Is your membership ‘Locked in’ forever? Really?
A few days ago, news about a couple from Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) leaving after 30+ years of dedicated attendance caught my attention. After years of volunteering locally for every offered task and chance to serve, this couple spent the last several years in Ghana. Their dedication and support of Jane Whaley and Sam was undeniable.
In the 90’s, before we moved to Spindale, my family stayed with this couple during the weeklong seminars. They shared their home freely and without hesitation. He has master-level construction skills and everything she cook is delicious. She baked cakes, pies and cookies that were simply irresistible.
I have not talked to them since their departure. They left North Carolina and from all indications- don’t plan on returning to Jane’s nest.
Why do I share this news? It gives others hope. Not only for those of us with family members still behind the WOFF walls of deception and lies, but for those members who know this couple was a part of the “worker-bee True Believer” group. This couple was constant and dependable – until they weren’t.
What changed? After 30 plus years it must be something big- or not. Let me explain.
Several years ago, this story was relayed to me. A pastor in the area was shopping for a phone. That day, the clerk helping him was an outspoken WOFF member. (Imagine an outspoken WOFF member?) This salesperson knew the pastor was active in helping ex-members of WOFF. This seemed to give her more courage and she was laying it on thick – even by WOFF standards.
A couple years later, the salesperson left WOFF and cut almost all ties with the group. She encountered the same pastor after her exit. Of course, he was curious what caused her to leave. She admitted that even while she was giving him the WOFF pitch, in her mind she was desperately wanting to leave.
I know this condition is more common than outsiders realize.
Not every member of WOFF still wants to be there. In fact, on any given day, there are a certain number of members planning and plotting to leave. It takes courage and planning to leave the quicksand culture of WOFF. Members may lose their job, housing, car, phone, and access to money – if they make a break from the group.
If all you have known if WOFF-life, adjusting and making decisions can be difficult at first. That is why the “Faith Freedom Fund” seeks to help those who have left the confines of WOFF. We will provide housing, transportation, clothes, communication with relatives and other things as needed.
Call or text me – (828) 289-7923. I will help you in any way possible to move on to your next place in your journey. There are no strings attached to the gifts of support from the Faith Freedom Fund. None.
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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.
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(Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation ) This is post number 682.
John, so good to read your post. I am overjoyed that these dear people finally made the dreaded exit but, sad they waited so long. God bless them on their new journey. I know how difficult it will be but the result of freedom will outweigh all the struggles God bless them.