| My parents were members of
Worldwide Church of God
when I was born (1966); therefore, I was raised under the WCG doctrines.
I grew up in a small town that was inundated with WCG members. So many
of our neighbors/friends were members of WCG. That was fine.
I attended Imperial Schools,
which was a horrifying experience. My memories of 1st grade are gut
wrenching. I remember being spanked in front of the class because I had
to go to the bathroom. Another time, I raised my hand to tell the
teacher that I was sick and she kept saying, "I'll be there in a
minute." She was getting very impatient with me. Well, by the time
she got to me I threw up on her book. She became irate and told me how
bad I was and sent me to the corner until my mother was notified. After
the illness passed (a couple days), I returned to school and she made
me use the same workbook that I had vomited on! She had us so scared of
our parents, that I never reported this to them.
A couple years later, I transferred
to "public schools"--oh, teachers were so nice and the kids
had so much freedom! That was my first taste of what life could be like
away from WCG. However, I never felt like I truly fit in. I was unable
to participate in birthday parties, Christmas parties, valentines
parties, etc. I desperately tried to be like everyone else, but was held
back. Now, as an adult, I often feel lost and alone. I have a hard time
making friends, but so desperately want them. I'm on my second marriage
(the first fell apart because I was incapable of affection--something
the "church" never taught nor encouraged parents to show), although I do
have one son from my first marriage. My current husband is older than I
am, attends church (alone) each Sunday, and is so caring and
compassionate--all the things I needed as a child and need now.
I would love to talk to someone
in this organization. I would like to channel my anger/fear of God, so
that I can learn to trust and believe in Him.
By Brianna - Child survivor of
WCG
December 1, 2003
Comforting Words About the True God (true
statements that show how God really sees His children)
It's Hard to Get Close to God After Being in Philadelphia Church of God
(also helpful for child survivors of WCG)
Articles
For Those Who Were Emotionally and Spiritually Abused
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to Stories and Testimonies From Child Survivors
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