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Uncategorized, WOFF Updates

WOFF Member Runs for Clerk of Court- Update

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     Earlier, there was a post explaining that Ramona Hall, a long-time member of WOFF, is running for Clerk of Court for Rutherford County. The link is here…   https://religiouscultsinfo.com/?p=840 

     While writing this post, I must admit I did not check for current information. After posting, I learned that Ramona Hall is not now working for the Clerk’s office. She was not reappointed in 2008. Please, forgive any mistaken impressions that my ignorance may have given. After seeing a recent campaign sign for Ramona Hall, I knew this mistaken impression must be corrected.

     The main point of the previous post covered that fact that the voters of Rutherford county must feel comfortable with Ramona’s connection to WOFF and how this may affect her professional decision making during times of crisis. To what extent, if any will matters concerning WOFF members in the Clerk’s office be “checked out” with leadership or Jane Whaley herself? Do WOFF members really want this possibility? Could even WOFF member’s privacy be compromised? Members of WOFF must consider this possibility.

     Here is the high quality, campaign sign seen just off Highway 221 on a recent trip to Rutherford County.

High Quality Sign
Sign placed near Hwy 221

       Please, consume the information on this site responsibly. Be sure to tell every member that you know at WOFF about this blog. It could very well save their life. There are readers at WOFF. Comments are invited from present or former members.

     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”.

      (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. )

Uncategorized

Welcome New Readers

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     Welcome to new readers as well as returning readers. This post will provide some background to the author’s direction for this blog. It will also outline the features and how to retrieve previous posts.

     First, on the right hand side of the post you will notice the “About Author” page. This explains my background and how I came to begin this blog. After a total of 16 years being first in Greenville, SC, in a sister church; then 6 years of being a member ofWord of Faith Fellowship (WOFF); I left the group. The leaders were Jane and Sam Whaley. Jane runs the church. Jane Whaley grew up and still lives in Rutherford County, NC.

    These posts aim to be a fair account of my experience from the many services as well as the daily life in this strong religious mind control group. WOFF has about 400 members from many different countries and backgrounds. A small percentage actually are originally from Rutherford County. The group has been through many court battles over the years. Many of these cases have revolved around child custody cases.

     Several posts contain information about the Fundamentalist Church of Latter Day Saints(FLDS). Their former leader, Warren Jeffs has been jailed for charges stemming from performing underage marriages. We share information learned about the similarities of the control methods used in both FLDS and WOFF.

    As far as the layout of the blog, the right hand side of the page contains the most recent posts by title in descending date order. Next, there is a section listed for “Categories”. Here is where posts are grouped by subject with every post being listed as “Uncategorized”. Several posts may be listed in more than one category.

     Next is a listing showing dedicated page headers… The newest page is the “Faith Freedom Fund” page explaining that group and their purpose. Following this section, you will find the option to subscribe by email or RSS feed for updates sent to you when there are new posts. Please, read the Terms of Use page.

      Following down the page, there are Links to other sites that may be of interest. If you select a link and it needs updating, please, let us know. You may email the author from the “About the Author” page.

     The most recent comments made by readers are listed next. These are titled by the post where the comment was added. We do welcome genuine and sincere comments meant to help others or ask questions to help bring focus to the material in a post. Please, share with others what you find of interest in these posts. Thank you, for taking time to read and comment.

     To get started, here are links to four of our most popular posts.

    Handout for New WOFF Members   https://religiouscultsinfo.com/?p=888           

    The $50,000 Offering     https://religiouscultsinfo.com/?p=245 

    The Toilet Paper Revelation    https://religiouscultsinfo.com/?p=243

   FLDS vs WOFF- How People Who Leave Are Treated   https://religiouscultsinfo.com/?p=498 

 (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. )  

Here is picture to help remind us that we live in a great country!

We should cherish our freedoms...
God Bless America!
Behavior Control, Uncategorized

My Experience with Loud Prayer, Blasting and Deliverance-Part 4

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    This is the fourth post in a series about my experiences with “loud prayer”, “blasting” and “deliverance” while in Greenville, SC and later Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) at Spindale, NC. My entire time in this group spanned from 1992 to 2008. The amounts of loud prayer or deliverance varied as time went on.  During my last few years at WOFF, there were fewer extended prayer meetings than in the early years. The length of most meetings was shortened and we were told to “get the children home quickly to get them in bed”.  Seminar meetings were put on a more regular schedule as well as the number of meetings reduced. In the early seminars, there would be three meetings a day. In recent years, there were only two meetings a day during week long seminars. Most every seminar series of meetings ended with a “fellowship dinner”. This was not the case in the beginning.

      Jane Whaley and the members at WOFF may claim these posts are “persecution”. However, telling my personal experiences is not meant to hurt or wound.  I just desire to tell it like it was during my days in arguably one of the most controversial religious groups in western North Carolina. Since much of the time in my years at WOFF, there was limited access to the media, including newspapers; I did not realize the full scope of the controversy until I left and began to learn about things not shared with regular members. Not all members of WOFF know the full details of the many court cases originating from child custody disputes or other issues.

      As far as I remember being told, Jane Whaley began to practice deliverance in prayer groups before 1979(?) when she and her husband, Sam returned to Rutherford county from Tulsa, OK. If not in 1979 (?), I think it was soon there after that Jane and Sam departed from their relationship with Kenneth Hagin Ministries. The pivotal issue was deliverance and the question- “Can Christians have devils?”  Jane Whaley, Sam and their followers believed that deliverance was essential and Christians could have demons in them.  Sam Whaley had been a teacher at Rhema Bible School for Kenneth Hagin Ministries in Tulsa, OK.  He had traveled to many countries sharing the teachings of Rhema. This of course ended when WOFF was started.

     Continue reading My Experience with Loud Prayer, Blasting and Deliverance-Part 4 →

Behavior Control, Uncategorized

Memorial Service Music Concerns “the Toddlers”

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      Memorial services at Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) were times to bring in family members and other visitors. Jane Whaley would deliver the key address or eulogy about the person who had passed away. Family members, church members or other friends of the deceased would be allowed to come to the podium and speak about their memories of the person. Every effort was made to make the family and visitors comfortable. I never witnessed a memorial service with loud prayer, blasting, deliverance, open rebukes for WOFF members or “church-family matters” being discussed. No offerings were taken or announcements made when family or visitors were already in the sanctuary. These were times to “put your best foot forward”- so to speak.

      Before every “special” service or seminar, the church would be cleaned top to bottom. (literally) The chandeliers would be cleaned all the way down the baseboards. Air return vents would be cleaned. Years ago, before one special service, (I don’t remember which one) I was with a group of men in the sanctuary men’s bathroom with toothbrushes scrubbing the grout between the tiles in the floor. If the wall paint or trim paint was scuffed, it would be cleaned and/or painted. The carpet could get a cleaning as well as the brass door plates polished. The landscaping around the building was inspected for weeds. The school building may be subject to the same cleaning, especially if visitors would be invited to view the school after the meeting or service.   

      The memorial services were rehearsed and planned to the most minute detail. Each song was practiced and met with Jane’s direction and approval. Seating was planned as family and visitors would be in the front two or three rows of the middle section of the sanctuary. Many times, during a memorial service there would be portraits of the person who had passed, placed in the front of the sanctuary with a few tasteful flower arrangements . There would also be a pictorial presentation of that person’s past shown on a large screen up front. Music would accompany the slide show, at times. There was a bulletin with the order of service printed. This was only done for special services such as educational conferences, graduations, weddings and memorial services. Weekly services had no printed program or order of service. The weekly services were always subject to change according to Jane Whaley’s  directions.  

     Following the memorial service, the family, friends and members close to the deceased would be led to the fellowship hall for a reception. The food was mainly supplied by members of WOFF. The youth or young adults would usually be called on the serve the food and take up the dishes. Certain groups would be assigned clean-up tasks. All assignments to help would be announced just before or during the practice for the memorial service. Each situation was different in deciding the place for the children. Some times, the children would gather in the school building for the service, watching on closed circuit monitors. (televisions) After the service, they would have their own refreshments in the school cafeteria. Since the fellowship time for the adults could extend a couple of hours, the children would be allowed to fellowship and play games.

  Continue reading Memorial Service Music Concerns “the Toddlers” →

Behavior Control, Uncategorized

My Experience with Loud Prayer, Blasting and Deliverance-Part 3

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     This is the third in a series of posts about my personal experience with loud prayer, blasting and deliverance. My first contact with this practice was in 1992, in Greenville, SC . This small, independent church was not formally organized or connected with WOFF. However, in practice this church was a sister-church and would in 2002, merge with WOFF. Leaders from Greenville would regularly attend WOFF in the late 80’s and early 90’s on through 2002. This laid the foundation for the merging of the two groups.

     “Loud prayer” is actually a term coined later in my time at the Greenville church and later WOFF. In the early days, it was called “blasting devils” or “deliverance”, “hitting devils in someone” or “hitting the heavens” or some other phrases. After the public scrutiny which came through several child custody cases at WOFF and the DSS lawsuit, then the use of certain terms faded and others became popular.

     Whatever the term used for whatever time period, the prayer was loud! Generally,  in the early days- louder was “better”. If the person was praying in a weak manner, then they would usually get help in the form of someone coming beside them and praying “with strength”. This was meant to help the person get a breakthrough to be able to pray with strength. Yes, behavior modeling in the most basic form. I know because during my time there, I was helped and some times helped others.

     “Blasting” prayer was a shrill sound emanating from pushing the diaphragm upwards and using the vocal chords to make the shrill sound as seen in the previously listed video. Using the upper throat could damage your vocal chords. Most every time, after a period of prayer folks would sound hoarse. Cough drops – many times Halls®, would be recommended and sometimes passed out to folks for relief.  This blasting prayer would be performed in small groups or with the entire church prayer for a certain purpose. Group prayer or prayer groups for individuals could last for two or more hours. You prayed until the person got a “breakthrough”.  This of course could cause much sweat and some level of exhaustion. Fans were placed in the Greenville church as the building was small and could get warm during prayer times.

Continue reading My Experience with Loud Prayer, Blasting and Deliverance-Part 3 →

Behavior Control, Uncategorized

My Experience with Loud Prayer, Blasting and Deliverance-Part 2

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       First, for this post, some background to understand how I came to be a part of the Greenville church that became associated with WOFF.  Before moving to Greenville, my wife and I were a part of a church in Summerville, SC. While in that church, I had a problem saying “no”. When something needed to be done, many times I would volunteer. It was not a healthy situation. The pastor carried a heavy load and he appreciated the help when it came his way. However, my desire to help outran my maturity level. The pastor tried to correct the situation and I mistook his help as a personal attack. So, after leaving that church, I was in need of some guidance. I had been a part of four churches since 1983. Two of the four were ones  in which the leader/founder did not submit to oversight from an association or group of elders. Unfortunately, though this set-up brings with it issues; I did not see that as a danger, at that time.  

     The pastors of the Greenville church had contact with my wife in years prior to 1992.We visited the church and thus encountered loud prayer, blasting and deliverance.  After a few visits to Greenville, we moved to become a part of the church. This church was a small, independent church with no formal ties to WOFF. However, as we began to learn; that was in the process of changing.  The Greenville church had formed a growing alliance with Jane Whaley and WOFF. The leaders from Greenville had taken several trips to WOFF and begun to bring back the message taught by Jane Whaley at WOFF. The transition for me into this church occured during the first quarter of 1992. Prior to first visiting the church in Greenville, I did not know anything about Jane Whaley or Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF).

      The first experience with loud prayer was the second service at the Greenville church. The first service we were late and missed the prayer. Upon arriving at the second service, immediately the drums and loud noise could be heard in the parking lot. Shrugging off any questions, we went in and there encountered a prayer service like none other I had ever seen. Afterwards, I voiced my questions and was provided with answers about the prayer. As many years have passed since that time; I do not remember my exact questions, but a few scriptures provided during that time stuck with me.

“But if I drive out the demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has [already] come upon you.” Luke 11:20 Amplified

“After the Lord has washed away the [moral] filth of the daughters of Zion [pride, vanity, haughtiness] and has purged the bloodstains of Jerusalem from the midst of it by the spirit and blast of judgment and by the spirit and blast of burning and sifting. “  Isaiah 4:4 Amplified

Hear, oh, hear the roar of His voice and the sound of rumbling that goes out of His mouth!   Job 37:2 Amplified

     Continue reading My Experience with Loud Prayer, Blasting and Deliverance-Part 2 →

Behavior Control, Criteria for Cults, Uncategorized

My Experience with Loud Prayer, Blasting and Deliverance-Part 1

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     This series of posts will be my personal experiences and reflections on my involvement with “loud prayer”, “blasting” and “deliverance”. These practices of loud prayer, blasting and deliverance are no doubt considered the signature  practices of Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF).  This group has received more public scrutiny because of “loud prayer”, “blasting”  and “deliverance” than any other activity. Though a person could pray loud and receive deliverance if praying by themselves; most every time this activity involved other folks in small or large groups. My desire is not impugn or attack in anyway other members who participated alongside me in these activities and prayer meetings. I will not suppose to assess the sincerity or insincerity of others as I do share my personal reflections in a very sincere manner. WOFF members who read this or have it read to them, may no doubt at first feel shocked and maybe offended with the observations I will share. That is not my intent. I desire to answer the questions of many who have never been a part of loud prayer or deliverance by sharing my unique perspective. By holding back, keeping secrets or not sharing the details, I would do a disservice to my readers.

     The practice of hiding what went on in WOFF services or closed door meetings is the very thing that allows Jane Whaley to keep much of her power over members. The hiding of what went on at WOFF also furthers the deceptive facade that keeps the surrounding community ignorant and feeding on the pablum put out by Jane and her leadership.

     What is “loud prayer” or “blasting”? What is “deliverance”? How did it start at WOFF? Is it practiced other places? What scriptures are used as the basis for these practices- if any? Why would one submit themselves to these activities? Who would participate? How long were the meetings of prayer and deliverance? Did the children participate? These are some of the questions I will attempt to answer. Remember also, my perspective is one of attending meetings for 10 years from an hour away and then being inside the group for six years until July 2008. I do not practice loud prayer or deliverance now, nor do I know of any ex-WOFF members that do. One ex-member expressed his hesitation in telling others that he participated in this kind of prayer. It brought many questions he was not comfortable in answering. I welcome the questions. As I write these words, I also face the risk of further separating myself from some that I love dearly. To them, I ask for grace in hopes that one day understanding will come.

     A  fellow from Inside Edition® came into WOFF and taped some of the prayer meetings. Here is a link to watch what he filmed…  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPpbmDDRm8M  The prayer groups depicted in this video were actual folks in loud prayer or “blasting” sessions. I recognize many of them.  I will not comment on the young lady in the video, at this time. Needless to say this caused no smal stir at WOFF.

     Another video surfaced on YouTube.com® from years ago of Jane Whaley at a church in Sweden. This is from a time  in the late 80’s… Jane is talking about deliverance, groanings and “getting devils out of you”… Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mipon05dGks  

     In future posts in this series, I will explain more about the terms “blasting”, “deliverance” and “loud prayer”. Also, I will answer the questions listed above while sharing some of the reasonings presented and my personal account of what happened to me during these sessions. I will share my thoughts and the physical effects felt during these sessions. Before I finish, I will give observations made of others who were in these groups and the group behavior dynamics that appeared to be working during these sessions. My experience is no more special or unique than others who have been at WOFF. But, they are my experiences and I believe by sharing them, it will be a help to others.

     Please, consume the information on this site responsibly. Be sure to tell every member that you know at WOFF about this blog. It could very well save their life. There are readers at WOFF. Comments are invited from present or former members.

     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”.

      (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. )

Here is a picture that hopefully will remind us all that we live in the best country in the world…

We should cherish our freedoms...
God Bless America!