Confused, heartbroken and sad… I pulled out of the driveway on Carver Lane and drove across the street to speak to my son. He was watering flowers for the neighbors who were also long-time members of Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF). After a short exchange ever-burned in my memory, I got back in the van and made announcement calls to my daughter and my wife. Still, it did not occur to me that after 20 years of marriage including fathering two beautiful children; that the drive I took up Highway 221 to Marion would lead to the dissolving of family I loved so dearly. Thinking the separation would be temporary, I asked my new landlord for a six month or shorter lease.

My unwillingness to accept the plight other spouses had endured after leaving the confines of WOFF did not change the outcome. The months melted into years and the gulf separating me from my children remained. My wife filed for divorce and then sued me for back child support. The divorce became official while her monetary quest was not successful as she planned.

The communication with my children dried up ending in returned letters and shredded checks. The failed attempts to connect never quenched my love for them. There remains in my heart a father’s love which will never fade through time and eternity.

Ten years. Yes, I have missed many of life’s trials and adventures with them. When I talk to more recent ex-members, I soak up every observation they speak about my children. To the point of giddiness and glee, I rejoice to learn of my children’s lives.

On this ten year anniversary of my parting from WOFF-life, I will not allow remorse for the missed moments overwhelm and sadden me. The far-reaching events which have unfolded over the last 18 months give reason for hope. Yes, there is a bitter-sweet taste to the recent legal quandary which several WOFF leadership face. In years to come, will we look back at the guilty plea to conspiracy to commit wire fraud of Jerry Gross and Jason Gross as a tipping point for the inertia needed to reverse the course of WOFF? I think it is very likely.

After writing thousands words, speaking out in several public meetings, publishing a book and appearing on several media sources- it should be very clear where I stand. WOFF is UNSAFE for its members. From the recent investigations, we learn the practices of this group undermine the very fabric of our society and many levels government.

Did I foresee these events ten years ago? No. All I knew at that time was the slow train wreck and emotional earthquake rocking my family. That hot July day in 2008 marked the start of a journey which has not ended. A journey which has pushed me to do things I never dreamed of and showed me that speaking out against wrongs – seeking to make them right – is not always easy or comfortable. I believe the struggles are always worth it.

Whether you agree with what I say or not, I hope it is clear; I will keep going until the goal is accomplished. Freedom from soul rape, physical and emotional abuse and total control under the guise of religion marks the goal. When will the goal be reached is not clear yet, though we have come a long way. Many have joined the fight for freedom. I have met many fine people along this journey. The messages of encouragement and support come in often. I cherish each one of them.

Thank you, to every blog reader, each one who attended an event, book club meeting, and public forum or read me book. Also, I want to thank each person who has added their story to the running narrative which chronicles the destruction and personal damage resulting from WOFF practices. We all must do our part to make it clear- the abuses must stop.

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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 and Josh confirmed it.

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 641.