Twinky

I was thinking of Ralph's departure (preceded by being imprisoned in his trailer home) when I wrote that. But also, when I was in rez, I witnessed the departure of several of my fellow in-rez WC. Once, I saw one male packing his stuff, and writing a mandatory letter of apology to LCM. He had a known physical disability and I don't know if that's why he was kicked out after a few weeks or months. He was a lovely lad with a big heart. I'm supposing it was his walking problem that caused his departure, because he was allowed to be in contact with us pending his leaving. Others simply disappeared while the rest of the in-rez Corps were engaged in work activities or some such. They were there in the morning, and in the evening - gone. Next morning at breakfast there might be a character assassination for half an hour or so about the horrendous conduct that the departee was supposed to have done. Other graduated WC were purged for various offences and then character assassinated in a WC meeting or at a "lunchtime sharing." Some of the allegations I know were untrue. These purged people included at least two whose close family members had recently died (it was their lack of believing, you know). And worse, everyone was forbidden to contact these bereaved people to offer comfort on pain of being purged themselves. So yes. TWI can act very fast when it wants to. But it has to want to. But it prefers self-protective mode and will close ranks very fast when it wants to, to protect leaders and income stream.

Mike. Get this clear. I hate no-one. I hate ABUSE. Agape thinks no evil? Right. Agape calls evil out!! And I'm calling out the abuse that occurred and likely still occurs. That's not hate, that's love. Hate wants to cover the evil. Excuse it. Minimise it. Pretend it's "spiritual adultery" that matters (or some such rot). "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" (Isa. 5:20.)

Yeah, I read it. I thought it was a bit amateurish, to be honest. The paper didn't shock me. Why should it? What shocked me to the core was that this ministry, that I had defended and truly thought was perhaps the only decent Christian ministry around - was deeply into the practice of sexual abuse - in contravention of explicit Commandments not to, in both OT and epistles. Also in contravention of conventional Christian wisdom and theology. A glass of red wine, and I'm saying they should all have their willies cut off. That'll stop them fvcking other men's wives.

And yet, just hours ago, on another thread, Mike says: So here's a bit of confusion. He complains in one place about "massive violations" and "watch[ing] in silence" about what he perceives is being done to him - but now he tells us that he had a "head start in that he knew something was rotten." So what did he do? Did he confront leadership? No, he "works the word" with a concordance and his twig, comes up with some stuff about adultery, and then what? Does nothing. He "watched in silence" as the sinful behaviour continued. Boy oh boy! You don't need a concordance to know that something is wrong! When it's written plain as day! So speak up!! Confront the wrongdoing when you see it! Crikey, anyone who's spent time at HQ knew that even the slightest "wrongdoing" (usually imagined by some sort of leadership) was confronted immediately and often verbally violently. A glance in the wrong direction, a word out of place, being late (ie not 10 mins early) for a meeting, being too hot and taking one's hat off - immediate confrontation. Yes, those things happened. TWI leadership does not sit back in silence. So why did you, Mike? With your great contacts with leadership?

Hahahaha! That is just never going to happen. GSC exists, as you are well aware, to tell "the other side" of the story. The greed, the abuse. The lies and theft. The adultery and rape. The "do as I say, not as I do" attitude. Whereas TWI purports to be whiter than white and refuses to acknowledge sins of the past, sins of the present, and likely sins of the future. Sins of the present and future, you say? Well, for one thing: what about the continuing division they foster - refusing to acknowledge "mainstream" Christians as even being Christians? And selfishly hoarding all to themselves and never giving back to their community? And - Mike - you can't even see "the other side." You think everything's exaggerated. So how can you possibly write a balanced view? By the way, have you finished reading "the other side" as set out in Charlene's book yet?

Bravo, OldSkool.

I don't hang out with any Wayfers, ex or otherwise. Not many near me, but there was a small bunch, led by a self-proclaimed Rev, no qualifications of any type, listened to nobody. I'd known these people for some time. They didn't want to listen to a thing about what I said of TWI. Most still thought it a wonderful ministry that "taught them God's word" but had never visited Ohio or seen anything outside of their local area. They thought I was being mean and bitter, instead of being deeply hurt and injured. I needed to "move on." They could not believe a thing about the corruption and behind-the-scenes behaviour. One lad wanted to join Sowers. I took him aside and warned him what it was likely to be. He persisted. However, he didn't go because he couldn't get the visa. I think God was at work there, to protect him. The self-proclaimed Rev fell out with me because I refused to support him "ordaining" his sister in law. She was a nice lass, but hadn't read more than the epistles and taken PFAL a couple of times. He "marked and avoided" me and sent a totally vile deranged email to everyone and every organisation, worldwide, in his e-address book (what might his bank and the local hardware, grocery, and similar shops thought?). He got sick, was placed in a hospice, discharged himself and went off to CFFM to pray for healing. Didn't tell his wife what he was doing. He died there. A memorial service was held later, which I attended. Last I saw of any of them. They're not interested in me; I'm not interested in them. I only have so much time available and I'd rather spend it with people who have hearts open to the work of God, are willing to act, and who don't try to railroad me into TWI-way or no-way.

I sing with a church music group. This year, I've asked if a group of us can go into a nearby care home (where I have an old friend) and sing carols for a little while. So that's what I'm doing on 20 Dec (I'm even cancelling an afternoon's work to be able to do it). It will bring much joy to the residents. I'm also serving on Christmas Day by fetching people for a Christmas Dinner and Party, put on by (mostly) Christians in the city, for people who would otherwise be on their own. There will be (so far) about 130 guests and there are dozens of people willing to lend a hand to put the party on: present wrappers, vege peelers, cooks, table setters, table hosts, fetchers of guests, others to take guests home, helpers for those who need a little extra attention for special needs such as toileting, washers-up... many hands make light work. Some have volunteered for more than one role. Everyone says it's a jolly occasion. Some volunteers have been doing it for many years. Additionally, quite a few churches are hosting Christmas lunches. Recently, October or November, as a church we held a Saturday morning for local tidying action. We hire three big skips, put at different locations, and people can bring rubbish to toss into them. The church is in one of the poorest areas of the city, and it's not easy for some to dispose of the broken fridge, the wretched old mattress, the table that finally broke, etc. Rather than dump in the street or leave to moulder in the back garden, we help keep the area tidy and more attractive to live in. The skips are manned, and those not manning skips were litter picking in the nearby streets and in the little shopping area. Local residents are amazed that we should do this - free! And we tell them that we do it because we love them, Jesus loves them and cares about them. And how else can we help them (as individuals)? Recently, some members of the church have seen a need for housing vulnerable people and have got involved with "Hope into Action." I am on the prayer and support team for this. Idea is to buy a house (=get an investor), furnish it, house some vulnerable people, and over two years mentor them, help them grow into responsible adults, and move on with their lives. There will be one social worker involved, and there will be two "befrienders" per tenant. Our first house has been bought, many members of the church helped with cleaning, painting, getting the garden up straight, and furnishing. First tenants move in very soon; three girls who have been in local authority care for some years. The tenants will know we are from the local church (it's actually 50yards across the road from the church!) but there is no pressure to come along, convert, or any such thing. It's just - loving them into becoming responsible adults. Bravo, Rob, for this outreach! https://www.hopeintoaction.org.uk/ So many ways to serve the lost and lonely.

Also if they decide they don't want someone on staff, or in the WC, any longer. They'll be out of there within hours, without the opportunity to see anyone or say goodbye.

ECN from TWI: A. Our old practice was to encourage leaders to get their sexual needs met, by any female already a part of TWI. It does not matter if that female is already married. B. Our new practice is to remind leaders that sexual activity outside marriage is wrong and against all Biblical principles. We specifically state that adultery is wrong and sinful. Way clergy who are found to have indulged in sexual activity outside marriage, will be stripped of clergy status and will be marked and avoided. ********** C. If you do indulge, be a bit more discreet about it.

No. Any such policy needs to be available to any person involved at any level. That means from twig (home fellowship, is it now?) level upwards. If someone is over-touchy at twig, who should that be reported to? Twig leader, initially, but if no response there - or if it is the twig leader? If someone is on staff, there needs to be a clear path to whistle-blow on offenders. And that's a clear path to someone with appropriate authority to take serious action. Preferably someone external. Yeah, right...!

Uncalled for, Mike. And untrue. Stop it. I have treated you politely and would prefer you to treat me politely too.

Maybe - if if if - if - they acknowledge that in the past they haven't addressed this and made it clear [as if they need to!] that adultery is wrong in God's eyes, and so is other abuse not infrequently found in such close personal relationships. And if they apologise for what they condoned, even encouraged, in the past. And if, going forward, they stamp hard on such out-of-line behaviour - and are seen to do so. In reality, I don't see any of those things happening. I wonder if they even now have any procedures to report inappropriate behaviour? I see nothing on their website, no safeguarding or security policy, call it what you will. What structures have they put in place to ensure that this behaviour does not take place any more? And who else have they castigated for doing this hitherto? Because it wasn't just Craig alone, as we all know. All churches in the UK now have Safeguarding policies and a nominated Safeguarding Officer, to whom abuse or suspected abuse/inappropriate behaviour can be reported. This is investigated carefully and discreetly, outside the church setting, reporting to an overseeing body/the diocese/external oversight - especially important if the alleged behaviour is done by clergy. Outcomes obviously depend on what is found, what is substantiated. Can result in de-frocking (removal of clergy rights), or referral to police if serious abuse/imprisonable behaviour is found. So... With an organisation that insulates itself from outside scrutiny, who could be trusted to deal with any allegations of inappropriate behaviour? They know how to find us, if they want to apologise publicly.

If GSC is a religion, in Mike's eyes, it would be interesting to know what this "religion's" main beliefs are, apart from that TWI is a moneymaking scheme, VPW was a fraud, and PFAL was an amalgamation of plagiarised material. It's clear that Mike cannot recognise the different voices of the main posters here. I can read most regular posters' posts (and also posts of those who don't post regularly), and without seeing the name at the top, know that it was by (say) Nathan, or T-Bone, or WW, or Rocky, to name but a few. Because we all have different points of view, different backgrounds, different TWI experiences at different levels and periods of involvement, and so have different voices. Yet we have come to the same conclusion, via different routes, of the usefulness or otherwise of PFAL, VPW, and TWI. But Mike is happy to lump everyone together as though we were the clones that TWI endeavoured to make its followers into.

You mean, kinda like this?

What did Jesus do? Walked about, interacted with the people around him. Noticed folk (or they noticed him). Smiled and said Salaam (or hello), perhaps, to them. Observed what they were doing. Got involved, but not in an oppressive way, just interested. Early on in my Way life, I remember chatting to an E-Corpsman or perhaps he could have been WC but a Brit, a nice chap, can't remember his name now. We were up in Gartmore, sleeping on camp beds in the gym - so early on in that purchase. And I remember "Chappie's" words: "If you want to help people, you've got to really love them." (Whoever he was, I hope he has escaped TWI and has his brain still intact.) That love and care will come out in our actions. Each person you talk to, smile at, is special. Remember too: Jesus died for that person. How special is that? As City Pastors in the city in which I live, our role includes going out on the streets and interacting with whoever we find. The first part of our patrol is often having a chat with people begging in the streets. Yes, we look at them. We talk to them. We see them as human beings, and don't let our eyes slide over them like a heap of rubbish in the corner. Sometimes, we offer a hot drink and a cereal bar, or warm hats and other clothing. But the main thing with this group of people is: we notice them. If you see a beggar in the street, stop and have a chat. You're perfectly safe; they won't attack you. If they're willing to talk, you might be surprised at their life story and what has made them become street-homeless (there might be a bit of "embroidery" in their story, but maybe not too much). You don't have to give them money, but they might appreciate a sandwich, a coffee or a chocolate bar.

No, actually, the goal of the internet was to spread opportunity. To spread information sharing - between scientists. That's how it started: to try to link up work on free-standing computers and to allow data sharing. Britain was a big leader in this, quickly taken up (and eclipsed) by the USA. USA realised the potential and quickly moved to use it in defence situations. It was the dissemination of information was the goal of the internet. There were many early developments over quite a long period and the usefulness of this form of communication became very evident. Developments escalated, speed and ability to transfer information quickly grew. As the ability to move data became easier, so "social media" sites of good or dubious value began to develop and they have themselves eclipsed what most people think "the internet" is. But seriously, it would be impossible to live the lives we now have without the internet and the serious use to which it is put. Our city infrastructures, health services, gas/elec provision, banking, your TV channels, anything you can think of - is pretty much run by online services - sometimes just within one organisation, but frequently linked with other organisations. Sometimes you're aware, but whether or not you're aware, always internet provision is working away in the background. Heck, I do a lot of gardening work - and even so I rely on the internet. It's how I check the best way to tend a new (to me) type of plant, find a way to deal with plant disease, locate specific plants my clients want, etc - and how I file my tax return. That social media and the rumour mill in general have found the "internet" and perhaps abused it is not the fault of "the internet" but of the owners of various websites and types of social media. Some social media is abused to bully people. Other social media is used to build others up and to form support networks. As always, we as individuals get to choose what we want to look at, listen to and pay attention to. Here is some history of the internet: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Internet

Several regulars, and quite a few occasional pop-ins who've been around a long time. Also other recent joiners.

See! Educational, this site!!

Would you prefer "ROFLMAO" ("rolling on the floor laughing my behind off")? I could think TWI laughable. But actually, I think they're pitiful. And pitiable.

Hey Charity, laugh away, life is to be enjoyed! Peace!

This version (arr Cleobury) is what we sang in my new choir's carol concert last Saturday, but there are many other versions, often longer, with more discourse between Joseph and Mary. The choir in the clip above sings a slightly different version, too. You could google to find other words. Joseph was an old man and an old man was he, When he wedded Mary, in the land of Galilee. Joseph and Mary walked through an orchard good, Where was cherries and berries, so red as any blood. O then bespoke Mary, so meek and oh, so mild: ‘Pluck me one cherry, Joseph, for I am with child.’ O then bespoke Joseph, with words most unkind: ‘Let him pluck thee a cherry that brought thee with child.’ O then bespoke the baby, within his mother’s womb: ‘Bow down then the tallest tree, for my mother to have some.’ Then bowed down the highest tree unto his mother’s hand; Then she cried, ‘See, Joseph, I have cherries at command.’ O then bespoke Joseph:< ‘I have done Mary wrong; But cheer up, my dearest, and be ye not cast down.’ Then Mary plucked a cherry, as red as any blood, Then Mary she went homewards all with her heavy load.

Cherry tree carol. Very old, traditional: some say 13th century, others 15th century.

@ Charity:

Very easy to do! And yes, a bad habit ingrained by TWI. Write your question or interesting word down ("Any questions will be answered after session 12") but remember, you can always go back and have a go at answering your own question, or considering why that word was used in that passage, to what effect? Or was it just - a word? You may find it helpful to read a completely different version of the Bible, with fewer trigger words, perhaps. I went straight from AV/KJV to reading The Message (I read something different now). The change shocks you out of TWI-brain and makes you pay attention to the passage you're reading.