer to Nick’s Compliant. She stated in her motion after telling Nick her intention to not return to WOFF and not allowing their son to return; she was denied access to the marital home “if she would not submit herself to church scrutiny and discipline.”
Also, in this document, under the “Child Custody” section:
“34. That the Defendant has maintained the primary care of the minor child through the date of the separation when the Defendant voiced concerned about the safety of the infant child being subjected to secretive church practices of physical mistreatment in which the Plaintiff was unwilling to intervene and provide protection for the minor child.”
These two points and more were the basis for much of the testimony today. Nick’s attorney, Alan LeCroy from Morganton has a previous commitment on Wednesday. Court is set to resume Thursday morning at 9:00AM.
Hope you enjoy the audio file.
Please, let me know your feedback.
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(Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation ) This is post number 633.
John, The audio is really great. Listening to you describe Sarah’s testimony, I felt 2 emotions. First, I felt anger as I was picturing in my minds eye what Sarah had gone thru with her child. Second, I felt very sad. Listening to you describing her testimony of what they did to Aden made me feel helpless
Thanks for the updates. I pray you are well. I am still in Africa. I’m currently in Rwanda and have been for nearly 4 months. But I’m moving back to Uganda this weekend for some meetings conferences.
God bless you, my friend.
Jerry
I like the audio file very much.
Thank you… I hope to get faster as time goes on.
John
Jerry,
I felt helpless as well hearing the testimony with the understanding that the practices continue — until they don’t for some reason.
Wishing you safety and success in all you do.
Thank you, for taking time to read/listen and comment.
John
I gain much more from the audio file…… thank you for taking the time to share this
This is heartbreaking. I saw this child at a wedding I attended at the church last year.
Off topic, but have you watched the handmaid’s tale? I think you would find it interesting.
Love the audio, sounded great.
Dear John,
Thank you for the update. I hope you continue with audio. It works! I felt anger and am thoroughly convinced that any sound minded invidual would consider WOFF practices as abusive and dangerous for the mental health of children.
Arthur Thiry
Horred Sweden
Love it! Please keep us informed. Praying for Sarah and baby Aiden!
Any news regarding the Covington case that was scheduled to begin yesterday? Thanks
Anne,
Brooke’s case appears on the calendar as a matter of procedure rolling forward until the case is called again. At least, that is the way it was explained to me.
Thank you, for your interest.
John