AssemblyBoard

The man has taken the rod and the stick has been swung, the damage is done. Is it time for this site to come down?  What has been set in motion by this website will continue in motion with or without this website.  There seems to be confusion and distortion and more people being hurt, yet others say there is still more left to be said (more damage to be done).

All in favor of doing more damage say Aye, against say Nay.

I am glad things were exposed but isn't enough, enough?  It is time to go forward and edify the Body of Christ (assembly or other).  I know Brent's desire is for edification, especially after his talk with the SLO leadership.  

What is your desire?

Maybe this site's focus can change from being a disgrunteled site to a prayer list. There has been good info on this site, but also many false or harsh sarcastic posts.  Let's make this site so that it's sole purpose it to edify Christ's body (by prayer list, or constructive talk about issues).  How can this be accomplished? Maybe this Bulletin Board needs to be stopped or only Brent and a few others post what is good?  Other ideas?  

Personally, I think this site has run its race and finished its course and is high time to be offered up.  I know the BB addicts can't get enough and it's making them into an emotional mess.  

The BB addicts are looking forward to your response.

This is just like a line out of the assembly handbook 101.  Let's try and control the information that is given to the Lord's people.  

FORGET IT!!!!!!!!  Haven't we had enough of this?  If you think that simply bringing George to light is all that needs to be done you haven't realized the damage George has inflicted upon the hundreds (or is it thousands) of people associated with his ministry.  He hand picked these leaders.  He trained them in heretical doctrine.  Read Math 7.  Jesus warns against the wolves that will come in sheeps clothing.  He then goes on to say that an evil tree cannot bring for good fruit it can only bring forth bad fruit.  This ministry has bad fruit throughout.  It isn't just GG that needs to be brought into the light.  It is numerous men and women that GG put in power.  Not to mention the teaching that needs to be thrown in the trash can.  

Whose kidding whom?  This is just the beginning!

This business is not over. Period.  >:(

There is allot of wasted "space" on this site.
No argument there. Darkness loves the dark.
Bash and bust people till they bleed, then they'll
"no fuss". Not with me. Mess with them, lie to
them, make them see "we're not so bad". I am
not alone in saying and in standing against the
"evil empire", the geftakys system. Light and
right will prevail.  :)

Bubba Gum said:

"Maybe this site's focus can change from being a disgrunteled site to a prayer list. There has been good info on this site, but also many false or harsh sarcastic posts."


Bubba, you don't know the half of it.  These assemblies are in a far more serious condition than the people realize.  

By the way, there is a place on the site for you to post your complaints about "false" posts.  I, and others, would be very interested in your information showing that some posts are false.  I don't think anyone here really wants to spread lies.  That accusation is a common defense by people who can't stand open, honest discussion, but it is possible you know something we don't, so have at it.

As to sarcasm, that frequently is in the eye of the beholder.

Thomas Maddux

DON'T END THIS WEBSITE! There's been 10 new members in February alone. We need to know what is going on :o ::)
yeah for Brent and Brian.

Hello Everyone

The website is not ending.  It will change of course.
Much of the posting right now will change, and we will all once again return to a more sane frame of mind.  The sad thing is that very many excellent posts get buried in flames.  It'll all work out.

In the mean time, what think you of this?

Dear Friends:

I would like to ask all of you to take 10 steps back from this whole thing, in your mind's eye.  Remove yourself from it, and pretend that a broken confused Christian, who is experiencing all of the events at the Assembly, but at another church, has come to you for counsel.  You can see that this person is sincere, but also confused and hurt.  As a strong, mature believer, who has advanced insight into the truth of God's word, you want this person to break free from any sort of bondage, and have joy and liberty in Christ.

This broken, confused brother has told you:

• The leader of his group is an adulterer and an immoral man
• All of the money is kept secret and is handled only by the immoral leader
• The leader's son is a wife beater and has his own, very dysfunctional life
• The leadership was all handpicked by the immoral, money loving leader
• Hundreds of former members of the group have identical stories about abuse and control
• 2 best-selling books and numerous articles by a Christian author called the group "Abusive"
• Every other Evangelical church in town counsels people to stay away from the group
• A national cult expert, and several leading Christian Cult awareness groups have called the group a cult, and former members have actually been de-programmed.
• There is a website about this dear confused brother's group, that has thousands of pages of testimonies that all point to the fact that something is seriously wrong

How would you counsel this person?

If this person turned out to be you, would you take your own counsel?

Take Six Weeks Off!

Brent

I find this really interesting:

If someone posts, "so and so is an umcompassionate jerk!" we get hundreds of replies.  If someone posts, "This website is biased!" same thing.

However, if someone (me in this case) posts something serious and I believe very searching, everyone stays away from it.  >:(  Then, many of you send me email saying, "The tone on the board is bad, do something!"

Here you go, I'm doing something,  where is the dialogue?

Well, what of it?  How would YOU counsel this hypothetical brother?  How can you avoid this post?  Is everyone still in denial?

Here is one thing I would NOT tell this broken confused Christian:

"Well, just go to another one of your church's seminars and listen to the leader who is next in line speak for two days.  That seems like a good thing to do."

Again, we aren;t talking about the Assembly here, just a hypothetical situation.

Anyone brave enough to answer?

Brent

Brent,

You have posted the main body of this message more than once.
I took it to be a scolding - to take care how we communicate. Of
course after your clarification it is clear that you want some input
on how to talk to a wounded, present member of the geftakys system.

As far as a word for word presentation, I can't offer that. But here is
what I can offer - and no it's not a complete presentation. I would
share how I came to Christ followed by how I became involved in
the assembly. Then progress to how things change after becoming
committed to the assembly. The next part I will give in more detail :
There is a spiritual battle raging for the souls of men - that's you
and me. You are troubled by what is happening or what you percieve
to be as problems w/ the fellowship you are in. In my experience the
Lord at least twice very clearly spoke to me about leaving. My response
was one of fear - that I couldn't leave the one and only testimony in
the town of Hastings. When I responded in fear like I did, it was as if
a dark veil closed over my mind. The Lord spoke, I disobeyed out of
fear and the light He was shining was removed. The Lord may be
enlightening you regarding the assembly - just like He enlightened you
before you accepted Him as your Lord and Savior. Don't take His
kindness and mercy towards you lightly. Have you noticed a change in
your peace and joy in it's simplicity - that which you experienced when
you were fresh born ? Think about it. I had to take a bold and definitive
first step in order to break free from that which was killing me - taking
away my love for my First Love that I had at the beginning. It's only
been fairly recently that I've begun to enjoy the simplicity of my
salvation as I enjoyed it in the begining.

The rest from here on would depend on the persons response definitely
followed by coming before our Heavenly Father in the Chief Shepherds
name. Refering the person to a book again will depend on their response.
Throwing a book at someone and telling them to read it never set right
with me. Well, at least that's how I'd make an initial approach.

To Bubba-gum;

24 hours ago I would have agreed with your statements ( to some degree)...but after several private chat's with Mr. Brent Tr0ckman...I have a much diffrent perspective..I would challenge you to put yourself in his shoes and re-consider.

I have many concerns, but the vision here and the reality out there continues to FAR outweigh the alternative.

Watch a bit longer and read a bit more it will enlighten you...( said in true humility) God has his hand in much if not all of this.

Peace...

Ah, Brad?

That's Doctor....or Brent

Brent and Other's:
   Bubba expresses a very unwise and unhealthy view.  When one views this website as simply "The Rod of God" and a means of seeking revenge by former members they are not getting it!
   It is compassionate to answer the questions of Brent's hypothetical brother, who was in the group he described, and to help him find his way out and into a healthy relationship with Christ.
   It is not time to go "Pollyanna" and ignore the truth here lest we leave the patient to die on the operating table by not completing the surgery.
   Valley Bros. are using every trick they have to continue business as usual, and thus to keep the old system going.  They must be more subtle now, but they aren't even considering their need for repentance.  Many see through their devious ways now.  I imagine there are other Assemblies that are doing the same.
    Are we going to far in pointing out these errors?  If this is the case then we need to open the dialogue that Brent describes and really ask some tough questions.   Ignorance and inaction, in the long run, will be far more negative than open and honest discussion.  Close down this site?  That can be done, but you can not close down truth or make the Holy Spirit stop his appeal to our conscience's.
                                            God Bless,  Mark

Please don't end the website at this post in time.  I know of at least 10 guests who have checked it out in the past week. I have talked to at least 15 people in and out of the SB assembly this past week that are watching the events closely.  As more events unfold and curiosity is heightened (since this won't be shown on tv- haha), others will check it out.  The lambs are in varying stages of hurting, anger, recovery and rejoicing.  Let's not fall into the same judgment patterns that we ourselves have been subjected to!  The point of the website (as I understand it) is bringing the patient to the table for divine surgery.  We don't want to kill the patient ourselves- let God decide if it is an amputation or a heart transplant!

As more substantial topics are added, "i.e., Brian Steele's deprogramming experience and knowledge on cult behavior," my prayer is that many eyes will be opened and give the Holy Spirit room to work.

I do wish as tangents occur on the threads, the individuals launching a new discussion would start a new thread.

Thank you for providing this forum.  It doesn't have to be just a rod, it can be a staff of healing.  God bless.

Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?

Garth,
Are you rewriting history? Is this a typo? tongue-in-cheek? The Germans may have wanted to bomb Pearl Harbor, but the Japanese beat them to it.
And it wasn't over when they bombed Pearl Habor either! ;)

That's what they told you!  I have been given revelation on this subject!   ;D

Garth, I'm just trying to believe the best and keep the unity, but IF I did anything to offend you, please forgive me. ;) ;D ;) ;D  

Exactly my point!  

Dear Poster Garth

It is good to see you poster, where have you been?

Editor.....etc.

I have taken a few days off from posting to replenish my supply of anger and vitriole.  Even the most angry, caustic, sarcastic-types need some time off.  I may even bring back Mr. T.  But I might scare some folks away.  What do ya say?

BTW, am I still preaching at the Midwest Seminar?

Dear Poster Garth

Lead us in another glorious post!  What do you say!

Brent

Pat --

you were too soft on Garth -- you asked him "please forgive me"

I thought we were supposed to DEMAND forgiveness of our victims, after all, isn't that a convenient way of putting the burden of our sins on them????

Good point Ken:

Once we demand (ask) forgiveness, we are off the hook.  It is now encumbant on the person we wronged to forgive us!  I usually allow 12-24 hours max, and then I entreat them about bitterness.  

I have really found this to be an inroad into others' lives.
 ;)
brent

That's my daily sarcasm, no more

HEY?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

Did we forgive the Germans when they bombed Pearl Harbor?

 >:(History is important!   :o

I always thought it was the Japanese that bombed Pearl Harbor!!!!!

Oh, the things they teach us in school -- YOU CAN'T TRUST ANYONE THESE DAYS, CAN YOU?????

All right, just to end the confusion for the folks who don't get it:

"Was it over when the Germans bombed Pear Harbor?!"
Bill Murray in Stripes

"Lighten up, Frances!"
Same movie.

Dude,

That was John Belushi from Animal House (I do NOT recommend this movie by the way!)!

Did Bill Murray say that also?

Well, Brent, if you insist, here's how I would counsel this hypothetical brother:

1. I would start by inviting him over to my home for dinner so he could get to know me a little, and I could get to know him. I would try and demonstrate the love of Christ in a warm, tangible way, and make him feel comfortable, relaxed, accepted, and loved.

2. I would ask him to describe his concerns, and tell me what he thinks he should do about it. I would listen carefully to what he had to say.

3. If I got the impression that he was genuinely open to re-examining his beliefs and involvement with this group in the light of the Bible, then I would recommend that he stop going to their meetings and start looking for a good place to fellowship. If he lived near Greg and Kimberley Tobin, I would recommend that he go to their church. If he lived somewhere else, I would recommend that he try and find a similar church in his area (he could try talking to the pastor of Greg and Kimberley Tobin's church and asking him if he knows of a good church in his area).

4. Before he left, I would give him a copy of A Price for a People by Tom Wells and encourage him to read it. And I would pray for him, that the Lord would lead him "in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake." (Ps. 23:3)

H

Funny movie :)

Do the words, "act of war," mean anything to you? Huh?
I have a plan.
Great, Custer had a plan, too

When I was a kid, my father told me, "never hit anyone in anger, unless you're absolutely sure you can get away with it.

There's something wrong with us! Something very, very wrong with us! Something seriously wrong with us!

Thanks H,

That's good advice.

Brent

Ok, I'll bite.  The answer is simple and obvious.

Dear confused brother, you need to leave that group immediately.  It probably had left lasting marks on your spiritual and mental outlook on life.  Take some time off and get some rest.  Think about your life and seek help.  Let's get together and talk about it.  I'll be here for you to help you whenever you need it.  I am praying for you.

Of course, more details may come out (other than what is in the list that you gave) that indicate that the place wasn't 100% evil, and there were some good parts to it.  That being the case, I may say that perhaps there is something that you can salvage from it, let's take the good and leave the bad.  


To some extent, I have.  It would be nice to have someone who understood my problem and in whom I could really confide.  I'm glad for people, like you Brent, that I can bounce ideas off of and talk about things.  And I think also I need people from outside the group to do the same so that I can get an outside perspective from a "normal" Christian.  

You're the third of three to bite.

I just read H's reply.  He said it better.

By the way:

"bubba gum" that is a phrase i remembered Rod Zach using.
Also, the rod has been lifted; never forgot the arrogance of;
well you know what.

95% sure "bubba gum" is Rod Zach.

R

Bubba-gum

Whoever this anonymous poster is, he has his facts wrong.
The info on the website did not do any damage.
The actions of George Geftakys and his servants, Rod Zach is one of George's elders, did the "damage."

It is precisely because there are Bubb-gums out there that the website exists.

Zach's and Geftakys's should be humble folk right now,  they have damaged many, and what THEY set in motion will continue, unless someone puts a stop to it.

It would appear that God is doing just that.

Brent

What??? End the website???  All we would have left is jokes.com to keep us entertained!!!  What would we do with ourselves????  This is our night out!!!  This is our three-ring circus!!!  This is our life!!!

Paul,

You last post is so awesome, I am giving you a promotion.

When you said, "This is our life,"  I was so proud, so touched, I got a choked up...thanks bro.  :'(  That's what it's all about.

Thanks for being a good example....

editor....servant of the GM...etc.

O Cheif and Master Editor of Geftakysassembly.com,

Ode to Brent (with a question tied to the end)

How greatly indebted I am to thee...Thou hast made me the truth to see...And though I fail so...Thou lifteth me up to higher things, know...I am not worthy to speak these things...Though I would strive to be in one of the three rings...Minister of Anger and Vitriole now am I...but I see I've merely gained a tie...What would the cost be to gain a name...That no other have the same...A reply of gracious favor...Is begged of thee, Oh sweet savor...But nonetheless I serve thee well..and devote myself til rings the bell...

BrentTr0ckmanandJohnMaloneFan

Dear Paul

You do please the GM greatly!

Enter into the joy of your relatively extravagant promotion!

Brent

LONG LIVE THE BRENT!!!! ;D

KEEPER OF THE FLAMES and Brent Tr0ckman Fan

Paul

someday I would really like to meet you.  I like having you around here. Keeps us on our toes, it does

Brent

ARE YOU SERIOUS????? :D :D :D

I, lowly keeper of the flames, meet the king, dictator, great potentate, and :o *gasp* :o "GRAND POOBAH" of GA.com??????

(in all humility)
I am not worthy...I am not worthy...I am not worthy...

BrentTr0ckmanFan  

How do we know there is a real Brent out there and not some automaton as in the Wizard of Oz.

"Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain..."
For that matter, how I know that any of you out there are real?  Maybe you're all one person with a serious case of multiple personality disorder. ;)
Isn't the web a strange place?    ;D

Fine, you caught me! I am really Brent and i enjoy arguing with myself.  ;)

Did you all know mice really run the universe, and are doing medical experiments on all of us right now?

Brent

I knew it!  No wonder I have a hankering of cheese right now.  Yeah, you can totally see it.  All this ad campaign, "It's the cheese."  Totally messes with a guys head.  

shh.  The question is almost ready...  (or do you have a different reference in mind?  The answer is 42).

Yep, you've got it.

The mice thing is from "The Hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy,"  I forget the author.

Brent Tr0ckman is no plagiariser!!  (George Geftakys is...)

Brent

HHGTTG is one of my favorite reads - ever ::)

It is known that there are an infinite number of worlds, simply because there is an infinite amount of space for them. However, not every one of them is inhabited. Therefore, there must be a finite number of inhabited worlds. Any finite number divided by infinity is as near to nothing as makes no odds, so the average population of all the planets in the Universe can be said to be zero. From this it follows that the population of the whole Universe is also zero, and that any people you may meet from time to time are merely the products of a deranged imagination.


--The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

I wouldn't exactly call them "medical experiments".  The entire earth is a computation experiment, all in order to determine the question to the ultimate answer (which is 42).

The dolphins are also involved (they leave in the book "So Long and Thanks for all the Fish").

The author is Douglas Adams.  The hitchhiker guide is the first of 5 books in the Hitchhiker's guide trilogy :) .  http://www.douglasadams.com/ has a nice Biography, and list of books he wrote.  There's even a film coming out about his story (he died in 2001).

Yes, this is a bit off-topic.  He was one of my favorite SciFi writers though.  A nice combination of adventure, humor, and the absolutely rediculous.

I would just like to add a couple thoughts.  My family and I have been out of the Assembly for 10 years.  We have continued a substantive, ongoing discussion regarding the Assembly and our experiences there since we left.  That's a long time to talk about something, which leads me to believe it's important.  Whoever said "this is only the beginning" is right.  Open, honest communication is absolutely vital, for all kinds of reasons, whether it be revealing the truth, healing, etc.  

This is a free country where free speech is our right.  The beauty of this Web site is the community it creates.  I am in Los Angeles right now, and I am talking to people I don't know who live in Nebraska.  But we have something in common, and talking about that something is meaningful and constructive for both parties.  

There is no denying that I will disagree with opinions expressed on this site.  There is no denying that some will get hurt by reading those opinions.  And there is also no denying that people will experience freedom like they have not experienced in a long time (perhaps never before), by virtue of the information they gather from reading this site.  

Advocating the end of this site is analogous to advocating illiteracy for those one wishes to oppress.  If someone cannot read and make a free decision about what he has read, he is not free.  If someone cannot write to express their opinion to their community, they are not free.  Please do not advocate restriction of our basic human freedoms out of fear.  Just stand up and voice your opinion!  

Well said Eden,

But how 'bout some more CHEESE!?