An email I received recently was from a former member of Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF). That in itself is not unusual. However, this time, the email contained a brief review of a book that I had purchased, but not read. That was exciting, as I replied to this person and asked them to expand on the ideas and allow their ideas to be posted here on this blog. This led me to realize that I have used guest posts previously, but, I could use more.
So, here is the official invitation. All of those who have been former members of any religious cult are invited to submit material to be posted. This can be their story of before, during and after their involvement in their particular group or a book or resource review that is pertinent to the theme of this blog. There are so many books, websites and cultic groups that there is no way I can learn about and write about them all. Just this evening, I found a web resource out of Canada that deserves attention. After some further research, I will share the links. Included in this sight are some vital links to legal cases and reports from several countries about cults and their effects. There is so much activity in other countries that could have a bearing on what goes on in this country; I am not able to give each resource the attention it needs.
In a review found here – http://provendersearch.blogspot.com/2011/07/religious-cults-info.html -the author refers to this blog: “This blog focuses on alleged spiritually abusive practices of Word of Faith Fellowship in North Carolina, but includes links to other spiritually abusive situations as well. Author John Huddle includes helpful tips, news sites and decent links to spiritual abuse resources — as well as personal observations and stories of abuse from the WOFF.”
One purpose of this blog is to be a help to those who are in a religious cult group and/or who are coming out of one. In my opinion, we could better serve this purpose as others provide their insights and understandings from either their own personal experience or writing reviews of resources they have found helpful in their journey. We have had great comments left by survivors and that does help. Please, keep them coming. Another way to help would be to provide your survivor story and allow others to benefit and gain hope from leaving a religious cult group. This could be helpful for those who write them, as well as those who read the accounts.
Admittedly, another inspiration for this idea has been the success of the blog in Brazil authored by the survivors of WOFF related churches there. Here is the link: http://verdadesnaoditasvv.blogspot.com/
Another key to opening up this blog for contributions has been the start of a blog called “woffwatch”. I have been so encouraged that someone else taking up the cause. Here is the link: http://woffwatch.blogspot.com/
We recently posted this quote from Steven Hassan, but, it bears repeating when restating the need for folks to speak up and speak out. It is from his first book, “Combatting Mind Control”, (Copyright ©1988, 1990 by Steven Hassan, Park Street Press, ISBN 0-89281-311-3) – the quote is about those that leave cult mind control groups –
“Although we may succumb to mind control in weak moments, it is by no means permanent. Whenever recruits leave the group environment long enough to discover revealing books, articles, or testimonies by former members, they almost always break away.” (page 77, emphasis added)
So, please, consider your situation, what you have learned and how it could be a help to someone else. Send your story, post comments here or on other blogs. Consider writing a memoir or starting your own blog and begin speaking out regularly about the reality and tragedy of religious cults in America. When people speak out with conviction others will listen and take note. As a writing resource – here is a link to a blog about memoir writing- http://darlene-eichler.blogspot.com/ – You may recognize the name.
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. 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, the information about WOFF is from my 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 333.