The confusion and disappointment over the delay of the A&E series, “The Devil Next Door” does not erase the past of Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF). The issues raised pale in comparison to the many lives of members and ex-members that have been adversely affected by the practices of WOFF. Let’s step back and gain some perspective.

WOFF was organized in 1979. The genesis of the present group, the majority of core leadership drove from Oklahoma into Rutherford County in 1985. Jane quickly set up shop and the blasting, loud deliverance prayer began in earnest as she says – I was up day and night fighting the get devils out of everyone.

Earliest documented reports of abuse come from 1988. During the State vs. Brooke Covington trial in May/June 2017- Special Agent Tim Shook testified to a woman being secured to a bed for several days for her deliverance. The jury did not hear the testimony; however we in the courtroom heard it. It was chilling.

I admit, as versed as I appear to be on the history of WOFF, I only know a portion when it comes to destructive results which were experienced by the members directly involved. Not every abusive incident comes to the light. Out of embarrassment and shame, many of those hurt and negatively affected by WOFF do not tell others outside of the group and in some cases may not relay negative incidents to their own family. A few abusive episodes have been relayed to me in private from members who exited years ago. Many live still haunted by nightmares and emotional distress.

In 1995, Inside Edition aired to investigative episodes showing loud, blasting prayer in real time. This prompted State investigations, the results of which Special Agent Shook was testifying in 2017. Then, District Attorney Jeff Hunt, decided not to pursue additional investigation after the 300+ page report was written detailing the results of interviews with the parties involved. In my opinion, he made a grievous error. Further investigations may have resulted in indictments and convictions which may have changed the path that WOFF followed in the ensuing years.

The Rutherford County Department of Social Services (RC DSS) opened several investigations into reports of abuse in the years following. Child custody cases resulting from one spouse leaving WOFF and the other staying caused additional review of the practices of this secretive group.

During my time there, it was an often stated WOFF-warning, “don’t cast your pearls before swine…” We understood loud blasting deliverance prayer was deemed non-traditional, out of the norm, (strange- to the un-spiritual) and you just didn’t show a stranger what we practiced inside WOFF. We were told you would loose attacks of the devil at yourself and the Move of God, if you were not wise about when, where and how loud you prayed. We picked our homes with this consideration. More specifically, Jane helped us pick out our homes.

In many ways, the guarded practice served to elevate us in our thinking that we were special and in a higher walk with God because of the uniqueness of our lives. We did not tell or show just anybody what we practiced. A stranger had to be willing to learn the ways of God. Jane often gave approval for a new person to be exposed to the practice which daily influenced our lives and in the coming years became to lightening rod for controversy. Keeping the secretive wall around her mysterious practice seemed important to Jane. She didn’t want to lose control of her signature practice, her calling card- no matter how non-normal it appeared to others.

In 2003 came the lawsuit against the RC DSS. By June 2005, the settlement of that lawsuit included the “Compromised Settlement” which placed barriers for local officials to easily carry out investigations.

Also in 2003, Lacy Brown filed a complaint resulting in simple assault charges against Jane Whaley. Jane was initially convicted. On appeal the case was remanded back to Polk County and never heard. Rumors swirled of Lacy and WOFF settling and agreeing to withdraw the complaint. The charges surrounded Jane’s treatment of Lacy in her office- behind closed doors.
(https://caselaw.findlaw.com/nc-supreme-court/1131474.html )

Continued media attention because of legal complaints and controversy has been a hallmark of WOFF. Names of victims who have filed complaints for various reasons include Ben Talley, Michael Lowry, Matthew Fenner, Chad Cooper, Jerry Cooper (no relation) in addition to the many custody cases. The most recent and notable custody case was “Anderson vs. Anderson” which concluded in 2018.

2017 was the year of the proverbial indictment of WOFF. The Associated Press published several articles detailing complaints of physical and emotional abuse of ex-members. Prominent WOFF members and Assistant District Attorneys- Frank Webster and Chris Back were dismissed from their positions in Burke County as a result. Lori Cornelius stepped away from her career at the Cleveland County DSS in March of 2017. These changes came as a direct result of accounts of the named individuals coaching members who were under investigation for various reasons over a period of many years.

National and International investigations were launched as a result of the AP reporting. These investigations focused on several ongoing issues.

May 27, 2018- I posted a link on my social media to an article on the Rccatalyst.com site. Oddly, it is not available now. The post was titled “Split Decision in Guffey Campaign Sign Theft.” My understanding was WOFF member, Kerrick Hudson, was fined $350 and put on probation. He was caught on a deer camera, at night time, approaching a campaign sign for Wayne Guffey. The story became more twisted as time passed. On that day Hudson was found guilty.

Also, during 2018, four WOFF members were indicted on charges surrounding a scheme to defraud the State and Federal governments out of thousands of dollars. Three members considered WOFF leadership, Dr. Jerry Gross, Jason Gross and Marion Kent Covington pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Diane McKinny pleaded not guilty and her trial is set for March 2019.

There have been moves made by the defense attorney for Diana McKinny which seek to further the delay or prompt the cancellation of the A&E series. The intent is clear.

As much as the local community desires to see the work of A&E, a delay in revealing this series does not change, erase or in any way nullify the years of controversy surrounding WOFF. If the series is never broadcast, will that change the years of noted harmful practices? Will families somehow be reunited with loved ones inside WOFF, if A&E cancels their plans? Will those who pleaded guilty in Federal Court be excused and not sentenced? Will WOFF leaders promise to “be good” and everyone hug and become friends? Will the prize which WOFF so desperately seeks finally be won? That is the prize of total acceptance and credibility – within the county.

Over the years, I stated my theory several times.

Outside pressures change inside dynamics, but not inside beliefs. Once the pressure is relieved, the practices and controlling dynamics return.

Recent reports from those exiting WOFF seem to confirm my theory. Children are being treated better inside WOFF. For this, we can be grateful. However, if there is a lull or waning of outside eyes peering and seeking answers to reports of questionable practices, the environment will deteriorate once more. I don’t doubt this—I believe it and have seen it many times over the years.

2019- Surprises, conundrums, reversals, twists and turns. These are certain.

Follow here:

Twitter – @religiouscults

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/johnhuddleauthor

YouTube- religiouscultsinfo.com

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.

Look on the right side of any post for the option to subscribe by email for notifications or RSS feeds notifying of new postings. It is a great feature. Also, find more posts by selecting “Categories”.

Guest posts reflect the opinions of the writers. Their opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of John Huddle or any other persons affiliated with this blog.

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 649.