Letters From Those Impacted by
Philadelphia Church of God
January 1, 2012 to present
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2012 Letters From Those Impacted by WCG, HWA & Offshoots
What's New (new postings; testimonies)
Gerald Flurry Calling for Worldwide Fast on January 8:
January 1, 2012
Gerald Flurry recently announced on December 24 that members worldwide are to fast on January 8. He said about 100 people a year for the past five years have been leaving PCG. --Anonymous
PCG Causing Destruction of Families:
January 1, 2012
Thank you for keeping us informed with your updates.
I find it personally insulting that PCG has asked members to fast. How about apologising to all the members for the destruction of families and abuses ministers have perpetrated and for leaving members destitute with no support when they kick members out? I am currently taking care of my mother who has been in the various cults for decades and was put out nearly 12 month ago. I am having to pick up the pieces in providing support and taking care of her needs. However, I am beginning to see signs of depression, emptiness and inability to function and enjoy life like she once did, and getting through the day with teary eyes can be overwhelming for her. My heart breaks when I see my mum like this and to know that many elderly people who have been treated the same way are going through the same situation breaks my heart. --Australia
Comment: For any who are struggling after a cult
experience, please go to our Recovery
articles and Questions
About Recovery for help. Many struggle for years, even suffering
tremendous trauma, unless they begin to understand what they were involved
in and have support.
PCG Not Growing by Leaps and Bounds:
January 1, 2012
I, personally am thrilled to see Gerald Flurry admit that their numbers are falling, and over the past 5 years have lost 500 people, 100 a year in 5 years. Makes you wonder, how honest he is being. I believe that his numbers are a lot more than that. He himself is a liar, and I hope by this fast that he has ordered on the 8 of January that the people will see they are not growing by LEAPS and BOUNDS as my daughter tried to tell me some time ago. By admitting they have lost 500 people in the last 5 years, should prove that Gerald Flurry is indeed a liar.
I have family in PCG, grandchildren that I do not know anymore. I went to a restaurant a few weeks back, passed our oldest grandson in the doorway and didn't know him. It was later I realized it was him. He and I were close at one time and I don't even know him. Sad, that our daughter could do this to us. She is our only child.
Thank you. Have a happy new year, and let this be the year that we see PCG fall apart and families be bought back together. Let this be the year we get to know our families again. --[name removed]
PCG Attendance Numbers Are Suspect:
January 3, 2012
Regarding Gerald Flurry and his attendance count, I offer this bit of insight. I would be suspect of any numbers that the PCG set forward as attendance. As one who strolled the isles counting noses, I can tell you that many ministers wanted people counted as present even if they were not. Any one who was too sick or too elderly to attend was counted present under the theory that, "they would be here if they could." If you stay with that logic then you could also add twelve to your attendance believing that the disciples would also, "be here if they could." --B.
Comment: Good observance. WCG was also known to inflate their numbers, especially when it served their purposes.
No Telling How Many Members PCG Has Lost:
January 3, 2012
This "church" will never "get back on track" (the reason for their fast on January 8). I think GF's losing a lot more than he said. If he is willing to admit that he's losing 100 per year just because it's so obvious to the members that he can't deny it, it's no telling how high the actual number is. --W.
Another Death in PCG:
January 4, 2012
Concetta Petrillo died in December, two Sundays before Christmas of breast cancer. She was like a mother to me, a light and a breath of fresh air. I was suspended for not getting baptized and was cut off. My mom wanted me to send her a letter but by the time I had heard about her well being she was already on a morphine tap to keep her out of pain. I'm so sad everyday because she was one of those genuine people. I believe in putting your faith in God, but God also tells up to do our part. This is death number six of people I was close with: Jake winters, Georgina Sanders, Cody Fruje, Garth McDonald, Jason Bacon--and now Concetta. I have never been surrounded by so much pain and death. --Recent PCG exiter
Reply: ...I know there's not anything anyone can say to take away your intense pain. I can only let you know we are praying for you and to tell you that the true Lord Jesus is there for you to comfort and strengthen you through this terrible time.
Comforting to Know:
January 4, 2012
(2nd email from person above)
Thank you. She found out about the cancer shortly after the feast and it just got worse and worse. And thank you for your words. It's so comforting to know there is some real light out there. --Recent PCG exiter
Advice For Those Who Have Been Put Out:
January 5, 2012
This is in response to the person who is now taking care of her mother [Read January 1 letter: "PCG Causing Destruction of Families"] who was put out of PCG. What you can do for her is comfort her and ask her if she believes God's promises? Tell her He promised to never leave nor forsake us. Believe what He says. Read how Christ treated people. We were in PCG for many years and left when the cutting off began. We still have children in there. We still can't believe we stayed so long. There is recovery time that takes place. Her life has been shaken to the core. It was and is a cult. Time will help and the sky will not fall. It is not the end of the world. Be thankful God ripped her from that evilness and now her life can go forward following Christ and not a man. --Thankful still to be awakened!
What Really Helped Me on Your Site:
January 6, 2012
Your site has been really helpful to me over the past several years. I found out about the PCG after watching the "Key of David program" in late 1995. I was a weekly attender and club member; held positions and led hymns at services. I later moved to HQ in Edmond, Oklahoma and felt like I was a second-class citizen because I didn't come into the PCG from the WCG and wasn't related to any ministers, etc. When I stopped attending, I was disfellowshipped a month later.
I don't belong to any of the splinter groups, just living my life free of weekly "brow beatings" by guys like Craig Winters. I believe in God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ (John 1:1-18) and I am happy to just pray and worship God in my own, personal way.
I will say that the one entry on your site that really helped me overcome my guilt of not attending or being part of the "one true church" (that every single church, whether Catholic, Protestant, Mormon, WCG, or PCG wants us to believe) was: Where Do I Find the "One True Church"? " Here is one quote from it: "When we get caught up in 'where is the one true church?' we can end up down a blind alley that will lead us further and further away from the true God of the Bible and His Gospel of grace. Those who have placed their faith and trust in Christ alone as their personal Savior are already in the 'true church.' (I John 5:13) An individual does not have to become a part of, or join, a specific church or denomination in order to receive eternal life."
Thanks for all that you do to help us to overcome these "churches of men." I know that I have a Heavenly Father who loves me, and His Son and my Savior, Jesus Christ, whose Grace is sufficient for me, and He just wants me to love God and treat my fellow human beings as I would like to be treated. --M. W.
PCG Should Be on Their Knees:
January 6, 2012
Regarding the fast for loss of members, I think the whole PCG should be on their knees in repentance for the lives and families that have been destroyed. My husband lives in fear and so much has been stolen from him by the enemy--his marriage, family, relationships, friends, health, finances and time, to name a few. I pray every day for his eyes to be opened and set free, and for this whole evil organisation to collapse.
Thank you for all the information and help on your website. It is a real blessing to be kept in touch with what is happening in PCG as it is all so secretive. God bless you and all your helpers. --Australia
Man's Desperation to Be Baptized Causes Mental Disorder:
January 7, 2012
My brother is in desperate need of help. He has wanted to be baptized into the Philadelphia Church of God for several years. He has read all their literature, is obsessive about it and his personality has changed dramatically over the years. He spends most of his time reading the free literature and reading their website. He has no friends, gave up his job and cannot focus enough to get another one. There is no PCG group in our city but we know that he has met with a minister a few times.
The ministry obviously did not think he was ready to be baptized for whatever reasons, and he is really desperate. This emotional strain on him has caused very strange behavior and he has now landed up in hospital with the doctors wanting to diagnose him with a mental disorder. But we, the family, think it will be cured if we could help him to see the real Jesus and help him to see that the Philadelphia Church Of God is "not the only way." ...
Thank you. Kind regards, --[name removed]
You Provide a Wonderful Service For Us All:
January 10, 2012
It is so encouraging to read how many people are escaping the bondage of their thinking. Gerald Flurry is trying to build a house for God??? I'm not sure he is reading his Bible at all. I never used to. I used to just look up the scriptures in services. Well, anyway, I just wanted to say you are doing a great job helping God's people to find Him. You provide such a wonderful service for us all. It is nice to get a refresher once in awhile on your website to know I am exactly where I should be. I hope this email finds you in good health and spirits. Love, --Former member of PCG
Threw Away Copious Amounts of PCG Literature:
January 11, 2012
Yesterday I threw away 9 years worth of the Trumpet and Royal Vision magazines, but also every piece of literature, which was everything you could imagine, copious amounts gone. Thank you. --Australia
Note: This person had much more to tell us but their email cut off. If they are able to send the rest, we may post more.
Shocked at What Max Rumler and Aaron Hudson Are Doing to Members:
January 11, 2012
Hi there. I just came across the latest post from the What's New page [about Max Rumler and Aaron Hudson] on your site and I am shocked to read of the things that are happening to PCG members in Australia. Ministers should be ashamed of themselves for perpetrating suffering to the members.
Thank you to the person who was brave enough in exposing to the world such evil. -- Australia
Doesn't Shock Me to Know How Rumler and Hudson Are Handling Things:
January 12, 2012
I read the testimony Max Rumler and Aaron Hudson Are Abusive Tyrants! about the abusive treatment the Brisbane area PCG members are enduring because of Max Rumler and Aaron Hudson.
I have a family member who is in the PCG and has remained isolated away from family members for many years now. I am aware there is intense pressure coming upon them and others within PCG but I wasn't aware of exactly how things have been happening until I read this testimony.
They all need our prayers for protection from emotional and spiritual abuse that is unfolding. Sadly, no one shall escape without some damage being done and I do feel so much for what is unfolding.
It shouldn't shock or surprise me really to know how Max Rumler and Aaron Hudson are "handling" things in the PCG just now. I came through the exact same method of mistreatment from a dictator minister when I was attending the WCG years ago so nothing has changed with the methods being used.
It is a sad reflection upon such ministers in that such men show that they cannot perceive whom and how it is that God called and is working with because if they did grasp such spiritual depths then they would fear to cause any harm be done to any of that group's members.
I hope those being persecuted can stay the course and seek from God so they come into a place where they are able to live in [the true] God's Love away from such destructive, deceived men. --[name removed]
Greetings From El Salvador:
January 13, 2012
Hello everybody:
Thank you so much for this great assistance to all of us who have been abused. I would like to know what happened to ministers James Mortensen, Daniel Frendo, Frank Borg, Pat Durrad, Joseph Avila, Stephen Hill, and Juan Veloz, or what has happened to the PCG congregations in Spain, Italy, Brazil, Argentina or Chile? There has been a lot of suffering over there.
Also, what biblical references do you have related to inter-racial marriage?
Please keep helping and assisting with this information. --El Salvador
Reply: Read 2010 letter to ESN: Ministers in Latin America Totally Awful. If anyone has more info, please email ESN. In answer to the question about inter-racial marriage, there is much on this topic in the following critical reviews on our site: 1st critique of MOA, chapter 4 (search for the word "racial") 1st critique of MOA, chapter 5 (pt. 2 of 2) (search for the word "racial") 2nd critique of MOA, chapter 4 (search for the word "racial"). Also see Galatians 4:28. In regard to Borg, if Frank Borg is meant, see 2009 letter: Frank Borg Establishes Faithful Church of God in Laodicea.
PCG Similar to Other Religious Cults:
January 14, 2012
I have a mate in PCG and I know it takes the insight of those who have been on the inside and have come out to understand. Part of what these cults do is inflate the members' ego to make them feel like their particular group is special, and no other group is like them, when in truth they're all extremely similar with different leaders all parroting the same rhetoric. PCG's upcoming event "The Jerusalem Celebration" at Armstrong Auditorium says it will have "the most significant archeological artifacts ever discovered in Jerusalem." That's really a stretch. --Impacted by loved one in PCG
PCG Layoffs?
January 17, 2012
I have noticed that there have not been any recent sermons broadcast or updates to the PCG website for awhile. GF has said "The Trumpet Daily" will no longer be on TV (last show was Dec. 9). Everything from then on has been a repeat. I heard there have been layoffs. If true, that could explain it. GF has also been really nervous about anybody even using unnecessary electricity in his "House for God" because of money being tight. --[name removed]
Key of David in Reruns:
January 18, 2012
The "Key of David" has had nothing but reruns. In fact, my mate in PCG has not watched the program for weeks and has just about quit watching it all together. The only time was when she watched about 5 minutes of it recently. I guess just to see if they were airing anything new (which they weren't). --A. S.
Why Was David Fraser Sent Back to Australia?
January 19, 2012
David Fraser, a minister in the PCG, was sent to South Africa in December 2010. Max Rumler visited South Africa in December 2011 and David Fraser was sent back to Australia a week later. Does anyone know why? According to reliable sources, there is no minister in the Johannesburg area. --J.
Why David Fraser Was Sent Back to Australia:
January 20, 2012
My information from South Africa is that in late 2010, David Fraser, ex PCG Canada, was transferred from Edmond, Oklahoma, at great expense, to "sort out" the South African Church in Johannesburg.
The other minister, Jerry Meaker, is too busy travelling to congregations in Zimbabwe, Kenya, and other African countries, also at great expense.
About two weeks before Max Rumler arrived in Johannesburg, David Fraser made an announcement to the Johannesburg church that the Reserve Bank of SA had disallowed the remittance of "Offerings" to Edmond for "God's House." The remittance of these funds was illegal.
When Max Rumler arrived in December 2011, David Fraser was given one weeks notice to pack up and move to Australia, also at great expense.
Refer to the January 16, 2008 letter: Jacob Toews Resigned From Board Due to Corruption. --[name removed]
Not the First Time David Fraser Was Sent Back to Australia:
January 20, 2012:
Hi, this is not the first time David Fraser (Ron Fraser's Son) has been sent "back down to Australia." In 2006 after being "discharged" from the Ministry in Canada, he, wife and daughter were relocated back to Brisbane, Australia. This was done so he could "get himself together" as he had been having marital problems with his wife. Max Rumler and Alex Harrison (PCG Evangelist) tried to sort a "few issues" but to no avail. Eventually the couple separated and he packed up and moved to Edmond where he had found "employment" again. In 2010 he was re-instated as a minister and was shipped off to South Africa. Now he is back in Australia again! I wonder how much PCG actually spends with tithe payer's hard earned cash, shifting these ministers to cover up and start over again. No doubt thousands of dollars wasted! --Australia [name removed]
Was GF Relying on Money from SA to Pay the Bills?
January 21, 2012
The first January 20 poster raises something interesting. The comment on the SA reserve bank. The way I interpret this is the SA refuses to allow PCG funds to be transferred from SA to the US. If so, this is a decision which has probably been several months in the making. This could have a connection with the reduction of expenditures for "The Trumpet Daily" and "Key of David," etc.
GF finally admitted to falling membership and I think we all know the numbers he is losing are much higher than he admits. Now this leads to the question: Was GF relying on the money from SA to pay the bills? It seems to me the United States, Australia, Europe and all his old "stomping grounds" have a serious if not catastrophic decline in membership and income and I wonder how much he is relying on South Africa to fund the whole sorry mess? My guess would be Max Rumler would have been sent to SA to try and get the decision overturned and obviously failed. I'm sure David Fraser got the full blame for that. Well, obviously he did as he is back in Australia. --Australia
Flurry Does What He Likes:
January 22, 2012
David Fraser has been used and abused by GRF for years. This is what happens when your whole family is tied into Gerald Flurry's wage bill for your living. Ron Fraser, his two sons, and his son-in-law, all work for the PCG. Flurry can do what he likes with them. He wants all his members tied into each other by marriage as it's his way of controlling them. The Frasers used to be a top family but not anymore; they are as false as the rest of them. There is no Christianity in the PCG, only abuse of power to the poor gullible members. No wonder Flurry is losing a lot of them when he is smashing families to bits. God cannot be pleased.
One other thing. GRF has said that when trouble comes his "house for God" will be a shining beacon to the world. Doesn't it strike you odd that he is being obsessed with turning the lights off to save on the power bill! --Ex WCG, UCG and PCG
Auditing of PCG Accounts:
January 24, 2012
This is news from Cape Town where the PCG office in South Africa is situated. Max Rumler, Jerry Meaker, and Andrew Locher had a conference call concerning the non submission of tax forms and the auditing of the accounts, as required by the South African Tax Department.
The audits and tax forms have not been completed for the past 5 or 6 years. David Fraser was not responsible for this, but someone has failed to "obey the law of the land." A good reason for Max to disfellowship someone??
In the November 2011 Philadelphia News, Andrew Locher states that, "the auditing of accounts is completed annually."
When did anyone last have sight of the audited accounts for the PCG worldwide or for their particular area, e.g., South Africa, Ausralia., or the UK? --Australia [name removed]
Tax Penalties
January 25, 2012
I strongly recommend that any person in a fiduciary or director capacity in the South Africa PCG go to the site: www.sars.gov.za and search for Section 21 - Companies - and read the paragraphs pertaining to OFFENCES and PENALTIES. "If a person is guilty of any of the offences as discussed above, he or she shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine, or imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years."
The PCG may now have to issue receipts for all past tithes and offerings, and detail their use of the Third tithe.
Regards and thanks for your good job. --Australia
Comment: Also Read: Third Tithe: Where Did it Really Go?
Lack of Financial Accountability in PCG:
January 26, 2012
Hi there, in relation to provision of receipts. My loved one in PCG has been suspended for about 12 months now; however, as a devout Christian, in good faith she has continued to sacrifice her money from her pension to donate to GF's "work." Sometime ago, upon request to counsel to go back to services, she gave the minister a large sum of money (offerings) to be sent over to what she believed was going to headquarters (GF's fund); however, no receipt was ever issued and given to her. When the minister visited a second time to counsel her to return to services (and still suspended for disobeying "church government") she asked him about the receipt from the previous donation but he has never provided this receipt.
I have read the South African information about record keeping and issuing of receipts and open books of PCG located here on the sars.gov.za site and it makes me wonder how much money has been donated over the years that lack accountability here in Australia. I am sure if suspended members were asked by authorities to provide information about how much money they have donated we would be able to find out more dark secrets which have been hidden for many years. -- Anonymous
Comment: While monthly and annual donation receipts were usually sent to WCG members, readers can refer back to the article posted on our site entitled: "Beware 'Ambassadors' Bearing Gifts" about Garnet Hill a member who failed to receive a receipt for his large donation, even later being disfellowshipped. Also, read in OIU 2, Pt. 3 how Colin Adair was collecting tithes and offerings in cash from members in the Caribbean Islands and these members reported later that they never received a receipt. How many others this may have happened to, we will never know. But this kind of fraud is common in exploitive groups.
No Receipts Issued for Past 10-15 Years:
January 27, 2012
Very surprised at Wik Heerma earning in the equivalent of ONE MILLION South African Rand. [Read December 5, 2010 letter: Viewed Philadelphia Church of God Financial Accounts in the UK] The poor pensioners in Johannesburg PCG must be gasping for breath.
The SA PCG have not issued receipts for tithes, etc. for the past 10 to 15 years. --Australia
Fervently Prayed for Guidance and Found Your Site:
February 1, 2012
I had been reading about the Trumpet since 1997 and began subscribing to the books around 2005, reading them with full attention. I finally wrote a letter requesting for baptism and was told I needed to finish some books before I got baptised and I needed to believe the writings of HWA, etc. I even began sending tithes. I finished the books and called them again, asking when they will baptise me.
But along with it, I was fervently praying for guidance and hoping that this is the right religion after being baptised and being a member of so many. To my surprise, so many obstacles happened and I am not a member yet.
They began corresponding, asking what happened to me and what slowed me down. When I answered that I am still researching, which is true, I found your site. I just hope that my procrastinations about getting baptised is getting me somewhere.
Thank you for all the information and utmost response. For now I am quite relieved. I will be reading the documents your good office just sent.
My deepest gratitude for the warm attention and Godspeed. Thank you very much. --[country kept anonymous]
Slowly Unraveling Years of Dark, Twisted, Thorny Vines:
February 2, 2012
First of all, I want to thank you for providing a valuable, positive service to those of us who have had to endure long, harsh years in the WCG and its splinter groups as I have. As a former member of the PCG from 1992-1999, I know how fortunate I am to be out of that abominable cult, yet still feel the acute effects of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. It was even harder on me since I was within my teenage years from 1993-2000, which is most of my time within the PCG.
The PCG mind frame / culture was so ingrained in me that I suffered years of mental and emotional stress, anxiety, depression, and insecurity thanks to my severely strained relationship with my mother, who drastically shaped my upbringing, for better and worse.
I am now a devout Biblical Christian who is searching for a good church to attend with my family, and slowly unraveling years of dark, twisted, thorny vines around my innermost spirit. Your words of wisdom have helped me out tremendously, even over the course of the last couple of days that I've been reading your material on the Exit and Support Network! Thank you very, very much, and God bless. --Exiter of PCG [name removed]
PCG Kept a Thick File on Me:
February 2, 2012
I came across a draft of an old letter that I was going to send Ron Hanson, my hostile PCG minister, to complain about his harsh treatment. (I ended up writing to Gerald Flurry instead, but that only got me suspended.) Reading it brought back old memories; I had forgotten that the PCG kept a file on me.
Ron Hanson angrily told me he had a "THICK file" on me which was "A good sign of a bad sign!" (emphasis his). He emphatically told me he would throw me out if he could. Well, if he had any proof of wrong doing, he could have! But there was no such proof because I had done nothing to warrant getting put out.
After they suspended me for complaining about abusive ministers, I started asking some hard questions about the PCG. I didn't like what I found so I never went back.
A few years earlier I had to flee one church area to get away from false accusations and a poisonous atmosphere. I thought they were going to toss me out then, all because of things that got blown out of proportion or misconstrued. I left Milton and went to Calgary. For a long time there was no minister in Calgary to make people uptight and things were much better. Then they decided Western Canada needed a minister and sent Ron Hanson.
I guess I'll never know for sure all the reasons Hanson wanted me out but it could have something to do with false accusations in my file from the old church area, which I left about five years before. It seems unfair that Hanson held that old "THICK file" against me when I didn't know what was in it and didn't have a chance to respond to any misunderstandings or false allegations that it might contain. I didn't even know they kept files on people until that point. I don't even know if he ever read it. Perhaps he just didn't like the size of my "THICK file," which is pretty judgmental. Keeping a file also seems contrary to Scripture. (I Corinthians 13:4-5)
If they kept a file on me, they are probably keeping files on a lot of other people. --Martin from Calgary Alberta and (before that) the Milton, Ontario congregation.
Comments: PCG does keep a dossier file on members--just as WCG did, and just as RCG and other abusive offshoots do. Hard questions will always be something these groups do not like but which a Christ-filled church compared to a religious cult would accept and gladly answer. Read Martin's testimony he sent to ESN in 2011: Abusive Experiences with Wayne Turgeon and Ron Hanson.
Key of David Finally Has a New Program:
February 7, 2012
I noticed that this past Sunday's "Key of David" was new. On this first broadcast back, GF was bragging up the new Armstrong Auditorium and the display of, once again, "the most significant archeological artifacts ever discovered in Jerusalem" being on display in it. It sounded to me like he was in damage control mode, trying to persuade listeners that the PCG was on firm footing, when evidence says it's not. He was also hawking a new booklet on Jeremiah, so I guess he's now found "new revelation" in the book of Jeremiah and adding to the scriptures. That's not surprising. --N. S.
More of What Happened at Robbers Cave:
February 15, 2012
I was reading a contact's reply to the March 11, 2011 PCG letter about Stephen Flurry going to Robbers Cave in OK in 1989 and reading his dad's manuscript for Malachi's Message. What happened at this "church outing" was that several students committed fornication with each other. Some got sent home while others were allowed to stay. (As we all know, some, such as minister's sons, could never do any wrong.) I remember the announcement being made in services and how a few were sent home in shame. Yet I remember Stephen saying one time that this was a magical area because that's where he made his decision to follow dad. I'm sure many wondered why this could happen at a supposedly "Christian" College. --Former member of PCG [name removed]
Gerald Flurry and the Seventh Candle Stick:
February 16, 2012
When Gerald Flurry went to Ohio to talk to John Amos about what was going on in the PCG, as they were talking, someone walked through the dining area where they were seated. Supposedly, there were seven candle sticks behind GF on a table. When this person walked through, they looked at GF and mentioned that he appeared to have a seventh candle stick behind him. That is what they base everything about him being "that prophet." Now depending on what part of the room you viewed the table from, there were others that this candle stick appeared to be behind. It was nothing but overzealous nonsense. --Former member of PCG
Ministerial Transfers and Question About John Rudolf:
February 23, 2012
I just learnt that George Githembe is going to minister in Zimbambwe. John Rudolf was ministering in Zimbabwe. I wonder what became of him?
Githembe was ordained after the minister (S. Githinji) in Kenya had disagreed with both Max Rumler and GF. He asked Max Rumler why Gerald Flurry was teaching different in Malachi's Message while Herbert Armstrong in The Book of Revelation Unveiled at Last taught diametrically opposite of GF. The minister quoted extensively the difference from both authors. He was immediately disfellowshipped and marked in August 2010.
It is believed that James Maingi is taking over from Githembe. For years Githembe has been in the United States and only returned to Kenya upon being elevated. Hardly had he settled in Kenya before being relocated.
I would be interested to know what became of John Rudolf. --Former member of PCG
Max Rumler Has a Number of Personal Problems
February 24, 2012
I was informed by someone in the South African PCG that Rumler has "forced out" a very generous tithe payer and his wife, long standing members of the PCG in South Africa.
It is a known fact in South Africa and Australia that Rumler has a number of "personal problems" that require urgent attention, before he physically assaults a member. See "Max Rumler involved in Assault on Last Great Day." He also has a complex regarding his lack of height (as did HWA) and had a special platform made in Johannesburg to place behind the lectern before preaching.
I would not be surprised if Rumler did not have something to do with John Rudolf leaving.
I give grateful thanks to God every day for my leaving the PCG.
Thanks for your great work. --Australia
Membership in PCG Dropping:
February 28, 2012
The membership of the PCG in 2005 was about 7,000. At the feast 2011 they were struggling to get worldwide attendance to 4,000. This number includes children. So the true membership is quite lower. Their membership is dropping profusely. --Anonymous
Malachi's Message Can Be Shown to Be False:
February 29, 2012
Malachi's Message is a capricious, non-Scriptural interpretation of the O. T. book of Malachi.
Please note that the analysis hereunder is done using as reference points the context in which Malachi's Message was written i.e., the PCG vs. all the other WCG splinter group and the "truth" as the "churches of God" understand it. As I see it, the document can be shown to be false using their own comprehension of the truth.
Basically in Malachi's Message to God's Church Today, two entirely different things are being combined; the Book of Malachi of the Old Testament which is authentic and the delusional writings of a man wanting to create a job for himself which is mostly fiction. Using a genuine book of the Bible as the foundation for a work of fiction doesn't make the work of fiction genuine.
So what was Malachi's Message to God's Church Today according to Gerald Flurry? It is that the church has turned away from the truth and has become Laodicean and that only his followers have the truth, are Philadelphian, and will get to go to the place of safety.
But, if a church group or several different church groups have departed from the truth, they are no longer part of the church; and, they're not Laodicean. Note that the Laodiceans in the book of Revelation are criticized not for having left the truth, or not knowing it, but for lacking zeal in following it. [Revelation 3:14-22]
So the fundamental premise of Malachi's Message that all those church group refusing to join themselves to the PCG don't have the truth and are Laodicean, is false. If you don't have the truth, you're simply no longer part of the church and not having the truth doesn't make you Laodicean as according to the Bible the Laodiceans know the truth. Not knowing the truth simply places one out in the world and not in any church. So, both elements of Flurry's reasoning are in error.
I think this is a self-evident truism which simply and clearly proves the falsity of the foundational building blocks of Malachi's Message as argued by G. Flurry that all those churches not following him have lost the truth, are Laodicean, and consequently, according to him, have lost their salvation.
If Malachi's Message was revelation GF got from a mighty angel, then that angel wasn't from God.
Simply read the book with these points in mind and it should become clear to you. It's not by any stretch of the imagination speaking about the PCG and its false prophet.
All other understanding of the meaning of the book is simply wrong and the product of an over-active imagination working in combination with the desire to create a following as a means of earning a living.
The PCG is the single, greatest and most fraudulent WCG splinter group ever and the most destructive; all of which is not of God. --R. F.
Brian Davis is Abusive Tyrant:
March 5, 2012
A lot of abuse has come from PCG minister Brian Davis. I know he gets on and reads these posts as he stood in front of the congregation and told everyone. He thinks they're very amusing. He loves to read about himself, especially after he's suspended, disfellowshipped, or even worse, secretly disfellowshipped PCG members! I have a friend that was secretly disfellowshipped by Brian Davis. In our experience, Brian Davis has been, and still is a tyrant. We have caught him in lies, gossip, and slander. Proverbs 6:16-19 is applicable to him: "These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren." --J. C.
Comment: Brian Davis is mentioned in the testimony: Pain, Guilt and a Lack of Love in Philadelphia Church of God and his wife dying is in Philadelphia Church of God is a Sick System!
A Letter to Those in PCG:
March 6, 2012
Dear ones in the PCG,
Gerald Flurry has forbidden you to see your family and now he wants every extra dime you have for his Auditorium and other needs. I fail to see how that will make God come back any sooner. God says He doesn't need temples and buildings on this earth. But the men at the top seem to need big buildings? Why? Could it be for their prestige and pride?
Where does it tell you anywhere in the Bible to stay away from your family? God wants you to care for your family and be an example to them, not treat them like an enemy just because they don't believe like you do. In all reality, is it working to cut them off or are you giving up precious time that you could spend with your aged family members or grandchildren--time you can never get back? What of the fruits of the Spirit? Have you become like Pharisees by forsaking love and mercy while you reject your loved ones and turn them away because you feel so superior?
If you believe you should keep the Sabbath, then why do you feel God allows you to keep only the parts you want? The Jews in Jesus' time were forbidden to travel long distances on the Sabbath. So why are you traveling up to hundreds of miles on that day? The Israelites were not even to leave their dwelling. You either keep all the Law or you are guilty of breaking all of it.
If you are waiting around for the Place of Safety, or only staying for that reason, you are going to be sadly disappointed.
I have seen members becoming almost militant lately, feeding on each other to climb up the ladder for position. There is no love there, no caring, just suspicion of each other. You are being watched and judged constantly, and you know it. There is no peace in PCG. Most of the members I talk to say they live in fear of Flurry his cohorts.
However, there is a loving God waiting for you with open arms in an atmosphere of love and care. But He isn't in the PCG and I think you know it! There is no man that should stand between you and God to keep you safe. There is only one Intercessor (Mediator) and that is Christ, not any minister. Think about it, brethren, get out while you can. We are not waiting for David and Herbert Armstrong to return, but the all powerful living God and Savior. May He be with you. --Anonymous
Also read: If You Are Questioning Whether to Stay in Philadelphia Church of God.
Is GF Getting the Gospel into All the World?
March 6, 2012
Why has GF made members think that PCG needs to get gospel out into all the world? Notice what Herbert Armstrong said:
"And now, at last, we can say that gospel has gone into every nation on earth." (Are We In the LAST DAYS? 1985 edition; emp. mine)
Of course, the excuse will be, "God did not reveal all truth to him all at once." Maybe that's why HWA would often change his prophetic words when the end still hadn't come. --N. D.
The Suffering and Death of Brenda Davis:
March 12, 2012
When reading your latest letters, especially the March 5 one about Brian Davis being an abusive tyrant, I was reminded of the suffering and death of dear Brenda Davis about 11 years ago. Brenda was Brian's first wife who had cancer and suffered horribly. She received no treatment and her parents (who were considered Laodicean) were not allowed to visit with her or her children then or since as far as I know. Brian Davis remarried very soon after Brenda died. --[name removed]
Abusive Way PCG Ministers Disfellowship Members:
March 21, 2012
PCG ministers are known to say, "We are not perfect." Well, why is it when we're not perfect, we get antagonized and bullied by them, or have trumped up charges put on us by them? Then we are thrown out of the "church"! How many of these long time ministers, after all the offending they've done to us, ever get "thrown out"?? And that's what it amounts to, because they never call you up, or follow up, after they have suspended or disfellowshipped you!
Here's the way they go about it: Your phone rings. You look at the # on the screen (usually 405 area code, headquarters you know). You cringe, knowing from past dealings with these guys that if you answer the phone you're probably going to end up being thrown out of the "church." They'll make sure that happens, one way or another. of course, the call is unexpected. They love it this way. They always have their witness--another minister on the line (and most likely, it's on speaker phone for everyone else in the room to hear). They want all the witnesses they can get. But you--oh no, that's never possible for you! You could be at a funeral at the time they decide to call you up! Most of the time they don't even ask if you are busy, etc. They are only concerned with making it a surprise attack because they have already decided your fate beforehand. You never get a chance to defend yourself. And if you happen to raise your voice trying to do so (after all the accusations they've thrown at you), you're out! Oh no, don't ever "talk bad" to them (as Brian Davis calls it). Of course Gerald Flurry claims, "My door is always open." That is, if you can find the door! Maybe you can find it if you live at headquarters with all the other long time families, or if you are one of the long time families there.
By the way, Brian Davis, Regional Director, is now saying he is from
the "line of David." First it was Herbert Armstrong, then Gerald Flurry,
and now Brian Davis! What an inflated sense of self-worth.
People beware of PCG!! --Ex-member of WCG, Ex PCG
Punishment a Common Practice in PCG:
March 29, 2012
In response to the person who posted his testimony on March 21, I can only confirm how sick the system of fear and abusive tactics ministers use to keep members under their control. My relative who is in PGC has described to me similar scenarios of how ministers have punished many people in the Brisbane congregation using similar tactics when arranging a visit to a suspended member. They told my loved one they would visit in two weeks but the two weeks became months and months and no one phoned ever again to check for any sign of life. Suddenly one day they phoned and said they were on their way for a visit. I first thought this was a random incident and thought it was just a psychopathic behaviour from the minister as this particular minister is well known for such bad behaviour and temper. However, it seems these sick tactics are used worldwide as described by the person who wrote Max Rumler and Aaron Hudson Are Abusive Tyrants! because the methods used with my loved one were exactly the same. No doubt these abusive methods don't come from God but from GF's head who command his ministers to attack members and submit them to his "government" and to instigate gossip in their congregations and punish them with suspensions, disfellowshiping and marking as they please for trivial hearsay comments from other people. What is also sickening is that ministers then openly tell the rest of the congregation that suspended members have "bad attitudes" toward the ministers. This practice does not encourage forgiveness, love, patience or tolerance within the congregation but only encourages passing judgment on others, hating one another and splitting families apart.
If GF's ministers understood the Bible correctly they would apply God's scriptures like the ones found in Ephesians 4:31,32:
"Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamour and slander be put away from you, with all malice, and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."
However, here in Australia (most of all Max Rumler, the Regional Director, and his ministers) behave like the Wild West, doing what they please with members. Instead of forgiveness, as commanded by God, they punish with suspensions, some for 3 months, others 6 months, and others 12, to keep them under control. Where do we find in the bible the types of punishment a believer should receive? Instead, God's scriptures in John 15: 9-12 talk about love:
"As the father has loved me, so have I loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love just as I have kept my father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you."
We can see clearly that these ministers are breaking God's commandment of love. Of course GF in his twisted mind will tell his members that "punishment" is love and obeying the "government" without questioning is love; however, that is not what Jesus' commandment says as described in the scripture above. As conveyed by my relative, it is clear that the entire membership in Brisbane PCG doesn't seem to abide in love and joy but are in fear. They cannot discuss Bible topics openly, they dob each other in to score points with ministers, many are leaving in disgust, judge one other, and are not growing in faith, knowledge, virtue and love as described in 2 Peter 1:5-7:
"Make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love."
To the people in the PCG I recommend you read the Bible again and re-discover Christ's commandment of love and keep it by practicing it with your fellow man. Christ is our example. I pray to God that one day soon you will be delivered from the unscriptural punishments you are currently enduring at the hands of those tyrants. --Anonymous, Australia.
What Has Happened to Russell Williams and Rod Lorenz?
April 4, 2012
I just got through reading about what Max Rumler and Aaron Hudson are doing in the Brisbane Church area! Does this show how Russell Williams' nepotism has been replaced with Max Rumler's nepotism? If Aaron Hudson is ruling the roost and now recently joined by Brian Sherwood from New Zealand, does this mean that Russell Williams and his son-in-law Rod Lorenz have been kicked out of the ministry again? What has become of these two--are they out of the PCG now? --Ex-member of WCG, Ex PCG
Is Flurry Going to Change the No Contact Rule?
April 26, 2012
Is there any buzz out there to indicate Flurry is lightening up on his no contact position or may even change it? Thanks. --Impacted by loved one in PCG
Reply: No. The reason we don't think he'll change it is because he would have to admit he was wrong about "Laodiceans" and also that he was wrong about the scriptures he has twisted in order to implement this. Cult leaders never sincerely apologize or change a ruling they've enforced unless there is very good reason for it, such as avoiding increasing lawsuits. If they do modify something, they have to lie in order to justify the changes.
Have No Doubts I am Doing the Right Thing:
April 26, 2012
Hello. I have been brought to your site for a reason! I am a current member of the PCG and have had questions from the start but with fear was told not to question!!! I am now completely sure my fears and questions were right and I no longer want to be a part of this group. ... I have prayed for discernment and for God to open my eyes to His truth. I have been writing things down for the last couple days, staying up for all hours, reading your site and praying about it! I have no doubts I am doing the right thing now and I appreciate all the support. Thanks. --Anonymous
PCG Wants Total Control of the Members:
April 27, 2012
I just wanted to give encouragement to the latest person on deciding to leave the PCG. We had been in the PCG for over 15 years and recently were suspended. At that point we decided to look at the PCG more closely. What we found was frightening and frustrating. In the PCG the name of Herbert Armstrong is heard four times more than that of Christ (the only name under heaven by which we can be saved). They want total control of the members because if they found out the truth there would be a revolt.
The way they treat the elderly and widows is pretty close to criminal.
I pray always for those wonderful people in PCG who have such strong loyalties but who are being lead astray by wicked shepherds. --Former member of PCG
Reply: You are right in what you say. But these "wonderful" people can be quick to turn against anyone who does not obey everything the ministers teach or say. The same was true in WCG and continues with most of the offshoots. The "love" and "family" atmosphere is only contingent on obedience. I am sure members really believe they are in "God's true church," and doing what God wants, but unfortunately they are held by their fears (and lies put into them) and therefore cannot understand if someone decides to leave, other than believing "satan got to them," etc. These destructive groups are also a terrible place for those children who have to grow up inside.
Your Site is Amazing and Saving Lives:
May 2, 2012
I would like to say thank you for providing all the information you have. Your site is amazing and is saving lives. --Impacted by loved one in PCG
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