Rocky

For context and perspective, the FB event had 1,400 invitations sent out, with 288 people attending it live. Don't know how many people watched or will watch the vid after the fact.

I don't know that it's possible to share the video (it's on FB, not on YouTube), but because I had received an invitation prior to today, I'm able to view the vid on FB... and am doing so now. I've posted a couple of observations in the Damage Control thread. Btw, the video is 59 minutes long and is mostly wayspeak BS...

I can't attest to the group's motivation, but the likely outcome will probably be just that.

On the subject of researching to get to the original's as written by the writers of the books of the bible, the panel sincerely indicated that ongoing research is warranted that might challenge "core teachings" of TWI... but they still are quite naive on this issue. One panelist cited Wierwille on JCING as the standard for changing their minds when necessary. But they have no idea, 30+ years out from Penworks' experience, that Wierwille wasn't consistently sincere in that attitude.

Just a few minutes later in the video, the panel addressed the issue of the Moneyhands being M&A. They all laughed and surmised that it wouldn't be only Bob and Dottie...

Ed Horney, at about 28 minutes into the video recording (on FB, not YouTube, so I don't know how to share it here or if that's even available) talks about Acts 15.

I know, right?!

Hey Randy, You might be able to fool all of the people SOME of the time but because you can't fool all of the people all of the time, this is what you're really doing...

Isn't that SPAY-SCHAL? Ginn's damage control message demonstrates that TWI is dealing from a position of weakness.

They crossed that border already. Yeah, they are all Bozos on that bus.

Not sure why it took this long for the letter to be leaked this far... but here it is as a 7-page .pdf file. Perhaps this opening statement is where these supposed elders in the church fit into the classical story of Sisyphus, "He was punished for his self-aggrandizing craftiness and deceitfulness by..." in other words, where the authors of the letter appear to try to present themselves as humble servants of God, it's really an immense portion of hubris for them to actually think THEY are the ones who stand "according to the Word of God and the doctrine concerning Christ and the Grace Administration." Their "full intent and commitment is to bring to pass revival..." Wouldn't that really be God's prerogative, not theirs? Make no mistake, I'm not claiming to speak as a prophet or in the place of or name of God or Jesus Christ. I learned long ago that to actually accomplish that would be far above my pay grade. Nevertheless, in case you're interested, here it is... After the perfunctory standard TWIt opening statements (Greetings in the name of (as if they really are speaking on behalf of Jesus Christ)), it begins, As a result of the final three Way Corps meetings of 2016, we as fellow Way Corps ministers believe the time for action and change has come. We the undersigned, stand together according to the Word of God and the doctrine concerning Christ and the Grace Administration. Our full intent and commitment is to bring to pass revival and restoration for our ministry according to the Word of God in this Grace Administration. Our goal is not destruction, but edification. The following may be difficult to read at times, but to the best of our ability we are setting forth the truth in love, so help us God. Letter to BOD 2016-08-12-1.pdf

I just obtained access to a Word document containing the following letter. It's almost quaint. Quite a few of the alleged signers have been around since before the first mass exodus when a handful of WC and clergy first publicly called out TWI for what they saw at the time as being "off the Word." How naïve can these supposed elders have been three decades ago and how freakin' naïve must they still be to not see that there never was a "research team" as they seem to define it. If these folks aren't willing to learn from the insight of those who have gone before them (i.e. Charlene Edge, Karl Kahler, Kristen Skedgell... and GSC's own Skyrider and others) they will likely be doomed to suffer the fate of Sisyphus. "In Greek mythology Sisyphus (/ˈsɪsᵻfəs/;[2]Greek: Σίσυφος, Sísuphos) was the king of Ephyra (now known as Corinth). He was punished for his self-aggrandizing craftiness and deceitfulness by being forced to roll an immense boulder up a hill, only to watch it come back to hit him, repeating this action for eternity. Through the classical influence on modern culture, tasks that are both laborious and futile are therefore described as Sisyphean (/ˌsɪsᵻˈfiːən/)." What this letter (below) proposes is indeed laborious and futile. ------------- March 2017 Dear beloved Way Corps ministers, God’s abundant blessings, mercy, and peace be unto you. As Way Corps ministers, we have been and continue to be deeply concerned with the direction our beloved ministry has taken. This is why we persist in sounding the alarm. We wholeheartedly desire revival and restoration for our ministry of Biblical research, teaching, and fellowship. The entire Way Corps household should realize the need to restore this ministry back to the heart and Biblical truths as initiated by our Founder, Dr. Victor Paul Wierwille. He earned respect many times over by teaching the greatness of God’s Word, leading from the front, and cultivating individual believer’s long suits. He did not ask others to do what he had not done many times himself. This respect cannot simply be transferred. Those succeeding in the same position must earn respect themselves. This involves leading from the front rather than pushing from behind. We remain firm in our requests to bring our ministry back to "It Is Written," so the Word of the Lord may have free course and be glorified, starting with: Lift the non-Biblical “no debt” policy that excludes classes and service to those in debt. Rather, continue to teach God’s will of living within our means, working heartily as unto the Lord, and sharing of our abundance. Eliminate the “absolute” power of the current self-appointed board. Replace it with a larger elected board with established term limits and input from the entire Way Corps household. Bring The Way Corps meetings back to their roots to include spiritually energized, in-depth teachings of God’s Word with an emphasis on scope and a word-by-word study of the scripture. Redesign Sunday Teaching Services with an energized service and teachers that motivate and inspire believing. Stream the teachings—we have the fiber optic cable already in place to do so. “Spiritual weakness and inability is caused by improper diet and neglect of the Word.” --VPW Rethink how Way Corps assignments and placements are handled. Post open positions. Way Corps assignments should be in conjunction with each Way Corps minister, ensuring these decisions really are “best for the individual” and then the ministry by having open discussions and transparent motives. Reestablish the Word living within a base of youth to lead us into the next generation, or the ministry will not survive. Reenergize their participation by respecting their needs for “Hot Bible,” musical alternatives, listening for and seeking their input, and honoring their desire for fellowship with one another. Reestablish a research team. This is vital to restore the foundation of our ministry to the integrity of the Word. Reach out to re-engage Way Corps ministers who have been dropped or have discontinued their Way Corps service due to their conscience based on the Word, family needs, health or other issues. We know this is not an exhaustive list, but only several of the basics. You will likely have other concerns you would like to see addressed. Our Lord Jesus Christ showed us how to best evaluate leadership by his simple statement: “By their fruits ye shall know them.” In Matthew 7:15-20, he warned as follows: Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. The fruit of our current leadership for the past decade has become increasingly apparent. In the past 10 years we have lost over 150 Way Corps ministers. Combined with continuing small in-residence Corps classes, the overall Way Corps numbers are in a sharp decline. The number of new graduates who stand following completion of classes is dropping. Because qualified Advanced Class candidate numbers have dropped so low, there is no longer a need to do a class every year. There has been a steady decrease in the number of believers seeking employment at The Way International and there is a high turnover rate. Attendance at Sunday Teaching Services at The Way International Headquarters and at on-the-field phone hookups is consistently low. The Way International has a book value of all assets over $68 million, however believers often pay a facility fee to meet as a State or Branch, or they meet in only “budget” or “free” spaces. There are less and less full time ministers on the field and in many Regions only one full time couple in the entire Region. This inequality is non-Biblical and begs the question of how the abundant sharing is utilized. There is no transparency. (II Corinthians 8:14) There is continued mistreatment of long-standing, faithful believers and leadership. Without dialogue and nothing resembling I Timothy 5:19-21, numerous ministers—including seasoned Officers, Region coordinators, State coordinators, Branch coordinators, and others on Headquarters Staff—have been abruptly removed, mishandled, and in several cases barred from fellowship. This is inexcusable. The Board of Directors have refused to dialogue regarding the Biblical confrontation for which they were rebuked on August 12, 2016. The attached letters were sent asking for representatives to meet with the Board of Directors and later to attend the Region coordinator’s meetings so concerns could be effectually represented. The only option given was meeting with one couple at a time, not in a suggested Acts 15-type leadership meeting. The Board of Directors continue to move ahead unrepentant. These are factual indications of their fruit. Additional questions need to be asked: Do we have the same laughter, joy, and wholehearted goodwill and love for one another that we once knew and loved in our beloved ministry? Why have we not had any nationwide Way Corps face-to-face meetings where we can fully share and learn from one another in an open manner? Why is the labor for and loyalty to a few select individuals exalted above commitment and devotion to our heavenly Father? These things have thwarted the purposes of God. The future of our ministry is in peril. This information is intended as a call to action. We have not undertaken this mission lightly, but rather with prayer and a multitude of counselors working together. We recognize our first letter was “loud” in that it addressed issues openly. It is now essential to “yell long” as the Way Corps continue to arise, allowing God to bare His mighty arm. It is time to boldly speak up; we stand approved before God, not men. We will no longer cover for the Board of Directors. Your one-accord voice is needed. As stated in Acts 4:20, after being commanded by the chief priests and elders not to speak at all, nor teach in the name of Jesus, they simply replied, “We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” They went to their “own company” and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them, Acts 4:23. As a result, in verse 24, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord. Boldness to speak the Word, signs and wonders, and a multitude of believers with one heart and soul was the fruit. Great grace was upon them all. Many of us have informed our “own company” of our Biblical confrontation and why it was done. We have encouraged the believers to pray for our ministry and live the Word. The results have been a greater commitment to “It is Written,” relief that their concerns are being addressed, and a thankfulness that the Word of God is the foundation of our lives. It has been an answer of peace. We encourage you to do the same as God works in your heart. It must be the Word, the Word, and nothing but the Word. The numbers that support a change at the Board of Director level are consistently growing. You can contact us at: revivalandrestoration@outlook.com and/or contact us personally with any questions or comments. Lovingly in Christ, Ray and Sandy Beets, Ted and Ramona Bidon, Paul and Connie Brooks, Brett and Dale Byers, Kevin and Melody Carter, Todd and Michelle Cencich, Michael and Cindy Fort, Gary and Patricia Frederick, Scott and Kristina Froelich, Matthew and Laurie Harmon, Ed and Jacque Horney, Mark and Terri Ladwig, Aaron and Kelly Lapp, Darrell La Salle, Rhett Major, Bob and Dottie Moynihan, Rich and Vera O’Neal, Buddy and Donna Pressler, Stephen and Patty Fay Roberts, David and Cecilia Rowe, Jon and Lisa Ryan, Michael and Billi-Jo Sanders, Phil and Sue Shelton, Rick and Marian Schilling, Jeffrey and Chrissy Skeltis, Gene and Sherry Slavit, Sean and Mary Strickland, Walter and Christina Uyehara…plus dozens more

This grand effort by (likely) sincere believers evokes Sisyphus. In Greek mythology Sisyphus (/ˈsɪsᵻfəs/;[2]Greek: Σίσυφος, Sísuphos) was the king of Ephyra (now known as Corinth). He was punished for his self-aggrandizing craftiness and deceitfulness by being forced to roll an immense boulder up a hill, only to watch it come back to hit him, repeating this action for eternity. Through the classical influence on modern culture, tasks that are both laborious and futile are therefore described as Sisyphean.

Got a link to that? Inquiring minds want to know.

My hunch is that they don't care how inept they look... perhaps because the lion's share of their revenue comes from overseas outreach. How many people outside the US either don't bother to search the interwebs for insight on TWI or don't have online access in the first place?

Wow... that is tragic. Before anyone else starts analyzing the situation, I recommend you help your son get a VERY good lawyer. Solve the legal problems with your d-i-l moving grandson out of state without your son's approval before you try to figure out how to change her mind about TWI. Btw, I'm a grandparent also, so please rest assured that I empathize with you completely.

Alternatively,

We are the sum and substance of our experience, eh? This might seem like something of a tangent on the subject of this thread, but I think it goes directly to the heart of it. Last night I finished reading (first time through anyway) Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind. The book is... well, amazing. (this video is less than four minutes) But what I found particularly salient in the book, from the standpoint of our common cult history, is a section (pg 250 in the hardback edition) called Ignoramus. "Humans have sought to understand the universe at least since the Cognitive Revolution. Our ancestors put a great deal of time and effort into trying to discover the rules that govern the natural world. But modern science differs from all previous traditions of knowledge in three critical ways: a. The willingness to admit ignorance. Modern science is based on the Latin injunction ignoramus -- 'we do not know'. It assumes that we don't know everything. Even more critically, it accepts that the things that we think we know could be proven wrong as we gain more knowledge. No concept, idea or theory is sacred and beyond challenge... The Scientific Revolution has not been a revolution of knowledge. It has been above all a revolution of ignorance." To me, the significance of that concept cannot be overstated. What was the critical essence of The Way International, Victor Paul Wierwille and Loy Craig Martindale? Well, beside the fact that the expression "The Way" was ostensibly invoked in the name of the cult because Jesus said he was the way, the truth and the life, Jesus wasn't the focal point of the cult, nor was Jesus' Father. The focal point and the fulcrum on which the entire "movement" turned was Wierwille's (outrageous and fictional) claim that God made Wierwille the keeper of God's truth (i.e. the snowstorm claim). We (those of us who were around when Wierwille and Martindale were in power, at least) also know that there was no humility in veepee's claim to be the (to borrow a phrase from HULU's series "The Path") keeper of the light. Those who fell into TWI subsequent to Wierwille/Martindale have the tremendous resource of Charlene's memoir, Undertow. Charlene eloquently exposed Wierwille's hubris and how it played out in his "research department." The Way International is the anti-thesis of how to actually discover truth. And the social structure Wierwille established to glorify himself demonstrates the dysfunction of that hubris. And Skyrider, I concur emphatically with you regarding those who have set up copycat ministries.

To be expected. Still tragic.

Are you sure that tree isn't in a dictionary?

A couple more books to contribute to the discussion of those points: Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind I'm currently reading this overview of world/human history and find it exquisitely fascinating. Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus: A Devout Muslim Encounters Christianity from Amazon, " Providing an intimate window into a loving Muslim home, Qureshi shares how he developed a passion for Islam before discovering, almost against his will, evidence that Jesus rose from the dead and claimed to be God. Unable to deny the arguments but not wanting to deny his family, Qureshi struggled with an inner turmoil that will challenge Christians, Muslims, and all those who are interested in the world’s greatest religions." I just learned about Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus today and find the claim about evidence that Jesus rose from the dead to be intriguing... not sure I believe the claim (that what he found is actually evidence), however.

Timing is everything.

Very nicely put. btw, Steve, glad you're healing up.