From: Samuel Vallery [email redacted]
Subject: Re: Monday
Date: November 27, 2023 at 2:23:40 PM CST
To: daniel farris [email redacted]
Cc: Craig Winquist [email redacted]
Dear Steve and Daniel,
I am 61 years old, recently retired, have professed for 50 years, and so far, have hosted the local meetings in my home for almost 30 years. My wife and I have had an “open home” for over 40 years.
I am going to share my thoughts, as you requested.
Yes, we are in turmoil. And we have now been in turmoil for at least 8-9 months, with very little acknowledgment or change for the better. However, the reason for the turmoil is not limited to “the way some sexual abuse cases among our friends were handled”. Far from it! The reason for the turmoil is because of the way that multiple things have been “handled” over many decades, and continue to be “handled” even until this present time. Below are some of my thoughts:
Sexual abuse and several other forms of abuse, victimizing both minors and adults, has been a problem in our midst for many years. It has existed within both the fellowship and the ministry. We now have undeniable reports of this occurring for decades, and now know that efforts were made to keep it from becoming common knowledge by way of denial, bullying, slandering/silencing of victims and their advocates, and even excommunication. All were tools used as means of controlling the flow of information and the narrative.
How many people within the fellowship, even to this day, have an accurate picture of what is and has been going on? Have people been truly and honestly informed? Or has there been a continuing effort to “keep people in the dark”? Can anyone deny that there has been total silence outside of those who “need to know”? And whose right or responsibility is it to choose who “needs to know”? Does everyone who “cannot be part of an organized religion or efforts to institutionalize our family fellowship” know that there are now close to 700 verified allegations of abusers, and thousands upon thousands of their victims? Do these same people have any idea how many individuals and families have left the fellowship, and that over 70 workers in N. America alone, have left the ministry, voluntarily and involuntarily, since this crisis began? Why are people being forced to get information from the Internet and word of mouth, instead of from elders and workers? How is this at all helpful in regard to any attempt at rebuilding shattered trust? I believe that it is simply the continuation of a long history of lack of transparency. In fact, I don’t like that term “lack of transparency”. Doesn’t “dishonesty” sound and fit better?
How did we arrive at this point of turmoil, loss of faith in our fellowship structure, and loss of faith in our ministry? I believe that it is due to a combination of several interrelated factors. I have intentionally kept my list short, so it is certainly not all inclusive:
Exclusivity of Form: Our form of meeting together and worship are the only true way to salvation, and anyone that is not a member of our fellowship is doomed to a lost eternity. Or at the very best, in veiled argument against this teaching of exclusivity: “We are not the judge, and our God is merciful”….how many times have we all heard this statement when people who “lost out” and then died are later discussed? Just recently, a dear little man and his elderly mother who meet in my home were told that by a sister worker that “we are now in the end times, and that people presently leaving the fellowship are part of the great “falling away”.
Exclusivity of Ministry: Our celibate(!), “homeless”, 2×2 ministry, which stays in the homes of fellowship members is the only one approved by God, and any other form of ministry is “false”. Every evangelist/minister/pastor/worker outside of our church is a false prophet/hireling. And the very proof of this, as I was taught, is because “this form of ministry has lasted for so long! Surely, if it wasn’t of God, it would have fallen apart by now”.
Worship of Tradition and Man: Only those who have been willing to dress a certain way, have a certain “appearance”, wear their hair a certain way, and attend Sunday fellowship meetings, Wednesday night “meeting”, convention, special meetings, and gospel meetings are true Children of God. Anything else or “less than this” is false, vain worship, evidence of the “wrong spirit”, and is not of God. And the ultimate “example” for women in our fellowship is the way that sister workers behave, wear their hair and dress. Because one can always tell what is on the inside by the outside appearance….especially among the women!!
Lack of Accountability and Transparency: We like to tell ourselves and others that we are not an organized religion. We have taken great pride in this. But in reality, we are VERY organized. We have a definite hierarchy, from “overseers of overseers” all the way down through senior workers, junior workers, male workers, female workers, elders, and rank and file fellowship members. To deny any of this is an outright lie. On the other hand, we have a totally opaque, secretive system of decision making, including decisions of doctrine, church form/structure, finances, and even unwritten “policy”. Everyone wants to deny accountability in any of this, especially as one moves upward in the hierarchy, but once again this is simply put, all lies. Our framework of “independent regional overseers” conveniently supports the system of lack of accountability, as well as continued plausible deniability in the future. We have thrived in darkness and lack of accountability, and it has finally, but inexorably, led to this tremendous upheaval. There is no doubt in my mind that we are an extremely organized religion, and have been so for many decades. Being unwilling to admit the truth does not alter the truth. If we are going to continue with denial of accountability, and the fact the we have dangerously lost our way, are we then, logically, going to blame everything wrong within our fellowship and ministry on God and the leading of his Holy Spirit?! God Forbid!
Of course, one hears arguments denying the “truth” of the above listed items, but can any of us, in our hearts, before God himself, deny that we were taught all of this either directly and/or indirectly, and that together, they have had a tremendous impact upon us individually and as a group/culture? And when one is born and raised in such a cultural milieu, how can our fellowship and the ministry that largely draws from it, not become a breeding ground for all types of sexual, mental, spiritual and other immoral forms of abuse? Of course, there are still a few “worldly” people who occasionally “find” our church, but who can argue that well over 95% of present day members were born and raised in this, and were culturally conditioned to have blind faith, without questioning anything?
After >8 months of countless personal visits, written letters, phone calls, being an advocate for victims in our fellowship, being an active member in several groups, and still witnessing the lukewarm, milk-toast, reluctant responses to any of this by the ministry, and then the same cues/responses being mimicked by most fellowship members, I no longer have much will to fight on, mostly alone, for what has become so obvious to me in hindsight. I am ashamed and grieved to realize that what I thought I had and much of what I believed were not as I imagined. I also do not think, even for one moment, that if we can come up with a written “policy” to ostensibly deal with any potential predators whom we might inadvertently “catch” in the future, that we have accomplished anything worthy of hope for long-term sustainability in our fellowship and ministry. History will simply repeat itself over and over again as long as God allows this present world to stand.
Several months ago, I decided to neither invite workers into my home, nor support any functions in which the ministry is involved, including conventions, special meetings, and gospel meetings. Unfortunately, my stance has not changed.
However, I continue to feel a deep love and spiritual responsibility for my local little fellowship meeting and its members. I will continue in my role as elder of our local meeting, but I no longer answer to anyone but God. Perhaps there is still a slim chance that if more of us, both fellowship members and workers, would stand up and shout from the rooftops that “enough is enough”, there could be impetus for meaningful progress forward. But I fear that most are comfortably complacent, and have great fear of addressing systemic problems openly and honestly.
I hope that you will find it appropriate to forward my complete letter to all in our tristate area, both workers and fellowship members. I firmly believe that if more people had exposure to the absolute truth of our predicament as a church, that more would be moved by the Spirit to step up and play a role in saving our fellowship. Ignorance may be bliss, but it is and always has been a false facade.
Kindest regards,
Sam Vallery
WINGS Note: Sam Vallery’s letter (above) was written in response to a letter from workers (below) asking for “a little guidance in how to proceed“.
We don’t yet have a response from workers to Sam Vallery’s letter.
On Nov 27, 2023, at 9:58 AM, daniel farris [email redacted] wrote:
Good Morning MO, AR, and OK friends,
We hope you all have had a good weekend like we did. Yesterday morning I, Daniel, was glad to be reminded of Jesus’ instructions to his disciples to “Come ye yourselves apart and rest a while.” We are glad that this rest is still available as we seek to follow Christ.
[General discussion re a recent funeral removed]
On another subject, most of you know the workers and friends have been in a turmoil the last few months because of the way some sexual abuse cases among our friends were handled. Now we are in a turmoil of how to deal with these things. We have people that say they cannot feel safe going to meeting till the workers implement a written policy showing how these cases will be dealt with. On the other hand we have people that are telling us they cannot be a part of organized religion or efforts to institutionalize our family fellowship. Some of us workers find ourselves in the middle of these two opinions. For ourselves we need a little guidance in how to proceed. Do you feel like the workers need to embrace a written policy addressing CSA/SA? Even if you don’t feel like this is something necessary do you feel it is something you could accept for the sake of those who say it is required before they can feel safe being in meeting? We understand these are sensitive topics and the division of opinions is getting greater and we want to proceed with spiritual salvation and natural safety in mind. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Two MO workers,
Steve and Daniel
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WINGS for Truth 
The “end times” for the 2×2 sect appear to be here. Thankfully God is calling so many away to serve him and him alone, not the wührkers. Jesus said “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the father except through me.”
Shane: Correct! Jesus explains this to his chosen disciple Philip just shortly before Jesus’ death. And then commands John 14:17 keep my commandments. There is no evidence they do this; Now.
Daniel: no problem with people not knowing you have a secrete policy of organized religion or as your say institutionalizing the “family fellowship”; just tell them “it all ready is” and quit hiding what you already are.
The only difference is in what you label ‘organized religion’ the people who become members have those duties and all members are informed. So really the only difference is there are no secretes.
Quit Playing Games. And pretending you do not know how to handle criminals and the protection for innocent. Why does your life style need protecting Now?
To Sam Vallery: Thank you for your very well written response. I agree 100%.
To Steve and Daniel: I believe there needs to be much more organization than just a few policies.
I’m 73 years old and a survivor of Jay Wilson’s behaviors since 1965.
I lived in Missouri from 1968 until 2015.
To those who say they want no organization or institutional changes I say this: every survivor I know is in strong disagreement with you. A few words on a paper is only a superficial understanding of the real problem. There needs to be oversight/transparency of the overseers regarding decisions made about elderships, about transfers of workers, financial spending and donations received. There needs to be accountability and unity instead of a myriad of policies approved by individual overseers from everything to CSA/SA to divorce and remarriage to the process of removing people from the church and the ministry.
I don’t believe this can be achieved without a proper group of responsible people that would represent all members equally. Young people, women, those who’ve been abused by any means, those who’ve left the ministry and those who’ve left the church need to be represented by having someone who’s experienced their struggles on the committee. Anything short of a reasonable facsimile of something like this is only going to be seen as a bandaid fix with no real impact on prevention.
Reporting after abuse has happened is akin to shutting the barn door after the horse is out.
I applaud your request for information only if you’re willing to stand and make real change.
I understand my suggestions aren’t the end all be all but a perspective from a survivor.
William (Bill) Johnson
I agree with everything that Sam said. I also agree with you, Bill. Great suggestions/points made.
@Bill- Much appreciated. I agree. Is Jay Wilson a worker?
@Sam Vallery, thank you. You express so well what I wish everyone within the fellowship could understood and see so clearly. There is so much system-wide dishonesty and abuse and blindness and most continue to prefer to remain blissfully ignorant (whether by willful choice and/or by group indoctrination and legalism passed down through the generations, I can’t say). I appreciate your thoughts and couldn’t agree with you more. I sincerely wish you well in your God-led (as opposed to man/worker-led) journey forward.
Thank you Mr. Vallery.
For your as noted personal visits, written letters, phone calls and advocacy for thousands of victims. I wish more people cared and had your ambition, care and concern.
Thank you for your thoughts and the depth of your letter and request it be shared in your area.
It should in my opinion, be supplied to and well considered by every member of this fellowship.
I agree with much of your letter. One exception. I have no hope in this existing hierarchy there will be any “meaningful progress forward”. Hierarchy is a roadblock to progress.
Daniel’s reply I find very disappointing. [WINGS Note: Daniel’s letter was written first. Sam Vallery’s letter was a response to it.]
Continuing to paint a picture of what a difficult position the workers find themselves in.
Reducing your entire letter to a question of their handling of “some sexual abuse cases”.
Perhaps I could suggest Daniel you re-read this letter several times.
Many workers have my entire life made great efforts to separate themselves from the friends. (Not all workers).The “us workers” and “you friends” mentality.
They have private countless meetings.
They sit at the front, “some to my right and some to my left” groups.
They sit in pairs facing the congregation.
They spend five weeks together at preparations, and then choose to separate themselves to sit at a reserved exclusive dining table in a group for the few days the friends are present.
I only mention these few examples to state, that by choosing to separate myself from most workers, I have not created any new separation. Simply have broadened the separation they had already created.
My choice to no longer have them in our home, no longer attend any type meetings where they are present, and having removed support.
I remain hopeful the few will prevail, workers or friends, and will put on the armour to be able to stand to be on the honest side of the growing division.
Darrin MacDonald, your exactly on point with your assessment, “Reducing your entire letter to a question of their handling of “some sexual abuse cases”. Perhaps I could suggest Daniel you re-read this letter several times”. Trying to sweep the entire debacle under the rug, is the way ANY questions have been addressed for decades.
[WINGS Note: Daniel’s letter was written first. Sam Vallery’s letter was a response to it.]
Darrin, you are also dead on stating, “Many workers have my entire life made great efforts to separate themselves from the friends…They sit at the front, “some to my right and some to my left” groups. They sit in pairs facing the congregation. They spend five weeks together at preparations, and then choose to separate themselves to sit at a reserved exclusive dining table in a group for the few days the friends are present”. This is so reminiscent of Matthew 23: 4-6, a warning against hypocrisy, “Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: “ They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them. “Everything they do is done for people to see: They make their phylacteries[a] wide and the tassels on their garments long; they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues”.
Your advice to put on the armor is good. Ephesians 6:10-12 notes with encouragement, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms”.
Sam Valley, you are to be commended. Your very well thought out written letter speaks nothing but the truth. I have close to the same story as you. I am the same age, retired, been there with the open home with my wife, and have now realized the workers and many friends have nothing but closed minds and ears to everything you note. ” Being unwilling to admit the truth does not alter the truth”, you stated and are correct. This is the system that is set in place. You stated, “Perhaps there is still a slim chance that if more of us, both fellowship members and workers, would stand up and shout from the rooftops that “enough is enough”, there could be impetus for meaningful progress forward. But I fear that most are comfortably complacent, and have great fear of addressing systemic problems openly and honestly”. I thought as you and still do. Complacency is comfortable, even if wrong. The system will not change. That means, you except the way it is, or find something that is .much better for you. I suggest the latter. Leaving was difficult after being part of something that has been part of our families for 100 years, but it is something .my wife and I wish we would have done years ago. Thank you for your letter that speaks the truth, and may God bless you.
This letter is spot on and may be the best that Wings has ever posted. I hope that it is read the world over after every “Union Sunday Meeting” on December 3, 2023 and then discussed at the potlucks that follow in many places in the USA.
Sam, I couldn’t agree more! But unfortunately there are far too many who have been “advised” by friends and workers to “stay off the internet”, so they won’t read this. They are proposing an insane action: doing the same thing with very little alteration in hopes of a completely different outcome. For months I have had the hardest time wrapping my brain around “responsible” men and women who have diluted the law of the land to fit into their circumstances! At the very least moving perpetrators around is illegal much less immoral. The entire thing is disgusting and gross. I’m out. I’m one of the countless “friends” who finds themselves in a situation where I can no longer support or uphold any of the supposed standards set by self appointed “leaders”. Thank you for voicing the concerns of many!
Great letter and I am sure the sobering words written speak for many, many people. The words in Mr. Valley’s letter are real, unlike the token words written by the two workers that wrote, “we seek to follow Christ”. These words are typically, hollow worker “talk”. Saying, “seek” to follow Christ, like Christ is hiding somewhere. Like a game of hide and seek. With Christ very present to all humanity, why do the workers always say this type of thing; seek to follow Christ? Why don’t they just simply, follow Christ? That would be much more direct, but the workers are never direct. Their letter here is a muddled mess, asking questions, attempting to confuse the topic and avoiding what Mr. Valley wrote in his letter. Mr. Valley was just the opposite. His letter showed clear thinking, direction and leadership. Unfortunately, the workers are showing the opposite qualities. And, that is to be expected. Unlike Christ, who always showed clarity and leadership.
Dear Sam, Thank you for answering the October letter that Steve and Daniel sent out. I very much appreciate an Elder taking a stand. The Elder’s are the ones who are supposed to be the Overseers, not someone in the ministry, and for the exact purpose of protecting the sheep/lambs. Jesus was very plain speaking when he nixed that in Matthew 18.
Although I am not an Elder, we have always had an open home, and had a meeting in our home (for over 30 years) until we decided to buy a home that was half the size of our family home (where we had Gospel Meetings, Union Meeting, and Wednesday Bible Study). We still have an open home, but not to those who choose to stand with abusers (of any kind), nor of those who choose to try to find loopholes in scripture to justify choices they wish to think are okay (ie: remarriage – because, God said, “no”. Not because it’s our opinion, or we don’t “understand their circumstances”). If it was up to us humans, we would say, “Go for it!” But, it’s not up to us. Not up to a worker to stand for things that God said No to either.
When the disciples were told that what they bound on earth would be bound in Heaven, that didn’t mean they could make decisions against what God gave commandment of, in the name of “showing mercy”.
So, where do we go from here? There are still some in the ministry that are followiing their calling to be messangers, and it’s evident in their lives that they DO allow God’s work within them. There are many who haven’t and don’t and it’s evident in their decisions. It’s been sad and interesting to see the workers complaining about if we do this we are being told it’s wrong, if we do that we are being told it’s wrong…the Ministry is the biggest group of predators! However, the Elder’s are the 2nd largest group on the list. So, who to trust? When the top authorities that we are supposed to count on are choosing to not have God working within. There shouldn’t be a worker that’s considered by the blind followers as an “overseer”, and until that part of our fellowship is fixed, there won’t be a feeling of trust within those who are still attending meetings (whether it’s via phone, only certain meetings, or attending all of them). So, my suggestion is: Don’t send out letters like you are pretending to care about what could be done, until you look to the scriptures and make things right by following what is written! We are frustrated with all the secrecy. If you would just release yourselves from the grip of feeling like you MUST have the power, and allow the Elders to join you, and LISTEN to them, you’d get the help you need. But, when people who love the fellowship as much or more than you do are brushed off because you don’t like what you’re hearing…you aren’t going to make any progress!
We have been doing what we can to support the victims (writing letters, and speaking to the ones who are responsible for change, talking to ones in our state and in other states to learn from them, speaking to local law-enforcement and our state’s Sheriff to learn how we can combat anyone who would try to put a predator in a meeting, or against an Elder who would even allow it to happen in his home, to name a few).
Sam, thank you for your letter. You bring up some of the essential issues that have concerned some of us for decades about our fellowship.
I could be mistaken, but wasn’t Sam’s letter a reply to Daniel’s letter? That’s the way I understood it from the description. If that’s the case I don’t think we should be blaming Daniel for a reply that he hasn’t made yet. In fact, I found myself appreciating Daniel’s desire to include the friends in this discussion, instead of sending a “commandment from on high.”
Thanks to all for your input.
Dan McLeod
Olympia, Washington state
I stand corrected too…I thought I had read that Daniel’s letter had been sent out in October, the two brother workers actually sent their letter out in the morning (letter is dated with the time) and Sam wrote back to them in the afternoon.
Dan McLeod, you are much appreciated!
I stand corrected.
My apologies to Daniel.
Daniel’s letter was not a reply to Mr. Vallery as I first understood.
I will re phrase.
Daniels letter is a reply to the months of calls for real change.
Continuing to paint a picture of what a difficult position the workers find themselves in.
Reducing the entire problem to a question of their handling of “some sexual abuse cases”.
Thank you Sam for your thoughtful and concise letter.
My only addition is to provide language to the type of group the truth is- it is fundamentalist and legalistic sect based on the limited commission.
We are all called to be part of the great commission (Matthew 28. There’s a clear distinction between apostles and disciples.
For those elders who remain and support the ministry to ‘protect your sheep’, please question what will happen to them when you’re no longer, particular to the children? They will grow up in a dying group based in legalistic doctrine with internet truths haunting them.
Bad theology dishonors God and hurts people. End this cycle of pain.
Lying by omission hurts people.
I believe what should be done is all the friends and workers who know and understand that the scriptures teach total separation from fornicators and concealers, should totally separate from this ministry that never was the truth. Those who separate should continue to assemble on the first day to worship and fellowship. I believe all of the workers who separate from the evil ministry should step down, go get jobs, and learn what life is really all about. Then, at some time in the future, if God calls them to again preach the gospel to the unsaved, they can return as workers. Please understand, the point is not to save the fellowship. This group is not and never has been the truth. People who separate are following Gods direction to separate. Those that leave and continue to assemble together, with God’s guidance, can then work to become a true church of God, as Paul so beautifully called the Corinthians.
The workers and friends who wish to continue to follow the corrupted overseers are certainly free to do so. They should not be a part of the church of God.
Dale;
As you have been in the trenches and experienced and are experiencing the ugly reality, your post is of the most, deeply significant value. You have battled the beast, and have been scarred. You can identify and describe with all clarity as Sam has done. They have been weighted in the “balance” and are found “more than” wanting!
We repeat: again Ephesians 6:11. The WHOLE armour of God!!!
WHY? That ye may be able to “”STAND”” against the wiles of the devil.
Your reference to Paul: is the “guide needed” for His Doctrine given to HIM by the Risen, Jesus: who is Christ, our Lord and Saviour.
That and only that: Paul’s Gospel of the Grace of God will result NOW in a “true church of God”::: “as Paul so beautifully called the Corinthians.
Thank You, Dale.
Which makes your declaration: “This group IS NOT and Never Has Been the “”truth””— an astounding reality. Peter points that Kingdom Gospel group to Paul as the reason for the LONG DELAY of THEIR promised Kingdom. Paul was given the Gospel of Grace to preach by the Risen Christ: when that Nation of Israel ‘stoned Stephen’: God turned from them
2 Peter 3:15-:6 Account that the “long suffering of our Lord” is “salvation”
even as “our beloved brother “Paul”
according to the wisdom given unto Him
hath written unto you.
You will notice Peter DOES NOT tell them to follow Paul. Peter only explains WHY Jesus, the Christ has not returned as King of Kingdom.
BUT he does tell them to :14″be diligent”…found of God in peace
without spot
and blameless
:17 “beware lest ye also be lead away
with error of the ‘wicked”,
fall from your own steadfastness
2 Peter 3:3 “do not let the scoffers” walking after their own lusts ‘rob you’
because: 2 Peter 3:9 the “Lord” is NOT slack concerning His promises!!!
((In 2 Peter — Peter has been trying to encourage His group of Kingdom believers; who were scattered from Jesus’ Father’s House “the Temple”; in Jerusalem; ((THAT God through Moses established as God’s plan and purpose for God’s chosen Nation to govern and ‘worship’ THIER Living “God’!)).
Peter is trying to feed and encourage them; who had been scattered and are scattered, yet at this time. This is 30 some years after they had believed the Gospel of the Kingdom on earth through the 12 appointed apostles who were to be “Witnesses of and for Jesus” who had ascended to Heaven.
These 12 apostles expected their promised Kingdom ((Math:19:28)) to be soon. That is why their Doctrine was: ((Acts 2:42-:46)) to sell all according to Matt.19:16:21 TO HAVE ETERNAL “LIFE”. According to God’s Time Clock revealed to Daniel, after Jesus crucifixion it would be “”JUST “((7-(seven)years” = Tribulation))after the crucifixion; Jesus would come as King and sit on David’s throne. The 12 would then sit on 12 thrones judging the 12 tribes of Israel in that Kingdom of Heaven on earth.))
It HAD BEEN 30 some years. No wonder they needed encourage!
Sorry, Dale: it takes so much to explain one thought. But we feel it is so very necessary to provide God’s Word which gives understanding and BECOMES part of our “amour” against the wiles of the devil.
Knowing God’s WORD saves us from 2 Corinthians 11:13-15.
AND would have saved us from being Mislead by the Gospel of the 2×2’s; who come as angels of light who SAY ARE straight from the 12 apostles.
Dale, agree!
I am in the same demographic as Sam. I’m 60, professed when I was 8, have meeting since my middle 20’s.
As far as structural things, our Sunday fellowship meeting is the best thing we have going for us right now.
I’m not asking anyone to sign on to my philosophy, but I am presently of the conviction that conventions, special meetings, union meetings, and the like are not scriptural and are venues where wrong doctrine, immorality, pride, and abuse of all kinds can persist and grow like leaven. The fruit we are seeing speaks for itself.
I go to Wednesday study because I lead the singing and I’m the backup. I love the souls of the people I meet there. But it’s not a real Bible study—it’s Sunday AM meeting minus the emblems. I estimate we are learning 10% of what we could be learning if it was conducted as a real Bible study. This is not a reflection on the hosts; we simply continue a man-made tradition as if our salvation depended upon it.
For me, the Sunday meeting provides enough safe fellowship with others. My fellowship alone with God is the very sweetest. It’s real. COVID taught us that crowds of fellowship are not salvation. Then, our experiences this year have taught us that our fellowship is not “the way” or “the truth.” Jesus Christ is all of that. It’s high time we really honor Him. We cannot count on the ministry to coach us. The abusive structure created and perpetuated by the lead ministers will succeed in preventing this, at least in the short term. We need to seek these things out for ourselves. They are there, waiting for us. I hope the ministry will be inspired to come along with us. I am hopeful that a healthy part in the body of Christ will be our future.
The seven churches in Revelation did not have the luxury of having their heads in the sand. It was all out there for everyone to see and understand. We would do well to take instruction from that.
With love to you all.
Paul Svendsen
From someone on the “other side,” 10% is generous…
Paul, I 100% agree with your thoughts on conventions, spec. mtgs and union meeting’s.. Conventions and Spec Mtgs are places for those who want to be heard in testimony. The same ones every year, over and over again. Pontificating. (sp?)
I appreciate your note Paul. But I do have a question for you. Do you agree with the following quote since You are the elder of your meeting.
“Do not deny anyone communion. Ever. Communion is not a reward. It’s not a privilege for the righteous. It’s an invitation to step towards God’s table where everyone has enough and everyone a place. Remember, Jesus fed Judas.”
Benjamin Perry
Do you allow divorce and remarried people, pregnant women out of wedlock, people who marry outside of your church to partake of the emblems in your morning church? Or do you follow the workers edict that only those deemed worthy by them deserve communion?
Skip Thompson
skipthompsontile@gmail.com
Skip, on your first question, I Corinthians 11:29 settled this for me long ago. Aside from any views on doctrine: how can anyone eat and drink unworthily (or worthily) if they haven’t had an opportunity to eat and drink? It physically makes no sense. Therefore, I have never been selective in who I make the emblems available to. On your three scenarios, I have never had the pregnancy scenario here. I have had people who married the way you described, and it never occurred to me to persecute them by withholding the emblems. We have had people divorced and remarried who took the communion. Some did not. If visitors came and they fit one of these three scenarios, I would continue to just make sure the bread and wine made it to everyone possible. By the way, I’m pretty sure that Jesus didn’t establish geographically-specific doctrine about these things. At least I cannot find where Jesus intended to respect persons this way. I do read, however, that Jesus prayed that they would all be one. John 17:20-23. There’s no question who Jesus was praying about. Jesus told us in plain and simple terms that the fruit identifies the tree. With that in mind, the lead workers in the “east” and “west” still have this on their to-do list. I hope they can make some noticeable progress in the years ahead.
@William Johnson – I have never claimed to “be without sin”. I was simply pointing out that no human (worker or otherwise) can change what God said. We do not have the authority to change God’s commandments or what Jesus taught. I’m also not meaning that Elders (or workers) have the authority to decide who can and can’t partake of the Emblems. My feeling on that is that God will take care of that. Those that partake or don’t partake will answer only to God, so it should be up to the individual. But, I have certainly been in some meetings where Elders have quickly snatched a cup/plate and gone around one person (or a couple) and given the plate back to the next person…I think that’s terrible. But, I’ve also been in meetings where an Elder allowed everyone who came that felt like they wanted to partake to do so (professing or not), and again, I don’t think that’s wrong. We are to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. So, I’m sorry if I came off as self-righteous.
@Paul & @Skip, you mention divorced and remarried people. You talk about this issue as though it were workers who had the say? I’m curious as to why you think that. Because God is the one who said HE wouldn’t accept them (Divorce was given for hardness of heart by Moses, but from the beginning it wasn’t so) and Jesus never agreed that it was okay. Remarriage is nothing more than adultery, and God said he wouldn’t accept people who made that choice. So, no worker has any say in that, nor do Elders.
To henoffour: your self righteousness is astounding. You conveniently leave out the part where Jesus Christ said if you even think of lust you’re guilty of adultery…are you saying you’ve never had thoughts of lust? Adultery isn’t just about sex. It’s about lusting after anything that isn’t yours. Step back and calm down…no one has made you judge and jury… the Bible also teaches women to be silent in the church, just in case you want to take everything literally.
@William Johnson – no one commented on “thinking” they were talking about divorce and remarriage. If you want to discuss women being silent I’m happy to, because you are making it sound like ALL women were to be silent, and that was NOT the case. The women at Corinth were having some trouble following the scripture, so they were asked for a time to be quiet. I’m as calm as a cucumber, but you seem to not like someone stating facts.
Hi Samuel,
It was a pleasure to read your letter. I understand how hard it must be to even think about taking the steps which you have taken. After so long in fellowship and having meetings in your home, you would have had no reason to ever expect things to turn out the way they have.
As a young girl growing up in the meeting, I always imagined myself settling down with someone professing and raising my family in the meeting. However, we have had to step away from these meetings after coming to some very sad realizations about them.
In response to what you mentioned in your letter: “Just recently, a dear little man and his elderly mother who meet in my home were told that by a sister worker that “we are now in the end times, and that people presently leaving the fellowship are part of the great “falling away”.
This is part of the deception in the meeting and among many of the workers. This same rationale for people leaving is being spread around the globe. This in itself shows how organized the meetings are when they all are so coordinated in their responses to what is currently happening in the fellowship.
They know very well that people are not leaving because they have fallen away from God. This is not the falling away the Bible is speaking about. These people are twisting the ‘Words of the Bible’ and using them out of context as they usually do to justify and deflect attention away from the real reasons. In doing so, they are continuing to manipulate and deceive those who do not fully understand what is happening.
In 1st Timothy 4 :1 (KJV)
◄ 1 Timothy 4 ►
King James Bible Par ▾
Warnings against False Teachers
1. Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
In another translation, it says “depart from sound doctrine.” It is the ministry that is guilty of this, not the people. Any attempt to say this is what the bible meant about falling away is psychological manipulation. People will only be among those who have “fallen away” if they stop believing in God; and depart from faith. There is a difference between departing from faith in God and leaving a religion.
2. Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
These workers are guilty of victim shaming and blaming, covering up evil deeds, sending perpetrators to different fields, promoting offenders to higher office and more. They are not operating as people who fear the wrath of God. Therefore, their consciences appear to be seared as with a hot iron.
3. Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them who believe and know the truth.
Many of those who have left have done so because they have concluded that the 2×2 religion has departed from sound doctrine. There is a different spirit operating within the ministry when you see what is taking place and the levels of deception that are used to keep people in the dark.
They forbid workers to marry and be in the work. This is clearly not God’s doctrine. For many years they have departed from sound doctrine. Look at the other main religions that use the same doctrine as the meeting. Notice how the same problems occur rampantly within those denominations.
A Good Minister of Jesus Christ
(Leviticus 21:1-17) (KJV)
6. If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.
The meeting is set up this way because this is their doctrine. They say that the meetings are the only true way to heaven. Therefore, any God-loving or kingdom-loving person who wants to preach the gospel has no choice but to reject marriage to preach according to them. THIS IS NOT GOD’S DOCTRINE. This is in essence forbidding to marry and is the doctrine of devils.
7. But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.
You do not have to dig deep into the Word of God to see how false the meetings are in doctrine.
Many of them knew of the immorality that was taking place in the ministry and yet they covered it up. How many of them chastised brutally the friends when they made the slightest mistake, knowing fully well that they were not in any position to ridicule? There is too much hypocrisy.
2 Corinthians 11:15 (KJV)
13. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
14. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
15. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
People need to put on the full armour of God because the devil is everywhere and he is seeking to deceive, devour and destroy.
Nicky
Nicky:
You refer to the term ‘a falling away’. This is a term that is used with much glee by the ministry of the 2×2 religion; even if they try to be very sad and sorrowful . Several are guilty of this twisting of God’s word.
You must read 2 Thessalonians 2:1 after you understand
1 Thess. 4:13 – :18… Some label this the record of the future “Rapture of the Church of the Grace of God” while this scripture :17 uses the term “caught up” together indicating the dead believers and those alive will be caught up together to meet the Lord in the air, and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
(This is NOT a Doctrine believed by the 2×2 way, as they do not NOT believe Ephesians 3:2 the Dispensation of the Grace of God, which is given to Paul to you-ward((for the Ephesians -:1 for you Gentiles).
Ephesians 3:3 Paul explains the “dispensation of Grace of God” was revealed by Jesus Christ(:1)he made Known unto me(Paul) the “mystery”
:4. Where by, when ye read, ye may UNDERSTAND my knowledge in
the “mystery of Christ”. You must read thru :9 to understand
Now back to the “falling away” and the “caught-up’
2 Thessalonians 2:1. you read this carefully considering Verse :1 (refers to the Promise of 1 Thess.3:17) the “coming of our Lord Jesus Christ”
by our “gathering together unto Him”. (that is a beautiful Hope and promise)
You read verse :2 (the reason you not be soon shaken or troubled). O.K., now you keep in the subject Paul is discussing to reassure the church of the Thessalonians THAT the Jews ((2 Thess. 1:6-:9))who were of the KINGDOM Gospel and trying to destroy the faith of the Thessalonians in their Gospel of Grace.
And NOW read 2 Thess. 2:3 Let no man(not even those Jews in 1st chapter) “deceive you” by any means
WHY? :3 for that “DAY” = 2 Thess. 1:7 – :9 for the Kingdom for Nation of Israel shall NOT come “except = until after” = or as prophesied THAT DAY is Revelation 19:11-:21. cannot happen until there come a falling away = in original Greek “a DEPARTURE” FIRST
What is that DEPARTURE? You Must Stay in context of the sentence :1-:2
2 Thess. 2:1 coming of our Lord Jesus Christ :1(b) and our gathering unto him. That is the promise of God through Paul to those who were believers Of the Gospel of the Grace of God!
AND what comes next after the DEPARTUE: verse 3 and that man of sin be revealed, the “;son of perdition” stay in context of the sentence :3 – :4
So that sister worker with great glee Takes a great promise of great Joy and assurance for God’s church of Thessalonians and twist it to strike fear in her faithful listeners of her false Gospel doctrine.
Hi Astounded,
Thanks for yours! Yes, in the meetings they use the term ‘falling away’ with much glee. It is a way for them to shift the blame to other people for not having faith. However, it has nothing to do with walking away from false religion.
I read the chapters you mentioned often and have shared them myself before. Yes ‘caught up’ refers to the catching away of the saints which is very clear in the scripture.
1st Thessalonians 4: 16-18 (KJV)
The Return of the Lord
16. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
18. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
This is the “rapture” right here. People alive would be changed in the twinkling of an eye and be caught up. Notice that the Lord does not actually come on the ground but stays in the air.
1st Corinthians 15: 50-54 (KJV)
(50. Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
51. Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
52. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
53. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
54. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. )
In the book of Revelation, it tells us that he would make another appearance apart from the one in the air.
Revelation 19: 14-16
The Rider on the White Horse
14. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
15. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
16. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
Now in terms of the “falling away” it comes from the Greek word “ἀποστασία apostasía, ap-os-tas-ee’-ah; feminine of the same as G647; defection from truth (properly, the state) (“apostasy”):—falling away, forsake.”
Here is a link to Strong’s Concordance:
https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g646/kjv/tr/0-1/
When you read the chapter references it refers to the children of Israel falling away and worshipping false gods but it also applies to the Gentiles falling away from the “Truth” as in Jesus NOT “the religious movement 2×2.”
We can see it in the world where Bibles have been taken out of school, certain abominable things have crept into the churches and more.
However, as you mentioned before the “workers” use it as a blackmail and manipulation tool. They term themselves the “truth” so therefore leaving their false religion is somehow falling away from the real “Truth” which is in Jesus.
Satan has twisted the Words of God from the very beginning and it has meant death and suffering. Twisting the Words of God of God will also lead to spiritual death for many.
In terms of Salvation: It is by Grace through faith alone
The meeting does not believe in Salvation by grace through faith alone because they are all about works. They do not rightly divide scripture.
Paul’s revelation is clear:
The Resurrection of Christ
1. Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2. By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4. And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Notice that the true gospel is in verses 3 and 4 and how Paul maintains that it is according to the scriptures. If the workers made people aware that salvation was by grace alone through faith alone in the death and resurrection of his son Christ Jesus for our sins, they would lose their power over the people. How can you keep people tied to a religion where you can be in their homes and control them, abuse their children and they still keep coming to you if they know that they can take faith in God with them wherever they go and do not have to stay in an abusive church system?
This is the reason they do not want people to use the spirit of discernment that God has given them and listen to other preachers outside. It is like a communist government controlling the news media. Therefore, they can control what the people know and believe. It is more about keeping people deceived and controllable than about protection.
When the Bible mentions that “faith without works is dead” it is talking about the fruit of the spirit that works in us through the Holy Spirit. When we believe and receive Jesus into our lives the righteousness that is in him is imputed unto us. We are not righteous in ourselves no matter what we do but we receive his righteousness and this separates us and His Holy Spirit working in us saves us from sin. It does not mean that we would not fail but not presumptuously. It would be like a dog going back to his vomit and crucifying Christ all over again and for this, it tells us that there remains no more sacrifice.
Therefore, it is not about just saying that we believe in Jesus but it is seeing that righteousness that was in him working in our lives as we are transformed as believers in him.
There is nothing we can do to receive salvation. In the Old Testament we see how so many died because they could not perfect the works and neither can we. This is why we are thankful for Jesus and the Grace that we receive through faith unless many of us would fail to enter into his Kingdom.
The Catholic Church believes in Salvation through works. The meetings have more in common with the Catholic Church than people realize.
In the link below there is an amazing explanation of why “salvation through works” is a false doctrine.
The title is the ‘The Pope and The Papacy’ it gives a lot more than just this but it is all good for those of us to whom Christ has given discerning spirit and are not bound by false doctrine.
Nicky, in your first paragraph you meantion those “Dead Believers”. That verse is NOT talking about people who have walked away from God. It is talking about those who DID believe and followed Jesus, and have passed on to rest, and are awaiting Jesus return.
I’m not sure how it go started, but I get so wigged out over people saying when someone passes away, “they’ve gone on to their reward” or “they’ve gone to heaven”…it’s true that your choices are now sealed forever and there’s nothing more you can do to prove your love for God or to have a change of heart. It’s too late. No one has gone to Heaven, or how would the “dead in christ” rise from their graves when Jesus returns? There are many references throughout the Bible where it talks of those who “rest in him”. That isn’t referring to anyone currently living.
I understand you are angry, I am too. But, not filled with hate. Things are not being handled correctly in most parts of the world, I get that. But, God is still on the throne, with Jesus on His right hand, desperately wanting to help us…if we will just humble ourselves and ask for help! Our Bible Studies a couple years ago made me very aware that God often left things to get ugly and to the point of most thinking that there was no help or anything that could possibly be done to fix things…and that’s when HE did. Because NOTHING is too great for him.
I’m sorry you’ve had workers that haven’t been what they should have been. They are human, and without them allowing God’s work, they are not going to act with the help of the Spirit of God. I know some who absolutely do, and others that absolutely do not, and it’s sickening. Just leave the work if you aren’t going to take time to read and pray!!
Anyways, I hope you can find peace, and rest unto your soul. That’s what God wants for all His children.
@henoffour. Loved your post.
Nicky
I don’t know who you are but I wish I did. I could have written this letter word for word, I have been saying these things for years, but they have been falling on deaf ears.
I would gladly put my name to this but the other partner in my marriage would not want me to say this publicly, even though aware of my feelings. I will respect that.
Thank you for writing this, hope it helps to wake some people up.
Hard to take no doubt, but it needs to be said,.
Hi, No Confidence
I have been saying it for many years myself. It is good to have feedback from other awake people. The saddest thing is when I see so many people still submitting to the conditioning and manipulation. However, God is in charge! Even what Samuel mentioned in his letter and I quote, “I was taught, is because “this form of ministry has lasted for so long! Surely, if it wasn’t of God, it would have fallen apart by now”.”
I was speaking to someone outside of the US a few months ago and they mentioned being taught the same thing. Another example of coordinated responses. The person said to me that if this was the case “the Catholic church has also lasted for a long time, even longer. Does that make it right?” Food for thought! These people open their mouths and utter programmed responses and do not seem to get their words from the Holy Spirit.
Anyway, we can keep praying for God to open the eyes of many more. It was God’s work in the way that Dean Bruer was taken. He awesomely exposed the whole business. They haven’t been able to bury this one no matter how much they have tried. In one field they had to change about four workers within as many months because they all had allegations against them. Everyone has a story or know someone who has.
Take care
Nicky
Thank you Nicky,
Pretty hard to go to meetings and pretend everything is ok, when it clearly is not. No one wants to talk about it, and some have said well , it’s all being taken care of now 😳
Spoke to someone recently who said the same thing, if God wasn’t in it, surely it would fall apart. I also pointed to the Catholic Church, whose doctrine and ways I believe to be wrong, and said they are still going strong……
I am appalled at the lack of concern and action ,concerning this horrendous abuse.
IT’s though most people are lulled to sleep, or hypnotized.
Does the enemy have sooo many people under his spell? Just sayin .
Please everyone, wake up , pray incessantly for God to send help.
Most workers don’t seem to see the seriousness or the magnitude of this disaster, nor many of the friends.
Disheartening, discouraging and disgusting.
The names of these workers and overseers needs to be put out there and the areas where they were.
Still covering 😳we owe it to the victims to speak out. We owe it to ourselves if we are honest.
We owe it to God who is depending on us to protect his little ones and remove evil amongst us.
Nicky, you are spot on. Your post needs no additional adjustment. Very well written and there is no disagreement that can be sensibly made. You wrote and are absolutely correct with, “Notice that the true gospel is in verses 3 and 4 and how Paul maintains that it is according to the scriptures. If the workers made people aware that salvation was by grace alone through faith alone in the death and resurrection of his son Christ Jesus for our sins, they would lose their power over the people. How can you keep people tied to a religion where you can be in their homes and control them, abuse their children and they still keep coming to you if they know that they can take faith in God with them wherever they go and do not have to stay in an abusive church system?”. Well said and thank you for your input.
Nicky:
What a breath of fresh air. You just remove ALL the present polluted oxygen. Yes, you gave a very concise and clear, straight from God’s Word: exact reading of the present and ONLY Now Gospel by which any Man can Now be saved!: The “Gospel of Grace” of God.!
Thank you. ((Each one who reads Nicky’s Post must push the copy button and save her Post)) Or POP OUT your phone and take picture
The “Gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth” WAS the Gospel Jesus in His Humanity AND Humility came preaching to that Chosen Nation of Israel for 31/2 years.
Why? To bring that Nation back to God, so they could be a Nation of Priest to ALL Gentile Nations. (Exodus 19:5, :6)
That very Government of Israel rejected God, himself; Hosea 5:15.
That very Government rejected Jesus, God the Son.
That very Government rejected the Holy Spirit they saw in Stephen.
Result: Romans 11:7 -:11
God with-drew THAT “Kingdom Gospel” for season.
Reason: Romans 11:11 – :15
AND Romans 11:25(c) explains very concisely THAT after the “Rapture”= (Departure) “until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in (of the Gospel of the Grace of God-Church is the fulness)
Romans 11:25(b) ‘that blindness is happened to Israel “UNTIL” next c
:26 AND so all Israel shall be saved!!!!
:27 For this is my “covenant” unto them….
You have explained so simply and clearly that we hate to interject a fact about the use of “a falling away” in 2 Thessalonians 2:3.
That greek term “a falling away” used elsewhere is translated into English as “a departure”. That also is in context with verse 1:.
2 Thess. 2:3 for “that day” ‘refers back to’
and ‘is in context’ with 2 Thess. 1:7 thru :10
We too looked into Strong’s Concordance. Yes, pray God to open eyes of many more.
Nicky, we very much would like to know you. Please ask Wings for our E-mail.
IF, To Love God is to Denounce Evil
Then to accept evil is to Denounce God.
Tom Landon,
Short and sweet but very true!
Henoffour
The key takeaway is that God knows the real ‘Truth’. All those who try to pervert HIS TRUTH and control what his people know and believe will be judged by him.
God will always expose evil agendas and corrupt leaders. His hands are not short, he can can reach and expose them wherever they are. They is an old saying: Time is longer than twine (rope). It is always just a matter of time before deceit and deception is exposed.
Nicky
Henoffour
Correction: There is an old saying, Time is longer than twine (rope).