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webbieswork (webbieswork)
New member
Username: webbieswork
Post Number: 11
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 68.220.177.145
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 09, 2004 - 12:58 pm: | 
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Hi All! Just thought this might be a simple way to help some of us re-connect with friends and loved ones we have lost track of. I understand many wish to remain anonymous, and I hope that will be respected here. I just know that a lot of folks are "hungry" for news.
I'm "Webbie" and was involved in West Lafayette and Indianapolis Indiana during the 70's and 80's. I also visited Aurora and Shiloh extensively during that time. My mother remains at Shiloh and has been very active in the youth and summer camp programs.
Would love to hear from anyone who might know folks from these places!
Love to all and best wishes for a "fruitful" journey! |
webbieswork (webbieswork)
New member
Username: webbieswork
Post Number: 12
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 68.220.177.145
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 09, 2004 - 1:39 pm: |
|
Ok...I'll start, LOL!
I've been in touch with Donna Johnson who is happily teaching school in the Carolina's.
When I last heard from Wayne Basket he was in Murphreesbro TN and was about to get married. He mentioned that Cindy had a darling little boy and was also about to marry. That was several years ago.
I saw Marianne Muller several years ago too. She was happily ensconced in her apartment near Purdue, still stitching and reading up a storm.
How about the Sallee Family? (Raymond, Tammy, Sara) The Barrett's? (Adam, Donnie) Gif & Shelby Marzoni? Priests? Ackermann's? Marsha and Greg Smith? Cindy and Mark Booth? All the Murray's (Uh, Rick, David, Kirk, Karen, Jill?) I'm not even going to TRY to name the rest of the Mullers! LOL! Who am I forgetting? |
webbieswork (webbieswork)
New member
Username: webbieswork
Post Number: 14
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 68.220.177.145
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 09, 2004 - 8:04 pm: |
|
ROFLMAO! Guess the joke is on me! I'm surrounded by you all here! I love it!
Thank you for dropping me a line!
Love Webbie |
michaelstuhler (michaelstuhler)
New member
Username: michaelstuhler
Post Number: 11
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 198.81.26.106
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 09, 2004 - 11:13 pm: |
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Hi...just so you do not become discouraged at no immediate responses there are afew things you should know. First, people post in spurts on these sites. Some check them everyday and others off and on. Just keep posting every now and then so your site stays up and eventually someone you are looking for will probably post. Also although some currently in the Walk post off and on, I have heard they have been discouraged from doing so but don't know how true that is. Some others who have left will post to you eventually I am sure. Others are still finding these sites everyday. So stay encouraged. |
webbieswork (webbieswork)
New member
Username: webbieswork
Post Number: 15
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 68.220.177.145
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 10, 2004 - 1:13 am: |
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No problem Michael, thanx again! When I am kicking the tar out of some piece of garbage in my life, I tend to be both overly prolific and enthusiastic.
In any case, I'm still laughing so hard my sides are about to split...apparently the people I want to find are pretty much already here. It took only hours for my email to light up :-)
What a world!  |
michaelstuhler (michaelstuhler)
New member
Username: michaelstuhler
Post Number: 14
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 198.81.26.106
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 10, 2004 - 5:21 am: |
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That's good, webbie. Got nothin but love for ya. Good luck. |
leanne (leanne)
New member
Username: leanne
Post Number: 1
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 12.151.176.10
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 10, 2004 - 11:22 am: |
|
Gif and Shelby Marzoni are still apart of the Walk and live in San Diego. I think they have 5 kids now. Are you talking about Laynie and Suzanne Ackermann? Greg and Marsha Smith are doing well (their daughter is one of my best friends) They live in Rock Island, IL and travel to Shiloh every weekend that they can. |
webbieswork (webbieswork)
New member
Username: webbieswork
Post Number: 21
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 68.220.177.145
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 10, 2004 - 2:55 pm: |
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AKKK! I wrote out a whole big response to you, Leanne and then lost it somehow! But anyway, YES! YES! YES! These are the families AND the news I've been dying to hear. I can't believe Gif & Shelby have FIVE kids! HOLY MACKEREL! Shelby was pregnant with their first last time I saw them. How wonderful to know they are still together, happy and doing well. I feel the same way about Greg and Marsha. Marsha was always such a little bundle of happiness and joy. You couldn't be in the same room with her without being infected by it. I didn't know they had had a child, but am thrilled to hear it. I always knew they would be wonderful parents. And yes, Laynie and Suzanne also have a special place in my heart.
Thank you so much for bringing me such good news about the people I loved so dearly. I really appreciate it! |
leanne (leanne)
New member
Username: leanne
Post Number: 2
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 67.42.185.188
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 16, 2004 - 2:55 pm: |
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Laynie and Suzanne got a divorce several years ago. Right after they got divorced Suzanne moved to Washington D.C. to be a blessing to Dempster but has since moved back to Iowa. Laynie never moved from Iowa and still works on the grounds at Shiloh. |
michaelstuhler (michaelstuhler)
New member
Username: michaelstuhler
Post Number: 20
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 198.81.26.106
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 16, 2004 - 10:01 pm: |
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You know...not to butt in on anyone here, but I have read all these messageboards and even posted alot myself. Of course, I left in 84 and so am out of the loop now. But I just read one tragic and sad situation after another....divorces, breakups, depression, sadness, bitterness, people losing everything...savings and all. I know this might see like an almost ignorant question to ask because I am asking it on a messageboard where those posting, including myself have all pretty much left...except for a small few that come on and post from time to time. But the question I am asking is objective because many of you posting seem to be objective people...just hurt people too. So I was wondering, in all fairness and even in some hope..."ARE THERE ANY GOOD STORIES, HAPPENINGS OR ENDINGS THAT PERTAIN TO THE WALK?" It is totally amazing to me how much one group of people...well meaning in the beginning and maybe even now...could destroy so many lives. I know for me I will never completely be the same again. I am stronger...yes. I KNOW and BELIEVE with all my heart that God is still here...but I sometime envy those who have found Him because at times I really try hard and I know He is there...but it seems like I have lost the "edge" in my hunger...that I have really almost given up finding JOY again and true reality. I love my job and all. I have happiness at times and I suppose an inner joy that even though I don't understand the "whys" regarding all that has happened to me...specially when I meant so well...that in the end, I will be with the Lord. Sometimes I guess that "this" was my "lot in life"...the way my life was destined by God Himself. So I try and accept what has happened and put the best light on it I can and find meaning to it all. But other times I really wonder "why" all of this happened to me. All I wanted to do was serve the Lord. I wonder if maybe my family was cursed from way back or something and "destiny" fell on me. Time since I entered the walk has gone by so fast. Then...I was young and had my whole life, hopes and dreams in front of me. Now I am a middle aged guy...even if I look in my 30s..I am older. 20 years has gone by like 7 or 8 years. And I wonder after all of this time "Why God? Why don't you rescue me out of this?" I see you guys struggling and wonder the same. I know God is good and He is there. I feel and sense His blessings at times too..don't get me wrong. But sometimes I feel like He just looks past us and does not care...even though I know that is a lie in my heart...yet in my mind andin my life experience, I do not sense the Lord the way I once did before I came into the Walk. When I was in the Walk I did not sense the Lord all that much but the idea and doctrine of it all...the Walk experience had me believing and hopeful. I knew He was there and I even felt His joy at times. But since things went bad there nothing has been the same. I wish there were an answer..a place to find it all..to recapture my life. I feel empty...even though on the outside I look ok and can joke and write. But deep inside I feel I am just a "shell" of who I once was. Sometimes I feel closer to God because I think He may be in the process of restoring me and my life...but then I also look at how much time has past and was wasted..see myself getting older...not quite as healthy maybe...and I am losing the battle against time here. Anyway, I don't expect an answer here but I guess I am just thinking in my writing as I contemplate this whole situation. |
webbieswork (webbieswork)
New member
Username: webbieswork
Post Number: 24
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 65.0.189.58
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 16, 2004 - 11:57 pm: |
|
Ahhh, Michael...these are the struggles, the questions, the longings that we are all working through. And yeah, it's been 20+ years for me too. This is probably one of the most heartfelt posts I've seen about all this. Just thank God you can feel at all. No joke. Many of us can't.
I'll set up a public email tomorrow and post it here for you. (and whoever else cares to talk off site.) Some of these things, out in the "light" of day tend to re-connect things long "broken." I'd be happy to explore some of this with you in a not so pubic forum.
Hang in there. And hugs to you! |
webbieswork (webbieswork)
New member
Username: webbieswork
Post Number: 25
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 65.0.189.58
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 16, 2004 - 11:58 pm: |
|
And Thank you Leanne! I really appreciate your taking the time to update me. Those were wonderful people in my life and it does my heart good to hear about them. I hope all of them, and you, are safe and happy and loving life. |
mike_j (mike_j)
New member
Username: mike_j
Post Number: 10
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 4.8.230.53
| | Posted on Saturday, November 20, 2004 - 1:36 pm: |
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Michael,
I can identify with most, if not all, of your emotions/thoughts since emerging from the TLWF experience (not be confused with the Jamie Kennedy experience--a much more benign event). I began rebuilding my life about 7 yrs. ago--didn't have any answers to what I'd been through--but figured I had to exercise my independent will to get out of the psychological rubbish. My kids & wife rarely, if ever, reference their involvement with TLWF...and my only avenue has been this place...with the exception of sharing emails with a few former prophets. Strangely, I don't sense any bitterness or regret for what I went through--just a sense of relief that I (& family) am out. I suppose it's the sentiments that a POW might feel--just speculating.
Anyway, here's hoping that those negative vibes don't get the best of you. It's a day by day thing with me...but, I must say, I'm much more whole now then I was when I first emerged from that place.
Mike
P.S. money might help further my healing. So if any of you want my P.0. address, just let me know. |
michaelstuhler (michaelstuhler)
New member
Username: michaelstuhler
Post Number: 22
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 152.163.101.12
| | Posted on Monday, November 22, 2004 - 3:58 am: |
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Hi Mike:
Thanks for the post. I am glad you and your family are still together and that you are working through things. I think the Walk experience probably had alot to do with the demise of my former marriage, although we kept it together for a long time after I left. I think things failed because of the effect everything had on me in the end. I am not bitter. That is the strange thing but I never was...not at the Walk anyway. I was bitter towards God once for allowing this to happen to me but eventually, like you, realized that it was a good thing I was out of all of that. Still...I walked away feeling cheated and "less" than what I had believed I should have been in God's scheme of things. Oh well...lol..back to mediocrity. Ha! Ha! Hey..thanks for the post & best wishes for you and your family. Also...have a nice Thanksgiving.
Michael |
mike_j (mike_j)
New member
Username: mike_j
Post Number: 11
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 4.8.230.53
| | Posted on Monday, November 22, 2004 - 11:14 am: |
|
Michael:
"Oh well...lol..back to mediocrity."
Well, there's something to be said about enjoying the more mundane aspects of life--instead of being engulfed in the grandiose pseudo-visions of the walk. There's no shame in being ordinary...at least I think there shouldn't be.
Have a great Thanksgiving, Michael. I'm assuming you having one of those Tofurkeys, right?
Mike
(who took great care in making sure the *r* was inserted in Tofurkey--lest another controversy erupt on these boards). |
michaelstuhler (michaelstuhler)
New member
Username: michaelstuhler
Post Number: 23
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 205.188.117.12
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 23, 2004 - 5:46 am: |
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LOL...Thanks Mike. You and your family have a good one too. :-) |
diann (diann)
New member
Username: diann
Post Number: 1
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 64.109.19.136
| | Posted on Thursday, November 25, 2004 - 4:09 pm: |
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Hello all! I'm from Kalona, IA and I'm sure we all know what's there...  I moved to Shiloh when I turned 18 and I'm still there and, amazingly enough, love what it's becoming. I wanted to say something to Webbie...my mom and dad are Gregg and Marsha Smith, originally from West Lafayette. They are very happy and doing very well. I read what you wrote about my mom and I really appreciate it. (By the way, Hi Leanne! I miss you. Call me, I can't find your number!) I hope everyone reading this has a Happy Thanksgiving. Never forget how much you have to be thankful for. |
webbieswork (webbieswork)
Junior Member
Username: webbieswork
Post Number: 27
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 68.220.175.211
| | Posted on Friday, November 26, 2004 - 10:36 am: |
|
Hello Diann! How wonderful to know that you are in the world. I have such fond memories of your parents! They were just getting married the last time I saw them. It sounds like your mom's affinity for life may have spilled over into you some. (Never mind your dad's sense of humor, haha!) Did you also inherit her musical talents? Do you ever see your Aunt Marsha and cousins Barry and Suzanne? They were pretty little, last I saw them and would be grown adults (like you, how astonishing!) by now. I guess Barry would be in his 30's and Suzanne not far behind. I hope all of you are well and happy and loving life.
MS...I've been thinking a lot about your post and think maybe that's why I started this thread. There ARE some good stories coming out of it. And it really does do my heart a lot of good to hear the happiness in old friends' lives.
A lot of people have asked me how I can even HAVE a relationship with my mom after everything. But I look at it like this:
She is happy. And she deserves that happiness, regardless of the wrongs done to me. Who am I to define that, or interfere with it in any way? When we were little, she struggled so hard. She sacrificed EVERYTHING for us. We had no money, no hope, not much future and often found ourselves reliant on her parents for everyday necessities, including a roof and a meal. The church, on the other hand, offered her a way out. She's been there ever since. It took a life that was going nowhere and gave it purpose and joy. Even in her current misery, she feels she is serving God and that makes her happy. I don't agree with her choices, but then again, she often doesn't agree with mine. I don't know if that makes any sense, but I think that a lot of us who have left forget how much joy was in the process at the time.
If you have been blind since birth, do you really miss the sunsets? And is it up to me to make you wish you could see it?
My email is webbieswork@hotmail.com if any of you care to "visit" in a less public forum.
(Message edited by webbieswork on November 26, 2004) |
mike_j (mike_j)
New member
Username: mike_j
Post Number: 12
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 4.8.230.53
| | Posted on Saturday, November 27, 2004 - 11:11 am: |
|
My email is lweezcj@yahoo.com This would be a good time for the individual(s) who left a dent in the side of my car in the Valley parking lot (Oct. '95) to come forward without fear of retribution. Your leaving a scriptural reference on my windshield at the time (Proverbs 27:6--'faithful are the wounds of a friend') I don't think was sufficient. I could be wrong, but I doubt it.
Mike |
michaelstuhler (michaelstuhler)
New member
Username: michaelstuhler
Post Number: 24
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 152.163.101.12
| | Posted on Sunday, November 28, 2004 - 4:41 am: |
|
LOL...That was funny, Mike.
Hey there Webbie! :-) Well, I hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving. When you wrote that you were thinking about my post, I had no idea which one you were referring too since I have posted so much, but what you wrote made sense in its own way. I can certainly agree with it. It is almost like saying "why bother telling someone how miserable they are if they don't know it." Did I get the basic point? I guess I could agree in part. Perhaps that is wisdom. The other side though is that why wait for the other shoe to drop before you warn someone. If I see someone wakking towards the edge of a cliff and they are singing with joy but also do not see they are about to fall...should I just let them keep walking or should I yell, "Stop!" ? I guess that's the question and in the Walk it is a little more complex than that because most of these people believe that ARE doing the will of God anyway and would not listen. What I perceive might be a cliff...they might perceive as being something different. So..yeah..I see your point and I think you have a very good outlook on the situation. I am glad that you are finding it in your heart to come to term with your mom's decisions and hope that whatever happens, you never lose the relationship of daughter and mother. You are still family. Wishing you the best....Michael Stuhler |
liamthomas (liamthomas)
New member
Username: liamthomas
Post Number: 2
Registered: 12-2004
Posted From: 65.7.163.36
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 07, 2004 - 11:00 pm: |
|
WOW .. I am amazed to find this site! So many of you have found an outlet where you can bear your hearts and share stories and experiences.
I first became affiliated w/ TLW in 1971 through one of the outlying bible studies. Within a yearI had moved to Los Angeles to find out about this John Robert Stevens. I lived and worked in the valley ...first stayed in the Edinberg House for a few months ... God Geneve Jordan was a real inspiration to a pot smokin college kid ... she would wake us up at o'dark-thiry for prayer and intercession ... then off to "The Building" where I volunteered in any department that needed a warm body.
I married one of the early "Blix Chics" a few years later. We became very involved with the worship services .. so much that JRS sent us to a small southern CA church that needed some musicians.
We then moved to the Shiloh area in the early 80's .. ev en lived in the building after a few months....then later we lived in one of the first resident apartments in the mid 80's ... was atr Shiloh for the first big summer camp .. over 1,000 people crowded in that building ... it was such an adventure ... a first for Shiloh ... we had to stretch our thinking into new territory.
Married to an ex-Blix Chic kept me in the loop on a lot of the inner circle stuff ... the purples .... (let's see if anyone recognizes that term!)
We became part of the first home bible study experiment at Shiloh ... which was the beginning of a major shift in thinking about shepherds ... ultimately evolving into your most recent experiences.
During the last few years God began speaking to my heart... about trusting my own personal relationship with Him and n ot needing the affirmation of others over me ... believing and accepting who He had made me. This change in my belief system began to seperate from my then wife. I finally walked away... 1996 ...(details of which are not that important) unfortunately I was banned from communicating from the ones that I had been a part of their lives for over 20 years ... I am sure the leadership did not want me poisoning someone's mind because I was a reprobate that had left the walk.
When I first found the site .. I took 2 days and read all of the threads ... amazing to read about the impact this group had on all of our eyes ... the fear of rejection ... lack of independant self worth ..... manipulation of our hearts and emotions. I pray for the dear ones I left behind that are too blinded to step outside the cirlce and objectively look inside to begin to see the falicy of how the organization had become.
I am very anxious to hear from some of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th generation ... knowing that some of them have walked away and begun the healing process. I'll keep monitoring; hoping others begin to post again. |
webbieswork (webbieswork)
Junior Member
Username: webbieswork
Post Number: 34
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 68.220.173.227
| | Posted on Sunday, December 26, 2004 - 3:19 pm: |
|
Hi Michael! I hope your holidays were warm and bright as well! It was quiet here for a change, LOL! Everyone was snowed in elsewhere. YAY! Anyway, the post I was referring to was above:
"So I was wondering, in all fairness and even in some hope..."ARE THERE ANY GOOD STORIES, HAPPENINGS OR ENDINGS THAT PERTAIN TO THE WALK?"
Leanne's story and Diane's (and her parents) stories are certainly happy. And in a lot of respects, my mother's is as well. Not that I think it balances out in any way shape or form, but SOME folks are certainly happy.
I thought your reaction to my blindness comment was great also:
"If I see someone walking towards the edge of a cliff and they are singing with joy but also do not see they are about to fall...should I just let them keep walking or should I yell, "Stop!" ?"
I guess that is why I used blindness and color as my example. My mom has an amazing mind and is probably one of the most creative people I have ever known. In her "blindness" she has created her own idea of color and it is far more beautiful than those in the world I live in. That she refutes my color reality isn't really a handicap for her. It's refusing to conceed a lesser "truth" that cannot be proven to her.
The hardest choice I have ever had to make is to, indeed, let her fall from your proverbial cliff. Of course I yelled "STOP!" right along with many others. There has been exhaustive debate about said "cliff" between us. There have been arguments, hurt feelings and rifts for most of my life. The fact of the matter is, that she believes that this "cliff" and the sacrifices she will make by walking off of it will save further generations from having to walk off of it. She firmly believes that it is God's will in her life to walk off of it, and since pleasing God makes her happy, walking off this cliff to what I see as her total destruction, and she sees as salvation, will also make her happy. She heard us yell stop, she heard us explain why. She just has a different view of the consequences and therefore has no wish to stop.
She has honestly warned us that some of the "battles" she will face could cost her life. My brother struggles still with that and refuses to quite believe it. I believe it. I don't like it. I do accept it because I can't change it.
If I were to drag her back from her cliff and send her to a facility that could retrain her thinking into no longer wanting to walk off of it...Would she be any happier? Would she retain all the parts of her which have given so many other people good lives? Would her life hold as much joy for her? Would she feel as tho she had a reason for being? Would my colors satisfy her in the same way that hers did?
OR am I just being selfish because I want her to live in the same world as me and participate in my life and her grandchildren's lives?
Food for thought ;)
LiamThomas,
It is a pleasure to meet you. We probably crossed paths at Shiloh, and there is no doubt (due to the time frame and projects going on) that you ran across my parents more than once. I still find it so odd that such a vast network of people is actually so small that a single board could reunite so many people separated by so much time and distance!
Anyway, just wanted to say hello and offer that I was 3rd generation. I don't post much, but I do check in and read. Please don't hesitate to ask any questions you may have. You will find my story here in another thread, but I don't mind re-hashing if it helps. |
mike_j (mike_j)
New member
Username: mike_j
Post Number: 18
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 4.8.230.53
| | Posted on Monday, December 27, 2004 - 8:13 pm: |
|
webbieswork:
"she believes that this "cliff" and the sacrifices she will make by walking off of it will save further generations from having to walk off of it"
What does this mean? Is she saying that by partaking of a certain type of suffering--which she feels is ordered by God--she is sparing others from the same?
Is that it?
Mike |
webbieswork (webbieswork)
Junior Member
Username: webbieswork
Post Number: 35
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 65.0.171.93
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 28, 2004 - 10:54 pm: |
|
Yes, actually, that is it. This "battle" she has been chosen to "fight" will "pave the way" for the next generations. Her "work" for the Lord is "ground breaking" and "world changing."
You do know that the "end times" are coming again, right? This time it won't be nuclear war tho, this time it will be total economic & environmental collapse. Same end result, different cause. 
We need an eye rolling icon around here! |
mike_j (mike_j)
New member
Username: mike_j
Post Number: 19
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 4.8.230.53
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 29, 2004 - 10:21 am: |
|
webbieswork:
"You do know that the "end times" are coming again, right? This time it won't be nuclear war tho, this time it will be total economic & environmental collapse."
That's what I tell my kids every morning (usually instead of hello). So maybe I've been in the flow all along.
feeling better,
Mike
P.S. If there is a total economic collapse, does this mean my directv service might go out? If so, I'm not feeling so good after all. |
ceebups (ceebups)
New member
Username: ceebups
Post Number: 7
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 64.12.117.12
| | Posted on Thursday, December 30, 2004 - 5:46 pm: |
|
webbieswork: If your mom is who I think she is, Why did she leave DC so suddenly? |
webbieswork (webbieswork)
Junior Member
Username: webbieswork
Post Number: 36
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 68.220.189.195
| | Posted on Monday, January 03, 2005 - 1:03 am: |
|
ceebups, please email me at webbieswork@hotmail.com |
headsmithy (headsmithy)
New member
Username: headsmithy
Post Number: 1
Registered: 1-2005
Posted From: 68.105.241.41
| | Posted on Monday, January 31, 2005 - 7:09 pm: |
|
Hey! I found this website by idly googling myself last night; and since there were references to me and my family, I thought I would check it out. The information you see here about Shelby Marzoni is true. We do live in San Diego, and we have five children, aged 19, 16, 13, 7, and 5. Life is pretty much what we've made it, with a few surprises just to make things interesting. |
captin (captin)
New member
Username: captin
Post Number: 1
Registered: 1-2005
Posted From: 80.255.36.238
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 01, 2005 - 3:45 am: |
|
michael, There is no condition that is pamanent. at times we go through trials but that dose not mean the end of the world. No matter what you have gone through u should still thank God you have a life 2 leave. JUST DONT GIVE UP TRYING AND THE ALMIGHTY GOD WILL SEE YOU THROUGH YOUR SITUATION at time things dose happen so that you will have a testimony |
mike_j (mike_j)
New member
Username: mike_j
Post Number: 23
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 4.8.225.75
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 01, 2005 - 11:11 am: |
|
captin:
"thank God you have a life 2 leave"
Hopefully, you didn't mean it this way. Michael--if you're reading this--don't do anything drastic.
Mike |
webbieswork (webbieswork)
Junior Member
Username: webbieswork
Post Number: 41
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 65.0.184.223
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 01, 2005 - 6:52 pm: |
|
"at time things dose happen so that you will have a testimony"
Can I have a testimony? Sounds like it would be good with chocolate sauce. |
webbieswork (webbieswork)
Junior Member
Username: webbieswork
Post Number: 42
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 65.0.184.223
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 01, 2005 - 6:59 pm: |
|
headsmithy...I can't believe it's been 20 years. Amazing. The pictures in my head are as clear as tho they had formed yesterday.
The last time I saw you, you were standing in the sanctuary at New Song. You were wearing a red and white striped button down over khaki pants and those crazy brown suede loafter dealies you always wore. You had an arm around Shelby, who was wearing one of those long floral sheer flowing things she looked so good in, and that beautiful long hair was down for a change. Laynie Ackermann was pounding you on the shoulder and telling you congratulations (you were expecting your first born) with that big belly laugh of his. You were smiling and Shelby looked like Laynie might have gone a little too far with his jokes. (again haha!)There was a gaggle of little kids playing much too loudly on the front porch. I was one of those unruly rug rats ;)
Hope the flashback brings you a smile. Thanx for the memories. |
mike_j (mike_j)
New member
Username: mike_j
Post Number: 24
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 4.8.225.75
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 02, 2005 - 1:46 pm: |
|
webbieswork fondly recalls:
"You were wearing a red and white striped button down over khaki pants and those crazy brown suede loafter dealies you always wore."
Now see--that's an intercession uniform I would have backed back in the day. Except I would have substituted lime-colored--rather than brown (we can debate this off site if you want)--loafers.
No principality would have been able to stand IMO.
Mike |
chephzibah (chephzibah)
New member
Username: chephzibah
Post Number: 7
Registered: 2-2005
Posted From: 68.223.109.114
| | Posted on Saturday, February 12, 2005 - 2:07 pm: |
|
go to www.houseofyisrael.org |
headsmithy (headsmithy)
New member
Username: headsmithy
Post Number: 2
Registered: 1-2005
Posted From: 68.105.241.41
| | Posted on Friday, February 25, 2005 - 3:09 am: |
|
Webbieswork...I'm Shelby, not Giff. I remember his uniform, but the occasion of announcing our first born puzzles me, since we had been down in Indianapolis quite a while when we were expecting him. He's now an English and Theatre major at University of San Diego. Time flies when you're having fun; and the converse is equally true, that fun flies when you're doing time. |
winterland (winterland)
New member
Username: winterland
Post Number: 1
Registered: 2-2005
Posted From: 205.206.216.202
| | Posted on Monday, February 28, 2005 - 11:01 pm: |
|
First I'd like to thank whoever started this website. I found it very informative and helpful.
I was raised in a traditional church. When I was in my early teens, I started hungering for more of the Lord. I came into the Living Word Fellowship through a Bless In in Seattle in 1970.
In 1975 I moved to Shiloh when construction of the building was in full swing. I was a part of Shiloh/Washington until 1980 when I moved north to the church here in Winterland. Right after JRS death, our church began breaking ties with TLW.
I've been thinking of some of the wonderful things I experienced while in the Walk.
1. The teaching on the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
2. A love for the word of God and a knowledge of the Bible (learned through hours of tape listening).
3. Relationships with so many wonderful people, who enriched my life.
I've been thinking of some of the mistakes I made when I was in TLW. I hope my experiences may be helpful to others reading this.
1. I put John Stevens in a higher place than was pleasing to the Lord. It was easier to look to a man, than put in the discipline and effort needed to develop a deep walk with God myself.
2. I had a feeling of superiority over other Christians because I was in TLW. I felt that the Walk was the last step of the restoration, instead of one step of God's move in the earth.
3. I took a lot of the teaching of TLW to the extreme in my zeal to walk with God i.e. submission, resurrection life, first fruits, crucifying the flesh. I didn't understand the importance of a more balanced Christian life which is pleasing to God.
In 2003 my husband and I went to Iowa to visit some dear friends who are no longer in TLW. We also had a guided tour of Shiloh.
In 2004, we went back to Iowa and attended one service at Shiloh when Mahesh (a visiting healing evangelist) was there. He gave out jig-saw puzzle pieces and said that TLW was a part of the body of Christ and the Body of Christ wasn't complete without their piece of the puzzle. I am encouraged that the walk is opening up to other Christians.
We also visited the Washington Iowa church on July 4th. Yes the same couple is still pastoring there. It is a small, but very welcoming group. The wife of the pastoral team said that the next move of God that will shake the church world will be the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
So I encourage all of you out there to open and receive the healing of the Lord. I know it is already starting in many hearts. We all came into the walk for one thing: a walk with God. I love all of you and pray for the Lord's hand to be on your lives. |
6789 (6789)
New member
Username: 6789
Post Number: 1
Registered: 3-2005
Posted From: 192.116.81.130
| | Posted on Friday, March 04, 2005 - 10:32 am: |
|
I found these threads about TLWF, and I appreciate so many of the posts. Winterland, I’m wondering who you are, if you spent much time in Seattle.
After HOURS of late night downloading and skimming (we’ve got an erratic connection), I think I’ve read most of the forums about the Living Word. My comments are based on the lot of them. Many have already stated that it’s deeply gratifying to have others validate their observations and feelings; I think so, too. After reading till my eyes were about ready to drop out, I came away feeling extremely grateful that my husband and I left the Walk when we did, and that our children were not raised in it. I was a member for twelve years, and we left after John died. We were ‘nobodies’, but our involvement was a choice that we made and I, personally, have only fond memories. I was never subjected to an abusive pastoral relationship, in fact, just the opposite. To me, our shepherds were responsible, compassionate, discerning men. My experiences were only good. I loved John (even though I thought it was weird that people at Shiloh would go out to the fields at night to pick fresh food for him when there was plenty of good stuff already in the kitchen). I loved Shiloh. I loved R.D. and Coniah Chapel. I loved the ministries that came out of there—Miller, Finney, Hargrave, and Cokas. I loved the intensity of the LA churches, and above all, I loved the worship, the equal of which I’ve never again experienced in a church. I loved the Seattle body, my home church, and the genuine love and compassion and concern that was often demonstrated toward me by the people there. I loved the Yakamaniacs. Bottom line, I guess, is that I deeply loved the Living Word Fellowship, the Word that I heard, and most everyone and everything connected with it.
Yet despite all that, the overwhelming emotion I feel reading these threads is embarrassment. I showed the FACTnet site to my daughter, but it was humbling to admit that we were ever a serious part of it. I can’t believe now that I was ever so completely smitten with a religious organization (okay—cult) that was so scripturally whacked. I realize that hindsight is 20/20, but looking back, and reading how things are now, it’s humiliatingly obvious what a crock the whole thing is and was (not what is loving, but the theology and what’s not loving), and how it fed my ignorance of scripture, my ego, and my personal neediness.
Since we were all weaned on the idea that “The Kingdom of God is relationships”, it makes sense that the LWF is a relationship-driven church. It’s all about being loved and noticed and validated and fathered and mothered and cajoled, and feeling special and being privy to the ‘inner circle’. It’s all about having an inordinate sense of importance and super-extravagant sense of destiny. It’s telling that in my first paragraph, I write about John and the people I loved. When the church split in Seattle, the comment of one of the elders was, “I won’t leave my friends.” Even though I vehemently denied it, my relationships with people trumped my relationship with God. It didn’t mean I didn’t love God. It just meant I loved what I was getting out of the human relationships more.
It seems that while G & M are denigrated (rightfully so—my opinion), John is still revered by many. His word is considered gospel (everyone knows that ‘Living Word’ refers to John’s words, not scripture), and that if he were still alive, things would be different and better. The whole point, and I know others have made it, too, is that John led us astray, and that we were not only willing to follow, but we pushed him from behind. John was extremely charismatic, a compelling speaker, and a psychic powerhouse. He made each one of us feel special. Whether he was sincere or not is not the issue. He was sincerely deceived, and we couldn’t get enough of it. We finally made him God, and he let us. I think that’s a classic enabling relationship…
Okay—almost through. Am I sorry for my time in the Walk? No, but I think I probably wasted some years. Are there worse things I could have been doing during that time? Yes, I could have been doing drugs or robbing banks. Did it really enhance my relationship with God? Yes and No. Yes in that it provoked a desire to “walk with God” at any price, no matter what, but that level of dedication is found in many healthy, Biblically sound Christian organizations. No, in that it}} created a false spiritual foundation that I still have to filter today. No also, in that it fed an immaturity in me. When I finally grew up, I left.
Thanks again for providing this forum and letting me add my opinionated two cents’ worth. I’m not known for my tact; I am known for droning on.
P. S. One more opinion (and drone): I’m mystified by the continual references in these threads to Gary and Marilyn’s “children”. Rick and Marti were adults—young, but still adult—by the time G & M married. I know R & M refer to them as their “parents”, and it’s their business, not mine. But it seems a myth that Gary could ever have truly been a father to them in any natural sense, and underscores the skewed concept of ‘fatherhood’ and family that’s been such a part of LWF culture. Gary abandoned his own daughter when she was an infant. So, it seems to me that Gary has never been a father at all except in a super-spiritualized sense that required no commitment except on his own terms.
Blah, blah, blah, blah! Good night, all! |
mike_j (mike_j)
Junior Member
Username: mike_j
Post Number: 26
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 4.8.225.75
| | Posted on Friday, March 04, 2005 - 4:03 pm: |
|
6789 (probably not real name),
Were you familiar with Bob Franz (sp?)? He was with us in Redlands prior to John's death (when he was asked, or told, to leave) and I always had a basic respect for him as someone not looking to take advantage of those under his 'charge.' I never saw him after he left Redlands.
Mike |
mike_j (mike_j)
Junior Member
Username: mike_j
Post Number: 27
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 4.8.225.75
| | Posted on Friday, March 04, 2005 - 4:06 pm: |
|
BTW,
The reason I'm asking you this is Bob was originally from the Seattle area. You said it was your home church, so I'm wondering if your involvement there overlapped with his.
curious,
Mike |
winterland (winterland)
New member
Username: winterland
Post Number: 2
Registered: 2-2005
Posted From: 205.206.216.202
| | Posted on Friday, March 04, 2005 - 11:33 pm: |
|
6789. I really enjoyed your post. I'm glad that someone from Seattle answered. I could really identify with a lot of what you said.
One thing about the walk, it was very easy to fall into the living word culture: enjoying the social relationships in the body, the word was rich so you didn't have to feed yourself, and the worship was wonderful so the services always gave you a lift. The challenge came in developing your own walk and identity with God; waiting on the Lord, prayer and devotional life.
The main thing this web site has made me think a lot about is....Do I have ways of thinking today that I've carried over from my time in the walk that the Lord wants to correct now? I've done a lot of meditating on that and I just want to drop off anything that hinders my walk with God today.
I was born and raised in Seattle, Ballard, and came into the Seattle church through a school friend whose family was a part of the body. I was a part of the church until the end of 75 when I moved to Shiloh.
You said you were a nobody in the church. I was a nobody too because I got to milk goats and clean out the goat, chicken and duck sheds. And believe me, you haven't lived unless you cleaned out the duck shed in the Seattle rain, very messy. That was during the survival focus when we all bought bulk wheat, honey and food dryers. What can I say, it was the 70's
Mike J: B.F. was a wonderful pastor. I knew he and his family very well. The last I heard he was still living in the area. But all of the ministries I had anything to do with in the three places I lived were very faithful men and they were all very kind to me.
I know the walk gave a lot of us a hunger for the Lord and I can tell through your letters that you all are still seeking Him in your personal and individual ways. I'm praying for all of you that you all can experience the love of Christ. It's in His presence that everything happens.
Well, I'll sign off from Winterland. I am waiting for the return of the American geese. If you see them they are due back home here on March 21. Please hurry them along. Bless you one and all. |
6789 (6789)
New member
Username: 6789
Post Number: 2
Registered: 3-2005
Posted From: 192.116.81.130
| | Posted on Friday, March 04, 2005 - 11:55 pm: |
|
Mike,
Yes, Bob and his wife were (are) great, and I have only the utmost respect for them. I LOVE them! Bob married us (meaning he officiated at our wedding where my husband and I pledged our undying commitment to our relationship to God—not a bad thing, I think). BTW, I’ve really enjoyed your posts.
6789 (not real name) |
6789 (6789)
New member
Username: 6789
Post Number: 3
Registered: 3-2005
Posted From: 192.116.81.130
| | Posted on Saturday, March 05, 2005 - 12:25 am: |
|
Winterland,
A fellow goat-milker! I lived on the property in the trailer for a number of years and actually got pretty good at it. Is that pride? If so, we bind it! I never minded taking care of the goats. I never had the pleasure of cleaning the duck shed, though.
I also greatly appreciated the loving ministry of Bob and his wife. They’re still in Seattle and doing very well. The Oswalds were (are) great, too.
May I hazard a guess? Are your initials R.P. (maiden name)? Did you come into the walk through S.A.? I came into the Walk through my cousin, M., who lived in Ballard and was a high school friend of J.T. (married initials).
G.B. (God Bless),
S.S.E.N. (6789) |
winterland (winterland)
New member
Username: winterland
Post Number: 3
Registered: 2-2005
Posted From: 205.206.216.202
| | Posted on Saturday, March 05, 2005 - 11:41 am: |
|
Dear 6789: You gave too many clues. It's like a puzzle, putting together the pieces until you can see the face. Yes you figured me out. I am RP and you must be Sha--on. There were quite a few of us that came from the batch of 1954 and came into the body together. I had narrowed your identity down pretty well because I thought you must be a teacher because you write so well.
I'm living here in Winterland (Alberta, Canada)
with my husband of 22 years, two sons 20 and 18. Looking forward to semi-retirement this year and seeking god from the back of a newly purchased honda motorcycle.
SA lives in Bellingham with husband #3, a very nice guy. N--cy lives in Denver, and J.T. lives in Kansas City. I exchange christmas cards with all of them and sort of keep in touch on the grapevine. My family still lives in Ballard so I do get there yearly. My mom just turned 90. S.A. parents and brother live in the same small town that I do. Unfortunately Bro. A. died of a brain tumor a couple of years ago, but he was a real testimony of a Christian man and he touched a lot of people in his life. Sis. A just lives down the street so I see her quite often and keep up to date with family news.
6788, I'll send you my e-mail address as soon as I figure out how to retrieve it, as I'm just getting familiar with this computer and hubby and child are not home and they are the experts. This has been fun reconnecting with someone. There is a lot to be gained in relating to people that have similar experiences. We really do understand, and no, none of you are crazy. If mlm is still reading; everything you said made perfect sense to me. I feel your pain, when one suffers, we all suffer. I'm fortunate because I have a couple of good friends and we get together a couple of times a month for bible study and drawing the presence of the Lord. These relationships have been very encouraging, as I know we need a balance between the solitary relationship with the Lord ourselves and the imput of other bros and sis in our lives to encourage us.
So let us all press on to know the Lord, his going forth is as certain as the dawn. I love you guys. |
6789 (6789)
New member
Username: 6789
Post Number: 4
Registered: 3-2005
Posted From: 192.116.81.130
| | Posted on Monday, March 07, 2005 - 12:51 pm: |
|
Motorcycle Mama Winterland,
Good guess! It’s wonderful to hear from you and know that you and your family are doing well. If you want to email me at 6789@onewest.net, we can exchange more personal info. Do you still wear beautiful Norwegian sweaters? Uff da! I think I remember your Volkswagen with a heater that didn’t work, so the windshield fogged up inside whenever it rained (which was all the time), and you had to wipe it clear as you drove. Maybe God was gently preparing you for the days on your motorbike when you’d have no windshield at all.
Our home base is in Idaho, but we’re overseas now where my husband works. We both go home twice a year. My access to the Internet is limited, but we’re grateful to be connected. We have a daughter and a son, both grown.
It took about 10 years for the residual effects of the Walk to diminish to a point where it wasn’t a distraction any more. The first years were spent feeling guilty, and wondering if God still loved us. A missionary said, “You sound like you’re very hard on yourselves.” We were, but the flip side was that we were even harder on everyone else. There wasn’t any church or ministry that could possibly live up to our standards.
We used to keep what we referred to as our “Walk Museum”, a collection of tapes and This Weeks and paraphernalia. We tossed the last of it this summer, though we still have our tape cabinets, because they’re great for storing things in the garage. For years my husband had a T-shirt with a cartoon drawing of Miller’s face, and underneath it was printed, “Yes! Amen! That’s Right!” Believe it or not, I still have a Golden Threads muumuu (sp?). Say what you will, the clothes were made to last. When our daughter was five and our son was two, we made the decision to celebrate Christmas in our home for the first time. It was a huge step to buy a Christmas tree.
At any rate, like you, over the years we’ve made wonderful Christians friends and found a full and rich relationship with God. There is indeed light and life and freedom in Christ, and it’s true His yoke is light if it’s Him we’re yoked with. It’s not the burden I used to think it was. |
winterland (winterland)
New member
Username: winterland
Post Number: 4
Registered: 2-2005
Posted From: 205.206.216.202
| | Posted on Monday, March 07, 2005 - 2:03 pm: |
|
Dear 6789;
Thanks for the e mail address. I'll definitely be sending you a letter in a day or two. My address is strhouse@telusplanet.net I just love your postings. I am thinking of taking out a personal ad that would read: Former walk member wishes to relate to person/persons with similar backgrounds with the goal of achieving a sense of importance and super-extravagent sense of destinty. Must be willing to love, nurture,validate, father, mother and cajole. JUST KIDDING
Yes I still have those norwegian sweaters. But they are too hot to wear inside and not really warm enough for most winter days here in winterland. Yes that was my VW with the heater that didn't work.. The funny thing is that my husband and I drove a VW van during the first few years of married life here in Winterland but it was just too cold. We did use if for a camper in the summer and the kids used it as a playhouse after it stopped running. Now it is parked in the backyard and has become a tool shed. Once a volkswagon owner, always a volkswagon owner.
I still have a golden threads long blue wool plaid skirt. I can't wear it as I am waiting to lose 20 pounds. Isn't that faith. We lose it!
It is really hard to read some of these posts and hear about some of sad stories. I feel pretty lucky because I was sort of like you. I turned 30 and was in a more mature state of mind and just sort of moved away from the LW as our church drifted away after Johns death. I was in LA with a group from winterland a few weeks after JRS died and I remember going to one service in
Anaheim and one in South Gate. There was a lot of confusion and so many people praying for resurrection life for JRS. There wasn't anyone to really explain what was happening in the services and I couldn't fit into the hysteria that was going on. I was also in a different place in my life looking forward to marriage and family so we just sort of moved on..
On nice thing about being a little person...remember that term.... is that the fall from the bottom was a lot shorter that the fall from the top that I know others took. I talked to a few people who were in a more prominent position and one person actually turned white as a sheet when I discussed the LW . So know there still needs to be some healing. I've been sort of exploring this in my own life since I went back to Iowa in 03 and 04. So it has been a gradual thing and it isn't really much of an issue for me anymore. I know I can't change anything, and I can only pray for the Lords work to be done in everyones lives. No hostility or bitterness. I don't have anything to be bitter about. Everything I did, I did because it was my choice.I have enjoyed everying on these posting as a friend wrote to me about it in a Christmas Card. It took me a couple of months to digest and work through it all, so I think there were some raw nerves in my live still sticking out regarding the LW.
Thanks again for responding 6789 I'll be writing later to your address. Signing off from winterland. It is snowing again here. It was up to 50 degrees yesterday and the street was clear but we have an inch of snow again and the streets are covered. Oh well that's life here in winterland. We don't even plant a garden until June 1 and have even had snow in July.. Love to all those seeking for answers, encouragement, help, fellowship here. I know there is healing and I can testify to it. The Lord is good.
Bless everyone. |
ceebups (ceebups)
New member
Username: ceebups
Post Number: 8
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 205.188.116.9
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 09, 2005 - 9:49 am: |
|
I really enjoy reading everyones messages. I am still an active member of the TLW fellowship. Things have changed a lot since most of you have been involved. I'm glad that so many of you have been able to move on because I know that there were many wrongs committed in former days. My best wishes to all. |
spaceman (spaceman)
New member
Username: spaceman
Post Number: 1
Registered: 3-2005
Posted From: 205.206.216.202
| | Posted on Thursday, March 10, 2005 - 11:03 pm: |
|
Blessings to everyone. Greetings.
I would like to acknowledge our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, the Lord of Lords, the King of Kings, the Prince of Peace, our friend, companion, fortress, tower, strength, our source of wisdom, love, life, knowledge, joy and victory.
I salute you Lord Jesus!
I was in the walk from 1978 to 1984. I have no regrets. I spent 6 months at Shiloh working in the garden etc. There I met my wife of 21 years, a wonderful gal, my partner, companion, my fellow seeker of Christ and the mother of our children. In the walk I learned about the spirit (real) world and the word spoken by JRS helped unlock the scriptures for me.
Ceebups, bless you. I'm glad things are changing in TLW. I feel sad for the pain and anguish experienced by other people posting messages. I would like to mention some scriptures that helped us over the years-perhaps they could give hope to others also.
1. Christ loves you (this means you!) neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Rom 8:38,39. NAS Bible.
2. Casting the whole of your care-all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all-on Him for He cares for you affectionately, and cares about you watchfully. 1Peter 5:7. Amplified Bible.
3. Man does not live by bread only, but man lives by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord. Deut 8:3. Amplified
4. Christ is eager to sup with us, all we have to do is open our heart to Him. "Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any one hears and listens to and heeds My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will eat with him, and he shall eat with Me." Rev 3:20 Amplified
5. For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. Phil 1:6 NAS
6. This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. John 17:3 NAS
7. He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who is seeking the glory of the One who sent Him, He is true, and there is no unrighteousness in Him John 7:18 NAS
8. but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.
John 20:31 NAS
9. No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. John 15:15 NAS.
10. Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness? Rom 6:16. NAS
Has anyone seen or heard anything about a brother in the Houston fellowship named Mike Wendelken? That guy helped me out big time when I went to visit and work at the Iron Works. Also, does anyone know the where abouts of Brent Finney? He was consistent in speaking the word.
It is my prayer for all of you that you would come into a deeper knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ and come to know the love He has for every one of you.
Blessings to all, Spaceman. |
mike_j (mike_j)
Junior Member
Username: mike_j
Post Number: 28
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 4.8.234.0
| | Posted on Monday, March 14, 2005 - 8:29 pm: |
|
Spaceman:
"I would like to acknowledge our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, the Lord of Lords, the King of Kings, the Prince of Peace, our friend, companion, fortress, tower, strength, our source of wisdom, love, life, knowledge, joy and victory."
Is that all He is? I'm a bit disappointed.
Mike
(wondering if my expectations are set too high) |
winterland (winterland)
New member
Username: winterland
Post Number: 5
Registered: 2-2005
Posted From: 205.206.216.202
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 - 11:50 am: |
|
Mike J, I'm surprized. Is this sarcasm? I expected more from you. You may have to go back to the walk until you learn the teaching about the tongue. Let's try to edify. Bless you. |
mike_j (mike_j)
Junior Member
Username: mike_j
Post Number: 29
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 4.8.234.0
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 - 3:09 pm: |
|
winterland threatens:
"You may have to go back to the walk until you learn the teaching about the tongue."
Please, Please...NO
Not that! I'm sorry for the offense.
Mike |
webbieswork (webbieswork)
Junior Member
Username: webbieswork
Post Number: 43
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 68.220.161.25
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 - 7:23 pm: |
|
Expected MORE than sarcasm from Mike_J? But we have worked so hard to loose this sarcasm and bring it forth into the earth that it may fortify us in the times ahead! Surely you meant more sarcasm, not more THAN sarcasm? |
spaceman (spaceman)
New member
Username: spaceman
Post Number: 2
Registered: 3-2005
Posted From: 205.206.216.202
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 16, 2005 - 11:29 am: |
|
Blessings Troops:
Mike, you're right, it is hard to encapsulate Christ in a few words. We need each other's perspective since Christ is all encompassing. I do appreciate input from other Christians so my perspective can be more balanced.
"For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things-For all things originate with Him and come from Him; all things live through Him, and all things center in and tend to consummate and to end in Him. To Him be glory forever! Amen-so be it. Rom 11:36 Amp.
Mike, this brings up a fascinating topic that could build our faith. What are the qualities of Christ that are REAL to us as individuals?
Some realities of Christ for me are his provision. Looking back, I wonder "How did you do that, Lord?" Another big one for me is His question answering capacity. I love to ask Him questions. His answers are amazing. I remember one time I met an obnoxious man and I asked the Lord, how can you love that guy? and He said back: "how do you feel about your kids"? He sure got my attention.
Do you guys remember the jokes that JRS would tell? My favourite one is the guy talking to the crab fisherman on the docks: He saw a bucket full of crabs with no lid and asked:
How is it that you have no lids on your crab bucket, won't the crabs escape?
I don't need a lid. If one crab tries to get out, the others will pull him back in.
Blessings to all, Spaceman |
winterland (winterland)
New member
Username: winterland
Post Number: 6
Registered: 2-2005
Posted From: 205.206.216.202
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 16, 2005 - 12:24 pm: |
|
Troops:
I'm glad the topic of JRS jokes was brought up. I'm sure we all have a favourite. It reminds me of the Seinfeld episode where a dentist wanted to convert to Judaism because of the jokes.
The story I was thinking about this morning was.........There were 3 monks in a monastary. The monastary was very exclusive because everyone had taken a vow of silence. Once a year, one person was allowed to say something. The first year one of the monks got up and said: "I don't like the mashed potatoes, they're lumpy". Then he sat down. That was all that was said for the whole year. The next year the second monk got up and said "I like the mashed potatoes, I look forward to them". Another year goes by. The last monk gets up and says: "I'm transferring to another monastary, I can't stand this constant bickering".
Does anyone else have any jokes they'd like to share?
Come on now, don't be shy. |
mike_j (mike_j)
Junior Member
Username: mike_j
Post Number: 30
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 4.8.234.0
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 16, 2005 - 3:10 pm: |
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"It reminds me of the Seinfeld episode where a dentist wanted to convert to Judaism because of the jokes"
Yeah...I just saw that one again. If I recall, toward the end of the show Kramer warns Jerry about his attitude towards dentists, saying that he was in danger of becoming an antidentite. He then follows by saying that it wouldn't be long before dentists were required to attend their own schools (or something like that). Good stuff.
Mike
P.S. I don't agree with the punchline to the following joke that appeared in this episode: 'what do you call a dropout to med school?' (dentist) |
winterland (winterland)
New member
Username: winterland
Post Number: 7
Registered: 2-2005
Posted From: 205.206.216.202
| | Posted on Sunday, March 27, 2005 - 11:05 am: |
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Happy Easter everyone. I was just wondering if there was anyone else reading this web sight that came into the walk through the Seattle body. I found poster 6789 on this reunion sight and have really enjoyed catching up with the last 25 years with 6789.
I gave out my email address a few postings ago if you would rather contact me in person. It's really too bad that we have lost contact with so many people that were so meadingful to us at one time in our lives. This reunion sight has been a gold mine for me. Thanks to everyone that has paarticipated on all of these sights. I have learned so much by reading everyone's stories and it has really given me a clearer understanding of my past. I know that the Lord has His hand on all of our lives whether you are still in the Living Word Fellowship or whether you have left it. Bless you all as you seek to walk with Him wherever you are. |
pewordswife (pewordswife)
New member
Username: pewordswife
Post Number: 1
Registered: 8-2005
Posted From: 216.51.171.53
| | Posted on Friday, August 12, 2005 - 9:21 pm: |
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Spaceman where may I asked did you live during the time you were in the walk? |
pewordswife (pewordswife)
New member
Username: pewordswife
Post Number: 2
Registered: 8-2005
Posted From: 216.51.171.53
| | Posted on Friday, August 12, 2005 - 9:23 pm: |
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I was from the DesMoines church Bethal Chapel back in the late 70s. Anyone know anyone else from that church on here? |
michaelstuhler (michaelstuhler)
Junior Member
Username: michaelstuhler
Post Number: 27
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 207.200.116.203
| | Posted on Saturday, August 13, 2005 - 3:54 am: |
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I had a friend I met in the Army named Tim Jackson that was in the Des Moines Church, I believe after he got out of the Army. To the poster regarding Brett Finny, I believe he is still in San Diego somewhere but he is no longer in the Walk. He left the Walk on not the best of terms...as did many, but it had little to do with the teachings...it was more of a regression back to the old life from what I heard. But I have no firsthand info...only rumors. Sorry. |
spaceman (spaceman)
New member
Username: spaceman
Post Number: 3
Registered: 3-2005
Posted From: 205.206.216.202
| | Posted on Monday, August 15, 2005 - 11:15 pm: |
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Hello:
Thanks for asking about me, pewordswife. I spent most of my time in Canada during the time I was in the walk.
Of some interest to "Walk" members during JRS's ministry: My wife and I recently returned from our third annual trip to Kalona, Iowa, (to visit old friends). We were having lunch with someone very close to JRS. He told us that JRS phoned him up one day and asked for prayer since "Satan was trying to kill me". He told JRS that "if you don't get rid of this idolatry, God will kill you"! That was the last conversation he had with JRS.
I looked up idolatry in the dictionary and it simply said "Blind adoration". Then I searched the scriptures on idolatry and was suprized that this was a very serious concern in God's eyes. It is a sin that is connected to others: Col 3:5 (immorality, greed, disobedience),
1 Peter 4:4 (dissipation, malignment), 1Cor 6:9 (disinheritance).
I'm not trying to throw rocks at anyone, just send a simple word of warning (James 5:19).
Yes, I too have faith for TLW. I care very much for the people involved. I know that Jesus is faithful, patient, tolerant and loving and He will purify, perfect and guide us into all the truth.
Blessings to all, Spaceman |
larry_bobo (larry_bobo)
New member
Username: larry_bobo
Post Number: 10
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 207.200.116.203
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 23, 2005 - 12:20 am: |
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Hi Pewordswife,
Larry Bobo here. I'm sure we know each other. Please email me at LDBobo@aol.com. I'd love to chat.
Take care,
Larry |
pewordswife (pewordswife)
New member
Username: pewordswife
Post Number: 3
Registered: 8-2005
Posted From: 216.248.98.229
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 23, 2005 - 9:56 pm: |
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Hi, Larry my email is Cjshel@netins.net |
pewordswife (pewordswife)
New member
Username: pewordswife
Post Number: 4
Registered: 8-2005
Posted From: 216.248.98.217
| | Posted on Monday, September 05, 2005 - 9:04 pm: |
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hi anyone here know what happened to brother Thomas who was the paster at Bethal in DesMoines or his Family. They met so much to our family. |
winterland (winterland)
Junior Member
Username: winterland
Post Number: 27
Registered: 2-2005
Posted From: 205.206.216.202
| | Posted on Friday, September 09, 2005 - 1:08 pm: |
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pewordswife; I talked to someone a couple of years ago who had visited Bro Thomas in Hawaii. It would have been about five or six years ago that these people were in Hawaii. I don't have any current information. |
pewordswife (pewordswife)
New member
Username: pewordswife
Post Number: 5
Registered: 8-2005
Posted From: 216.51.171.37
| | Posted on Saturday, September 10, 2005 - 1:11 am: |
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Does anyone remember at Shiloh in the late 70's when the school there took a trip in the summer down by the Mississippi river. All we had for sleeping was a blanket the ground and any snakes or bugs or any other clawling things that wanted to keep us snuggled on the ground. We visited caves the Delta Queen and many other things. We had only peanut butter sandwiches, and cookies for every meal exept breakfast but, we didn't mind we were having fun and getting away from Shiloh and the work and hot fields of bugs plants and peas beans water melon plants that we had to hoe around (hated that job). Anyway, it was fun and we got to see alot. We really didn't mind that our blankets after the first night was wet and our clothes seemed to never dry all the way. I guess I was wondering if anyone remember the good times. At that time I was 16 or 17 years old liked being where ever there was boys. Well, it's late better stop thinking of the past cuz alot to take care of now in the present. You all know the signs that we all looked for all these years is happening (it's getting very close to our Lord Jesus Christ to return) so, I got alot to look forward to,or should I say we all do. Look how our world has changed scince we all were involved in the walk. Back then we could only imagine what now we live. (think about it). |
louann (louann)
New member
Username: louann
Post Number: 4
Registered: 10-2005
Posted From: 24.153.234.5
| | Posted on Friday, October 07, 2005 - 12:08 pm: |
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Hello, all.
Some of you Indiana types may remember me -- I had been good friends with the Mullers, Priests, etc., PRIOR to any of us getting into the Walk. I am an organist, with two music degrees, and spent time in Waukegan, Phoenix, and, finally, Shiloh (until 1984, when Marilyn asked me to leave, and I left altogether, moving to Texas, where I remain to this day.). I had only two or three major episodes of "spiritual abuse" in the Walk -- one in Phoenix (Brother Tucker) and twice at Shiloh. For the life of me, I have NEVER figured out why they felt it so necessary to stomp so hard, but that was then.....
Nowadays I am Director of Music and Organist for a Lutheran church in Texas. I also teach art at a small college and sell my calligraphy. I am also an Oblate (Associate member) of the Order of St. Benedict (Camaldolese branch).
I have fond memories of many who I met and knew in the Walk, especially in West Lafayette (my home town) and at Shiloh. I was back to Lafayette this summer for a high school reunion, but I did not try to see anyone else.
I think I got involved in the Walk because I was looking for a family, and, ultimately, for a father. My family had let me down (alcoholism and abandonment). Sadly, the Walk at times proved almost as dysfunctional.
However, I was talking with my Spiritual Director about the Walk and my discovery of the various conversations on this forum, and she pointed out that Marilyn's asking me to leave Shiloh was a gift. So was my time in the Walk. There I learned things about spiritual warfare that I could not have learned anywhere else -- things which have proved valuable in my present ministry. "All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose...." Romans 8:28
And that is true. Bless you all. |
pewordswife (pewordswife)
New member
Username: pewordswife
Post Number: 6
Registered: 8-2005
Posted From: 216.51.171.46
| | Posted on Friday, October 07, 2005 - 5:43 pm: |
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I also remember having to get up early in the morning to fight off spirits. Most of the times they said brother Stevens was being hit with ilness and we didn't to fight in the spirit. I remember being so tired after working all day in the fields and getting told need to get more angry in the spirit. Frankly I thought why doesn't Stevens pray and God answer him and let me sleep. I also have good memeries but, just need to live for today and grow closer to the Lord can't change the past. |
louann (louann)
New member
Username: louann
Post Number: 5
Registered: 10-2005
Posted From: 24.153.234.5
| | Posted on Saturday, October 08, 2005 - 2:40 pm: |
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Yeah....I never thought of it that way, but it brings to mind the televangelists who keep asking for money (Seed-Faith gift), that they will then "multiply your blessings", etc., ad infinitum, ad nauseam. If that should work for you, why don't they just pray.....
Much too much focus on JRS back then, I'm afraid. I hope that you are doing well. Did I know you at Shiloh? Yes, we live for today, and for what the Lord Jesus has for us, which is infinite. "Glory to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine: Glory to him from generation to generation in the Church, and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever." Eph. 3:20,21 by way of the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer
And that applies to ALL OF US in the Church!!!!! |
spaceman (spaceman)
New member
Username: spaceman
Post Number: 6
Registered: 3-2005
Posted From: 205.206.49.138
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 18, 2005 - 11:26 pm: |
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Hello:
I wanted to tell you all about a book that a friend gave me.
"Can you hear me? tuning in to the God who speaks"
by Brad Jersak
c/o www.freshwindpress.com
This is a step by step guide to conversing with Jesus. There are exercises and instruction on imagery and dialogue with the God who speaks. It is the best thing I've found after years of searching. I think that anyone desiring a walk with God will benefit. The whole book is based on scripture and glorifies Christ.
By the way, Happy Jewish New Year everyone and may this time of Tabernacles be a great blessing to you.
PS I also know you, Louann. You once taught me how to work the stops on that magnificent organ at Shiloh. Bless you, I'm glad you are doing well.
Spaceman |
wayfaring_stranger
Advanced Member
Username: wayfaring_stranger
Post Number: 567
Registered: 9-2005
Posted From: 172.133.242.21
| | Posted on Friday, May 26, 2006 - 6:19 pm: |
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It took about 10 years for the residual effects of the Walk to diminish to a point where it wasn’t a distraction any more.
Wow! You are a lucky one!
Distraction
I have a distraction that will not go away.
I have tried to ignore it and pretend to abhor it.
Maybe it will go away someday.
I’ve laid it at another’s feet and yet it stays.
I’m not picking it back up at least I think.
The distraction stays and stays and stays.
It is ruining my life or so it seems.
I cannot think, I cannot be.
The distraction seems so very mean.
Yet when I try to lay it on the ground.
The distraction protests.
It jumps back up to be found.
It will not be long until I become unemployed.
Because of the distraction
My mind feels like it has been toyed.
I cannot work. I cannot play.
I am distracted
Every hour of every day.
Sooner or later others will notice
This distraction for sure
As my work becomes bogus.
“Out the door” they will say.
Follow your dream.
Let come whatever it may.
So it seems to me a choice I must make
Like a moth to the light
For my own soul’s sake.
I’m no longer effective and feel paralyzed
Like a spider that has trapped
A poor, poor, fly.
Yet in the web I still remain.
Distracted still
I feel such pain.
Perhaps the answer to the pain lies
Behind the inertia
Because if I don’t fly I will die.
Out of the web and into the distraction
Moving toward
This constant attraction.
(Message edited by Wayfaring Stranger on May 26, 2006) |
spaceman
New member
Username: spaceman
Post Number: 16
Registered: 3-2005
Posted From: 205.206.223.67
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 11, 2006 - 8:00 pm: |
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Hi Wayfaring Stranger:
I just read your post. Sorry to hear of your pain and suffering. Many of us may be able to identify with these experiences.
A few months ago, I attended a seminar on "lamentation prayer". The speaker encouraged us to pour out our pain (anguish, travail etc.) to the Lord as a "groaning too deep for words", Romans 8:26. The intent of the lamentation to the Lord is to be "real" with God, so that we may lose our hidden pain in order to receive His fruit (Is 53:11 NAS). The religious spirit "hides" from God (Adam & Eve), but He desires truth in the inward parts (Ps 51:6). Nathaneal (John 1:47) was called a true son of Israel by Jesus, as there was nothing false in him.
Psalms 62:8 instructs us to "pour out your hearts before Him, for God is our helper". Hannah "poured out her soul before the Lord" 2Kings 1:15. We are also told to "cast all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you" 1Pet 5:7.
Well, I tried this prayer, and amazing things happened. I was in pain from a recent shunning and rejection, but could not "shake" it off. I poured it out to the Lord and He not only took the pain away, He made it possible to fellowship with the people who had shunned me before.
This is still a new experience for me, but it seems to be a powerful key to the release of pain and suffering. I hope this rings true to you and you try it and have relief like I've had.
Shalom, Spaceman |
david_curtis
New member
Username: david_curtis
Post Number: 3
Registered: 8-2007
Posted From: 152.163.100.139
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 01, 2007 - 9:51 pm: |
|
Hi,
It has been a year since anyone posted. I attended Shiloh from the time I was born until I left for Washington D.C in 1997. I met so many wonderful people. Fotunately no physical abuse or sexual. Just like any religion control over the masses is key. Control by guilt, skewing information, or just plain lying. I'll never attend any organized religion again. Whatever heavenly being exsist would be in favor of no one setting a foot inside these so called houses of God. If anyone visit this post and wants to catch up.. email me a dmcurtis03@aol.com. Oh, this is David Curtis, take care. |
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