believersnonbeliever

Did any of you have any experience while in TWI dating a non TWI member. As you know by reading this thread, prior to knowing about what TWI really is, I took the foundational class. I am a TWI Foundational Grad!!!!! Woo hoo! Anyway, since rejecting TWI, my GF has quit fellowshipping. I drew a fairly hard line with the subject, based upon what I wanted in my life, but she did take some time to make the decision on her own. Anyway, since then there have been several occasions that have come up, related to TWI, that have caused problems. One problem has been with her family. I think they are great people and though I have criticized TWI, I do think they are great people. I am being told that I hate them though, and that I hate her friends, and that I hate her background. I am also blamed for everything that comes up. For example, if we were meeting her parents for dinner and I couldn't go or had to be late, she would say that I was doing it on purpose and that they think I don't like them. It's a constant battle for approval from them and I don't feel like any of my efforts matter. I always have to be on my best behavior so they can see why she fell for a guy like me. It's the same with her friends. Recently there was a wedding that she was in with TWI folks and, although I originally wanted to go, I was told that I hate all of them and that I would have no fun. It feels like she is putting words in my mouth and forming opinions for me to make it easier on her. It's easier for me to not want to go than telling me I can't or taking me and making it awkward, right? Doesn't feel right to me though. Sorry for rambling, feel free to respond to any or all. God bless!

Just curious if Branch Coordinators get any form of compensation?

The fact that people die is not the issue. Life "happens" to everybody regardless of religious affiliation. The issue is that TWI "promises" abundance to draw in followers, and the fact that they make those claims magnifies when people do die early or live "less than abundantly"...whatever abundance means. Is that story about Wierwille claiming cancer was a sign on the devil true? And that he died of cancer?

When I started going to fellowhip, I brought my pretty new Bible, which I was proud of purchasing (I even bought tabs to list all the books of the bible). Anyway it was the NIV and I brought it with me, because it is a BIBLE. Well, on this night we were going around and reading passages (don't remember which) and when it came to me I HAD TO APOLOGIZE for having the WRONG VERSION. After reading the verse they laughed and said it "isn't as good as the KJV" and then reread it in their book and then pointed out how that version is better and more accurate! Seriously?????

Based on my little experience and the knowledge gathered from members both on and not on this forum, it seems to me that TWI applied the term "Believer" and "Non Believer" to TWI, not God. For example, I heard recently that TWI told a young couple that if either of them were to leave "The Ministry" they should strongly consider divorce. Fact is, I am a strong believer in God, which is the reason I oppose TWI so much. They would deem me a non believer in TWI though. It's as if they think the Bible was written for TWI only and applies only to them. God and TWI are interchangeable it seems...

Can anyone shed some light on if anything is taught as far as who/what is important at TWI? Are children taught to disassociate with kids in their schools who aren't members? I was at a fellowship last summer and a young senior gave a "heartfelt speech" about her two weeks at the advanced class and she said that "the best part of the trip was realizing who my real friends are. I mean all the girls I have been hanging around with my life, who I laughed and cried with, are not my real friends. The people I met at the class are my new best friends!" That's not word for word, but it's close. That really struck me as odd and a slap in the face to the people she laughed and cried. You know, her actual real friends.

Thanks for the links. I will familiarize myself with the information. You make a good point about how contrary the way is to how Jesus was. The church I/we go to actually models Him quite well. They are encouraging to us and accept anyone into their house. They have supported us through prayer and continue to encourage me to hang in there. The opposite has happened with the way. Our problems are a result of the pressures she feels from being with me, IMO. As of yesterday, she has decided to go back, to some extent. She is going to begin fellowshipping again. We are still together, though to a lesser extent probably. Seems that whenever she is involved with TWI, the way I am treated worsens. Isn't that a sign of a loving, "tender", God loving organization?! A couple years ago I went through a divorce and this has been much more difficult! I determined that the thing missing from that relationship was God. Well, I came to Christ and completed the Purpose Driven Life and upon finishing that I met her, within a day or so. At that exact time she was getting ready to enroll in the Way Corps, but upon meeting me decided to cancel those plans. I didn't realize until emotionally invested that TWI is what it is. But I held on tight to that belief that we were put into one anothers life for a reason. I find myself asking God why. Why me? Is this what it means to have God in your relationship? Why do many of my friends have great relationships and no God? I know these are selfish questions, but they are honest ones.

This wonderful advice and I am so very thankful that I you all take time out of your lives to assist those that are affected by TWI. I strongly believe that w/o TWI, her and I could have a wonderful relationship. With their involvement, I am very concerned for what lies ahead. Those questions to ask myself in the previous post are so key because, even if she parts totally from fellowshipping, I would never expect or want her to abandon her family. That is ridiculous. I guess it all depends on how involved they try to be. I don't have kids, but I know me and I am the protective type. I would protect my children from this and would probably get very angry if they tried to lay this crap on them. Again, thanks so much. This is very hard but you are a blessing to me!

I think she feels the same way. It seems that hope for change has been going on a while. I recall on several occasions her saying that all the bad stuff is in the past...that it was bad during the Martindale times but no longer...that she is going to be the one to change things. I have strongly opposed The Way since pretty much the beginning of the relationship. Well, at first I was open to it but when I "was accepted" (LOL) to take the foundational class, I realized after the "orientation" that this was a cult. The biggest thing that got me is that if they got this amazing, profound, in depth message to share, why don't they share? Why is it all so hidden? Why is there no phone # to call for info? Why does the website have no info (and don't tell me because they just haven't gotten around to it). I don't hate the people in the groups, I think most mean well and are just doing what they are taught, or not doing what they have been threatened not too. The wheels seem to be falling off with us lately. My criticism in the past of The Way in general is being attached to the people she cares about and she keeps accusing me of hating all of them. I do hate some of the teaching...and if the leaders know what they are doing I am not a big fan of that either. She say's that I have to give her friends a chance, But I feel I have many times. They just don't like me. One time I threw my GF a b-day party, or tried to, but nobody responded to me. In fact instead of replying, another b-day party was arranged at the same time and I wasn't formally invited. I feel at a loss. What is the best way to support her? Can I support the friends and not The Way? Should I oppose any involvement in the Way? Should I just bail from the whole thing? Some of this stuff feels so high schoolish. I am 31 and want to have a family, a strong Christian family, but don't know that will happen with such anger coming from her toward me.

Is it possible for her to realize these things? She seems like she understands a lot of the Ways issues and how "The Way" is the source of a lot of our problems. She may even be looking on this site to see that she is not alone. Again, she has not fellow shipped in probably 7 months or so and things have gotten better. Although, recently she has been pulled in that direction again, which has caused some pretty serious rifts between us. I am looking for some hope in this situation, though I am also preparing myself for the worst.

Thanks again for the advice. So many questions come to mind as I read these posts. Questions that pertain to where I, her boyfriend, stand in her life. In my life, you put your loved ones first. Of course, now that I have God, I place him first, overall. But, I do not use a "hierarchy" when it comes to making decisions. I pray to God to help me in many situations, to show me what he wants to see and to lead me. There has been so many days that my GF has blown me off, canceled plans, or showed up several hours late, justifying it with excuses that all have one thing in common: "What I was doing was more important, don't get your panties in a bunch." I don't think hanging out with people from the Way or any church for that matter warrants walking over people you love. And I don't think God would want you to use Him as an excuse for those negative actions. Can someone explain this to me!

We are now attending a Reformed Christian church in our hometown and we really like it. One of her sticking points is with "The Trinity." I know this site includes people with all beliefs and backgrounds and I totally respect that. How do you feel about the way's beliefs now that you are no longer fellow shipping? Thanks!

Thanks again everybody and keep the prayers open. Is there a way for her to connect with some former members she may know? Sorry if that is a stupid question :/.

Any idea what happened with Brushstroke (the threads on the fist page)?