Category Archives: WOFF Updates

Uncategorized, WOFF Updates

Anderson vs. Anderson – First Day in Court (audio)

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After long delays for one reason or another, the Anderson vs. Anderson custody case began this morning in front of the Honorable Judge Thomas McAvoy “Mack” Brittain, Jr. in courtroom 3 of the Rutherford County courthouse. There was a full day of testimonies from several folks. For this post, I will summarize a few key points and expound on them in the mp3 file included. I am not promising this format from here on out, but I am hoping it will be quicker and a better use of my time. Not sure you would call this an official podcast, but I will do my best to edit the audio to make it pleasant to listen to while including much more information than if I wrote out today’s adventures.

Here is a short recap of a few of the vital issues on the table. Plaintiff Nicholas Anderson filed action against Sarah Anderson after she left the Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) February 26, 2016. The son, Aden Brock Anderson first left with Sarah and on a subsequent weekend of agreed visitation for Nick, he did not return the child as promised. March 7, 2016, he filed for divorce and child custody. He first listed he desire for primary care and custody, but also listed a shared custody option.

March 16, 2016; Judge Laura Powell signed a Memorandum of Judgment outlining joint custody and the parameters. Included in this order was the following:

“e. Neither party shall subject the child or allow anyone else to subject the child to abuse, including yelling, shaking, striking or any form of physical abuse.”

I was in the court room that day and felt this was a victory for Sarah. Not a guarantee it would never happen, just open acknowledgment that the Judge was aware it could happen and may have previously. Unfortunately, Judge Powell recused herself February 28, 2017 the day after the first article from the Associated Press outlining allegations of abuse from ex-members.

April 4, 2016- Sarah filed an Answer to Nick’s Compliant. She stated in her motion after telling Nick her intention to not return to WOFF and not allowing their son to return; she was denied access to the marital home “if she would not submit herself to church scrutiny and discipline.”

Also, in this document, under the “Child Custody” section:

“34. That the Defendant has maintained the primary care of the minor child through the date of the separation when the Defendant voiced concerned about the safety of the infant child being subjected to secretive church practices of physical mistreatment in which the Plaintiff was unwilling to intervene and provide protection for the minor child.”

These two points and more were the basis for much of the testimony today. Nick’s attorney, Alan LeCroy from Morganton has a previous commitment on Wednesday. Court is set to resume Thursday morning at 9:00AM.

Hope you enjoy the audio file.

Please, let me know your feedback.
Continue reading Anderson vs. Anderson – First Day in Court (audio) →

Uncategorized, WOFF Updates

Hate Speech or Free Speech?

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In the Wednesday version of Word of Faith Fellowship speaks out, Karel Reynolds, Christian Whitbeck and Justin Davies continued with their assessment and free advertising for the Community Forum held this past Saturday in Spindale. Karel again called the efforts of survivors to tell their experiences a “conspiracy against our church.” She claimed the purpose of the meeting was to “attack our church.” She reviewed her definition of a conspiracy and not too far into the program she gave a plug for this blog. Karel reminded folks that I was in the meeting and claimed I use this blog to spread “bitterness and hatred.”

After listening to this program I began to consider what constitutes hate speech and free speech. Let me briefly explain my thoughts.

On a broad scale, I believe WOFF would like to find someone in government to agree with them that my writings, my book and my public meetings are indeed hate speech. Then, they could petition to shut me down or shut me up. They would have me censored and held to the same strict censorship dynamic which exists inside their group. No one inside WOFF speaks freely every time on every issue- unless there is 100% agreement to subject their words to the review and approval of the leader.

After surveying the culture and climate in this country, I don’t see this happening any time soon. Continue reading Hate Speech or Free Speech? →

Uncategorized, WOFF Updates

Cause or Conspiracy?

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The Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) radio program Monday morning included Karel Reynolds, Justin Davies and Christian Whitbeck. The purpose of the show was to retell the content from the Community Forum held this past Saturday afternoon at the Spindale House. There were some common themes which emerged at the characterization of the content from Saturday. Justin and Christian were “appalled.” They were shocked at the “hate speech” used by ex-member survivors of WOFF. They said the language used would incite hate towards them and they felt unsafe going out in the community with their children. Karel wrapped it all up in a few statements calling the ex-members as ones leading a “conspiracy to shut the doors of our church.”

Listening to them go on about their shock and bewilderment was at first hard to grasp. Then I remembered that in their world, all things fit and the rationalization to “call things that are not as though they were…” allows them to survive. I have written about it here before. There are facts and there is truth inside of WOFF. Facts are superseded by the Truth that Jane hears from God about a situation. If you see a fact- one person pushed another during deliverance, and then you question Jane about it, she could very well spin the deed as “love.” “Doing whatever it takes to keep that person in the will of God.” (i.e. – a member of WOFF)

Karel defined conspiracy as “telling lies, distorting the truth and then demonizing people to make them look like something they are not, attacking people, attacking individuals of an organization to demonize them and thirdly-they create an “us and them” within the community. And that has been the attempt of this group- to create an “us and them” against the WOFF.” Continue reading Cause or Conspiracy? →

Uncategorized, WOFF Updates

Community Forum April 7th- What to expect…

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The next Community Forum allowing ex-members of Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) to introduce themselves and answer questions will be held Saturday, April 7th at 1:00PM. The location will be the Spindale House. All are welcome.

The proposed agenda includes these speakers. We will begin with an introduction by Ben Cooper. He will give our guidelines for the meeting which will include explaining the role of the moderator. Next, Micah Cooper will list the characteristics of cults- high-demand, dangerous groups. She will draw from her personal experience as well as her extensive reading on these types of groups.

Nancy Burnette and Matthew Fenner will follow by reviewing their documented experiences which include the failures of local authorities to protect the children of WOFF. Next, Christina Bryant and Jamey Anderson will tackle a few of the most prevalent fabrications and misstatements publicly put forth by WOFF. This effort to dispel lies and tell the “secrets” of WOFF is not captained by one disgruntled family.

I will take the podium next and provide an overview and update on several of the court cases which WOFF has been a part of over the years. There will be information from the Associated Press articles of 2017 as well as an update on the Fenner case.

After these subjects are covered, former members will be given an opportunity to introduce themselves and bring out their unique perspectives as seems fit.

From here, the moderator will oversee the question and answer period. Please, be prepared to ask your questions. We will accept the written questions and answer as many as time allows. We ask everyone to be aware that questions on subjects which require more transparency than our group is able to provide may be passed over and handled in another venue. Continue reading Community Forum April 7th- What to expect… →

Uncategorized, WOFF Updates

The Bigger Story – Jane Whaley Exposed

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Yes, it is sad that Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) member, Kerrick Hudson, married father of two, would see fit to steal an election sign for a candidate he obviously did not support. At least that is what he is accused of after charges were filed on Thursday. Candidate for Sheriff, Wayne Guffey having some signs go missing, set a sign near a “deer camera” in hopes of catching the thief. The images of an individual getting out of a car apparently to pick-up the sign spread like wildfire once it was posted on a social media site and consequently reported by Rccatalyst.com.

Late this afternoon, I received a call telling me about the unfolding events. Though I saw the headline earlier on the Rccatalyst.com site, I had not viewed the picture. Soon, the article was posted outlining the events which surrounded the charges being filed against Mr. Hudson. WoFF Member Charged… (see article here) The criminal charges were removal of a campaign sign and the court date is April 13, 2018. No time was given for the session. The activity was listed as a Class 1 misdemeanor. This level of offense carries a maximum term of 120 days in jail and a discretionary fine. This is a serious charge for one aspiring to enter or has already entered in a licensed profession. Continue reading The Bigger Story – Jane Whaley Exposed →

Uncategorized, WOFF Updates

What is in the 16 seconds cut from the WOFF radio program?

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Late Monday evening, a former member brought it to my attention that the WCAB 590 AM version of the Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) Speaks Out program and the version for that day listed on the WOFF website were different. Sandra Norris’ reference to the Matthew Fenner case was deleted from the WOFF version. I thanked this person and began looking for myself. Sure enough, if you open two browser sessions and turn on closed captions and turn off the volume, you will be able to notice the edit. It is a pretty good edit. In times past, WOFF edits in their videos were more obvious.

So, I double checked the length of the WOFF version and the WCAB version– well, what do you know? The WOFF version is about 16 seconds shorter. What could they be hiding as they “give truth” about what Jim Bishop of WCAB characterizes as the “nasty” reports in the media? So, I used a split screen and allowed the two different versions to play alternately until I found the edit.

In the WCAB version, when the on screen timer shows 1:47.44, you hear Sandra Norris say this: “… responsible before God and I have seen I you know even another court case that was going on with the Fenner case, I was there, I know truth. I’m just appalled because my students can tell you Revelation 21:8, there will be no liars in heaven. And I all I want to do is be a blessing to people…” The timer shows 1:48.00 as she says this. Continue reading What is in the 16 seconds cut from the WOFF radio program? →

Uncategorized, WOFF Updates

Did Sandra Norris violate the gag order over the Fenner case?

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June 6th of 2017, Judge Gary Gavenus filed an Order in the State of North Carolina versus Brooke Covington trial. The Order declared a mistrial because of documents introduced into the jury room which “tainted the integrity of the verdict.” The Order also recognized the need to “protect the integrity of the trial for the State, the Defendant as well as her co-defendants.” The Court imposed a gag order over several groups of individuals including the jury, attorneys involved and those listed on the “State And Defendant Witness List.” Sandra Norris was included on that list.

Brooke Covington was standing trial based on indictments handed down in January 2015. The charges of simple assault and second degree kidnapping stem from events inside the Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) sanctuary on January 27, 2013 in which Matthew Fenner alleges he was beaten and held against his will. Four other defendants in the case include Sarah Anderson, Justin Covington, Robert Louis Walker, Jr. and Adam Bartley. Ms. Covington is the only defendant to stand trial so far in this drawn out case.

The gag order was modified in October of 2017 to allow the State Bureau of Investigation access to the sealed documents and set March 31, 2018 as an expiration date for the entire order.

Wednesday, Sandra Norris spoke on the WOFF radio show on WCAB 590 AM. WOFF takes to the air waves Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 8:30AM. For those not in the immediate listening area, WCAB uploads their streamed version of the show- most days. Continue reading Did Sandra Norris violate the gag order over the Fenner case? →