Our last post explored an article in Charisma Magazine® about Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) and their Holocaust Museum display. It was dated October 1, 2013 and can be found here. The article was written by Marcus Yoars. Here is the contact information for Mr. Yoars: marcus.yoars@charismamedia.com main tel:407.333.0600

A few blog readers have replied to me with copies of emails sent to Mr. Yoars. Also, several comments were placed in response to the article. This post will review a response written by Mr. Yoars to a blog reader. A blog reader wrote this to Mr. Yoars:

After reading your well intended article, I realized you do not know the truth behind the walls of WOFF. As a victim/survivor, I am here to tell you that what you are seeing is a well orchestrated façade. I am not bitter, just thankful I survived.  However, I do want people to know the truth about what seems to be a loving, caring, God centered fellowship. My story is one of many. These people are not what they portray themselves as. They lie, cheat, steal and destroy the families, marriages etc. of those who do not accept Jane Whaley as their almighty. I know, I WAS one. Thank you for taking the time to consider my email.

And this was his reply October 28, 2013:

Thanks for your email, *****. I’ve had another person contact me with a similar message. I intentionally tried to focus on the Holocaust Museum and the students’ artwork in this story rather than the church or the Whaley’s because I was aware of the scandals surrounding WOFF. But at this point I’m seeing there’s more to this story that what one visit and a handful of interactions will reveal.(emphasis added)

 What are we to make of this reply? Are we to assume that he wrote this narrow article after “one visit and a handful of interactions” …? “I was aware of the scandals surrounding WOFF.” And yet the “scandals” are glossed over by the paragraph below…

“Since 1979, Word of Faith Fellowship, a vibrant Spirit-filled church about 70 miles west of Charlotte, N.C., has endured its own history of persecution. The tight-knit congregation of 750 people houses WFCS and, for whatever reason, has been a lightning rod for controversy for more than a decade. Death threats. Drive-by shootings. Lawsuits. Investigations. Child abuse allegations. Assault charges. Boycotts.”

After considering the article and the responses from readers posted on the Charisma Magazine® website, the conclusion I have reached is that Mr. Yoars is guilty of doing exactly what so many others have done when it comes to WOFF. He took the easy road. He decided to emphasize the “glamour and the glory” and ignore the destruction that has come for so many who have been a part of WOFF. He chose to see the sparkle of the presentation and not investigate the dynamics or methods used by WOFF leaders.

Mr. Yoars, the course you took is a well traveled road. Many in local government as well as State agencies and Federal agencies have taken the easy road when it comes to seeking the facts as to what really happens behind the lily white doors of WOFF. For them, it has been easier to dismiss the stories of survivors as baseless or worse yet- unable to be proven beyond a doubt- without taking the time to do the uncomfortable task of actually performing a thorough investigation regardless of who cries foul. It has been easier to believe the framed picture that WOFF presents rather than afford the survivors and the PRESENT members- adult and child alike- what is due them- equal protection under the law.

What will it take for the proper authorities to do what is required when survivors come forth with allegations of wrong doing and criminal offenses within WOFF? Will it take some pictures of bruises to stir an inquiry? Will it take a broken arm or leg? Worse yet, will it take an unexplained death uncovered after a death certificate signed by a WOFF doctor to turn some heads? I don’t know what it will take and yet, why should it have to be blood-evidence? There are crimes committed every day against individuals in our society that don’t cause death yet, the victims are afforded their due equal protection under the law. Does the fact that these events are purported to take place in a religious environment ward off or scare certain officials from investigating? Does abuse in the name of religion get a free pass in America?

November 18, 2013 will be the 35^th anniversary of the Jonestown massacre.  Can we apply the “Art of Remembering” to that event and take away some precious lessons from this enormous tragedy that could and would save lives? Jim Jones presented a framed picture and it turned out to be a fraud. In my opinion after living inside the group and seeing life firsthand; WOFF presents a framed picture and yet who will do what was done in Lake City, SC and closely examine their work to see if it truly meets the standard?

In future posts we will again review more material from “Raven” by Tim Reiterman with John Jacobs (copyright ©1982 Tim Reiterman, Introduction copyright 2008 by Tim Reiterman, ISBN 978-1-58542-678-2); the authors tell “The Untold Story of the Rev. Jim Jones and His People”. “Tim Reiterman is a prizewinning journalist who extensively covered Jonestown for the San Francisco Examiner. He was wounded in the jungle airstrip attack that killed a U.S. Congressman, plus three reporters, and a Peoples Temple defector.” (from the back cover) This book is over 600 pages. I have finished it and am astounded at the similarities between the events surrounding People’s Temple and the events surrounding WOFF.

Here is the link to the first post from the book which I wrote July 15, 2010- “Raven” by Tim Reiterman – Voice of a Survivor. This review was only covering the introduction. Soon we will delve deeper into this comprehensive work and take away some common elements that were in Peoples Temple and which exist today in WOFF. Please, return to read more from this blog.

And with that, let us remember:

“It is never too late to wake up and leave and reclaim your life!” Steve Hassan

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. Jane told me. Comments are invited from all readers, including present or former members. Polls are not scientific and no private information is gathered.

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”.

Guest posts reflect the opinions of the writers. Their opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of John Huddle or any other persons affiliated with this blog.

Please, take time to read the Terms of Use for this personal blog. As mentioned, for posts written by John Huddle, any information about WOFF is from his 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 445.

A recent gander at the website for Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) revealed a new header on the home page. The purpose was to direct visitors to the article recently released by Charisma Magazine® posted online October 1, 2013. The article titled-“The Art of Remembering” features Nahum Burgeson and the story behind his art work as well as extolling the “multilayered miracle taking place in tiny Spindale, NC.”  Before we review some information about the article, let me give the link and some of my own reflections on Charisma Magazine®.

The article can be found here. Oh, reading this article and perusing the website brought back fond memories of years gone by as well as some very disturbing questions. First off, I so enjoyed the memories of actually receiving the magazine in the mail for many years and devouring the content of every page… I cannot deny I was an avid fan before the magazine even went digital. Then as we moved to Greenville in 1992 and began to attend Grace and Truth Fellowship, our hunger for the magazine began to wane. Certainly by the time we moved to Spindale in 2002- the magazine was off limits and held no content which was meaningful to those “walking with God” and serving the Lord at WOFF.

Let me just say, that if there is a doubt about what happened to WOFF members caught reading magazines- ask Steve S. He was caught reading a magazine at the hospital and put out of the church and has had many years of tough going- to “get back in the will of God”.. or more accurately Jane’s graces. Did Jane Whaley or Karel Reynolds tell the writer of the article- Marcus Yoars that reading his magazine was off limits for the members of WOFF? Did Karel tell Yoars the story of catching Steve and how she exposed him and it was a whole big deal in front of the entire congregation? Is it odd that WOFF now trumpets the praises from a source using a medium that has been forbidden for their members to enjoy?

Next, let me address Mr. Yoars. Your bio on the website found here says you have been in publishing for over fifteen years and were in ministry as a “worship leader for almost twenty years.” What kind of investigation did you do prior to printing the praises of WOFF? Did you investigate any of the attacks or stories or survivors and note the similarity even though many have exited years apart? Did anyone from WOFF tell you that the worship you led was “not of God” because God did not speak to Jane that it was of Him nor did she write the songs? Did they tell you about the ruckus caused by their practices in the lower or fourth building? Did you research the court records for the custody battles that have been frequently spawned when someone desires to leave WOFF or even comes in contact with Laura Bridges? Were you allowed “beyond the veil” of pretense and allowed to survey and witness the inner dealings and strong discipline from Jane to those in her group? Though she can appear as a harmless grandma type, Jane Whaley is good at her “craft” and has been around for years building her kingdom.

The article points out that “Word of Faith Christian School (WFCS) has no art department, no art teacher and has never even brought in a professional artist to help. Instead, students rely on the direct guidance of the Holy Spirit through prayer.”  First, off having no “art department” yet having manufactured over 600 pieces of art seems contradictory. There is an area somewhere which serves as an area to put together and create these artifacts or paintings. When it is said there is “no art teacher”, it may be more accurate to say there is no certified or degreed art teacher. Someone is sharing some sort of direction for the students just beginning, right Ann? The supposed hidden meaning is an attempt to borrow an endorsement from the account of the disciples in Scriptures. Many were unlearned, but, it was noted “they had been with Jesus…”

We should also note the same attempt has been made to covertly borrow the credibility from the disciples when you admit that neither Sam Whaley or Jane Whaley have been trained at any seminary or school of divinity. Yet, many follow them or more accurately- follow Jane- believing she has a direct line to God.  A more pinpointed assessment of the issue leads me to conclude that the hidden danger in all this “credibility game” is that Jane is accountable to no one for the lives of the people she leads and the finances she gathers and dispenses. She makes her decisions about finances totally free from any restraint and purposely keeps from those in her group that could not afford the same luxuries- the extent of her lavish choices. I am specifically speaking of her vacation choices.

Mr. Yoars, did Jane tell you she is NOT a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability? Are you shocked? Would it be worth asking her why?

Another downside the lack of accountability to any another group is the constant temptation to internally rationalize the decisions made as always being “of God.” Case in point, earlier this year a painting from the Holocaust exhibit was entered into an art contest in Lake City, SC. The article explaining the plight of WFCS graduate, John David Cooper is found here. Mr. Cooper was originally awarded the People’s Choice Award which carried with a $25,000 prize!

From the article: “The Lake City Partnership Council suspended the original prize, awarded to the oil on canvas piece titled “Warsaw Ghetto 1943” by John Cooper, of Rutherfordton, N.C., on April 27, saying it did not meet eligibility requirements.”  From what I have determined by reading the comments of others, it seems that the copyright for the work did not belong to Mr. Cooper though he changed the size and the delivered medium of the photograph. Sadly, if he had not tried to win money with the painting, no one would have cared. But, once you try to financially gain from someone else’s work, it becomes a big deal. So was the project ordained of Jane? Anyone who has spent time in WOFF knows that Jane keeps her fingers in anything that may affect her reputation. So, yes, I would say Jane knew about it. Did it reflect the highest insight or revelation from the Holy Spirit? Well, what do you think? Five others entered the contest from WOFF were listed as finalists. See the list here. Why did one of them not win?

How original are the other works in the Holocaust exhibit? Should this question be investigated? Are others from WOFF attempting to financially gain from another person’s work? In my opinion, it could be said that WFCS and WOFF are attempting to deflect rightful criticism and scrutiny of their practices by building a façade containing Holocaust artwork that creates an illusion of righteousness and deep concern. What say ye?

There are other things in this article which are worth remembering and actually bring up golden WOFF memories. However, I must close and write again another day.

 And with that, let us remember:

“It is never too late to wake up and leave and reclaim your life!” Steve Hassan

(Oh, I am told this is Jane’s birthday- Happy Birthday – Jane!)

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. Jane told me. Comments are invited from all readers, including present or former members. Polls are not scientific and no private information is gathered.

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”.

Guest posts reflect the opinions of the writers. Their opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of John Huddle or any other persons affiliated with this blog.

Please, take time to read the Terms of Use for this personal blog. As mentioned, for posts written by John Huddle, any information about WOFF is from his 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 443.

My hopes for this post are the same as for the blog overall. I aim to retell my experiences and inform about the present happenings surrounding this group and others. All the while seeking to spark readers to discern their own experiences and make quality decisions for change. I have no formal training to lean on as stated before.  I do not pretend to be a professional anything. My experiences and my desire to tell those experiences in a fitting, truthful and forthright manner are the foundation that allows me the motivation to continue. For those readers that have traveled this path with me, you know that I have had my own personal struggles when processing the decisions I made that led me to join and leave WOFF. And for those that understand the trials of leaving a group such as WOFF, you also know that just the act of leaving does not bring immediate healing. A survivor must learn to process the past and prepare for their future, one day at a time, all of this while discovering who they were before they joined, who they are now and who they want to become. For a second generation survivor who grew up in WOFF or a similar group; it is like starting all over and learning to crawl while the people around you expect you to run. Recovery and/or discovery can be a slow process.

LeClaire begins by going through the headlines for November 2012 and reciting the instances she was aware of where the controversies surrounding a cult were noted. My purpose here is not to rewrite her post, but, I will share some of the links and headlines-

“ABC’s 20/20 just exposed the shocking truth about life inside Warren Jeffs’ Fundamentalist Latter-Day Saints Church. The cult leader was convicted and jailed for sexual abuse of young girls, yet his 8,000 followers continue to believe he’s a persecuted prophet. He’s known for ordering married couples to stop having sex and handpicked 15 men to father all of the cult’s children. That’s clearly a cult.

Meanwhile, Fox News reported earlier this month that members of a Bolivian cult that reveres human skulls have held a rite to close out a Roman Catholic religious festival in honor of the dead. The cult’s followers believe the skulls have miraculous powers that help them find a job or even help their favorite soccer team win. That’s clearly a cult.

Also earlier this month, ABC 7 reported on Scientology controversy in Washington, D.C. L. Ron Hubbard’s creation theory highlights a despot named Xenu sending surplus beings to volcanoes on earth. Scientology officials deny cult status, but this is clearly a cult…”

She then poses her question: But the question is, would you recognize a Christian cult if you were in its midst? Would you know you’d entered into a cult before you were effectively brainwashed? How can you discern a Christian cult?

LeClaire offers the reason for the teaching in November of 2012, by the International House of Prayer leader Mike Bickle, was the tragic death of a woman who had been involved with a secret group and subsequently murdered by one of its participants. The accused was also a member of the International House of Prayer University (IHOP). Here is a link to an article explaining more of the background of the tragic series of events. – http://www.charismanews.com/us/34625-ihopu-offers-statement-about-off-campus-student-murder

This series of events prompted its leader to again teach from his notes on cults and how to recognize them. After reading the synopsis provided by the blog writer, I read the notes provided by the speaker and decided this material fit here on this blog. In my opinion, the list is not all inclusive and refers more to Biblical references, while leaving out some other aspects or evidence of control that have been covered in previous posts here. Honestly, I believe not every reader agrees with every post I write. However, I believe this material will hit home with some and is worth your time and mine.

Before presenting the seven characteristics, let me quote the close of the post which will allow you to better understand the perspective of the author. LeClaire writes:

“…I’ve been very close to two cults and escaped both before falling into the deception headlong. It’s not always easy to recognize the fruit of cults at the surface. You have to dig down to the roots. Sometimes the cultish behaviors don’t manifest until you are integrated into the community. At that point, it’s harder to escape—but Jesus can set you free if you set your heart to go through the door into true Christianity…”

From the blog post:

“1. Oppose critical thinking versus demanding that people think for themselves: Cult members must accept what the cult leader believes without ever challenging their doctrines. They do not want their members to think critically for themselves.”

It is not strange that the speaker would start with this warning. My experience inside WOFF was that opposition to Jane Whaley’s beliefs was an invitation for a public rebuke or a ticket to the discipleship room or worse. For those who lived inside of WOFF- did Jane invite critical or logical thinking from her members? Could you voice an alternate view or conclusion and expect fair treatment?

“2. Dishonoring the family unit versus insisting on the biblical priority of the family unit: Children are taught to be more loyal to the leaders than to their parents. Women are taught to be more loyal to the leaders than to their husbands, and husbands are taught to accept this as normal behavior.”

This attribute of a controlling group is foundational to life inside WOFF. The family unit is NOT priority. Jane is priority. Members are told that “Jesus came with a sword to divide. That means He divides families.” That is what Jane Whaley believes, teaches and practices. The catch- she is the Voice of God that tells who is divided and who can spend time with their family. When family members either inside or outside express doubt as to the supremacy of Jane’s authority or the rules of WOFF– then comes the division.

“3. Isolating members and penalizing them for leaving versus helping them to do God’s will: Cults isolate their people from their families, the church and society. They reject any who leave and warn them, saying that they will be judged by God or will lose God’s best if they leave. People are taught to make lifelong commitments to the group. Some groups teach that their members must get permission before joining another ministry.”

There is no good reason to leave WOFF once you are considered a member. After all, “God called you here.” says Jane. Jane is more direct- she prophecies misery, sickness, drug addiction, murder, prison or early death on those that leave. If you leave WOFF and tell others your experiences, you are a “Judas.” Does this sound like a safe place to live?

“4. Seeking inappropriate loyalty to their leaders versus loyalty and connecting people to Jesus: Cults seek to connect their members to the cult leader and require loyalty to him instead of to Jesus. Loyalty is defined as not questioning the leader. It is very dangerous, when the leader cannot be questioned.

This is similar to number one. Add this from Mike Bickle’s notes– “Cult leaders warn their members to not touch “God’s anointed.” Do any other survivors remember that one? Where does this come from? When David had the opportunity to kill Saul, he refused by saying he would not “touch one of God’s anointed.” With this reference, is Jane referring herself to be a “King?”

5. Crossing biblical boundaries of behavior versus walking in purity and financial integrity: Cults cross biblical boundaries of behavior especially in immorality and finances. False teachers can be detected by their covetousness and immorality (2 Peter 2:3-18).

Here, we again say to our readers that Jane Whaley did not nor does she now, as far as I know, disclose her finances to her faithful members. In my years of giving into the coffers of WOFF, I never saw a written disclosure or budget or even a written summary of totals for how much was given or how it was spent. Jane said she received a check for $600 a month. She gave Sam $200 and he admitted to squirreling it away. See the post here: Jane Whaley makes $600 a month (sorta).

From Bickle’s notes: “They usually insist on owning or controlling the money and property of members who “join the community.” …(emphasis added)

As Sam would say when taking up the offerings, “Let’s give it all the first time so we don’t have to pass the plates again.” The “offerings” or extractions would be counted and if “the budget was not met”, then the plates would come around again. Members would be “encouraged” to hear God again, “Someone is not hearing God because we have not met the budget.” Who knew what the budget consisted of? I have been in services where the plates were passed at least four times. Does this happen in your church? Why or why not?

As far as immorality, I can’t say I have info about Jane’s personal practices. In years past, immorality has been within the walls of WOFF and I am not certain it has been eradicated. Many indicators point to it as alive and well.

“6. Separation from the church versus a culture of honor towards the church: Cults separate from the wider church and operate with an elite spirit, believing that they alone have a special status with God. They have a polarized mentality of “us versus them.” They criticize the larger body of Christ and often claim to be the only ones truly saved. They view all other ministry and denominations as being in error.”

Jane Whaley speaks as if no one on earth hears God at the level she does. She does not affiliate or submit to other outside ministers or ministry groups. She is accountable to no one. This one characteristic has been and will continue to be an invitation for disaster. There is definitely an “Us vs. Them” mentality at WOFF- do you agree? I saw it, felt it, and lived it while inside WOFF.

The participation with CUFI is on her terms and in my opinion, still seeks to edify her and her work as supreme and special. If the planned WOFF “Holocaust Museum” becomes a reality in Rutherford County, I see it as a tribute to Jane and Sam Whaley and an attempt at a legacy. What is the “legacy” so far?

7. Emphasizing special revelations that contradict Scripture versus loyalty to Scripture: Cults emphasize the special revelations of their leader that contradict the Scripture.

Let us take a moment to recognize the ton of Scripture that are quoted on the WOFF website. However, quoting Scripture does not in itself validate the socially obtuse, abusive and controlling practices that have been, and continue to be alive and well inside of WOFF. Quoting Scripture was a plus inside of WOFF, but, more importantly was being able to present a Scripture to back-up or “justify” a certain practice. Many times it was a long elusive stretch to see a connection. But, if Jane blessed the connection of a particular Scripture and a WOFF practice, then dare you not question it. Refer back to number one on the list.

What Scriptures are being used to justify the slapping and hitting inside of WOFF? What Scriptures are used to defend practices which are considered at odds with the laws of our land? Does this sound like a safe place to live? Remember, “It is never too late to wake-up and leave…” Steve Hassan.

Link to video with Mike Bickle teaching these characteristics – here . Use the “back” button to return to this blog.

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. Jane told me. Comments are invited from all readers, including present or former members. Polls are not scientific and no private information is gathered.

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”.

Guest posts reflect the opinions of the writers. Their opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of John Huddle or any other persons affiliated with this blog.

Please, take time to read the Terms of Use for this personal blog. As mentioned, for posts written by John Huddle, any information about WOFF is from his 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 433.