I am now on Twitter @woffwatch...Check out my tweets.
NOTE: I'll be changing my author name from Questionfish to: WOFFWATCHER
I recently realized there is a business already up and running with the name Questionfish. I am taking it upon myself to be a responsible person and not confuse people about the name. They had it first, so fair is fair. I wouldn't like it if someone did this to me. BTW, no one came to me about the name. It's the right thing to do. I love my little fish logo, though!
Q. I notice no one leaves comments.
Well, if you are trying to get out, this wouldn't be the place to announce it. If you do, be careful. But by all means, you are invited to leave comments. However, if you try to defend WOFF, I will verbally clean your clock on this blog.
Q. How do you know about the interest this church will draw?
You let me worry about that. You guys do what you have to do to get out, call the authorities, donate to faith freedom fund or volunteer to help them and EX MEMBERS who have left. Remember, this is designed for those who seek to leave, who have family in the church, who need encouragement, and for those that have information pertaining to their experience there that might gain the attention of FEDERAL agencies who may want to conduct an investigation. I don't endorse or condone taking someone out of there against their will, nor am I encouraging it. We do things lawfully, We work WITH the law, not AGAINST the law. Don't do something crazy!
Crazy is what started all of this.
The stakes are high and people's lives are affected. Your help can make a difference.
Join me and others in the fight.
WOFFWATCHER
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Friday, September 23, 2011
Speak Up Now.....
Widespread and unwanted attention from national and international media on the Word of Faith Fellowship Church and it's leadership in Spindale, NC, is once again, inevitable, this time on a potentially larger scale.
There is a substantial volume of documented accounts about this church on web blogs, forums, local news, from local citizens, insiders NOT in the church, church members, former members, and families of both members and former members, as well as from local and national clergy.
Hence, making this seemingly dormant, if not seasonal, albeit still controversial subject, ripe for future microscopic evaluation.
The most compelling stories continue to come from former members who tell of experiences that ultimately led them to leave this church. However, even more compelling will be the accounts of current members who fiercely defend the church and it's leadership, who will not address the issues specifically but will answer with carefully crafted talking points in which to respond. All of these dynamics will lead to questions about the church's practices, associations, benefactors, history of leadership, etc. That can't be good for a community that has tolerated this for a number of years. Because THAT'S going to be a story too.
All of these categories will be vetted to the eyeballs and other categories may come up that I haven't even thought of.
You see, News organizations have been known to use private investigators to supplement their "Investigative Reporters". Conventional means of reporting, digging up information and such has become much more sophisticated.
And so, it takes on a life of it's own.
Truth and information is a formidable enemy to lies and deception.
So, could accounts from all of these former members all be lying? Did many marriages break up, families separated and estranged, people seeking counseling all just make this up?
Current or former members, local residents, If you have something to say, complain about, report, etc...........
WOFF may have been able to fend off the media and attention in the past, but not this next time.
WOFFWATCHER
There is a substantial volume of documented accounts about this church on web blogs, forums, local news, from local citizens, insiders NOT in the church, church members, former members, and families of both members and former members, as well as from local and national clergy.
Hence, making this seemingly dormant, if not seasonal, albeit still controversial subject, ripe for future microscopic evaluation.
The most compelling stories continue to come from former members who tell of experiences that ultimately led them to leave this church. However, even more compelling will be the accounts of current members who fiercely defend the church and it's leadership, who will not address the issues specifically but will answer with carefully crafted talking points in which to respond. All of these dynamics will lead to questions about the church's practices, associations, benefactors, history of leadership, etc. That can't be good for a community that has tolerated this for a number of years. Because THAT'S going to be a story too.
All of these categories will be vetted to the eyeballs and other categories may come up that I haven't even thought of.
You see, News organizations have been known to use private investigators to supplement their "Investigative Reporters". Conventional means of reporting, digging up information and such has become much more sophisticated.
And so, it takes on a life of it's own.
Truth and information is a formidable enemy to lies and deception.
So, could accounts from all of these former members all be lying? Did many marriages break up, families separated and estranged, people seeking counseling all just make this up?
Current or former members, local residents, If you have something to say, complain about, report, etc...........
NOW WOULD BE THE TIME TO DO THIS.
DOCUMENT EVERYTHING...
KEEP A LOG OR CALL SOMEONE YOU TRUST AND HAVE THEM WRITE IT DOWN.
DOCUMENT EVERYTHING...
KEEP A LOG OR CALL SOMEONE YOU TRUST AND HAVE THEM WRITE IT DOWN.
I KNOW you folks out there have important things to say, it's time to step up.
You blessed folks have more power than you think you do. You have just allowed someone to talk you out of realizing/using it.
The word NO is powerful and if you back it up with resolve and purpose, you'll be more powerful than they.
But things are happening here that merit a look by someone official who might want to take a closer look. It could very well lead to more comprehensive official scrutiny.
You blessed folks have more power than you think you do. You have just allowed someone to talk you out of realizing/using it.
The word NO is powerful and if you back it up with resolve and purpose, you'll be more powerful than they.
But things are happening here that merit a look by someone official who might want to take a closer look. It could very well lead to more comprehensive official scrutiny.
It will help your community as well as those in need who have been affected.
Who should you talk to? Read the other posts on this blog for agencies. Try national agencies first since they will likely not have connections with the church's house PI, legal eagles or power brokers.
Who should you talk to? Read the other posts on this blog for agencies. Try national agencies first since they will likely not have connections with the church's house PI, legal eagles or power brokers.
WOFF may have been able to fend off the media and attention in the past, but not this next time.
I have done my homework.
WOFFWATCHER
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
PLEASE SHARE THIS WITH SOMEONE
Perhaps it's that we move so fast these days or we just choose to ignore warnings about the food we eat.
Chicken nuggets are really compressed parts of chickens.
Hamburger results from lots of cows and parts ground up, not one cow.
Some meat products contain nitrates, steroids and other harmful chemicals to us.
Even produce at the grocery store have dangerous pesticides and preservatives that could interfere with our health.
Food isn't prepared and grown like it used to when many of us were growing up. There is widespread evidence of the examples I have used about hamburgers, chicken and produce.
Despite the evidence, we either choose to ignore it, shrug it off or quickly move on to the next thought in our daily lives and go on with the purchase anyway, after all, we have our own lives to live. Even though eating these foods might be slowly killing you over time.
The same thing goes on with matters in your own community, only this will not result in your demise, it certainly impacts the lives of those around you.
In just about every community, most people will know just about everyone and what goes on in their lives.
Just like the hamburgers, chicken and produce, there are things that exist among them that, in the long run, might be bad for the rest of us.
Yet, this too, we ignore, shrug off or move on to what matters to us. There may be one Samaritan that might pray for or even help the person in need.
Spindale, Rutherfordton, Forest City: your community has this very situation existing among you. The status quo of daily life without intervention is enabling and empowering the presence of a dangerous cult.
For years, accounts from people associated with or formerly associated with the Word of Faith Fellowship have surfaced in public, resulting in either controversy or attracting headlines. Yet, church members dismiss it as lies, as they have been instructed to defend themselves with church talking points.
An organization this big and with so many people dropping out can't possibly be leak free. And, I know first hand, that indeed is the case.
Talking it out with them or debating bible verses simply won't do. They won't listen.
This is where most people give up because they believe that a socially acceptable way of debate and compromise will get some answers and results. This is supposed to be a civilized society. We have rules and that's how we get results. However, It takes a different level of strategy to deal with an opponent of this type.
The point here is: you don't need to deal with them to get results.
An ongoing tragedy is going on in your community.
It is in the form of control of their members, disassociation with their natural families that aren't members, constant monitoring, and all that those entail. Their version of freedom is not freedom, it is THEIR version..
The people who leave there, not only leave, they are vocal, in many cases angry, hurt, broke, broken. No one leaves there without some form of emotion or impact on their lives. They are changed persons that need our help.
This will continue until you and your neighbors act to change this. It's like a wildfire in your own back yard and you do nothing about it thinking it won't affect you and someone else will deal with it.
Wrong.
I have carefully studied your community. I found a prevailing atmosphere of frustration, fear, confusion, concern by quite a few (quite a few should be more like - many) and indifference about this group..all among your fine communities. Some have expressed deep sadness, if not embarrassment about it.
The axiom of: "Well, if they want to get out, what's stopping them?"
Answer: "This is your way of help?"
"They bring money to the local economy."
Answer: "Are you kidding me? "
" Stirring up the pot is making enemies."
Answer: "You are enabling your enemy, and worse, you don't even realize it"
WOFF has been empowered by a network or infrastructure involving key local big money and power some in state government such as (now former) assistant district attorneys ( who are members ), as well as local business people, lawyers and invisible donors, not directly church members, but associated with the church's leadership. They are key to it's survival in this community. Without them, the church would have to base somewhere else to get the security they enjoy.
Now, any community, small or large will have it's power brokers. Your community is no different. Things move and grow and you hardly notice them because you are busy with your own lives and perhaps not inclined to ask questions.
This is not to say that all of this moving and shaking is nefarious, most of it goes on as a matter of course. It's a way a community grows. But sometimes it isn't, and it leads to mutual feeding where growth and prosperity is for only those involved and none of it intended to be shared.
You can play a role in helping your community, at least help those people who want to leave this congregation, and or perhaps know something about this church that might gain the interest of the Federal Government. Examples: Department of Homeland Security, The Justice Department, Immigration, Department of Labor, Department of Education, the IRS. This initially covers areas where activity within their jurisdiction can be investigated.Once they begin, They will be very thorough. Call Washington, not your locals.
What's going on that needs investigating? The answers are held by many in your community.
I KNOW YOU HAVE INFORMATION. Do the right thing. See something, say something.
Help Us Help Them. You really have more power than you think you do. If everyone gets on this together, it could help a lot more people than just the ones in the church.
It would be the neighborly thing to do.
WOFFWATCHER
Chicken nuggets are really compressed parts of chickens.
Hamburger results from lots of cows and parts ground up, not one cow.
Some meat products contain nitrates, steroids and other harmful chemicals to us.
Even produce at the grocery store have dangerous pesticides and preservatives that could interfere with our health.
Food isn't prepared and grown like it used to when many of us were growing up. There is widespread evidence of the examples I have used about hamburgers, chicken and produce.
Despite the evidence, we either choose to ignore it, shrug it off or quickly move on to the next thought in our daily lives and go on with the purchase anyway, after all, we have our own lives to live. Even though eating these foods might be slowly killing you over time.
The same thing goes on with matters in your own community, only this will not result in your demise, it certainly impacts the lives of those around you.
In just about every community, most people will know just about everyone and what goes on in their lives.
Just like the hamburgers, chicken and produce, there are things that exist among them that, in the long run, might be bad for the rest of us.
Yet, this too, we ignore, shrug off or move on to what matters to us. There may be one Samaritan that might pray for or even help the person in need.
Spindale, Rutherfordton, Forest City: your community has this very situation existing among you. The status quo of daily life without intervention is enabling and empowering the presence of a dangerous cult.
For years, accounts from people associated with or formerly associated with the Word of Faith Fellowship have surfaced in public, resulting in either controversy or attracting headlines. Yet, church members dismiss it as lies, as they have been instructed to defend themselves with church talking points.
An organization this big and with so many people dropping out can't possibly be leak free. And, I know first hand, that indeed is the case.
Talking it out with them or debating bible verses simply won't do. They won't listen.
This is where most people give up because they believe that a socially acceptable way of debate and compromise will get some answers and results. This is supposed to be a civilized society. We have rules and that's how we get results. However, It takes a different level of strategy to deal with an opponent of this type.
The point here is: you don't need to deal with them to get results.
An ongoing tragedy is going on in your community.
It is in the form of control of their members, disassociation with their natural families that aren't members, constant monitoring, and all that those entail. Their version of freedom is not freedom, it is THEIR version..
The people who leave there, not only leave, they are vocal, in many cases angry, hurt, broke, broken. No one leaves there without some form of emotion or impact on their lives. They are changed persons that need our help.
This will continue until you and your neighbors act to change this. It's like a wildfire in your own back yard and you do nothing about it thinking it won't affect you and someone else will deal with it.
Wrong.
I have carefully studied your community. I found a prevailing atmosphere of frustration, fear, confusion, concern by quite a few (quite a few should be more like - many) and indifference about this group..all among your fine communities. Some have expressed deep sadness, if not embarrassment about it.
The axiom of: "Well, if they want to get out, what's stopping them?"
Answer: "This is your way of help?"
"They bring money to the local economy."
Answer: "Are you kidding me? "
" Stirring up the pot is making enemies."
Answer: "You are enabling your enemy, and worse, you don't even realize it"
WOFF has been empowered by a network or infrastructure involving key local big money and power some in state government such as (now former) assistant district attorneys ( who are members ), as well as local business people, lawyers and invisible donors, not directly church members, but associated with the church's leadership. They are key to it's survival in this community. Without them, the church would have to base somewhere else to get the security they enjoy.
Now, any community, small or large will have it's power brokers. Your community is no different. Things move and grow and you hardly notice them because you are busy with your own lives and perhaps not inclined to ask questions.
This is not to say that all of this moving and shaking is nefarious, most of it goes on as a matter of course. It's a way a community grows. But sometimes it isn't, and it leads to mutual feeding where growth and prosperity is for only those involved and none of it intended to be shared.
You can play a role in helping your community, at least help those people who want to leave this congregation, and or perhaps know something about this church that might gain the interest of the Federal Government. Examples: Department of Homeland Security, The Justice Department, Immigration, Department of Labor, Department of Education, the IRS. This initially covers areas where activity within their jurisdiction can be investigated.Once they begin, They will be very thorough. Call Washington, not your locals.
What's going on that needs investigating? The answers are held by many in your community.
I KNOW YOU HAVE INFORMATION. Do the right thing. See something, say something.
Help Us Help Them. You really have more power than you think you do. If everyone gets on this together, it could help a lot more people than just the ones in the church.
It would be the neighborly thing to do.
WOFFWATCHER
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
How Some People Think The Way They Do...
Many of us like to believe that our opinions have been formed over time by careful, rational consideration of facts and ideas, and that the decisions based on those opinions, therefore, have the ring of soundness and intelligence.
In the real world, we often base our opinions on our beliefs, which can have an uneasy relationship with facts. And rather than facts driving beliefs, our beliefs can dictate the facts we chose to accept. They can cause us to twist facts so they fit better with our preconceived notions. Worst of all, they can lead us to uncritically accept bad information just because it reinforces our beliefs. This reinforcement makes us more confident we’re right, and even less likely to listen to any new information. This effect is only heightened by the information glut, which offers — alongside an unprecedented amount of good information — endless rumors, misinformation, and questionable variations on the truth.
In other words, it’s never been easier for people to be wrong, and at the same time feel more certain that they’re right. The “I know I’m right” syndrome, is a potentially formidable problem in a democratic system. It suggests not only that most people will resist correcting their factual beliefs, but also that the very people who most need to correct them will be least likely to do so. Analysts have termed this as “motivated reasoning.”
Whether or not the consistent information is accurate, we might accept it as fact, as confirmation of our beliefs. This makes us more confident in said beliefs, and even less likely to entertain facts that contradict them.
WOFFWATCHER
In the real world, we often base our opinions on our beliefs, which can have an uneasy relationship with facts. And rather than facts driving beliefs, our beliefs can dictate the facts we chose to accept. They can cause us to twist facts so they fit better with our preconceived notions. Worst of all, they can lead us to uncritically accept bad information just because it reinforces our beliefs. This reinforcement makes us more confident we’re right, and even less likely to listen to any new information. This effect is only heightened by the information glut, which offers — alongside an unprecedented amount of good information — endless rumors, misinformation, and questionable variations on the truth.
In other words, it’s never been easier for people to be wrong, and at the same time feel more certain that they’re right. The “I know I’m right” syndrome, is a potentially formidable problem in a democratic system. It suggests not only that most people will resist correcting their factual beliefs, but also that the very people who most need to correct them will be least likely to do so. Analysts have termed this as “motivated reasoning.”
Whether or not the consistent information is accurate, we might accept it as fact, as confirmation of our beliefs. This makes us more confident in said beliefs, and even less likely to entertain facts that contradict them.
WOFFWATCHER
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Truth
Religion is dangerous because it allows human beings, who don’t have all the answers, to think they do. - Bill Maher
Like Bill Maher or not, he's right.
I have learned and observed during my life that people usually don't like someone they don't like, or approve of, to be right. It infuriates them. If it only came from someone else, some have said. "Oh, I hate for him to be right", they say secretly.
You can learn something all the time from watching other people because we see ourselves in people we love, or people we hate, all at the same time.
Then you self edit, or try...all in the hopes of becoming a reasonable person!
I don't believe we ever completely finish becoming a reasonable person. It is an ongoing process. If that's you, then I reasonably believe you are reasonable. Close enough is good too.
Then you hear: someone's idea of reasonable is another person's crazy.
True.
The difference is, when reason is based on truth, not a version of the truth. Then it's reasonable. At least in the neighborhood.
What is truth?
That one is easy. You may think it's hard because admitting the truth, to some people, is hard. But, it's easy because that's a good sign they already know the truth.
If you don't agree. Then ask yourself if you feel it. You know instantly, it's just admitting it or even saying it that makes it hard. No? Ask someone else. Then ask another. And another. Keep doing so until you are sick and tired of asking, and then keep asking again. If you disagree, someone doesn't have all the facts.
Is it so obvious that it stares you down without question as truth, but still you doubt it?
Is this fruitless?
No, it's a form of fighting. Fighting to find the truth, any truth.
So we do have the skill to find the truth. Some of us know it, some don't realize it, but we do.
We don't have to see ourselves as smart or dumb to have it. We have it. Like it or not. Know it or not.
Where did we pick up this unknown and hidden skill? Mom and Dad, brothers and sisters, the neighborhood, a fight with a bully? God?
I believe the answer is: all of the above.
Since God is in the highest order of things and beings on that very short list, it's got to be that he had a hand in it. A pretty big one at that.
Before you conclude that this is a sermon, I am talking about truth as a thing, fact, something tangible, something reasonable people agree on. It could be that we agree that the sky is blue, or that some people are taller than others.
The truth makes us reasonable.
The truth in this argument is that we know that loved ones are not in our lives because they chose to follow WOFF.
We can all agree on that as truth.
We hurt from that and it skews our ability to process thoughts and actions because not only is WOFF controlling the lives of those in the congregation, but we on the sidelines watching and worrying and hurting.
Their truth is a version of the truth. Not the truth.
Our truth is real. It is clear. It is painful.
What they preach isn't real.
What they preach divides, hurts, exploits. What they preach isn't realistic. What they preach is selfish. What they preach does damage.
In their world they are reasonable.
In our world WE are reasonable. Our world is bigger.
They dismiss THE WORLD, which includes a healthy number of reasonable people, and forms of worship and...you and me.
Their power comes from enablers connected to the church from the outside, aka, the world, or some members of it. I believe money drives all of this.
Let's find out if and how much the church is paying for this protection.
This is where the work begins. This is our road to the truth.
WOFFWATCHER
Like Bill Maher or not, he's right.
I have learned and observed during my life that people usually don't like someone they don't like, or approve of, to be right. It infuriates them. If it only came from someone else, some have said. "Oh, I hate for him to be right", they say secretly.
You can learn something all the time from watching other people because we see ourselves in people we love, or people we hate, all at the same time.
Then you self edit, or try...all in the hopes of becoming a reasonable person!
I don't believe we ever completely finish becoming a reasonable person. It is an ongoing process. If that's you, then I reasonably believe you are reasonable. Close enough is good too.
Then you hear: someone's idea of reasonable is another person's crazy.
True.
The difference is, when reason is based on truth, not a version of the truth. Then it's reasonable. At least in the neighborhood.
What is truth?
That one is easy. You may think it's hard because admitting the truth, to some people, is hard. But, it's easy because that's a good sign they already know the truth.
If you don't agree. Then ask yourself if you feel it. You know instantly, it's just admitting it or even saying it that makes it hard. No? Ask someone else. Then ask another. And another. Keep doing so until you are sick and tired of asking, and then keep asking again. If you disagree, someone doesn't have all the facts.
Is it so obvious that it stares you down without question as truth, but still you doubt it?
Is this fruitless?
No, it's a form of fighting. Fighting to find the truth, any truth.
So we do have the skill to find the truth. Some of us know it, some don't realize it, but we do.
We don't have to see ourselves as smart or dumb to have it. We have it. Like it or not. Know it or not.
Where did we pick up this unknown and hidden skill? Mom and Dad, brothers and sisters, the neighborhood, a fight with a bully? God?
I believe the answer is: all of the above.
Since God is in the highest order of things and beings on that very short list, it's got to be that he had a hand in it. A pretty big one at that.
Before you conclude that this is a sermon, I am talking about truth as a thing, fact, something tangible, something reasonable people agree on. It could be that we agree that the sky is blue, or that some people are taller than others.
The truth makes us reasonable.
The truth in this argument is that we know that loved ones are not in our lives because they chose to follow WOFF.
We can all agree on that as truth.
We hurt from that and it skews our ability to process thoughts and actions because not only is WOFF controlling the lives of those in the congregation, but we on the sidelines watching and worrying and hurting.
Their truth is a version of the truth. Not the truth.
Our truth is real. It is clear. It is painful.
What they preach isn't real.
What they preach divides, hurts, exploits. What they preach isn't realistic. What they preach is selfish. What they preach does damage.
In their world they are reasonable.
In our world WE are reasonable. Our world is bigger.
They dismiss THE WORLD, which includes a healthy number of reasonable people, and forms of worship and...you and me.
Their power comes from enablers connected to the church from the outside, aka, the world, or some members of it. I believe money drives all of this.
Let's find out if and how much the church is paying for this protection.
This is where the work begins. This is our road to the truth.
WOFFWATCHER
Monday, July 18, 2011
Welcome!
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.- Margaret Mead
The WOFFWATCH blog is designed to generate discussion, provide encouragement and motivation for those leaving WOFF and general information about the Word of Faith Fellowship congregation in Spindale, North Carolina, USA. This long road to bring attention and awareness to this group has been a commitment starting in July 2011 .
Online information about WOFF was been sporadic and dated from over the years before the internet became a powerful avenue to fact check, as they have had a hand in controlling the content about them over some of this time. Now online discussion and awareness makes this a daunting task for anyone who seek to suppress the truth.
WOFFWATCHER'S goal, with your help, is through factual truth, is to challenge the legitimacy of WOFF as well as hold it accountable for it's actions that may range from the potential of violation of civil rights to criminal actions. WW will aim to identify those who make it's infrastructure possible. Up to now this has been the key to WOFF going unchallenged, much of it through the enabling of local government and law enforcement as well as legal help aligned with Jane and the church.
Now, fast forward to 2017!
Chipping away at the outside part of the infrastructure is only part of challenge. We also have to dig into the membership itself. This has not set out to be website just another set of threads with horror stories, complaints, cooky agendas and arguments.
I encourage those to take action in the form of documenting everything, reporting to federal agencies any possible violation of civil rights or criminal activity, as well as supporting WOFF victims.
This is why there are links pages about everything WOFF as well as comments and guidance for the reader to learn as much as they can.
WW seeks facts, truth, news,and activism. I encourage you to comment.
The message :ASK QUESTIONS, TELL A FRIEND, DOCUMENT EVERYTHING, CHALLENGE, will come up in much of my commentary. They are effective actions in the fight for people we love and to hold those accountable for illegal, if not questionable practices at this "church".
I only endorse going about this in a peaceful, law abiding way.
WOFF membership/leadership read this blog . What they will/would dismiss as lies, have proved otherwise over time.
WOFFWATCHER's determination is committed to confronting WOFF leadership and exposing their actions to government authority as well as international scrutiny.
Readers may find my personal approach to be harsh. It's meant to be. The plain truth folks is, it is most people's nature to be nice and tip-toe through this. Mostly, people in the community are just indifferent, with a "Not my problem" and "Let somebody else worry about this".
This blog is only part of this effort, but indeed one of the faces of it.
Intelligence gathering is a major part of the WW effort as well. So, I blog with the facts I have and continue to get more for future essays.
I have a stake in this. I have family inside and want my them out of there. I encourage them to continue to worship God, just not like this, in this environment. But this isn't just about them. It's about you and YOUR family too.
I appeal to you to become proactive. Join the cause.
Are you ready? Then, ASK QUESTIONS, TELL A FRIEND, DOCUMENT EVERYTHING, CHALLENGE.
Start with: Letter to Jane
WOFFWATCHER
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