AssemblyBoard

On January 19th, my family and I will celebrate the one year anniversary of our exit from assembly "life" aka "death". Our kids have suggested that we truly celebrate.
Will you be celebrating? Or have you? Any suggestions?
All I know that without a doubt, this has proved to be one of the most significant years of our lives. Praise God!
p.s. fireworks, anyone?

ohhh oohhhh!  A party?   :)

--
lucas

Perhaps. Pizza?

Go have some good wholesome fun together.....the kind of fun and time schedule you would'nt dare to do in the assembly

I can dig pizza, are you picking the 19th as the date?  (btw, i have a couple hundred bottle rockets if you actually *do* want to do fireworks)

--
lucas

Lucas,
I'll get back to you. I think we'll be out of town until the night of the 19th - maybe the following weekend?
Later,
Pat

Sounds awesome

--
lucas

"January 19th" ehhhh?  Did your exit have to do with any letter that was read announcing GG's "indiscretions?" ;) ;)

There are several of us in California getting together for an Emanicpation Party that weekend.  We are bringing presents that are representatives of our freedom (beer, lottery tickets, wine).  My it's nice to be free and choose our own futures.  

Feeling free er all the time
Struggling

Is this Southern California or Northern?

I would be interested if it is in S.C.

Don't forget the television, the devil's ears attena, some movies, children's books containing talking animals, a Xmas decoration, an old notebook with deserately scribbled tape ministry notes and a fire place to burn them in... what else?
oh yeah - have fun of course, that was banned too
delila

Jan. 19th will be a year for us, too.  It was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's birthday last year when we heard of gg's excomm. while we were at a leader's house.  The news that the immorality went back 20 years floored us.  The news that the people in Fullerton were expecting God to "do great things" now that gg was gone was even more jaw dropping, to us anyway.  On the way home we looked at each other and the chains fell off.  At least they were broken and began to fall off...Our "official" exit was a little later.
We might celebrate the 19th with a fire in the clay chimney out back, so the kids can roast marshmallows.  We have a few things to burn.  I found a Fullerton prayer letter the other day, 2002's overall burden was "Awakening".  Did that prayer get answered?  
Oh yes, for some it certainly did.
Here's to life, and the celebration of it,
Becky

Please hoist a cold one for me!

I would love to come to a California Freedom Day celebration.  My only request is that we have it on Sunday afternoon, and sing "Take Me Out To The Ball Game," acapella.

Brent

In Ottawa the excomm... letter was read on the 21st at the Tuesday evening prayer meeting. I'll have to celebrate as that was the evening I learned of "the" website. :)

My exit was 3rd July 2003, and Claude's 6 months later 3rd Jan 2004

Marcia

We didn't learn of the web site until the next weekend.  Marcia, did your leaders tell you about it?
I spent time today reading Brent's Navigating the Deeper Life, which if I saw it before, I only skimmed.  Someone recently printed it out and gave it to me.  The following is a quote from it.

"We felt like fools.  Instantly we saw what many outsiders has seen all along.  We were part of an elitist, arrogant church built around a very proud and controlling man's ideas.."

That's what we began to see a year ago Jan. 19th.  Except when I said it then I used the word 'idiot'.  As in, I feel like an idiot.

Cheers, everyone.  And if you haven't read the above, I do recommend it.  Especially if you have loved ones still 'in'.

BW

If I may say a word or two about my book....

I have an offer to actually publish it, but I haven't done anything about it yet.  I am toying with the idea of another chapter or two.

Also, the book has a happy ending!  Please, please don't forget the end.  It's not all about the Assembly, but about how My family was restored.  From the title page:

One families journey out of "church centered" Christianity and into a love relationship with Jesus Christ.

Suzie and I had already "moved on," by the time I wrote the book.  

Interesting side note,  I wrote all but the last chapter in one day.  No planning, just woke up and started typing.

Happy Freedom Day!

Brent

Becky,

No! the leaders definitely did NOT tell us about it. Our prayer meeting was a discussion meeting that evening. The sisters did not even wear the headcoverings so that we could ask questions. [Funny how those doilies control the vocal chords. :)] It was a voice that spoke out in our midst and mentioned the website (the voice of a non-LB). That non-LB is still "in" because he claims that he was never there because of GG anyway and he saw right through GG. Anyway, at that point the LBs did not deny "the" website's existence. So guess who checked out the website the very next day. A couple of people used to ask me for the latest news on a daily basis. I even sent the odd post/article to the LBs on occasion. The website was not discussed with the rest because it was/is a tool of the enemy.

Lord bless,
Marcia

I guess it all depends on whose side you are on.  In a certain sense, the website is a tool of the enemy.....if your enemy is the truth!

Brent

Some said that the enemy got a foothold and disagreed with me when I attempted to tell them that there was no harm in checking out the website if they were strong in the Lord. Of course, everyone who read the website ended up leaving, so therefore it was not recommended to read the website.

Your comment "if your enemy is the truth" reminds me of John 3:19-21
"And this is the judgment, that the light is come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their deeds were evil.
"For everyone who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.
"But he who practices the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God."

Marcia

Thanks, Marcia, didn't see your answer until today.  Free press/ free people.  

Becky

Hey Struggling:

We still didn't get an answer as to where in California this "Party" was taking place, Southern or Northern California?

Hey Kimberley,
I don't think Struggling needs to identify himself/herself if he/she is following the rules. Some of us are still unsure about everything that has taken place. We're not at the same level yet as you. Have a little patience please.
Ry

Hi Rylan & Struggling Along,

     I don't think Kimberley is trying to figure out who anybody is.  It was an innocent question.  We understand the feelings you describe, and most of us are far removed from wanting to pressure anybody...
     Welcome aboard.  Enjoy yourself.  We're glad you're here. :D

al Hartman

You were right, Al.  Rylan, I really don't care "who" anyone is here (sometimes my interest is perked, but that is all.)  I never asked for the persons identity.  I simply wanted to know if the party was happening in the SC area or the NC area.  Why I was questioning was because I live in the Southern California area and wanted to know if the party was being held here (within a reasonable distance.)  I was assuming from his/her post that it was a party of those who had left the assembly and wanted to know if others who held similar viewpoints were allowed to come.

I enjoy meeting up with old friends who have since "left" the assembly (mentality.)  Please understand that when my family and I left a little over one year ago, we left ALL of our friends (of 15 and 20 years!)  It would be nice to reunite with some old friends.  That is my only interest, not to divulge someone's identity who does not wish to be known.

Hey, everyone - Happy Freedom Day!   Wow, one year...The day the walls fell down.  God's Amazing...incredible, amazing.

January 19th, 2003 was a good day.

All the best...Chuck

::c:v::

Kimberly,
I didn't answer your post for the obvious reasons.  It was not an "assembly fellowship".  In other words, just because you're a Christian, or an ex-assembly person, you should feel like you should be invited.  Haven't you learned?  There are different rules for friendship out in the "real" world.  They are based on common interest, love, compassion, sympathy.

I don't mean to sound rude, but I thought it was very rude that you and Brent would assume that the invitation was open to you at a private party at a home of an individual unknown to you.
SA

Hi Struggling,
That was my purpose for responding to Kimberley. I did think it was kind of cheeky of her to invite herself to your party. She claimed to not care about your identity, but yet she wanted to know where your party was to see if it was within driving distance of your home? I think it's best to ignore her.
Rylan

Are you two for real? You're both a couple of whack jobs. Kimberly did no such thing and neither did Brent.

Brent's line was, "Hoist a cold one for me." He said he wished he could go to a party like that, also. He was obviously being facetious about attending anything.

Kimberly inquired if this was a party of like-minded people and if other like-minded people would be "allowed" to attend. That's hardly being cheeky and inviting herself.

On top of that, Kimberly made a very personal statement about missing the circle of friends she had previously and hoping she could reconnect with some people she was very close to.

I don't think she is the one that needs a lecture on working and playing well with others in the real world, Rylan. Give yourself a few more months before you start spouting off.

Scott McCumber

Hi struggling,

I don't recall assuming I was invited to anything.  When did I do that?  

I am glad that you were able to enjoy a private party with "real-world" friends at the home of an unknown individual.  

I surely didn't mean to be rude!  I do understand the compassion thing you mentioned above, however.  In fact, when I said "I would love to go to a freedom day celebration," it didn't mean I was planning on getting into my car and driving to an unknown location.  PUHLEASE!  I do understand what an invitation is, and how one uses it.

I was just rejoicing with you in your freedom.  If I may be so bold, I did play a role in bringing it about. While that surely doesn't earn me an invitation to an exclusive party of "real-world" friends,  I don't think that you should label me rude for rejoicing with you.

A person has a God-given right to enjoy the fruit of their labor.  
BTW, haven't you learned?  Out here in the real world, your circle of friends will be much smaller when you call someone rude because they typed a few sentences!  People remember that sort of stuff.

Then again, I'm sure your friends are much, much more compassionate and sympathetic than any I'll ever have.

Brent

I'm at a loss for words.....................(great escape of breath) ::) ::) ::) ::)

Sometimes I wonder how people can read the same words (i.e. Brent and Scott got what I was trying to communicate) but Struggling and Rylan????????????????????????????  I don't even know how to respond to you!!!!!!!!!! :'( :'( :'( :'(

Have you changed your way of thinking having left the assembly, or have you left?  I thought this was a party of like-minded individuals (as Scott said) and perhaps even people I hadn't seen in a long time and I would like to reconnect with them (don't you even read what I write?)  I didn't "invite" myself.  I asked if it was an "open" invitation to people who had come out of the assembly, wanting to rejoice in their new found freedom and reconnect with one another (isn't that even what you alluded to in your post?)

Just because I'm a "christian or an ex-assembly person" does not mean I feel like I should be invited to some party you host.  You publicly posted that there was a party to celebrate those who left.  I simply INQUIRED if it was an invitation to others.  GET A GRIP!  And yes, you were rude, not the way you think.  You were rude in your response to me 1/20/04.  You and Rylan both assumed I "knew" the party was at "your home".  I didn't.  Your responding to me (could have even done it privately) would simply communicate if it was an "open" party or not.

Now who has been "cheeky"??????

That's exactly what we were taught in the assembly, ignore people.  That's why I like most of the people on this board.  We can disagree with people, but we don't IGNORE them.

Rylan, I think you need to take Struggling's advice and remember the "rules of friendship" out in the real world.  Just because you get your underwear in a knot (to mis-quote Tom Maddox :D) try and play in the sandbox nicely.

Today's celebration:

I've hardly ever allowed myself a holiday.  But today, I went on a laddies day away to the mineral spa in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.

Imagine this: seven 'christian' or formerly christain, whatever you want to call them women in a van, soaking, laughing and enjoying themselves all day, without ONE single person exhorting another or shaming anybody about just letting loose.  It was, well.... It was just a miracle.

delila

Delila:

YEAH!!!!!!!!! ;D

Although I said I wouldn't, I went again to the Salvation Army worship service.  And cried, sowhat.  But what Captain Linda (Married to Captain Kirk no kidding) preached about - and yeah, she did preach as much as this fact will offend some assembly members to the core - was about the passover celebration.  Christ was giving it to the money changers who were ripping people off. The idea of passover, the sacrificial lamb and the so called finished work of Christ as taught in the assembly is yet processing in my brain, like peeling onions or perking coffee, I dont' know which.  

Anyhoo: I arrived at this question:
At what point did the finished work of Christ get replaced with the sacrificing of the sheep in the assembly?  At what point, where was the line I crossed or you crossed that we accepted this?  Again and again we laid our misgivings, our consciences, our better judgement, our common sense on the altar to sacrifice to George.

I remember especially some of the early ministry when I first came into fellowship.  In Estevan our pioneer brother was raised Catholic and then found the saints in Disneyland and came back here after being trained in Tim Geftaky's home to start 'the work' in Estevan.  I remember that dear brother (and I don't mean this sarcastically, I really loved and respected him) preaching about how Catholicism was a cult because it set priests as the intermediary between man and God.  Now as I see it, I have to agree with Brent when he says the assembly itself was an idol.  We sacrificed all to it and we set George and the assembly itself up as mediator between us and the will of God.  So I feel pity for that brother now, because he's lost everything, his family, his assembly (RIP) and, most sadly, himself.  He considers himself a complete failure.  Yet he maintains that almost everything the assembly taught was true.  "And could we start again, please?" JCSuper Star.  I have tears for that.  Yup.  I have tears for him, even though to him, I am yet the scarlet woman.  I pity him.  Poor guy. Still, there's nothing I could do or say that would set him free.  He's trapped in the house of mirrors.

delila

Delila

We all have a very sad story to tell. My story is very upsetting to me. When I first felt the whip in Ottawa I told myself it is part of the cost. Now I know God allowed it for me to come to Him. I don't believe I could have accepted the truth back then but now I see how blind I was and know that those who remain choose to stay because of blindness like I had. Jesus says behold I stand at the door and knock. If anyone will open the door I will come in. No one is listening to the door they have closed their ears and eyes because the Assembly has made them deaf dumb and blind. I cried oh how I cried but now I know that God can save anyone but they have to be willing as many here were to accept their guilt in being stubborn and insensitive and uncaring and selling themselves cheaply to someone who would flatter them.

Lord bless where there is Jesus there will always be hope. :)

A sad story indeed.  This brother considers himself a complete failure.  The way back for him is quite simple, yet very difficult.   It should never have been about "us" anyway.  It should always have been about the Lord.  Of course this brother feels like he is a complete failure because he chose the assembly way of climbing the ladder.  When this brother left the Catholic church, his Mum &/or his Dad probably felt like they had failed too, because he had left their way.  It is the very same for him now.  Oh to just come to that place of admitting "I was wrong" and then going on from there.  If the loss of his family and his assembly has not brought him out of the demonic fog of deception, I wonder what will.


If a frog is put into a pot of hot water it immediately jumps out.  I believe this came upon us as the frog who is put in a pot of cold water and the heat is turned on and then slowly and surely it meets its death as the water comes to boil.  For myself, I made a conscious decision, about 2-3 years ago, that I did not want to have anything to do with climbling the assembly ladder. But I did not see any reason to leave as I had learned to be at peace with all (as much as possible) and I had learned think for myself though I felt constrained.  I still had/have problems of my own too so hey...  But anyway I am very glad to be free of the assembly and its system.

Lord bless,
Marcia