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Post by sheri01 on Aug 5, 2023 12:33:38 GMT -5
Facts from the “Not Listening Tour”
There are many questions and here’s the facts.
I was at the Decauter & Wylie meetings last weekend. I was graciously welcomed by the host of the meeting on Saturday. Myself and another survivor told our survivor stories and I shared that I was a Co-Founder of AFTT and what we stand for and who we are. Several times questions that were asked were directed to me. I and the other survivor received support and appreciation from many of the attendees.
On Sunday, we were both at the Wylie meeting. To the best of my knowledge we were the only ones present from the meeting prior. We both again shared what we had the previous day. Many came up to both my husband and myself expressing support and appreciation. In fact, we were the last to leave along with the couple that rented the clubhouse because people wanted to speak with us. Not one of the workers talked to us or acknowledged that I was a survivor of one of their ministers and their church for the last 37 years.
At both meetings there was no mention of a time limit on who was speaking. I would of course have shown respect and abided by that information. My goal is to share current information, speak on behalf of the thousands of survivors who have not yet found their voice, and to create trust in AFTT that is being undermined by many in leadership positions.
It was brought to my attention that there were people at the meetings that were not able to get their questions answered. That brings up the obvious fact that many have questions, many that were fearful to ask in recent decades for fear of being ex-communicated. Now that there is finally an environment that people are allowed to ask questions, to think they can all be answered in one meeting is obviously NOT the case.
As a survivor, they have tried to silence me for 37 years! This is the first time in my life that my voice is being heard face to face with members of this organization. Members have the right to hear survivors' stories that have been told to Workers and Overseers for decades and swept under the rug. My story is not different than thousands of others who have also been silenced.
The time for silencing survivors is in the past. God knows every evil act that has been committed and he is cleverly exposing it.
I was blocked from the meeting yesterday, August 4th in Texarcana Tx. The door was closed and locked. I asked Silas Gartin & Tim Sansom if I could have 5 minutes and then leave. I was told NO. I was told by Silas and Tim that I was not welcome or allowed in. I was also told that I was not welcome at any other meetings.
It is NOT about survivors taking “too much time”! Five minutes is not TOO MUCH time for any survivor and educating those who have been kept in the dark about the evil pedophiles and predators in their midst. Do not deceive yourself that this was about time management. It is clearly about keeping the exact same narrative and well executed policies in place that have been for decades.
In transparency, last night in the hallway, outside of the meeting room, I used the words bullsh- and piss. I was told each time that I had a “bad spirit” and “another” reason for why I was not welcome. I immediately commended Tim on his well executed, swift attempt to gaslight me. I asked him: those words are enough to ban victim advocates but with open arms accept non-convicted pedophiles and predators? Different moral compass.
Had we been allowed in the meeting, about 20 people would have heard myself and the victims I was speaking on behalf of. Now literally thousands are hearing. Thank you!
I had to ask myself last night, WWJD? What would Jesus do? Would he turn away the ones that were damaged and victimized? That crimes had been committed upon? Would he silence those that are fighting for what is right and good? Would he turn away those who are exposing evil and protecting the innocent?
I will not be silenced, Survivors will not be silenced! Most importantly, God will not be silenced!
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Post by fixit on Aug 5, 2023 15:58:23 GMT -5
I was told NO. I was told by Silas and Tim that I was not welcome or allowed in. I was also told that I was not welcome at any other meetings. Is it because CSA doesn't actually happen in Texas? A worker at a recent NM listening tour said:
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Post by openingact34 on Aug 5, 2023 16:27:20 GMT -5
This kind of reminds me of all those cases where people decide to live with grizzly bears, bengal tigers, or lions. And for like 6 months, it's all belly scratches, cuddles and and talk about how this lion doesn't see me as prey, he sees me as part of the pride, etc.
Of course the reality is that the giant carnivore still sees you as a furless meat popsicle. He just hasn't got mad enough, bored enough, or hungry enough to attack you yet. But inevitably, you get killed. It's just a matter of time.
Same thing with this cult. They will tolerate and play along with you for a while. But eventually ... they are what they are.
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Post by marmor on Aug 6, 2023 5:35:11 GMT -5
Facts from the “Not Listening Tour” There are many questions and here’s the facts.
I was at the Decauter & Wylie meetings last weekend. I was graciously welcomed by the host of the meeting on Saturday. Myself and another survivor told our survivor stories and I shared that I was a Co-Founder of AFTT and what we stand for and who we are. Several times questions that were asked were directed to me. I and the other survivor received support and appreciation from many of the attendees. On Sunday, we were both at the Wylie meeting. To the best of my knowledge we were the only ones present from the meeting prior. We both again shared what we had the previous day. Many came up to both my husband and myself expressing support and appreciation. In fact, we were the last to leave along with the couple that rented the clubhouse because people wanted to speak with us. Not one of the workers talked to us or acknowledged that I was a survivor of one of their ministers and their church for the last 37 years. At both meetings there was no mention of a time limit on who was speaking. I would of course have shown respect and abided by that information. My goal is to share current information, speak on behalf of the thousands of survivors who have not yet found their voice, and to create trust in AFTT that is being undermined by many in leadership positions. It was brought to my attention that there were people at the meetings that were not able to get their questions answered. That brings up the obvious fact that many have questions, many that were fearful to ask in recent decades for fear of being ex-communicated. Now that there is finally an environment that people are allowed to ask questions, to think they can all be answered in one meeting is obviously NOT the case. As a survivor, they have tried to silence me for 37 years! This is the first time in my life that my voice is being heard face to face with members of this organization. Members have the right to hear survivors' stories that have been told to Workers and Overseers for decades and swept under the rug. My story is not different than thousands of others who have also been silenced. The time for silencing survivors is in the past. God knows every evil act that has been committed and he is cleverly exposing it.
I was blocked from the meeting yesterday, August 4th in Texarcana Tx. The door was closed and locked. I asked Silas Gartin & Tim Sansom if I could have 5 minutes and then leave. I was told NO. I was told by Silas and Tim that I was not welcome or allowed in. I was also told that I was not welcome at any other meetings. It is NOT about survivors taking “too much time”! Five minutes is not TOO MUCH time for any survivor and educating those who have been kept in the dark about the evil pedophiles and predators in their midst. Do not deceive yourself that this was about time management. It is clearly about keeping the exact same narrative and well executed policies in place that have been for decades. In transparency, last night in the hallway, outside of the meeting room, I used the words bullsh- and piss. I was told each time that I had a “bad spirit” and “another” reason for why I was not welcome. I immediately commended Tim on his well executed, swift attempt to gaslight me. I asked him: those words are enough to ban victim advocates but with open arms accept non-convicted pedophiles and predators? Different moral compass.
Had we been allowed in the meeting, about 20 people would have heard myself and the victims I was speaking on behalf of. Now literally thousands are hearing. Thank you! I had to ask myself last night, WWJD? What would Jesus do? Would he turn away the ones that were damaged and victimized? That crimes had been committed upon? Would he silence those that are fighting for what is right and good? Would he turn away those who are exposing evil and protecting the innocent? I will not be silenced, Survivors will not be silenced! Most importantly, God will not be silenced! I had to ask myself last night, WWJD? What would Jesus do? He spoke the parable about the unjust judge. Luke 18. The message is clear, 'don't give up'. But then Sheri, were you using abusive language to the very one who WAS listening to you? I would have closed the conversation too.
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Post by BobWilliston on Aug 6, 2023 19:17:20 GMT -5
Facts from the “Not Listening Tour” There are many questions and here’s the facts.
I was at the Decauter & Wylie meetings last weekend. I was graciously welcomed by the host of the meeting on Saturday. Myself and another survivor told our survivor stories and I shared that I was a Co-Founder of AFTT and what we stand for and who we are. Several times questions that were asked were directed to me. I and the other survivor received support and appreciation from many of the attendees. On Sunday, we were both at the Wylie meeting. To the best of my knowledge we were the only ones present from the meeting prior. We both again shared what we had the previous day. Many came up to both my husband and myself expressing support and appreciation. In fact, we were the last to leave along with the couple that rented the clubhouse because people wanted to speak with us. Not one of the workers talked to us or acknowledged that I was a survivor of one of their ministers and their church for the last 37 years. At both meetings there was no mention of a time limit on who was speaking. I would of course have shown respect and abided by that information. My goal is to share current information, speak on behalf of the thousands of survivors who have not yet found their voice, and to create trust in AFTT that is being undermined by many in leadership positions. It was brought to my attention that there were people at the meetings that were not able to get their questions answered. That brings up the obvious fact that many have questions, many that were fearful to ask in recent decades for fear of being ex-communicated. Now that there is finally an environment that people are allowed to ask questions, to think they can all be answered in one meeting is obviously NOT the case. As a survivor, they have tried to silence me for 37 years! This is the first time in my life that my voice is being heard face to face with members of this organization. Members have the right to hear survivors' stories that have been told to Workers and Overseers for decades and swept under the rug. My story is not different than thousands of others who have also been silenced. The time for silencing survivors is in the past. God knows every evil act that has been committed and he is cleverly exposing it.
I was blocked from the meeting yesterday, August 4th in Texarcana Tx. The door was closed and locked. I asked Silas Gartin & Tim Sansom if I could have 5 minutes and then leave. I was told NO. I was told by Silas and Tim that I was not welcome or allowed in. I was also told that I was not welcome at any other meetings. It is NOT about survivors taking “too much time”! Five minutes is not TOO MUCH time for any survivor and educating those who have been kept in the dark about the evil pedophiles and predators in their midst. Do not deceive yourself that this was about time management. It is clearly about keeping the exact same narrative and well executed policies in place that have been for decades. In transparency, last night in the hallway, outside of the meeting room, I used the words bullsh- and piss. I was told each time that I had a “bad spirit” and “another” reason for why I was not welcome. I immediately commended Tim on his well executed, swift attempt to gaslight me. I asked him: those words are enough to ban victim advocates but with open arms accept non-convicted pedophiles and predators? Different moral compass.
Had we been allowed in the meeting, about 20 people would have heard myself and the victims I was speaking on behalf of. Now literally thousands are hearing. Thank you! I had to ask myself last night, WWJD? What would Jesus do? Would he turn away the ones that were damaged and victimized? That crimes had been committed upon? Would he silence those that are fighting for what is right and good? Would he turn away those who are exposing evil and protecting the innocent? I will not be silenced, Survivors will not be silenced! Most importantly, God will not be silenced! I had to ask myself last night, WWJD? What would Jesus do? He spoke the parable about the unjust judge. Luke 18. The message is clear, 'don't give up'. But then Sheri, were you using abusive language to the very one who WAS listening to you? I would have closed the conversation too.
Any excuse to dodge a greater abuse. Tsk tsk tsk
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meg1
Junior Member
Posts: 146
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Post by meg1 on Aug 8, 2023 22:23:37 GMT -5
.... But then Sheri, were you using abusive language to the very one who WAS listening to you? I would have closed the conversation too. A good opportunity for you to learn. This is what happens when a survivor of horrific trauma is triggered. I do not understand how anyone could suggest that the two men were listening. The best response would be to say "Come in. Welcome. It is time to learn what our complicity has wrought."
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Post by fixit on Aug 9, 2023 15:20:47 GMT -5
.... But then Sheri, were you using abusive language to the very one who WAS listening to you? I would have closed the conversation too. A good opportunity for you to learn. This is what happens when a survivor of horrific trauma is triggered. I do not understand how anyone could suggest that the two men were listening. The best response would be to say "Come in. Welcome. It is time to learn what our complicity has wrought." Exactly!
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Post by snow on Aug 9, 2023 17:44:43 GMT -5
.... But then Sheri, were you using abusive language to the very one who WAS listening to you? I would have closed the conversation too. A good opportunity for you to learn. This is what happens when a survivor of horrific trauma is triggered. I do not understand how anyone could suggest that the two men were listening. The best response would be to say "Come in. Welcome. It is time to learn what our complicity has wrought." I agree with you. What I find unfortunate is that it gave some of the friends and workers ammunition to turn against the 3 advocates. You saw that in some of the responses on AFTT. That's going to work against them and I really don't want to see that. They are doing so much good.
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meg1
Junior Member
Posts: 146
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Post by meg1 on Aug 9, 2023 20:46:49 GMT -5
A good opportunity for you to learn. This is what happens when a survivor of horrific trauma is triggered. I do not understand how anyone could suggest that the two men were listening. The best response would be to say "Come in. Welcome. It is time to learn what our complicity has wrought." I agree with you. What I find unfortunate is that it gave some of the friends and workers ammunition to turn against the 3 advocates. You saw that in some of the responses on AFTT. That's going to work against them and I really don't want to see that. They are doing so much good. Snow, I dont believe those friends and workers you refer to needed any ammunition. In my opinion they are scared to death or deaf. God help them! I cant.
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Post by Pragmatic on Aug 10, 2023 0:47:30 GMT -5
Thank you for your transparency, and keeping us up to date. I only hope that the message gets out, and enough brave Friends with-hold money from those who behave like this. It just isn't good enough. Don't they realise that it isn't about whether someone has the right spirit or not. It's about whether crimes have/are been committed, preventing further victims, and supporting existing victims, and bring the perpetrators and enablers to justice. This isn't just a church matter, but a community matter.
Keep up the great work Sheri, and your cohorts too.
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Post by BobWilliston on Aug 10, 2023 0:53:26 GMT -5
Thank you for your transparency, and keeping us up to date. I only hope that the message gets out, and enough brave Friends with-hold money from those who behave like this. It just isn't good enough. Don't they realise that it isn't about whether someone has the right spirit or not. It's about whether crimes have/are been committed, preventing further victims, and supporting existing victims, and bring the perpetrators and enablers to justice. This isn't just a church matter, but a community matter. Keep up the great work Sheri, and your cohorts too.
This would suggest that what they consider the "right" spirit would be the tribal spirit. This is where loyalty becomes blinding.
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Post by snow on Aug 10, 2023 11:45:40 GMT -5
I agree with you. What I find unfortunate is that it gave some of the friends and workers ammunition to turn against the 3 advocates. You saw that in some of the responses on AFTT. That's going to work against them and I really don't want to see that. They are doing so much good. Snow, I dont believe those friends and workers you refer to needed any ammunition. In my opinion they are scared to death or deaf. God help them! I cant. You might be right. But whether they needed it or not now they probably feel they have all the justification they need. This isn't about someone talking too long, this is about CSA, crimes being committed, cover up of those crimes and getting rid of those who have committed crimes to keep the children safe. Concentrating on what kind of spirit a triggered survivor has is totally deflecting from the seriousness of it all.
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