The question has bounced around in my thinking for a long time. Why do some people leave Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) and some folks stay – for years. Many who know my story, know why I continually consider the question. My children and grandchildren remain in WOFF.

So, yes. This question is a big one.

A few months ago, while reading somewhere about a related question, I was introduced to the “learned helplessness” concept. On its surface, I felt it offered some explanation as to why adults with above average intelligence added to other “normal” aspects of their lives- continue to live in the WOFF closed subculture. For that matter, why do adults of any age or level of engagement in any control group stay in that group? This concept offered me some answers at the time.

In brief, the “learned helplessness” concept came from the work of two researchers. The following comes from “Psychology Today.”

“The term (learned helplessness) was coined in 1967 by the American psychologists Martin Seligman and Steven Maier. The pair was conducting research on animal behavior that involved delivering electric shocks to dogs. Dogs who learned that they couldn’t escape the shock stopped trying in subsequent experiments, even when it became possible to avoid the shock by jumping over a barrier.”

Continue reading keep your hope alive… →

How many visitors to Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) were shocked at the volume at which members sang? I have heard over and over while there; sing loud and smile! Go to the WOFF website and there are pictures of members with mouths wide open giving it their all. While I was a member, I didn’t see this as annoying. It was just what we did to serve God.

Today, I will direct you to a choir practice all the way across the country from early March which included 60 people practicing for an upcoming performance. This was just as information about COVID-19 was beginning to circulate in Washington.

March 29, 2020- Los Angeles Times- by Richard Read – Seattle Bureau Chief- “A choir decided to go ahead with rehearsal. Now dozens of members have COVID-19 and two are dead”

“With the coronavirus quickly spreading in Washington state in early March, leaders of the Skagit Valley Chorale debated whether to go ahead with weekly rehearsal.

The virus was already killing people in the Seattle area, about an hour’s drive to the south.

But Skagit County hadn’t reported any cases, schools and businesses remained open, and prohibitions on large gatherings had yet to be announced.

On March 6, Adam Burdick, the choir’s conductor, informed the 121 members in an email that amid the “stress and strain of concerns about the virus,” practice would proceed as scheduled at Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church.”

The story goes on to say 60 members showed up and were offered hand sanitizer at the door. The members were trying to keep their distance from each other.

“After 2 ½ hours of practice they ended at 9 pm. At the time of the article, 45 were diagnosed with COVID-19 or ill with the symptoms, at least three had been hospitalized and two are dead.”

Continue reading We sang LOUD- is it safe today? →

This morning, I woke with a desire to start early. My plans for the day soon exploded in another direction..

 At 8:18AM, I looked at my phone and realized today was a Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) radio program. Contrary to my custom, I prepared to listen.

I joined the live stream video just before 8:30AM. Jim Bishop processed a few short announcements. The WOFF technician prepared the table by setting up the microphone. Jim Bishop wiped the microphone and table with a disinfectant. He left the booth and Larry King, Jr. entered dressed in a suit and tie. You could see the exchange as polite. Jim reentered, started the prerecorded intro and left the booth. A COVID-19 requirement since it is too small for proper social distancing.

Larry King, Jr is a long-time member of WOFF. He came in before I started, after leaving a college baseball career. He spent time in Brooke Covington’s home while working meager hourly jobs and attending the WOFF Bible school. He is married with two children and a stepson who is not in WOFF any longer.

While I attended WOFF, Larry would speak and share scriptures on occasion. His parents were in WOFF and so was his cousin, Trina Elliot. Trina was raised as his sister. His father and mother retired from the local school systems. All are apparent true believers.

As he introduced his message, I noticed he was stammering and not appearing to “flow” in the scriptures. He touched on some basic themes as praising President Trump for pointing out “FAKE NEWS” and exhorting us to realize that no matter what we see or hear; it is not always how it looks at first glance. He said we are to practice “vetting our sources.”

As he began, he started coughing and taking sips of water. He blamed this on “strong pollen.” I began to wonder. Could he positive for COVID-19? Anyone would wonder that during these days we live in.

Continue reading Rough days are here →

Recently, a former member of Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) reminded me of the shame and stigma associated with being sick while inside WOFF. They went on to explain they would go to great lengths to hide symptoms that truly needed medical attention. The consequences of being found sick could be drama-filled.   One obvious reason for seeking medical treatment is we can be deceived by how we interpret our feelings and the causes. That is why we need trained medical professionals to examine us and run tests if needed.

For many who are not familiar with the dynamic, the admonition within WOFF would ebb and flow but the main theme- if you are sick, you are in sin. There is hidden sin in your heart and your need prayer and deliverance. Many times, prayer first before a doctor visit. “Otherwise, your witchcraft rebellion would keep the doctor from hearing what is wrong with you…”

Apparently, a similar social stigma occurs in other places for other reasons.

In an article from South Africa, the writer is encouraging those with the Coronavirus to come forward and tell others.

 “It is the most valuable information you can share voluntarily and without force in this crisis and there is no shame in it.

While a person’s medical history is confidential and under normal circumstances people seek privacy in their physical ailments, this situation requires a different approach.

By not disclosing, you are potentially putting many more people at risk who may find the opportunity to meet and interact with you.”

Continue reading COVID-19- No Shame in Testing Positive… →

The terms “Coronavirus” and COVID-19 have exploded into our world. Starting as a trickle, the terms have replaced “Trump” as the key headline search term. Is there any wonder why?

As of this writing: “Worldwide confirmed case reaches 1 million, with more than 50,000 deaths”

Today, I was reminded of something I knew and ignored. Faithful members in Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) do not easily access COVID-19 information. In fact, some risk strong discipline for reading sources not pre-approved by leadership. Most disturbing to learn is the information about church members testing positive for the virus and is not shared with all members.

You find that hard to believe? I don’t. I find it irresponsible, dangerous and criminal. Keeping vital information from all members is a deceptive tactic to avoid the obvious questions that follow when exposure is discussed.

Questions such as:

• Am I or anyone in my family at risk?
• How do I prevent getting this virus?
• How many people in WOFF have been tested and who was the first to be positive?
• If I have symptoms – what do I do next?

Continue reading COVID-19 in WOFF- Does it take someone dying to get real help? →

This past Thursday was the first time I had ventured out grocery shopping in at least eight days. Honestly, I had to talk myself into it. Yes, I needed a few things, but I wrote a list and convinced myself that going Thursday was the best choice.

As soon as I pulled into the parking lot, my survival observation mode kicked in. You know that feeling or always searching for normal versus abnormal- I became hypervigilant. At the same time, your eyes go into constant surveillance, your self-talk voice/thought recorder in your head turns on.

In the first few minutes, things were going well. The number of shoppers was low and, in my mind, – manageable.  I walked into the produce section. Then I heard it. A man sneezed and from the sound – it was uncovered! Immediately, I started scanning and searching for the culprit. He was near the rear of the store, just past the baked goods. His wife was also looking around to see if folks were reacting. She acted embarrassed.

What do I do now? The news reports on how the virus spreads dumped into my mind. I estimated a circle with a 12-foot diameter around this man. (six feet front and back) Also, I ran estimates of how far the sneeze traveled, but did not know the actual direction he launched his spray.

The next question- do I abort the grocery trip and just leave? Do I forget any items at the back of the store? I knew if I stayed, I would avoid the sneezer at all cost. These thoughts were processed at lightening speed. I decided to stay, but in my thoughts, I wondered if he would be escorted out of the store by management.

Are you with me so far?

Continue reading Am I the only one? →

While listening to former FBI agent, Joe Navarro, explain the shift required as a criminal profiler, moving from thinking as an FBI agent to thinking like a predator, I suddenly understood.

Navarro, “You stop asking “Why does a person do that?” knowing the answer is “because I can, or I must… That is the ‘predator’ thinking.” You then look for methodology. “It is a totally different mindset. You don’t have the moral or legal barrier.” (Link 58 min mark)

Immediately, I knew the answer to many of the questions which continue to surface around “Broken Faith” specifically and the subject of cults in general. So many get stuck on “why” folks get swept into groups like Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) or “why” does the leader do or say certain things. Many who have never been a part of a high-demand group (cult) cannot relate or comprehend the “predatory thinking” exhibited by Jane Whaley and other leaders of similar groups.

When describing activities of dangerous cults, the word “recruiting” is used to explain the gathering of new members. Now, I believe a more accurate description is “hunting.” We may not fully understand why a leader or their leaders “hunt”, we need to accept that they “can” and they “must.” The nature of a predator is to hunt for victims.

The recently published “Broken Faith- Inside the Word of Faith Fellowship, One of America’s Most Dangerous Cults” by Mitch Weiss and Holbrook Mohr recounts the struggle of the Cooper family. Just what exactly draws a person into range to be hunted and captured by the cult-predator is subject to debate. Asking why a group leader draws others into their group can get you hung up on the moral barrier. This question could lead you to project your benevolent motives onto others and assume high-demand groups members have your motivations. Sad mistake. Cult leaders do not exhibit the same morals or motivations as many other folks. Cult-leader- PREDATOR thinking is “I can… I must…”

Predator: a person or group that ruthlessly exploits others

Recently, this account showed on my social media:

Continue reading Think like a Predator… →