by msshetty
Posted on FactNet Friday, March 18, 2005 - 11:12 pm:
I have been reading this site for several months now. I was told about it, and was surprised to see that many people I remember from being in the group had posted here. Was also relieved to know that I was not the only one who believed the group, under the current leaders, had become a cult. I was so horrified to read Linda's posts. I remembered her, but just vaguely. The abuse she suffered from her husband brought back some repressed memories of spousal abuse in the Sacramento assembly. I know Beth, and knew her marriage was not a normal, healthy marriage. But I had no idea it was so bad until after the fact. However, there were others that I knew had been abused and told by the men they needed to stay with their husbands to be an example to them. The comment Linda made in her last post about the group wanting to keep control of the children also hit a personal note with me. In 1985, we had pulled away from meetings and, though still sitting on the fence, had pretty much decided that we were going to leave. We allowed our oldest daughter to go to a Dec. camp so she could spend some time with her grandparents. She went down with my sister and her family. When they returned, we found out that, after her grandparents had left on the last day, my brother and two brother-in-laws, got her alone and told her that we were not being Godly parents. They let her know that we would probably be marked, and told her she had to make a decision whether she wanted to be right with God, or go along with us. They said she could live with one of them if she wanted to, and that staying with us would mean she would not be able to see her grandparents, cousins, and friends. Our daughter was only 12 at the time. When I found out, I was furious. I don't think I ever went back to meetings after that. We were marked shortly after that, supposedly because my husband at the time, would not go along with some markings. I do appreciate all the encouraging words I have read. It is obvious that everyone has a genuine concern for those that are still in the group. I am so thankful we were able to get out before my children had to endure what it seems so many others went through.
Posted on FactNet Monday, March 21, 2005 - 1:06 am:
I agree with Linda that some of the ones who talked to our children did think they were doing what was right. But think how confusing this must be to young people. They have spent their young lives sitting through meetings listening to how they are to obey their parents. The first verses they learned to recite in meetings were about obeying parents and "Raise up a child in the way he should go..." We have also told them that the men have their best interest at heart, and they should trust and obey the other adults in the group. Suddenly, the very people they have been told will look out for them are telling them to do exactly opposite of what they have been taught from the Bible. I know I was afraid to become involved with any other church or group for a long time, and I think my children picked up my attitude. Some of them, even as adults, do not want to get too involved with a "church", although they do have other christians they associate with.