10 YEARS, 20 MEMORIES

Title: 10 YEARS, 20 MEMORIES
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Rank：Rookier III
Score：2060
Posts：88
From：Unknown
Register：05/03/2007 5:24 AM

Date Posted：08/03/2010 12:50 AMCopy HTML

Hello everybody.

It will be 10 years in September since we left RF. Here is a very quick and brief list of some memories:

1. SUPERIORITY COMPLEX - the group is always right despite all evidence to the contrary.

2. FEAR - don't trust these "saints" in the group, or this person, or even youself....

3. 10% - I need to be a full time "pastor", we need to build a hall.....

4. IRRATIONAL BEHAVIOUR - I must never be seen to be, or to even think, "worldly"

5. SHUNNING - "fall aways" will drag you to hell even if their reason for leaving is legitimate.

6. SECRETS - (whisperings and creeping around)

7. PRETENDING - that everything is great and that you have no problems.

8. SAFETY - only in Revival Fellowship.

9. ENEMIES - "baddies" lurking around every corner. Beware, beware, beware...

10. GOSSIP - particularly in "leaders" meetings.

11. LEADERS - whose general behaviour really means you should not follow them to the chip shop.

12. BITTER - people who leave are always bitter and twisted, highlighting group purity.

13. QUESTIONS - that can never be answered, particularly biblical ones. But the group is always right.

14. TALKS - one dimensional and repetitive, often with a finger pointed at members in the "assembly" or other random enemies.

15. BIBLE KNOWLEDGE - lacking

16. CAMPS - a consolidated show of group correctness and general backslapping.

17. PROBLEMS - everywhere you look, they must be ironed out and dealt with.

18. YOUR OWN PERSONAL WORLD - shrinking, diminishing. Loss of identity, and often with considerable stress.....

19. EVERYDAY PEOPLE - inability to relate too and with. At "worldly" gatherings, an RF member will be the one standing on the outskirts looking terrified.

20. REALITY - easy to lose touch with.

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Register：21/09/2018 12:36 AM

Re：10 YEARS, 20 MEMORIES

Date Posted：08/03/2010 9:19 AMCopy HTML

Brilliant well put and all the ex-rcriers, Rf-iers and all other variations and breakaways 
"Said " 
We have never been happier since leaving, at last grown adults are being treated like adults and not like naughtily disobedient rebellious little children.

Revival Centres "the penticostal exclusive  brethren", ("quote from Paul Longfield " in one of the articles in the history area)

Rank：Lurker
Score：170
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From：Belize
Register：09/04/2007 8:55 PM

Re：10 YEARS, 20 MEMORIES

Date Posted：23/03/2010 5:27 AMCopy HTML

funny how when your in there it was a great time. Lot of laughs and the people fantastic. then you become unhappy and it was all a waste. Who Changed?

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Register：21/09/2018 12:36 AM

Re：10 YEARS, 20 MEMORIES

Date Posted：23/03/2010 8:18 AMCopy HTML

Reply to Pastor Buck 

funny how when your in there it was a great time. Lot of laughs and the people fantastic. then you become unhappy and it was all a waste. 

Yeah, hilarious. 

Who Changed?

We did thank god.

But, good point nevertheless. How is it some people are so seemingly happy in the groups only to leave and do a 180?

The answer to why this occurs is found in a host of articles in the Freedom Forum room on this site.  Have a read and see if you can't work out why some have asserted this change occurs (both in the Rev Ctrs and other groups too).

Rank：Rookier III
Score：2060
Posts：88
From：Unknown
Register：05/03/2007 5:24 AM

Re：10 YEARS, 20 MEMORIES

Date Posted：23/03/2010 10:23 AMCopy HTML

Reply to Pastor Buck 

funny how when your in there it was a great time. Lot of laughs and the people fantastic. then you become unhappy and it was all a waste. Who Changed?

Hey buddy, how are you? I have very happy memories of the times we spent
 with you and your wife, and I sincerely hope you and all your family 
are well. Please say hi from me.

How about a little of my "gripping" story...........

I changed, is the honest answer 
to your question, but the change occurred many years before our final 
exit which was almost 10 years ago now. I think the quick passage of 
time is what has made me re-visit the strange times that occurred back 
then. Mind you, some of the issues that I was involved in at the end 
were completely "revivaly", and to be honest, I cringe at the memory of a
 lot of it. I still believed in certain bits, right up to the end.

I dont think I have ever hidden in my postings here 
that my behaviour at times in the Revival Fellowship was disgraceful. I 
still hang my head in shame at the memory of some of it, and other times
 I simply redden with embarrassement at the thought of the things I did,
 and the things I said. When I left, I did a lot of apologising.

1992
 saw the beginning of my own revival rot, the visit of Aussies to 
Worthing in 1998 forced me to start becoming brave and saying things that I 
always saw but never said, and 2000 was the end. But I had to have my 
sucky blankets taken away, and at the same time saw the behaviour of 
leaders for what it was. There were no more excuses to be made. I had 
endorsed this kind of nonsense knowing it was wrong, and consequently 
in my mind, I deserved a bit of pain!

Pre-1992, certainly, 
include me in on 20, or maybe 18 or 19, counts of guilty. I was also cowardly, stupid, 
didn't think for myself, and trusted people I shouldn't have. Put it 
down to youth, or the fact that good things did happen in Worthing then,
 but whatever the reason..........I turned a blind eye. The truth is 
that deep down, I had known for a long time that the group was faulty, unkind, and
 punitive. Finally, I had to face this.

I knew many of the 
"leaders" in my own country when they/we started out, I remember the type of 
men they were. Maybe they have changed now. If so, it will not have been
 for the better. You see, until I lose it, I still have a photographic memory. I remember the many happy times and chats that we all had over 20 years ago. I haven't thought of this stuff for years now, but I can still remember every detail of the Worthing debacle. I can tell you what my friends and "leaders" said to me, when they said it, what they said to others, the stories that came back to me, what was said about my wife etc etc etc. And one day, they can explain it to me. "Bitter" goes up the cry. The group is always pure.

England is the land of the vanishing RF assembly. I looked up "bad behaviour" in the Thesauras and there was a photograph of the English RF "pastors". Once upon a time there could have been a photograph of me. I was once just a heartbeat away from becoming an RF "pastor". 10 years on I am still grateful for a timely deliverance!

North London, I know you all look in here- how you doing? North London main man, I want my Joe Louis book back. Martin, Chelsea are old and on the skids. How you been man?

And what are you RF'ers doing reading here and even posting? It's ok, my lips are sealed. Truth is, I am qualified to talk about "Revival World", I have 3 A levels and a degree in it. 

Rank：Lurker
Score：170
Posts：7
From：Belize
Register：09/04/2007 8:55 PM

Re：10 YEARS, 20 MEMORIES

Date Posted：07/04/2010 4:59 AMCopy HTML

man the brave new world of the English was in the begininng a exciting time but also a time where things happened that should not happen.

Ray came over and bullied the other Pastors into his line of thinking. Did they dislike him I think they did at first.

the early to Mid 90's were the highlight for the British revival. Churches were growing in number people were happy. Then Ray decided to run back to Australia so his daughters could not marry english boys.

The New Ray free Era came in and I think the rumblings that were hidden rose again. Then the Split happened and it was on again.

The people who came from australia and wrecked little worthing were prehaps our of order (Can't say much I wasn't there but by the sounds of it they were) They have now left and are probably sitting next to you in your new church.

I agree with you that things shoould not have happened that did. We however are called to evercome and be happy in our own walk with God. Revival Fellowship/Centres will not save you neither will AOG Paradise Edge Hill song etc.

What does matter is your relationship with God.

Sometime we get too caught up in the relationship with people than Gods Plan.  Reading the Bible the old testament is littered with poor leaders who have inflicted Pain on Gods People God sorted it out in the end.

Let go of your hatred rejoice in the time that you had and talk positive instead of negative.

The last place I worked I left because my boss was and idiot I complained offically about him and it did not work.

He turned to me and said it was me who was the problem not him. In a way he was right he was the major part but my attitude was ruinining my happiness.

I may be wrong but a lot of people would go back the the glory days

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From：Unknown
Register：21/09/2018 12:36 AM

Re：10 YEARS, 20 MEMORIES

Date Posted：07/04/2010 6:05 AMCopy HTML

Reply to Pastor Buck 

The last place I worked I left because my boss was and idiot I 
complained offically about him and it did not work.

He turned to 
me and said it was me who was the problem not him. In a way he was right
 he was the major part but my attitude was ruinining my happiness.

Funny enough, I'm going through the same thing right now at my work.  I this week filed a complaint with his superior and it was ignored. He threatened my position today.  So, I have taken what you said above as sage advice.  I'm gonna back off and keep my head down until I have something to go to...then get the heck out!

Thanks Pastor Buck. Sincerely.  :)

Rank：Rookier III
Score：2060
Posts：88
From：Unknown
Register：05/03/2007 5:24 AM

Re：10 YEARS, 20 MEMORIES

Date Posted：07/04/2010 11:37 AMCopy HTML

Reply to Pastor Buck 
I agree with you that things shoould not have happened that did. We however are called to evercome and be happy in our own walk with God. Revival Fellowship/Centres will not save you neither will AOG Paradise Edge Hill song etc.

What does matter is your relationship with God.

Sometime we get too caught up in the relationship with people than Gods Plan.  
  
Hey buddy how are you all doing? Really well I hope.

Thanks for posting and I agree on many levels. I for one am glad that you see it this way, and it appears you do not live in "Revival World". Let's face it, you were always tougher than me!

If the relationship with God is the principle point, and this goes beyond where we choose to rock up to on a Sunday, then I know as an old friend that you can have no objection to us getting together to chat through some of these things. I would love to talk about God's plan with you, and I'm sure you would with me.

Give us a buzz, or I can call you. Or come around, or I could come to you. Or we could meet somewhere and have some coffee. If I have "hatred", you can be sure I won't object to you showing me this. Perhaps reading your comments about Ray, or the way you have written your comments about the family who came to Worthing, I could summise the same? I could, but I don't. What is objectivity based upon experience, and what isn't? Doesn't matter now, and doesn't need to be thrashed out here. It would be nice to see you again.

Rank：Lurker
Score：170
Posts：7
From：Belize
Register：09/04/2007 8:55 PM

Re：10 YEARS, 20 MEMORIES

Date Posted：08/04/2010 1:42 AMCopy HTML

I have had hatred I have been let down I have been hurt.

I learned to forgive not for their sake but mine.

Do i still get frustrated yes indeed.

I believe some people are so heavenly bound they are no earthly good.

Life in God is about balance

Rank：Rookier III
Score：2060
Posts：88
From：Unknown
Register：05/03/2007 5:24 AM

Re：10 YEARS, 20 MEMORIES

Date Posted：08/04/2010 1:11 PMCopy HTML

Reply to Pastor Buck 

 Keep in touch buddy.

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Score：160
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From：Unknown
Register：25/03/2006 8:19 PM

Re：10 YEARS, 20 MEMORIES

Date Posted：03/05/2010 8:53 AMCopy HTML

Reply to Tarquin the Magnificent 

Reply to Pastor Buck 

 Keep in touch buddy.

Hi my skinny friend!  I too have not posted here for ages but enjoyed your thoughts.  I came across the RC in about 1981 at a time when I had brought three children into a world under the threat of nuclear war.  Maggie Thatcher was the "Iron Lady" and was spooking Russia into popping one up the spout and sending us all running to take the door off the hinges and put the sofa cussions on top for a quick fall-out shelter.  It was in my mind all the time that I had a duty to protect my girls.  Then I heard through RC that God intended to destroy the earth with nuclear war and that the righteous would dance on the ashes of the wicked.  This was a powerful message that gave me hope and I clung to it strongly.  As you have said, at first it was an exciting time in RC but very soon it became more and more controlling with leaders who were uneducated and shallow- minded and claimed that was a strength.  (Peter was an uneducated man).  My children probably blame me for bringing them up in that stupidity and some of the punishments weilded on them by the pastors were nothing short of child abuse, but my original motives were genuine.  After 25 years and a sudden eviction from the fellowship for daring to have some questions about whether Jesus is God or not (RF does not believe He is) I was left with the realisation that while in my employment I worked to protect people from abuse I had myself been suffering "spiritual abuse" for many years.  The feeling of having been mugged in the worst sence, perhaps akin to having been burgled or raped, has taken 7 years so far to wear off.  I am recovering slowly.  I hope those that I helped to abuse, including perhaps yourself, mate, are recovering too.

Do not minimise our pain! Spiritual abuse is as harmful as Physical, sexual and emotional abuse.

Rank：Rookier III
Score：2060
Posts：88
From：Unknown
Register：05/03/2007 5:24 AM

Re：10 YEARS, 20 MEMORIES

Date Posted：04/05/2010 8:34 AMCopy HTML

Hey  buddy
Being raped is a good analogy, it's how I felt at the time. We left in Sept 2000, but by Feb 2001 we were up and running and it was past.
Revival Fellowship is an abusive church. It is punitive and illogical. The illogic  is readily apparent when you speak to people who still attend and they try to defend the group and aspects of the past.
I told a friend of my wife's recently that it was a great idea that we should get together. Come to dinner I said, and by the way, tell your "pastor" what you are doing. She couldn't do it. There would be trouble. It is a simple acid test which proves she is a victim of spiritual abuse. Not that she believes that, or will admit it, but there it stands.
Tis the past, and I post here when I feel I should try to say something useful on the subject of abusive church groups. I often hear of the nonsense that goes on in SA.
The "bitter" cry always goes up. I heard it recently. Hehehe, poke a gentle dog with a sharp stick and then blame doggy when he finally snaps. Bitter and twisted old dog, let's shun him until he learns that it is right to be poked with a sharp stick. And even if it's not right to be poked with a sharp stick, well, we endorse those poking the dog in error, because error becomes truth if we allow it to happen, shun, and then pray for God to show our leaders how exactly they should poke the dog and with what kind of stick.
In the perfect church. And good becomes evil, and evil good.
Sometimes you can smell the fear down the computer wires. I have e-mailed sincere best wishes to RF friends when I have heard of their serious illness. Ignored 9 times out of 10. Logical? - no. Fear based? - yes. Good behaviour? - no. Biblical? - no.
Mr Survivalist, you helped to hurt me for just a little time. When you appeared and apologised to us, there was really no need too from our side. Twas all long forgotten and forgiven. I understood though, I did bit of apologising myself.
 I still hang out with the Bible and do a bit of study (I am no scholar though, but I enjoy it). If I can ever forward you anything from these sessions, just let me know.
Be as cool as me Mr Tubby.

Tarquin the Magnificent
Rank：Rookier III Score：2060 Posts：88 From：Unknown Register：05/03/2007 5:24 AM	Date Posted：08/03/2010 12:50 AMCopy HTML Hello everybody. It will be 10 years in September since we left RF. Here is a very quick and brief list of some memories: 1. SUPERIORITY COMPLEX - the group is always right despite all evidence to the contrary. 2. FEAR - don't trust these "saints" in the group, or this person, or even youself.... 3. 10% - I need to be a full time "pastor", we need to build a hall..... 4. IRRATIONAL BEHAVIOUR - I must never be seen to be, or to even think, "worldly" 5. SHUNNING - "fall aways" will drag you to hell even if their reason for leaving is legitimate. 6. SECRETS - (whisperings and creeping around) 7. PRETENDING - that everything is great and that you have no problems. 8. SAFETY - only in Revival Fellowship. 9. ENEMIES - "baddies" lurking around every corner. Beware, beware, beware... 10. GOSSIP - particularly in "leaders" meetings. 11. LEADERS - whose general behaviour really means you should not follow them to the chip shop. 12. BITTER - people who leave are always bitter and twisted, highlighting group purity. 13. QUESTIONS - that can never be answered, particularly biblical ones. But the group is always right. 14. TALKS - one dimensional and repetitive, often with a finger pointed at members in the "assembly" or other random enemies. 15. BIBLE KNOWLEDGE - lacking 16. CAMPS - a consolidated show of group correctness and general backslapping. 17. PROBLEMS - everywhere you look, they must be ironed out and dealt with. 18. YOUR OWN PERSONAL WORLD - shrinking, diminishing. Loss of identity, and often with considerable stress..... 19. EVERYDAY PEOPLE - inability to relate too and with. At "worldly" gatherings, an RF member will be the one standing on the outskirts looking terrified. 20. REALITY - easy to lose touch with.
Ex_Member	Share to: #1
Rank： Score：0 Posts：0 From：Unknown Register：21/09/2018 12:36 AM	Re：10 YEARS, 20 MEMORIES Date Posted：08/03/2010 9:19 AMCopy HTML Brilliant well put and all the ex-rcriers, Rf-iers and all other variations and breakaways "Said " We have never been happier since leaving, at last grown adults are being treated like adults and not like naughtily disobedient rebellious little children. Revival Centres "the penticostal exclusive brethren", ("quote from Paul Longfield " in one of the articles in the history area)
Pastor Buck	Share to: #2
Rank：Lurker Score：170 Posts：7 From：Belize Register：09/04/2007 8:55 PM	Re：10 YEARS, 20 MEMORIES Date Posted：23/03/2010 5:27 AMCopy HTML funny how when your in there it was a great time. Lot of laughs and the people fantastic. then you become unhappy and it was all a waste. Who Changed?
Ex_Member	Share to: #3
Rank： Score：0 Posts：0 From：Unknown Register：21/09/2018 12:36 AM	Re：10 YEARS, 20 MEMORIES Date Posted：23/03/2010 8:18 AMCopy HTML Reply to Pastor Buck funny how when your in there it was a great time. Lot of laughs and the people fantastic. then you become unhappy and it was all a waste. Yeah, hilarious. Who Changed? We did thank god. But, good point nevertheless. How is it some people are so seemingly happy in the groups only to leave and do a 180? The answer to why this occurs is found in a host of articles in the Freedom Forum room on this site. Have a read and see if you can't work out why some have asserted this change occurs (both in the Rev Ctrs and other groups too).
Tarquin the Magnificent	Share to: #4
Rank：Rookier III Score：2060 Posts：88 From：Unknown Register：05/03/2007 5:24 AM	Re：10 YEARS, 20 MEMORIES Date Posted：23/03/2010 10:23 AMCopy HTML Reply to Pastor Buck funny how when your in there it was a great time. Lot of laughs and the people fantastic. then you become unhappy and it was all a waste. Who Changed? Hey buddy, how are you? I have very happy memories of the times we spent with you and your wife, and I sincerely hope you and all your family are well. Please say hi from me. How about a little of my "gripping" story........... I changed, is the honest answer to your question, but the change occurred many years before our final exit which was almost 10 years ago now. I think the quick passage of time is what has made me re-visit the strange times that occurred back then. Mind you, some of the issues that I was involved in at the end were completely "revivaly", and to be honest, I cringe at the memory of a lot of it. I still believed in certain bits, right up to the end. I dont think I have ever hidden in my postings here that my behaviour at times in the Revival Fellowship was disgraceful. I still hang my head in shame at the memory of some of it, and other times I simply redden with embarrassement at the thought of the things I did, and the things I said. When I left, I did a lot of apologising. 1992 saw the beginning of my own revival rot, the visit of Aussies to Worthing in 1998 forced me to start becoming brave and saying things that I always saw but never said, and 2000 was the end. But I had to have my sucky blankets taken away, and at the same time saw the behaviour of leaders for what it was. There were no more excuses to be made. I had endorsed this kind of nonsense knowing it was wrong, and consequently in my mind, I deserved a bit of pain! Pre-1992, certainly, include me in on 20, or maybe 18 or 19, counts of guilty. I was also cowardly, stupid, didn't think for myself, and trusted people I shouldn't have. Put it down to youth, or the fact that good things did happen in Worthing then, but whatever the reason..........I turned a blind eye. The truth is that deep down, I had known for a long time that the group was faulty, unkind, and punitive. Finally, I had to face this. I knew many of the "leaders" in my own country when they/we started out, I remember the type of men they were. Maybe they have changed now. If so, it will not have been for the better. You see, until I lose it, I still have a photographic memory. I remember the many happy times and chats that we all had over 20 years ago. I haven't thought of this stuff for years now, but I can still remember every detail of the Worthing debacle. I can tell you what my friends and "leaders" said to me, when they said it, what they said to others, the stories that came back to me, what was said about my wife etc etc etc. And one day, they can explain it to me. "Bitter" goes up the cry. The group is always pure. England is the land of the vanishing RF assembly. I looked up "bad behaviour" in the Thesauras and there was a photograph of the English RF "pastors". Once upon a time there could have been a photograph of me. I was once just a heartbeat away from becoming an RF "pastor". 10 years on I am still grateful for a timely deliverance! North London, I know you all look in here- how you doing? North London main man, I want my Joe Louis book back. Martin, Chelsea are old and on the skids. How you been man? And what are you RF'ers doing reading here and even posting? It's ok, my lips are sealed. Truth is, I am qualified to talk about "Revival World", I have 3 A levels and a degree in it.
Pastor Buck	Share to: #5
Rank：Lurker Score：170 Posts：7 From：Belize Register：09/04/2007 8:55 PM	Re：10 YEARS, 20 MEMORIES Date Posted：07/04/2010 4:59 AMCopy HTML man the brave new world of the English was in the begininng a exciting time but also a time where things happened that should not happen. Ray came over and bullied the other Pastors into his line of thinking. Did they dislike him I think they did at first. the early to Mid 90's were the highlight for the British revival. Churches were growing in number people were happy. Then Ray decided to run back to Australia so his daughters could not marry english boys. The New Ray free Era came in and I think the rumblings that were hidden rose again. Then the Split happened and it was on again. The people who came from australia and wrecked little worthing were prehaps our of order (Can't say much I wasn't there but by the sounds of it they were) They have now left and are probably sitting next to you in your new church. I agree with you that things shoould not have happened that did. We however are called to evercome and be happy in our own walk with God. Revival Fellowship/Centres will not save you neither will AOG Paradise Edge Hill song etc. What does matter is your relationship with God. Sometime we get too caught up in the relationship with people than Gods Plan. Reading the Bible the old testament is littered with poor leaders who have inflicted Pain on Gods People God sorted it out in the end. Let go of your hatred rejoice in the time that you had and talk positive instead of negative. The last place I worked I left because my boss was and idiot I complained offically about him and it did not work. He turned to me and said it was me who was the problem not him. In a way he was right he was the major part but my attitude was ruinining my happiness. I may be wrong but a lot of people would go back the the glory days
Ex_Member	Share to: #6
Rank： Score：0 Posts：0 From：Unknown Register：21/09/2018 12:36 AM	Re：10 YEARS, 20 MEMORIES Date Posted：07/04/2010 6:05 AMCopy HTML Reply to Pastor Buck The last place I worked I left because my boss was and idiot I complained offically about him and it did not work. He turned to me and said it was me who was the problem not him. In a way he was right he was the major part but my attitude was ruinining my happiness. Funny enough, I'm going through the same thing right now at my work. I this week filed a complaint with his superior and it was ignored. He threatened my position today. So, I have taken what you said above as sage advice. I'm gonna back off and keep my head down until I have something to go to...then get the heck out! Thanks Pastor Buck. Sincerely. :)
Tarquin the Magnificent	Share to: #7
Rank：Rookier III Score：2060 Posts：88 From：Unknown Register：05/03/2007 5:24 AM	Re：10 YEARS, 20 MEMORIES Date Posted：07/04/2010 11:37 AMCopy HTML Reply to Pastor Buck I agree with you that things shoould not have happened that did. We however are called to evercome and be happy in our own walk with God. Revival Fellowship/Centres will not save you neither will AOG Paradise Edge Hill song etc. What does matter is your relationship with God. Sometime we get too caught up in the relationship with people than Gods Plan. Hey buddy how are you all doing? Really well I hope. Thanks for posting and I agree on many levels. I for one am glad that you see it this way, and it appears you do not live in "Revival World". Let's face it, you were always tougher than me! If the relationship with God is the principle point, and this goes beyond where we choose to rock up to on a Sunday, then I know as an old friend that you can have no objection to us getting together to chat through some of these things. I would love to talk about God's plan with you, and I'm sure you would with me. Give us a buzz, or I can call you. Or come around, or I could come to you. Or we could meet somewhere and have some coffee. If I have "hatred", you can be sure I won't object to you showing me this. Perhaps reading your comments about Ray, or the way you have written your comments about the family who came to Worthing, I could summise the same? I could, but I don't. What is objectivity based upon experience, and what isn't? Doesn't matter now, and doesn't need to be thrashed out here. It would be nice to see you again.
Pastor Buck	Share to: #8
Rank：Lurker Score：170 Posts：7 From：Belize Register：09/04/2007 8:55 PM	Re：10 YEARS, 20 MEMORIES Date Posted：08/04/2010 1:42 AMCopy HTML I have had hatred I have been let down I have been hurt. I learned to forgive not for their sake but mine. Do i still get frustrated yes indeed. I believe some people are so heavenly bound they are no earthly good. Life in God is about balance
Tarquin the Magnificent	Share to: #9
Rank：Rookier III Score：2060 Posts：88 From：Unknown Register：05/03/2007 5:24 AM	Re：10 YEARS, 20 MEMORIES Date Posted：08/04/2010 1:11 PMCopy HTML Reply to Pastor Buck Keep in touch buddy.
Survivalist	Share to: #10
Rank：Lurker Score：160 Posts：8 From：Unknown Register：25/03/2006 8:19 PM	Re：10 YEARS, 20 MEMORIES Date Posted：03/05/2010 8:53 AMCopy HTML Reply to Tarquin the Magnificent Reply to Pastor Buck Keep in touch buddy. Hi my skinny friend! I too have not posted here for ages but enjoyed your thoughts. I came across the RC in about 1981 at a time when I had brought three children into a world under the threat of nuclear war. Maggie Thatcher was the "Iron Lady" and was spooking Russia into popping one up the spout and sending us all running to take the door off the hinges and put the sofa cussions on top for a quick fall-out shelter. It was in my mind all the time that I had a duty to protect my girls. Then I heard through RC that God intended to destroy the earth with nuclear war and that the righteous would dance on the ashes of the wicked. This was a powerful message that gave me hope and I clung to it strongly. As you have said, at first it was an exciting time in RC but very soon it became more and more controlling with leaders who were uneducated and shallow- minded and claimed that was a strength. (Peter was an uneducated man). My children probably blame me for bringing them up in that stupidity and some of the punishments weilded on them by the pastors were nothing short of child abuse, but my original motives were genuine. After 25 years and a sudden eviction from the fellowship for daring to have some questions about whether Jesus is God or not (RF does not believe He is) I was left with the realisation that while in my employment I worked to protect people from abuse I had myself been suffering "spiritual abuse" for many years. The feeling of having been mugged in the worst sence, perhaps akin to having been burgled or raped, has taken 7 years so far to wear off. I am recovering slowly. I hope those that I helped to abuse, including perhaps yourself, mate, are recovering too. Do not minimise our pain! Spiritual abuse is as harmful as Physical, sexual and emotional abuse.
Tarquin the Magnificent	Share to: #11
Rank：Rookier III Score：2060 Posts：88 From：Unknown Register：05/03/2007 5:24 AM	Re：10 YEARS, 20 MEMORIES Date Posted：04/05/2010 8:34 AMCopy HTML Hey buddy Being raped is a good analogy, it's how I felt at the time. We left in Sept 2000, but by Feb 2001 we were up and running and it was past. Revival Fellowship is an abusive church. It is punitive and illogical. The illogic is readily apparent when you speak to people who still attend and they try to defend the group and aspects of the past. I told a friend of my wife's recently that it was a great idea that we should get together. Come to dinner I said, and by the way, tell your "pastor" what you are doing. She couldn't do it. There would be trouble. It is a simple acid test which proves she is a victim of spiritual abuse. Not that she believes that, or will admit it, but there it stands. Tis the past, and I post here when I feel I should try to say something useful on the subject of abusive church groups. I often hear of the nonsense that goes on in SA. The "bitter" cry always goes up. I heard it recently. Hehehe, poke a gentle dog with a sharp stick and then blame doggy when he finally snaps. Bitter and twisted old dog, let's shun him until he learns that it is right to be poked with a sharp stick. And even if it's not right to be poked with a sharp stick, well, we endorse those poking the dog in error, because error becomes truth if we allow it to happen, shun, and then pray for God to show our leaders how exactly they should poke the dog and with what kind of stick. In the perfect church. And good becomes evil, and evil good. Sometimes you can smell the fear down the computer wires. I have e-mailed sincere best wishes to RF friends when I have heard of their serious illness. Ignored 9 times out of 10. Logical? - no. Fear based? - yes. Good behaviour? - no. Biblical? - no. Mr Survivalist, you helped to hurt me for just a little time. When you appeared and apologised to us, there was really no need too from our side. Twas all long forgotten and forgiven. I understood though, I did bit of apologising myself. I still hang out with the Bible and do a bit of study (I am no scholar though, but I enjoy it). If I can ever forward you anything from these sessions, just let me know. Be as cool as me Mr Tubby.