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A sad report, for sure, outandabout. But unfortunately, probably not all that uncommon. It was far too easy to think what we were doing "for the ministry" was doing something for God. Which naturally led to thinking that if you weren't doing something good or profitable for the ministry, what use are you to God? (No matter what distance there did or didn't happen to be between you and "the ministry.")

Hi everyone, In August 1984, since I'd had in-house training at The Way in Aramaic over the years, and I was a loyal 2nd Corps grad, I was invited to work on the biblical research team at Headquarters with Walter J. Cummins, Bernita Jess, John Schoenheit, and others. It was an "exciting time" in research ... we were getting ready to publish the long-worked-on Aramaic concordance (we did that the following year). But George Jess was dying in the hospital when I arrived at HQ, and he passed away November '84. Sad time for Bernita. For all of us who loved him. He was the first director of the Way Corps, a gentle man, although was misled like the rest of us about VP. In the research room I was surrounded by other members of the team who, in recent years, had published books for Wierwille but it was his name on the cover, not theirs. When I joined the HQ research team, LCM had been president for two years. Less than a year later, in May 1985, V.P. Wierwille died and took many, but not all, of his secrets with him ... Oops, this thread asked for memories about 1981 - 1984. VPW died in 85. If you want, you can read about more of my experiences in TWI from 1970 - 1987 in my memoir coming out next month: Undertow: My Escape from the Fundamentalism and Cult Control of The Way International Cheers, Charlene

Mr. T-Bone, thanks for understanding why I don't wanna hash on the trinity thing. I have posted some issues on the REV which have been addressed per the content and not the folks at STF, for which, I am thankful to the posters. My thanks to DWBH for getting me back into reading more of the gospels than the Pauline Episteles; it's a good thing, reading the words of Christ. Am sure though that DWBH would not approve of reading the REV as much as other versions: outside the REV it's mostly the KJV and prior to posting, I have to go on line to reference the many other versions, NIV, etc. The thing is, in the REV commentary those other versions are already referenced. I think the REV commentary does a good job referencing other texts, et.al. and gives the credit, unlike the manners of TWI that leaves it up to the reader and that they will assume it was TWI that did all the research. I read the REV on a daily basis and even though I have some concerns where I think JS has made leaps to the conclusion I don't post those as they seem ambiguous, mostly trinity issues so I just let that slide. Like I stated, discussions/debates on the trinity are "futile". T-Bone, thanks for your acceptance and open mindedness to my posts. The matter of the trinity must never deter one from talking the word and appreciation of Christian fellowship. Most of my family are Trinitarians, yet, on Christmas, in their Lutheran church with a very fantastic pastor, I just appreciate the fellowship and beauty of the moment (only my brother and sons know that I don't believe in the trinity). I once learned a lesson over 40 years ago when I tried to teach my folks about 4 crucified - What a mistake. Yes, I got way off topic and began to spew. Any further posts I have for the doctrinal forum will be a new topic/thread and then I will stipulate my references, i.e. REV, KJV,NIV, etc.. since the forum is not about source as much as it is about substance unless I have a particular question with a version, i.e.: the REV.

hmmm 1981-1984. 1981 I was in Mississippi as a Corps grad. Pretty much alone in Greenville, MS. A WOW vet was with me but she eventually left. Don't blame her. When I was sent, there was supposedly a Twig Area. That year the Corps were supposed to go to their assignments before ROA and then come back. There was a WOW family still there who would be gone after ROA. Horrible year. Lived in a trailer for awhile and worked at Sambo's. Was very poor. At first we couldn't get the heat on since we couldn't afford the deposit. Tom & Barb L were the limb leaders and they were like the Gestapo. Enough said about them. 1981 - 82 was in Jackson MS since the limb leader invited me there since I was such a failure in Greenville. Even worse year than before. Lots of condemnation. I worked in I-Hop with a 6th Corps Janet C who was hell on wheels. I just took all the crap because I thought it was ok since it was from people I thought were more spiritually mature than me. I was a mess by the end of the year. Decided to go WOW for my next assignment because I didn't know what else to do and didn't want to stay in MS. Had a nervous breakdown at Corps Week and got "sent home." You're supposed to forget your earthly family until TWI doesn't want you around and then they send you there. 1982- 1983 went to a school studying Advertising. Stayed clear of anything that would lead to a reproof session. Went to a nice little twig for awhile run by a regular "Joe Blow" believer. Was invited to live in a Way Home and oh no not that. I didn't want to spend my Saturdays cleaning and whatever else. No thank you. Didn't go to Corps Week or ROA that year. 1983-1984 Since I was in my 30's I wanted to find some one to marry and hadn't been able to do that in residence or since. I had fallen in love with a non Way guy in Greenville but wouldn't let myself be with him because he wasn't TWI and didn't want to be. Don't blame him now of course. Just hung around the TWI in San Diego where I had been since fall 1982. Still live here in 2016. Stopped moving around. I was done. All I really recall is staying on the periphery even though I was Corps. I was burnt out and wary. But I still thought it was God's ministry and didn't leave.

The reason I was told was that London had enough faithful people/leadership to stand on its own and that not having the HQ there wouldn't really affect the current numbers or stability, and that having HQ in Ottawa would help the (then, and still) small branch there grow. If that's the real reason or if there's another underlying reason, I'm not sure.

Undertow: My Escape from the Fundamentalism and Cult Control of The Way International is my memoir that will be out this November. Check my website (now being updated) next week for ordering information. http://charleneedge.com Meanwhile, I thought I'd share my joy over a few more endorsements for Undertow: “A magnificently written life story that sheds light on the enticing ways of cult recruitment and indoctrination that engender conformity, obedience, and loss of self. Nevertheless, thankfully, the seed of doubt grows, as the author strives for acceptance through hard work and deep faith. Edge’s prose captures the essence of cult life and the personal devastation of having to acknowledge not only corruption and plagiarized teachings but also a “sex ring” at the top levels of leadership. An important and must-read book – more gripping than a mystery. Undertow will sweep you away.” — Janja Lalich, Ph.D., Professor Emerita of Sociology, author, Take Back Your Life: Recovering from Cults and Abusive Relationships “In Undertow Charlene Edge has written a brilliant and engrossing warning to the future by dissecting the past. There are really two books here: one is on a cult called The Way (one of the largest fundamentalist cults in America with about 40,000 followers [in its heyday]). The second book is an examination of the dynamic of all personality, religious, and political cults. By looking (from a heart-wrenching insider’s point of view) at a misuse of power in one specific group, Edge has written a book that unpacks a far greater truth. What she exposes to bright liberating daylight is just how our political and religious worlds actually function based on the mesmerizing enticement of belonging to an “in”-group. This is a brilliantly written and timely warning against falling into the trap of thinking we're the self-proclaimed “chosen” (be that religious or secular, left or right) as we exclude the feared ‘Other.’” — Frank Schaeffer, author of Crazy for God: How I Grew Up as One of the Elect, Helped Found the Religious Right, and Lived to Take All (or Almost All) of It Back and New York Times best-selling author of Keeping Faith “Charlene Edge writes with clarity and sensitivity. This memoir on her experiences in The Way International will help readers understand the subtleties and complexities of cultic groups.” — Michael D. Langone, Ph.D., Executive Director of the International Cultic Studies Association, Editor of Cultic Studies Review, ICSA Today’s Editor-in-Chief, and Editor of Recovery from Cults: Help for Victims of Psychological and Spiritual Abuse. “Undertow is a cautionary tale for all young people, especially those who are preparing to leave their familiar surroundings to go to college, join the Armed Forces, or move to start a new job. However, the same warning applies to anyone at any age who is going through any life change, such as the loss of a job, a divorce, or the death of a loved one. The names of high-control groups like The Way will be different, their teachings will vary, but the basic techniques of recruiting and mind control are the same. The extreme difficulty in leaving these organizations is evident in Charlene Edge’s story.” — Marjorie Patton, parent of an ex Way Corps member who received successful exit counseling before Corps graduation. “This is a very personal and eye-opening exposé of the hidden world of life in a destructive group. It took great personal courage and strength for Charlene to break away and build a new life for herself and daughter. A must read!” — Patrick Ryan, graduate of Maharishi International University, cult intervention specialist since 1984 at Intervention 101.com, contributing author in Recovery from Cults: Help for Victims of Psychological and Spiritual Abuse, edited by Michael Langone, PhD.