Sandra Norris – Religious Cults Info ~ Resources, Answers and Hope

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

Admin — Tue, 06 Feb 2018 07:13:08 +0000

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.

Go over to the WOFF version and their timer is different, but we can do the math. Picking up the timer at 15:23 with “…responsible before God and all I want to do is be a blessing to people…” The reference to the Fenner case is cut out. What does this say about Sandra’s words? More accurately; what does this say about what Jane Whaley thought about Sandra’s words?

John, you already wrote about Sandra’s mention of the Fenner case. Yes, and now we know WOFF has hidden the reference which makes it all the more of a curiosity. Is it an admission that Sandra may have crossed the line? As Jim Bishop leaves his unedited version for the whole world to view, has WOFF asked him to edit his upload of the show?

On a more serious note, reports are getting back to me that Jane is back to her demeaning, destructive and caustic ways when it comes to the children. Sources liken Jane’s actions during a recent service to the way she behaved five years ago. I fear for the children which includes my grandson.

For those who read this and are still inside the WOFF web, act now and courageously face the pain of separation. Jane uses the fear of what will happen once you leave her making the pain of separation from family and friends the chain that keeps you there in the confines of WOFF. She touts the consequences of leaving her as leaving God Himself. You need to know that if someone has to use fear to keep you a part of their group then the foundation of that group is not love as is portrayed. There is definitely a struggle for many to leave the only place they have known. So, if you stay will things get better? What consequences will come for staying in such a volatile group? Do you believe the way Jane treated the children in the recent service is God’s love? Was your child one of the ones berated and shamed and forced to leave the sanctuary?

I will write more on the power of the pain of separation as I believe it is one of the keys to Jane’s power over so many members.

Yes, for certain, 2017 was a banner year to use a biblical term- “lifting the skirt” of WOFF. I am not sure the revelations have stopped. 2018 could add more understanding to the true nature of the WOFF closed subculture.

Follow this blog on Twitter- @religiouscults
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/johnhuddleauthor

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 and Josh confirmed it.

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.

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

Admin — Thu, 01 Feb 2018 09:10:38 +0000

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.

During the Wednesday morning broadcast, Sandra spoke for several minutes extolling the happy life she has lived and continues to live as a member of WOFF. “Miss Norris” went into detail about her education background and teaching career; her students who love her and her parents who attend WOFF. Sandra’s father is the brother to Jane Whaley’s mother. Sandra made it very clear she has been a faithful Word of Faith Fellowship member from “the very beginning days of the church.”

Miss Norris makes a point to mention her observations about Jane Whaley which include characterizing Jane as a Proverbs 31 woman. She says Jane never takes money from people, she gives it. Adding to her discourse, she explains during her teaching days, she always wrote “Revelation 21:8” on her board, explaining to her students- there are no liars in heaven. While explaining her experience at the school run by WOFF, she exclaims, “I would never be a part of a cult or abuse… I am appalled…”

After mentioning her knowledge of the Coopers and saying they were “never abused”, she explains the support she has received during family crisis situations. Mark Morris interjects some background on the Cooper family and that a few of them have been mentioned in the Associated Press articles. Sandra says of the Coopers, “…they have so attacked…”

Again, she declares there never has been abuse in the (WOFF) school. Adding she is on the Board there…

Then she mentions “… the Fenner case, I was there, I know truth. And I’m just appalled. My students can tell you, Revelation 21:8. There will be no liars in heaven….”

Here is where things become dicey. Anyone listening can tell she is not calling the five defendants in the Fenner case – liars. She is calling Matthew Fenner (by inference) and the Coopers directly- liars.

The gag order does not prohibit anyone from calling the Coopers – liars. What it does prohibit is anyone named “from discussing this (Fenner) case with any member of the press.”

Sandra Norris establishes herself as an authority to be believed when it comes to life at WOFF and then declares as far as the Fenner case, “I was there, I know truth…” Abuse is not part of our lifestyle.

At least one member of the press was present for her discussion and who knows how many others heard her or will hear her strong opinions surrounding the Fenner case? Does her dogmatic assertion of no abuse at WOFF while directly referencing the Fenner case qualify as a violation of the Court imposed gag order? Is there any way to measure how such reckless comments will hinder future jury selection? What will this action, no matter how well intended, do to “the integrity of the trial(s)”?

I believe it is time for the Honorable Judge Gary Gavenus to be informed so he can weigh in on the matter. If we are to believe Mark Morris’ declaration that the listeners are now hearing truth(!) – then, the negative effects on the integrity of the whole legal process surrounding the Fenner case should be a great concern.

Which is it, Mark? Are the listeners far and wide being greatly swayed by your truth-filled programs or are you over-stating your effectiveness? Your listeners are potential jurors. Your good name, reputation and maybe your legal career all rest on your answer. If Sandra’s testimony has a great effect on Rutherford County and wherever the Internet reaches – which includes other members of the press, then has she violated the Court order? What is truth? Judge Gavenus issued the order and I hope he answers the question for us.

Follow this blog on Twitter- @religiouscults
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/johnhuddleauthor

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

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.

Scripture references are Amplified Version unless otherwise noted.