AssemblyBoard

i have been on this website for a while, under the name beenthere. with all of the horrible things i have learned about the assembly recently, i have become so morally outraged that i feel i have no choice but to go public with my true identity and oppose with every fiber of my being the wickedness and injustice that has occured.

i realize how much this move may cost me. it may cost me my relationship with my family - a relationship that is very dear to me. it may cost me some of the friendships i have been able to revive, and that thought too is quite painful. but if you know me at all you would know i would never take this step without very good reasons, and you would understand that i treasure our relationship no less just because you are in a spiritual group in which terrible things have occured and been covered up for so long. i am sure none of you ever knew any more about the terrible things that have been done in secret than i did. but now i do know, and my conscience is shouting at me, and i cannot hold back any more than i could stop my own heartbeat by force of will.

(deep breath)

David Geftakys,
George and Betty Geftakys,
Dan Notti,
Mark Miller,
Jeff and Nancy Lehmkhul,
Roberto and Jenny Sanchez,
Greg and Marcie Holder,
and all the others who have helped hide and protect horrid ugly sin,
you should be ashamed of yourselves! if even half of what i've been told is true, you have been criminally negligent with god's people. i do not need to talk to you in private first, and then meet with you with two or three witnesses, and then announce it locally, and then... you have crossed all barriers of moral decency! if you do not know what specific situations i am referring to then that could only be due to a habit of abhorrent behavior that causes the specific situations that have been brought to my attention to dim in comparison. which is a horrible thought! some of you i have never met in person. others of you i have looked up to and respected, and loved, since childhood. now, as a man, i am looking you in the eye and calling you to account. do you hear what i am saying?? those evil deeds, done in secret, and kept in secret to blossom into all their ugly fullness, will be shouted from the rooftops! do not think that i am saying these things out of bitterness - it does not make me happy to say them. and those who may agree with me - do not rejoice that these things are being said. these are horrible things to have to say! these things should never have to be said! but i have a conscience, which leaves me no choice. repent! and leave the twisted paths you have gone so far down, into deep darkness, and humble yourself, and make it right! for the sake of the family love we once shared, i will help drag you into the light.

i wish i could talk to each of you in person. my email is now listed on this website. what you tell me in confidence i will keep confidential. i am not your enemy. i welcome all responses. and if i have been given false information, and have named names inappropriately, i will publicly apologize and just as forcefully pursue setting the record straight in your favor. but let me tell you: if i continue discovering more and more hidden wickedness, more and more destroyed lives, deeper and deeper darkness and lies, then i will never let up. i will never be silenced.

Brian,

WAY TO GO!!!!!!  ;D  I am so proud of you.  You are an inspiration to me.  

Just in case you don't know who I am...  My name is Rachel Steepleton.  I was born Rachel Geftakys.  I am George's grand-daughter and David's eldest daughter.

I challenge all of you hiding in your rooms.  I challenge all saints who are secretly looking at this site.  Search for the truth in honesty.  Be ready to find it.  Do not ignore it.  It is staring you in your face.  The abuse is like a poisoness snake about to bite you.  So do not hide any longer.

Well Alrighty then,  ;D

I sense that things are picking up steam just a bit around here.  

Funny thing, I put some grass seeds on a bare patch of ground in my back yard about 2 weeks ago, and now there are little green blades of grass growing up.  You reap what you sow.

For the past 30 years, seeds have been planted in the Geftakys Assembly system.  They have been sprouting up all over the place, but everyone has agreed to do agressive weeding and "hedge trimming," (These weeds are like trees) for many years.

Well, I think that has stopped. Perhaps it was the day before yesterday, perhaps this morning, but I just know that the game is up. It is a universal principle, you reap what you sow.  Well, a bitter harvest is due.

Friends, Speak the truth in love, have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, rather expose them. BE ANGRY AND DO NOT SIN!

Brian, you stated how I have felt for the last 2 years with tremendous eloquence.  I think I know what information you are referring to, and as an eye-witness, I can tell you that it is not false.  I guarantee that you will not be working to restore LB's reputations.  God has set them in slippery places.  There are several hammers, of great mass, that have yet to drop.

Please pray.  Even if you have been so damaged by Geftakysite teaching that you can't pray, try to pray.  God wants to set the captives free.

God Bless you all, and be courageous.

Brent Tr0ckman

Hi Brian & Others,

Proverbs 28:1 "The wicked flee when no one is pursuing,
But the righteous are bold as a lion."

I thought of this verse when I read your post Brian.  The response of the LB's to the truth is to run.  And I've noticed that those who've left have a newly found boldness.  It's truly sad that we have to address a closed assembly from the outside.  The fact there are serious issues to address are more of a grief than anything else, but I agree with Brian.  Our conscience will not permit us to be quiet.  Perhaps at one time, while in the assembly, our consciences were getting seared.  Now God has opened our eyes and healed us.  I appeal to those who are in the assembly and reading this, to prayerfully consider what is being said on this website/bulletin board.  I appeal to you not to justify the wrongs committed.  If the assembly will not truly repent, then come out in obedience to the Lord.

Acts 3:19 "Repent therefore and return, that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord;"

Lord bless you,

Eric

Brian,

I don't personally know you, but I have heard your name before.  You must have been on the campus or something, cause your name sounds so familiar.  Anyhoo, I wanted to tell you that I once felt the way you felt.  I was so afraid of speaking up about the Assembly, for fear that I would lose my "friends".  Well, I have come to realize that the Assembly members are not my true friends.  They are only friends with me as long as I am in the circle.  My true friends are mainly ex-members.  What you did is commendable, and I say, hallelujah!  God bless you!

Eulaha

I am here because I need to be continually reminded of what I left.  I was in the San Luis Obispo assembly for almost 9 years.  I was advancing the Assembly ladder, as I was allowed the "privilege" of taking young women through the Anchors.  

Atta Boy Brian! ;D
   The time has come indeed!  The outrage of Assembly abuses are so clearly testified to there can be no doubt now.  This is not an argument over esoteric bits of biblical interpretation or the rant of former disgruntled members.
   As Brian has so eloquently said it is a matter of clear moral failure on the part of leadership and members to face the truth of abuses in their midst.  If such sin is not repented of it will lead to a very dark cultic atmophere for Assembly members that will be very difficult to escape.
   If Assembly members can harden their hearts' to the tolerated abuses in their midst (Rachel's story, Eric and Kim's firing, etc.) it will sear their consciences to the point that they will be able to abide even deeper sin.  Even if you are a member and didn't know these things by ignoring it now you will put yourself in a very desperate spiritual condition.  Many of the leader's have already crossed these lines where they silence their consciences' and now only live to protect the Assembly system and are far from the Lord.  I don't know if it is possible for these to give up their reputations in the Assembly and return to the God of truth and grace as they have hardened their hearts against the truth.
    Shame on you if you do not join in the chorus of those outraged against the abuses in your midst in the Assembly!
    Blessings on all who have the courage to stand up and speak out re. the abuses!  God is on the side of the truth.
                                 God Bless the truly repentant!  Mark

Mark

You put that so well.  You are exactly right.  Assembly members who are finding this out for the first time need to realize that the leadership has known about this for a long time (decades).  They have ignored and or actively covered up these abuses.  The leadership have so hardened themselves and convinced themselves that they are right that they will have and currently have no qualms about lieing to continue covering the abuse.  The leadership is so compromised that their primary goal is no longer godliness and truth but rather keeping their place in the assembly by not rocking the boat and by maintaining the assembly's exsistence.  They have proven they will stop at nothing to dismiss and control the reports of abuse that have come out.  They have no desire to see justice or morallity.  They only desire their place of authority, the perks of their position and their feeling of spiritual superiority.

Just a few words,

The word is out regarding this website. A few points to consider:

The website is not registered with search engines
Virtually all of our visitors are connected to the Assembly
Everything said can be verified
People are willing and ready to testify to the truthfullness of what has been said here

Regarding the Assembly "leaders"

They have been repeatedly begged to discuss these things, they have refused
They have never, at any time, in any way apologized to those who have been wronged
They always say that people who have something negative to say are Liars, telling only lies.

So, I know some of you are having trouble with all this, finding it hard to swallow.  Well, it is hard. It is incredibly wicked if you stop to think about it, and it is very embarrasing that we ever had anything to do with it.  

Think of all the people that went to one Bible study and walked out in the middle of it.  They saw it!  It is quite obvious, but because it is so painful to our pride and self image, we don't want to deal with it.

Yet, if we ignore it, we sear our conscience and will suffer far more.  The truth is nothing to be afraid of, unless you are a liar.

"the righteous are as bold as lions, but the wicked flee when no man pursues."

Who is boldly in the light, and who is wicked, and afraid?  Good questions to ask.

Brent

The Editor is on vacation,

From 12/24/2002 until 01/03/2002

Please continue to enjoy the BB and other features in my absence.

editor

Hello everyone!

I'm back.
could someone please tell me what has been going on around here?

Editor.

Hi Mr. Editor,
It appears a major upheaval is taking place. Many fingers are tyring to plug the holes, but the pressure is greater and the holes are getting larger. Some ppl are still in deep denial. And many ppl are gaining clarity to see reality.
Welcome Back!  

Hiya
I'm here because I'm here. If that makes sense. Anyway, I really just want to say I'm glad that God's got a plan for everything and even when things get off His plan, He's got a backup plan to fix our mistakes and still get fruit from it.

Anywho, my name's Emily, and im 15. That's about all there is to know about me... I love Christian music, particularly Switchfoot, Jars of Clay, DcTalk, Avalon, and Rebecca St James.

My family left the assembly because of alot of things. I was given the choice to go or stay and I decided to leave. I decided this was the right choice of action because...well on top of the whole David Geftakys situaton, when looking back on the treatment of myself, my mom, and my siblings from the assembly, I realized that what I was experiencing in the assembly wasn't true fellowship. The assembly, at least where the teens are concerned, has turned into a clique, where certain people are excluded because they're different. The teen group is a joke. They sit around and talk about football. Not that I dont like football, but where's the glorification of God in that? Do we fellowship over football?If so, we must be very shallow Christians. I felt like everyone was pressuring me to act more Christian, and to conform to their standards...but it seemed that all they ever did was go through the motions and say all the right words. Anyway... I was also treated very badly by certain people of the assembly. I've forgiven them but I haven't forgotten them.

In any case, I just wanted to say "hi" to everyone here. Send me an email or an IM or something if you wanna talk.
-Emily

I am here because God has sovereignly, suddenly opened my eyes.  He did it in His way and in His time.  I am here because for the first time in a very long time I am enjoying my relationship to Jesus Christ and to all of my dear fellow believers.  I am here because of new friends with names like Rachel & Brent, etc.  I am here because I love my dear wife and children.  I am here because I want to enjoy true fellowship.  I am here because I love all of my brothers and sisters and desire that they would come out into the light and renounce the hidden things of darkness!

Oh, and I also heartily welcome Steve and Margaret.

Welcome 4Him

Teresa and my children have said that they have never seen me so happy.

James and Sharon have really been enjoying it at Harvest Bible Chapel. After last night's meeting, James was asking when it would be Wednesday again so they can go back. They are diligently working on their memory verses, songs and gospel for next week.

Sharon has also been asking when we can go back to Grace's church? (Wheaton Evangelical Free Church where Garth & Sue attend).  I have never seen Sharon and Jamey so eager to go to meetings nor enjoy it so much.

Emily has been enjoying the regular worship time and our Peak Performance class at HBC. However, I took her to the Teen Worship on Sunday night and she is still talking about how much she loved it. Yes, I have also never seen her so enjoy herself as in Worshipping the Lord with the Teens there. She was also pointing out that she already had underlined every verse shared in ministry that night. It was like the Lord was speaking directly to her.

Emily says she has never seen so many teenagers that love the Lord so much and are so serious in their walk with the Lord.

As it says in 3 John 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

Ps 126:1 When the LORD brought back the captivity of Zion, We were like those who dream.
2  Then our mouth was filled with laughter, And our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them."
3  The LORD has done great things for us, And we are glad.

WOW 4Him,
I've heard the chains falling :) off, your heart is now free to rise and follow HIM. Isn't it amazing how wonderful it is to be free?

Welcome all you new members!  I should have posted long ago "Why I am Here" and realized as new people were stating their reasons, I better get on the ball! ;D

I am here for my sanity first and foremost.  I am here to see that those who are seeking who are still in the "lodge", can hear the truth about where they are choosing to fellowship.  I am here to fellowship with others who have come out of the same wicked place in order to help and be helped in the process.  I am here to make friends with others who were never duped by the "lodge" system (Hi Karen ;), who can offer some perspective about what "the other side" looks like in reality.  

That for now. ;D

Bob!

Isn't it great? All the passages about rivers of Living water, and the joy of the Lord, they really are true!  Suzie and I are so happy for you guys.  You will be so amazed that not only will you hear God's voice in a healthy church, but you will hear it way more loudly and clearly than ever at the Lodge.  Enjoy you freedom!

There is joy in serving Jesus!  (but grief in serving the cause of men)

Brent

Why I am here...well, it's a lot of reasons...let me begin by saying that I am from a small assembly
in the midwest.  Years ago because of personal discouragement my husband and I left another larger assembly
in the midwest and moved several times for his job...all the time seeking the Lord and being "in fellowship" with
other believers...I have never held to the notion that "This Ministry" is it...infact the very first time I heard GG I was taken aback
by his egotism and self promoting "preaching"...I've never understood much of what he's said over the ensuing
20 years...anyway, I digress...after several moves and a bad experience with a little flock out east (not assoc with GG)
An opportunity availed itself to move back to the midwest to be closer to family and friends...
as it happened there was also a small gathering in the town we were moving to.  Because we
had left "this ministry" with no hard feelings we decided to check out this local gathering... we made some nice
friends and people welcomed us with open arms...we've been here almost 14 years...OK, that
being said...Are we still "in" the assembly?  Technically...because we have a wait and see attitude,
My hubby doesn't think anything good is going to come out of the big pow-wow they are having on the left coast today
It's hard to put into one post all the emotions and thoughts that have been swirling around in my
head since I first became aware of all this...Many of you on this BB I only know by name, there are a few of you I know
Let me clarify what I said earlier by our "wait and see" attitude...it is only in regard to how the leadership in our
local gathering is going to respond...I have already made the decision to have nothing to do with any kind of ministry associated with
GG or his family dynasty (actually I made that decision years ago...I quit reading the T&T years ago...try to avoid or plan vacations around
the video seminars...and mainly go to the Midwest Seminar to reconnect with friends that I still hold dear...if that sounds strange I'm sorry...but I do
have lots of good memories and friends)...maybe it's because I've never been taken in by GG's charisma
that I could enjoy the good and blow off the bad.  So, why am I here?  I want to keep up on the latest...
It is so sad that the awful things that were done were done by believers to fellow believers...not just the atrocity
of abuse that Judy and Rachel endured...but the mindgames and abuse suffered through out the assemblies.
To Judy and Rachel if you read this...Thank you for your courage to come out with all this...I have been praying
for you...and I know that God will honor you for that and will restore to you those years that the locust have eaten.
To other readers...sorry this is so long...will try to keep it shorter in the future.  I am enjoying reading about
the renewed joy and encouragement that others have found...I know that God has renewed my joy and hope
He is Good!!!  "Beloved, these words for now" ;) ;)  Catch ya L8r...

Welcome Curious,
   Please feel free to post to your heart's content. I enjoyed reading what you had to say and pray that the Lord will help you as you make decisions re. your involvement.
   I was in the assembly in a small group not far from Fullerton.  I've been out for over 11 years and before the birth of this site have been unaware of all the Assembly news.
   Our individual Assembly was controlled by Fullerton (The Work) and as such it seems strange to hear of a group associated with the Assembly and yet operating without the same kind of control that I remember.
   I too remember many good friends from the Assembly, but it was clear to me that I had to leave.  I discovered that the Assembly is not just isolated cases of individual abuse, but systemized error.  What I mean is that there are established principles upon which the Assembly operates that support destructive practice.  
   The central such destructive principle is the practice of a group centered attitude, instead of a Christ centered attitude.  The Assembly elitist attitude of "higher life and light" creates the hypocrisy you mentioned in your post.  The defense of their self proclaimed higher status causes them to become very dishonest re. their own lives.  It also causes them to attack those who point out their inconsistencies.  So much so they will defend wife beaters and child molestors in their midst while declaring those leaving the Assembly to fellowship elsewhere as, "wicked, of the devil, slanderers, etc.
   This is why I believe that the very foundations of the Assembly are in error and that they can not be fixed.  The premises, from the beginning, are off center.  I believe that leaving is the best way to change things; both for those still trying to defend the system, and for your own spiritual health as well.        God Bless,  Mark C.  

Dear Curious.
I can relate to everything you've posted.
 One issue for me regarding staying and see if it changes is that for the most part the lodge leadership has been under GG for a very long time. They've never made a decision alone regarding the lodges. I think the Lord is able to raise up something new but in new wine skins. Is the current lodge leadership willing to step down? Were any involved in the cover up of abuse or were they aware of what was going on but too afraid of GG to say anything? Were they too afraid to confront him and lose their postion in leadsership or as a 'worker.' Also if the leadsership was even slightly aware of DG problems, were they still sending $$$ to Fullerton that was supporting the abuse and coverup? There are serious issues. I know the Lord will lead and direct you and your husband. I know many ppl here have left the lodge system a while ago. It's been 2 weeks after 27 plus years for me. I'm still amazed at how wonderful it is to be free from its grip. We found a great place for fellowship. It's a BIG step to leave the lodge, but worth it! :)
Teresa

I'm not exactly sure how this all works-I guess this message will show up somewhere. I'm maria simpson, and I was in the Fullerton assembly many years ago.  I think this site is interesting. I don't actually address my assembly experience much anymore, openly anyway.  I think very often when something comes up that reminds me of old teachings, I make an effort to throw out the old ideas and look for the truth.  I sure am thankful to know the goodness of the grace and mercy of the Lord! I do think that it is necessary to address the issues that are exposed on this site, though I don't have the stomach to dwell on it all for very long.  There are so many names that I do not recognize, and a few that I do.  Nevertheless, hello everyone.

Hello Maria,
It was good to hear from you.  I have thought about you and Jim and the kids and wondered if you were ever going to go around the world on a boat like Jim's family.

It has been awhile since I left the assembly and things are going very well.  Maryruth is now 13 and Danielle is 10 Can you believe it.
Give my best to Jim and let me know how you are doing.
Kevin

Hi Maria,
  I don't know if you remember me, but I'm Mark Campbell from the Assembly in the Valley.  I left in 1991 and I remember both Jim and you very well.
  I understand how reading stuff re. the Assembly can trigger some very hurtful old memories.  I have gone through the same experience as you expressed, but have found it helpful to talk about it.  God does heal the brokenhearted and cares deeply about us.  I hope that some of the grace and mercy you mentioned can be found through the post's of ex-members on this site.
  Another great thing about this site is finding old friends and establishing contact with them again; it is a great joy! :)
                                      God Bless,  Mark C.
 

Hi Kevin, and hi Mark.  
I do remember you Mark, and I think the Wheel's have mentioned your name here and there from time to time.
And Kevin, it's nice to hear from you-and Jim will not be taking me around the world in a boat any time soon.  It's amazing to think of how old your kids are now.  I remember Jim and I seeing you with the family on a Friday night at Mimi's on Euclid.  I don't think we had ever seen you all together before.  It has been nearly 13 years since we started to going to a normal Christian church.  Abe is 17 and has already enlisted in the Marines in the delayed entry program.  He will be going in on August 11th. He is quite an accomplished backpaker like Jim and loves going on mission trips to Mexico (San Jose del Cabo) with our church. David is 16 and has long hair (what a shame! ;))  and Paul is 14.  Paul does Civil War re-enactments (he's in the 1st Main Cavalry) and Jim is going to join him after Abe goes into the Marines. The boys don't really remember the assembly experience-Abe was 5, David 4 and Paul 3 when we left.  It's been good to have raised them in a Calvary Chapel.
I appreciate hearing from you both. God is GOOD! 8)

All right all you computer experts...where is the posting with the list of all the families/people who have left????  I just got a call asking if we had left...I said "Not yet, but we are definitely thinking about it"...I had to read my post on this subject to see if I had indeed said that...well, anyway,
to those of you who are saying "Run for your lives"...my husband, the patient and kind man that he is (hey, he's been married to ME for 20+ years!!! :D ) has set a date to make a decision by...and believe me ONLY God could ever RUSH him into making a decision...so I am learning to be patient...I also "heard" that there is no longer an "assembly" in Champaign...and was told that isn't true either...in any case...to those of you that are still IN  the assembly and monitoring these posts...please stop spreading rumors and half truths...just cause you saw my post and think you figured out who I am...(not that I'm trying to keep it a secret)...doesn't give you the right to tell "MY" LB's that I have left...that is something we reserve the right to do in our time,on our terms...if you have a problem with that...email me...my address isn't hidden.

Hi Curious, way to go in calling those out who would outright be chicken and deal with their brethern face to face.

Now for you that are still in and monitoring these boards to go back and RAT (yes I said rat, because you are acting similar them, in trying to be sneaky and take from someone and them bring it back to your place regardless of who it hurts as long as it "helps" the pack).  Anyway why do not come into the light and address in this case your brother or sister in email before you go back to the head cheese (pun intended).  If you are so offended by their post, then the you need to heed the word and go to the offend person first and let them know.

Last for all you that have every done this or talked about someone who has left badly (and you know who you are) you need not only to repent but try as hard as possible to contact that person and ask for their forgiveness.  Take Kirk Cesaretti's example of how he has done just that.

Lord Bless,
George Allen

"Blessed are the Peace Makers for they shall obtain peace!"
www.e-sword.net

My name is Lori Wray fka Lori Rushmeyer.  I attended almost all the meetings in SLO from December 1995 through October of 1990.  After reading this website I need to come forth with my story of why I left.  I am sure a letter was read to the assembly after I left not to associate with me because I never heard from my friends again.  If anyone remembers what was read I would love to know what sin they said I committed.  Here is why I left.  I was engaged to Michael McSwain, the wedding invitations were out and all the sudden Michael changed drastically.  He told me that I was his wife, I told him, not yet.  He told me I was to quit my job at an accounting firm.  He told me that I was to re-upholster the furniture in his house.  He told me that I was to paint the outside of his house, which was a place where he was renting - he did not own it.  He told me I was to get rid of my checkbook for fear I would bounce a check - mind you I graduated from Cal Poly with a minor in Accounting, chances of me bouncing a check - slim to none.  He told me that I was to pay all the bills with cash via a bicycle because he was going to rebuild the engine in my car - which was a 1971 Buick Skylark which ran great and didn't need a new engine.  He told me that my allowance to buy groceries would be $10 per week.  He told me that he wanted to have 7 boys, which is way beyond my control.  I called the wedding off.  I met with the leading brothers - Jeff Lehmkul, David Geftakys and Kirk C. to tell them why I would no longer be attending the meetings.  I told them that I was scared to death of Michael McSwain and didn't want to face him again.  They took the side of Michael.  Right before I called off my engagement, Roberto and Jenny, newlyweds  convinced me to move in because the leadership did not want me to live alone and my roomate had moved out in preparation of me moving out.   I reluctantly agreed.  The month that I spent with Roberto & Jenny opened my eyes.  I could not believe how Roberto treated Jenny.  She had to have dinner on the table at exactly 5:30pm.  All the dishes and utensils had to match.  She had to serve the dinner to Roberto on a platter.  It didn't matter how sick pregnant Jenny felt, she had to do it.  Roberto took Jenny in the bedroom many times to reprimand her.  I was glad for the eye opening experience.  I looked at the other married couples in the gathering - Tom & Sally, David & Judy, Jeff & Nancy, and Greg and Marcy.  I saw no outward  expressions of love - only controlling behavior, glares, mean looks.  I can only imagine the sick counsel  the married men in SLO were taught "HOW TO CONTROL YOUR WIFE".  I wouldn't change what I had to go through because it has made me a stronger person but on the other hand I don't want other people to have to go through what I did.  I told the Lord that I was okay if I never got married.  I would rather live alone for the rest of my life than be in a controlling relationship in marriage.  I am thankful how God opened my eyes to the leadership and how I felt fortunate to have only spent 5 years in fellowship compared to the length of time some of you have spent in fellowship.  I know some of you married women, like Judy feel trapped.  I know I would have felt trapped since I don't believe in divorce.  I now believe that there are very valid reasons for getting a divorce and physcial/mental abuse is definately at the top of the list.  It is wrong for your husband to control you with abuse.  Jesus does not do that to us.  I noticed that there are not very many women posting to this sight.  I would like to hear your story of abuse by your husbands.  I know that Judy was not the only wife that was abused.  I would like to know the real reason why several of the brothers left fellowship rather suddenly.
Shining the light of the TRUTH - Lori Wray fka Lori Rushmeyer

I definitely know who this person is. :o  Take it from me do not mess with her.  I've tried before... (I can just hear her saying, "O brother as she reads this post.)

Hello Curious,
It's good to wait.
Unfortunately, ppl say all kinds of things about others. Of course in the Lodge there's no gossiping! Well actually there's a lot that going on. Especially for damage control. I've heard all kinds of stuff about why we left the lodge. I'm the one blamed for our leaving. I call it the Eve Syndrome. It's easier to blame the wife than to face the husband's reason's for leaving. I'm not trying to figure out who you are. I'm glad you're on the BB and that you're praying and considering what the Lord wants. That's a very good place to be.
And as for the gossip, I've decided to ignore it. The Lord is first in  my life. I've given up my reputation to Him.
Teresa

Please forgive me I mistyped my dates that I was in the SLO gathering.  It should read December 1985 through October 1990.
Lori Wray (fka Lori Rushmeyer)

Dear Lori

You are forgiven, but I must take away 2 overcomer points from you, for your typo. If this confuses you, or you aren't sure if I am kidding or serious, then I have accomplished my purpose.

I hope to instill in everyone a sense of awe, in that I am THE GM's servant.  At the same time, if I can keep everyone slightly confused, while at the same time in vigorous pursuit of what I tell them is the truth, then I can excercise even more control over all of you.  You will be ever learning, ever trying to gain my favor, but never able to come to the knowledge of the Truth.  Any power you think you may have, will only come from me, and I will control all of you. I learned all of this in the Assembly.  ;) ;D

How many of you wish you were told this the first day you "came into fellowship?"

Brent

(Lori, I really am kidding.  We can still have a sense of humor, I think?  Welcome to GA.com!)

Teri,
I just knew it was yur fault!
Actually, tho' I finally made the decision, it happened when I began to see things I think my wife has seen for a very long time (not the specific things concerning DG).  She was and is very patient with me tho' I often don't see it.  It's not an Eve syndrome but an extremely important way of seeing and sensing the world that she and, I think you as well, possess.  We (husbands) need our "better halves"!  :)

Dear 4Him...as you said the other night in our private conversation in our family room...you wouldn't last a week with me as your wife!!!! :D ;) ;D  Actually, it's funny that I haven't had one single email from anyone on this...so it confirms my suspicion that those who are "monitoring" these posts  don't really want to have face to face encounters with us but just read what we write and then report back to the powers that be...how sad!
Well, gotta run...I'm busy, busy,busy!!!!

Verne, well said!

I am here...
rejoicing not in iniquity, but rejoicing with the truth.
I have served in this ministry since after my discharge from the U.S. Navy, having completed time in Vietnam, and needing fellowship desperately. I  will always appreciate the fellowship and discipling of Jim Hayman in my early Christian life, as he had some similar experiences and understanding I needed at the time. Much has transpired since then.
Today, In spite of the grievous failures (Steve Irons I appreciate your spiritual perspective of godly sorrow)  :'(, I am seeing the truth of a verse I memorized as a young new believer: I Cor. 15:58.  There is much I could add but I will close with the thought: Not by their seminars, not by their bible knowledge, not by their command of the Greek, but BY THEIR FRUITS YOU SHALL KNOW THEM (Mt. 7:15-20).
Wayne Mathews

Hi all!!!

So many names I recognize and some that I don't.

I'm here because for 13 years I was deep into the assembly in SLO. I saw it all. Didn't know about the site until today when Rob Kazarinoff pointed me here. What a great resource.

And also what great joy to see the happenings of the last few days. Though I left in Dec. 1994 I always wanted fellowship. I'm glad that now that might actually be possible. It takes great courage to admit you are wrong and look to make things correct. I applaud those who are making the efforts both here and over the air waves.

May this be the turning point for a greater work. May the clergy be done away with and a return to true Christianity set in.

I look forward to renewing contact with so many after so long!

Lord Bless you all, God is Good!

Paris Templin

This is a reply to Lori Rushmeyer (oops) Wray:

It is good to hear your story.  I am also encouraged that Sheila and I didn't appear on your list - heh, heh.  Just so you know, I don't recall a letter being read about you, or any "official" word that we should avoid contact with you.  Someone might correct me - I just don't remember anything like that.  I think the reason nobody kept in contact with you is because our  training led us to immediately think of you as an outsider - someone who had "left" God's flock.  Pretty sad, since the general knowledge was that you were simply "very discouraged."  One would think we should see it as our responsibility to go out to you.  But, then again, we also had a rather bizarre notion of what it meant to "go out" to someone.  In our minds, "going out" meant only "drawing in."  What can I say?  We were ill-trained.

Anyway, please email me, as I'm sure Sheila would like to touch bases with you.

-Eric

This is a reply to Paris Templin:

Paris!  So good to hear from you!  I owe you some money.  Let's get in touch, so I can make it right.

-Eric  ;D

Lori Rushmeyer, my dear roommate (boy was I a lousy roommate to you...) I am so sorry!

I would love to hear from you!

Heide

I would say that I am here not to criticize but to encourage. Also I see it very important to tell the truth and share your honest opinion from the bottom of your heart. I believe that God is doing an amazing work in the assembly. I find it very important to pray daily for those who are in the assembly, not that they would leave but that the Lord would show them his exact will for each and every one of them.

Amen! This is one of the best posts i have seen on this site. Honest, pure, and to the point.

I am here because I want to know and WALK in the truth. (3Jn. 4 - "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.")

For the last 12 years or more I have allowed myself to be involved with a system that misused the truth.  A brother who left one of the assemblies recently told me that he believed that many of the doctrines taught in this work were correct, but that they were applied in ways that were very wrong and led to extremely unhealthy and harmful relationships.  That really hit me, and has been helping me as I get before God in view of these matters.  I can think of specific examples where I have done or allowed others to do that.  For that I repent and ask forgiveness.

And, in those areas where the doctrine has been outright wrong, I am asking God to teach me His ways.  And, by His grace and longsuffering I am trusting that He will do so.

Joe

Subject should be, Who Am I?

I started going out to the SLO assembly in 1983. I wasn't committed at that time, just sort of going when I felt like it. Who knew you had to be committed.... Anyways I came and went alot, sometimes committed for a whole four years at a time before I would leave for "sin". And I would come back and have to meet with the LB's, confess, repent, get to sit in the back row and be quiet and of course not allowed to participate in the Lord's Supper. Yea, I was that sister! I was the one who left to join the CHP because I couldn't be involved with the SLO assembly and be a cop too. I was told, while thinking about leaving that it was not God's intention for me to be a cop. He must have been right because there was a hiring freeze and I joined the Marine Corps instead. Well, that wasn't my gig either and I ended up coming back to SLO. I eventually came back to the fold after Mary Jean's funeral. Alot has happened and if you are wondering if now, would I go back again? Since I was there to hear George's repentance and they wouldn't let me in. Hmmmm.

I understand that Corey is trying to reach me. I don't have your phone number but would love to talk to you. I guess you could email me....

I totally stand for Judy even though we have had our differences. If you need my testimony for what happened at the end, I'm here.

Heide

I am here to stand up for the VICTIMS.  

Jeremiah 21:12  O house of David, thus saith the LORD; Execute judgment in the morning, and deliver him that is spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor, lest my fury go out like fire, and burn that none can quench it, because of the evil of your doings.

My name is Russ Pittman from Seattle,

This is my 1st posting to this website.

I am here to say thank you for those faithful brothers & sisters who acted with courage to stand despite much resistance. I have no desire to speak against anybody despite however great their incredible failures are.

I also want to say I am thankful for what a wonderful Savior I have. I'm sure many are very stumbled by some - but remember Jesus never fails. Don't lose sight of how wonderful He is. Praise God He has done faithfully already.

I also would like to find out how those who I have known and love are doing in all this.

Zeph 3:9 For then I will give to the peoples purified lips, that all of them may call on the name of the Lord, to serve Him shoulder to shoulder.

Brother Russ
 :) ;) :D

Quick background - for all future posts.
I'm 23 years old; I've lived in the suburbs of Chicago and have been gathering with the assembly there for all of my life.  I obviously had no choice as to what gathering I grew up in, but since turning 18, I have remained in that particular gathering because I personally believed it to be God's will for me.  I am still gathering there (in light of the recent revelations) because God has shown me to continue.

I am here, registered on this website, because I have read it from nearly the beginning, and would remain a "guest" no longer.  I would also like to respond to posts, as God would direct.  I pray that any post I make would be honoring to Him.

Rudy,
Heh heh.. I have many fond memories of that "rocket" although now it is rusting away... it's a shame.  I must have been too young to remember you, but my dad is still gathering here.
Joseph

Hi Rudy,

We meet in Shoreline about very close to Lake City Way and 145th. We began in Lynnwood, migrated to Seattle, and now we meet in Shoreline.

Where are you now?
Which assembly associated with George's ministy were you meeting with?

Russ

I came here out of curiosity as to what was happening with GG and "the assemblies." I started posting because I wanted to stand up for the truth.
"... the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32)


   "In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
  And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will." (2 Timothy 2:25-26)

H

My name is Michelle, and I'm located in St. Louis.  I have never been involved with this organization, but I have an old friend who is.  God obviously led me here for a reason, so I've decided to hang around and see what that is.  

I attend the "worldly church" of Covenant Presbyterian, of the Presbyterian Church in America, on Ballas Road, between Clayton and Manchester Roads.  There the gospel is preached with almighty grace.  I would love to share my church with anyone who is interested.  I also have tapes of sermons I can mail out.

My ReBirthday is May 17, 1998.  I came to faith through the intervention of a sweet angel and dear friend and brother.  I try to be honest and real, and I struggle at times.  I am probably the furthest thing from perfect there possibly  is, and Jesus loves me anyway.  I don't even think I've "overcome" anything.   ;)  

I'd be happy to talk to anyone who is looking for an outsider's perspective, through e-mail or face to face.  And like I said before, I'm just going to hang out here for a while.

-michelle

Hi, I'm Eden Garisek, Tony and Anne Marie's daughter.  I'm 26 now - I know that will shock some of you who remember me as a child.  We left when I was 17, but I can say that I had such a happy childhood growing up in the Assembly.  It was really only in the last few years, when as a normal teen I began to question, that I personally felt what I now see as bondage.  All of us were bound.  

I am here because I feel lucky.  I, personally, have few scars.  What scars I have are healed because of the open, honest, and ongoing discussion my family has had since we left.  I am so happy to see that kind of discussion happening here.

Hey Michelle,

Enjoyed what you said about yourself...


You are just the sort of person that is needed here.  Many of us, me included, have been made to think that tho' all Christians are saved, we're just a little more so.  Having just recently come to see this, and having left the "shelter" of the Geftakys assemblies, I am really beginning to enjoy the fellowship of dear brothers and sisters like you.  So, welcome, in the wonderful grace and love of Jesus!  Contribute freely.  We need you.

PS - Be an encouragement in Christ to your friend that meets with the Hazelwood/Florissant Assembly.

::smooches::  to you, Tim.

-m.

Michelle!!

That's my man you're smoochin' on!  Look out Tim, I'm getting the rolling pin!

 ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

::smooches::  to Tim's wife, too!   ;D

I am here because I got free tickets!!!!!

 :)  During my assembly participation, I lived with a couple who attended Calvary Chapel.  They held a Bible study in the townhome where we lived and so I met other Christians (very good for me, lucky me!  :))  I invited one of them to the Bible study and Sunday meeting.  

The Holy Spirit got him right out of there, and he told me so.  He encouraged me to leave, actually, but I wouldn't listen.

*sigh*

"I sing of Your mercy that leads me through valleys of sorrow to rivers of joy..."  -- Jars of Clay

I heard about this.  I didn't realize it was quite this bad.

Praise God for my loving husband who has always told me I am his equal!!

A special place in my heart is reserved for the corruption of Steve Husting.   >:(  When I met him, he had a beautiful freedom and joy in his faith that I longed to possess.  When he married, he loved his wife dearly and treated her well.  His wife was happy, because he wasn't domineering and micromanaging her.

The leadership took care of that.

By the time I visited four years later, he enthusiastically declared to me that his wife was NOT his equal.  Since Steve is single-minded, I have no idea what he subjected her to in the name of Christ.

I am not bashing Steve.  Steve believed what he was taught and acted accordingly.  He is both fearless and faithful by nature.  I hold the leadership responsible for this. >:(

I really have to talk about this.

I had these words applied to me A LOT.  

And they fit.  Not only was I discouraged with the assembly, I was, at the very least, emotionally unstable.  

These words, applied to me, were meant to be synonymous with a lack of faith on my part, and leadership that used to encourage me started rebuking me.  That was very hard.

They also used my best friend to try to manipulate me.  What a horrible thing to do.  It didn't succeed very well, though.

I'm putting myself out there with this post.

I've stuggled for a long time with what I believed in after leaving the Assembly. I tried fitting in with a mainstream church but didn't. My beliefs seemed to fall apart as I tried to "rediscover" who I am.

Unlearning fundamentalism was scary but I did not want anyone to control me or tell me what to believe. At this point in my life I'm not sure what to believe and I haven't commited myself to a belief system. I guess that makes me feel like an anomaly on this board as being someone from the assembly made me feel like an anomaly on Yahoo's ex-fundy board.

The reason why I've come aboard on this board because it is part of the healing process, whatever that is. Regardless of whatever difference in beliefs between me and other former members, we share a bit of a common history, and that is what makes me understand anger and the jokes that come with dealing with the pain of leaving and even surrendering control to another before (and I've had my share of anger and pain).

I've searched for this type of forum for years. Hearing about what happened in the Assembly recently gave me some closure as well as finding there there ex-members speaking out on various sites.

I still think about issues of faith as well. If it didn't matter to me and none of the relationships I had with friends in the context of faith mattered, I would have said chuck it a long time ago. I haven't completely given up on the idea of faith and spirituality but this is where I am right now.

I don't know if there is anyone in the same position as me out there. I've enjoyed visiting this site and "reconnecting" with some people and perhaps making new connections.

- Shin Evans

Hi, Shin,

Actually this makes you one among many on this board. There are those with clearly defined belief systems, mostly ex-Assemblyites who have had several years to get answers to their questions. But there are many who have left in the past year or two who are still "searching."

Feel free to post your thoughts and questions. Not everyone will agree, but you won't get too much grief and you'll probably get a lot of help hashing things out if you want it.

S

Hi Scott,
Thanks. I feel a lot better after hearing that. It's been a few years and I don't really expect this board experience to be "I've been re-saved by Jesus, Praise the Lord" but it helps to talk about these things with people who have been there.

To use an anaology from Star Trek Voyager, the post assembly journey feels like the Seven of Nine journey. Seven of Nine, the ex-Borg dealt with becoming human again in the series. She still had some of the cybernetic hardware but she was no longer connected to the collective and had to learn again what is was to be human, an individual. On one hand, this experience is a part of who I am but I have been becoming something different ever since. I could also relate to the rage Captain Picard felt when he dealt with the Borg in "First Contact." For some people who are not into Star Trek, sorry for the analogies but I am a Star Trek junkie. The people who knew me in San Diego can attest to that.

- Shin

Shin,

     You seem to have an honest and optimistic perspective.  If you're willing to carry your Seven of Nine analogy to a long range goal, you'll realize that she went on to become an attorney who now teaches in a public high school in Bostson! :D
     Who knows but what, down the road, you may become a great leader, saving many of us from the trappings of our dictator-ruled past-- something of a "Shinchy's List." ;D

Glad you're here, ;)
al ;

Shin,

Again, you're in good company. The Borg analogy has definitely made the rounds. Especially via Arthur, Marcia & Hugh.

But sorry, I never saw anyone in a headcovering and denim dress that looked like Seven of Nine! :o

S

Thanks, Scott and al. I definitely appreciate the warmth and welcoming tone of your responses to my posts.

I'm glad the Borg analogy has been used before. It is a perfect metaphor for the experience.

 :)

The Matrix analogy has also come up:


For those of you just coming out from being under the grasp of the assembly,

Welcome ... to the real world.

(http://www.briantucker.net/bb/attachments/morpheus.jpg)

That explains why I have something on the back of my head  ;)

Love the Matrix. At least the first film.