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Uncategorized, WOFF Updates

WCNC 36- “The Defenders”- and My Response to WOFF Hostage Videos

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(updated 5/6/17 10:32AM)
Friday evening, WCNC Channel 36 out of Charlotte ran a news piece briefly reviewing the controversy surrounding Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF). The segment titled, “The Defenders”. The reporter, Mark Boyle, labeled this piece as “balanced” in that he gave WOFF a platform for their rebuttal to charges being leveled against them. The video recaps the criminal charges against Brooke Covington in the Matthew Fenner case and also includes video of Benjamin Cooper, audio of Jane Whaley, video of my family and one comment from me. The video is just over four minutes ending with the reporter saying they reached out to the leader of the church and she did not offer a comment except to call the allegations “gossip and lies.”.

Some of the material for this piece was gathered a few months back. The audio of Jane during Benjamin’s attempt to tell her that he and his wife were leaving WOFF is one of the most revealing and intense components. My ex-wife, Martha, is shown giving her take on my exit while I am shown calling that period of my life a “train wreck.” For those who have read my book, “Locked in”, you understand the reference.

For a few weeks, I have been pondering my response to the WOFF hostage videos which include my children. The pressures for everyone, not just my family, to rewrite their personal history in order to fit the now narrative is revealing and sad. I get it as I lived there and know that pressure. The comments made by my ex-wife are WOFF-revealing and in fact expose the very dynamics which in other places are denied vehemently. It would be confusing, if it were not so obvious to former members who survived the ever-changing Jane-centered conundrum filled “logic.”

This seems to be the right time to refocus on important issues – Sarah and Michael. Yes, I have concern for all behind the invisible WOFF-walls of fear and intimidation. Several have chosen their personal freedom recently, a trend which I hope continues and increases. The following is my answer to the damage control efforts put out by WOFF.

The Love in My Heart… Answer to my children
(please, continue reading)
Continue reading WCNC 36- “The Defenders”- and My Response to WOFF Hostage Videos →

Uncategorized, WOFF Updates

Fenner Case Update: Brooke Covington in Court

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Monday morning, Brooke Covington made an appearance in Rutherford County court alongside her attorney David Teddy. Assistant District Attorney Garland Byers scheduled the meeting for a judge to rule on five pending motions in the Matthew Fenner assault case. This case stems from charges involving an incident on January 27, 2013 in the sanctuary of Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF).

Brooke Covington is one of five individuals indicted with charges against them ranging from second degree kidnapping, assault and attempting to inflict injury by strangulation. Adam Bartley, Robert Lewis Walker, Jr., Justin Covington and Sarah Anderson are the others who were indicted. The case has been delayed beyond reasoning with pre-trial motions, rulings, and disqualification of the original WOFF attorneys attempting to represent all five defendants. The disqualification was appealed to the NC Court of Appeals and later withdrawn after one of the petitioners in the appeal, Sarah Anderson, left WOFF and requested new representation.

During Monday’s session, five motions were slated for review.
1. The Defendant’s Motion for Change of Venue;
2. The Defendant]s Motion for a Bill of Particulars;
3. The State’s Motion for Jury View & Testimony During Jury View;
4. The State’s Motion for Joinder of Offenses for Trial; and
5. The State’s Motion for the Alternative for a Special Venire.

The State’s Motion for Jury View required a notice sent to Joshua Farmer as he is known as the “general counsel’ for WOFF. However, attorney John W. Gresham was hired to represent WOFF in opposition to the motion. He has represented Jane Whaley in years past and it came as no surprise he was brought in for this hearing.

As ADA Byers gave the judge a recap of the case, he explained that Judge Thomas Davis has recused himself from the proceedings. Byers has originally scheduled the hearing for May 22nd, but rescheduled for April 24th upon learning that Judge Gary Gavenus was not available in May. Attorney Teddy used the rescheduling as a reason to request for further delay stating he was not prepared to argue the Change of Venue with all the recent publicity about WOFF.

At several points, Gresham attempted to interject his views that the Motion for Jury View was unconstitutional and that he was prepared to provide large photographs of the scene. Finally, Judge Gavenus rebuffed Gresham and told him not to worry about the Motion to View at this time.
Continue reading Fenner Case Update: Brooke Covington in Court →

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Your Reasons to leave WOFF? Here is a start…

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Sometimes it helps to write things down. For those inside of Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF), it may not be prudent for you to write down your reasons, so allow me to do this for you. After all, writing things down can bring clarity and helps you focus. Of course, I am out and have been for several years. What I write may not be exactly your reason, but it may come close. These are in no particular order.

1. You are tired of being told what to do in every part of your life including how to dress, where to work, where to live, what car to drive, who to love, who to hate, who is your “friend”, who is your “enemy”…
2. You see the shallowness of the alternate WOFF-reality and crave genuine relationships based on true character and not someone’s interpretation of your thoughts, your desires, your world…
3. You are not happy with the guilt of actually not believing what you are supposed to believe.
4. You did not choose WOFF- someone else chose it for you.
5. You see the charade for what it is and need a fresh and new start to find out who you really are and who you want to become.
6. You are tired of being broke- financially.
7. You are tired of working for free or minimal pay.
8. You are tired of being broken- emotionally.
9. You are tired of being told you are full of sin and living on the edge of intense correction over the simplest of things.
10. You want your own cell phone- not subject to search.
11. You want to finish college, but were told it’s not the “will of God.”
12. You are tired of hiding the WOFF secrets.
Continue reading Your Reasons to leave WOFF? Here is a start… →

Uncategorized, WOFF Updates

AP Investigation –Broken Faith –Audio Clips Released

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The AP Investigation- Broken Faith has now posted audio clips under – “Voice from the Church.” The investigation revolves around testimonies of ex-members of Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF). The content of these testimonies has resulted in two Assistant District Attorneys- Frank Webster and Chris Back being “no longer employed.” Also, Lori Cornelius, Cleveland County Department of Social Services employee “resigning” as of March 17, 2017. Link also includes 14 stories from the Broken Faith Investigation.

List of clips include:

Jeffrey Cooper: talking about a meeting with Frank Webster’s comments included. Second clip about the roles played during the mock trials.

Jane Whaley: explaining her perspective on not reporting sexual abuse. A second clip of her casting dispersions on a 13- year old young girl who was molested during her time inside WOFF. Third clip of her loudly encouraging David Caulder.

Jamey Anderson: explaining a meeting with Jane, a second clip about the fear in daily life of WOFF.

Jay Plummer: explaining the abuse he experienced.

Tiago Cherubino: talking about an attack he witnessed.

Rick Cooper: explain how WOFF worked to shape its reputation.

John Cooper: he describes the consequences of speaking out at the church. Second clip about the restrictions on marital sex.

Danielle Cordez: recounting a failed attempt to run away from home. (gripping) Second clip explaining what is needed to end the abuse at WOFF.

Tim Cornelius: he describes a 7 year-old retelling the experience of being beaten in the classroom for daydreaming.

Thank you, to each and every ex-member who was willing to be interviewed by Mitch Weiss and the AP Investigative team. We have shared experiences which have shocked this nation and the international community. Not everyone experienced the same level of abuse; however, in some way, each member of WOFF goes through some type of abuse whether socially, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, physically or destruction of relationships with friends or family who decide not to join or express some contrary opinion about Jane Whaley, church practices or any aspect of this dangerous closed sub-CULTure.

Telling the secrets is one of the first steps to healing. I encourage all ex-members to continue on this journey of recovery. There is hope; it is a new day in the saga called Word of Faith Fellowship.
Continue reading AP Investigation –Broken Faith –Audio Clips Released →

Uncategorized, WOFF Updates

Saturday’s Forum and Upcoming Events

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The Survivors Community Forum held yesterday was well attended and covered by several media outlets. My heartfelt thanks go out to so many people who helped in any way with the planning, set-up, providing support during the meeting and cleaning up afterwards. It took a team of willing volunteers to bring this message to the citizens who chose to spend their afternoon with us. I appreciate all the ex-members who attended whether they spoke publically or not. We were there for each other and I hope having the open forum helped each one in some way.

Thank you, to the present members of Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) who came and listened to what for them must have been some new information and a fresh point of view. I regret we had to end the session at 4:00PM, however that was the block of time reserved. In future events, if at all possible, we hope for more open discourse and civil interchange between former and present members.

And to WOFF member Benjamin McGee; it was pointed out to me that I appeared rude in my response to you at your request to speak at the end of the session. That was not my intention and I hope you will understand I did not recognize you nor was I aiming any malice at you personally. You are welcome to call me anytime to discuss your concerns or questions. (828) 289-7923

The meeting was also attended by some of Spindale’s finest. We appreciate so much the Spindale Police who served in a very supportive and non-bias fashion. They made it clear to me from the start; their goal was to assure order. Thank you- very much.

All of the encouraging remarks and show of support from those who attended did not go unnoticed. The kind words did much to strengthen not only me, but all the other ex-members. Despite the WOFF-spin, I believe the event was a success and plans for future meetings along the same lines are being discussed.

There is a live feed replay on Citizens Against Corruption and Abuse Facebook page. One report from WLOS 13. Another report – Rccatalyst.com report The AP report includes Saturday’s event. Thank you to all media sources who spent time covering this event.

The next speaking event for me is this Thursday.

Meeting March 16th

Thursday- March 16th at Isothermal Community College – Library Auditorium 1:00PM

“Recruiting Techniques of Dangerous Groups- You don’t have to be a fool to be fooled”
Continue reading Saturday’s Forum and Upcoming Events →

Uncategorized, WOFF Updates

Frank Webster and Chris Back- “… no longer employed.”

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District Attorney for the 25th District, David Learner announced today that Assistant District Attorney Frank Webster and Assistant District Attorney Chris Back are no longer employed. The announcement came shortly after 10:00AM. AP reports confirm.

“I, along with my staff, have worked very hard in the past two years to rebuild the reputation of the DA’s Office, and I cannot allow the integrity of the office to be called into question.”

Thank you, DA Learner for stepping up and doing the right thing. Now, we can move forward with a serious and comprehensive investigation into all of the accusations uncovered in the AP investigation.

Thank you, Mitch Weiss for the many hours of digging through documents and interviewing survivors. The dedication of you and your team is paving the way for many survivors to share their story and begin the process of healing.

Survivor’s Community Forum March 11th 2:00PM

The Spindale House meeting room on the second floor will serve as the location for this forum. Survivors from Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) will be sharing information about their time inside WOFF and written questions will be taken from those in attendance. While some may come seeking the sensational, our purpose is to not lose sensitivity to the plight of each ex-member participating. Ex-members may attend and not be required to answer questions or reveal their personal information. A few have already agreed to be transparent about their experience.
Continue reading Frank Webster and Chris Back- “… no longer employed.” →

Uncategorized, WOFF Updates

In Word of Faith Fellowship – there are facts and there is “Truth”

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Wednesday afternoon, the Associated Press reported that David Learner, the District Attorney for Burke, Caldwell and Catawba counties has asked the State Bureau of Investigations to look into the allegations against his employees, Frank Webster and Chris Back, who are members of Word of faith Fellowship (WOFF). This stems from Monday’s AP article – here.

The most recent AP release went on: “Nathan Key, a spokesman for Learner, said in an email that Webster and Back will keep working during the investigation but did not say if they would continue to prosecute cases. He did not respond to follow-up questions.”

So is there “light duty” for an Assistant District Attorney? What exactly Webster and Back will be doing exactly during any investigation? It is not clear right now. How prudent is it to allow them to prosecute on behalf of the State when the allegations include betrayal of their duties?
How much of Webster’s annual salary of $93,600* will he be paid during any investigation of these allegations?
Continue reading In Word of Faith Fellowship – there are facts and there is “Truth” →