CFCMI History Channel

[onetime]

When I arrived at CFCMI in 1986, Mike was already married and had a son. He pastored a small congregation in Orlando, Florida, not far from the nuclear power school. Mike also did something that Davis, Paine, and Thomas all probably frowned upon: he owned his own landscaping business. By owning his own business, Mike did not have to live off the offerings of others.

Davis was not happy with Mike for this, plus the fact Orlando remained a small group the whole time he was there; Orlando was originally started by Ed Thomas before he was forever set in Virginia. Mike took over in 1981, approximately a year after Ed set things up. While I never had the opportunity to visit Mike and his family, I can't help but speculate on how things were different in Florida compared to the "Ponderosa". I am sure as he became more involved in his business, Mike and his wife had time to think and discuss just what was really going on with Lloyd Ray Davis. Being away from the nerve center of an organization like CFCMI can give one time to evaluate the weightier matters.

In 1993, Davis announced that Orlando was shutting down for good. When the "CFCMI repo crew" arrived, Mike handed over the church sign and what little other stuff they needed with no complaint at all; it was like he was glad to be rid of them. I have not heard from the Muellers over the years, but I hope they are all doing well.

This fits with how I remember him. Thanks John.

In the late 1970s, Don Carver and Mike Mueller were the unquestioned spiritual leaders of the group, the elders if you will. They gave the important bible studies. They were the ones that delved into the weightier matters of CFI doctrine. While loyal to LR Davis, both Don and Mike had a strong, deep belief in the scriptures, and they knew them very well. They had knowledge and knowledge is power. Even though they gave all they had like the others (they both had good paying jobs at American Motors), they had a level of independence that most others lacked. They were not as easy to control.

Shortly after the homo abuse shiznit hit the fan in 1979, Don had seen enough and left. During this same time, a few of us whistleblowers went to see Mike at AMC in Kenosha during lunch to reason with him how clearly fraudulent the ministry of LR Davis had become. He wasn't happy to see us and he summarily rejected what we had to say. With a tone of anger, he said that even if we were right about what we saying, we were wrong to attack the ministry. I countered that since the ministry was nothing more than a hideous corruption of the truth and an engine of abuse, we were right to attack it and warn others. Mike just shook his head and walked away.

But deep down I sensed Mike was troubled. He had to know. He saw many things he couldn't reconcile, but maybe he held out hope for change? Just speculating here, but I think Mike at the time felt that LR Davis was indeed a prophet-apostle-Moses-level kind of dude, and as such, LR would have divine protection and it would be wrong to attack him—even if he was eating like a pig and doing crazy things like screwing guys in the tail and calling it masturbation.

[A preachy aside: some people can look at certain scriptures and give them far more weight over others. Taken to extremes, this leads people to do unwise things like handle poisonous snakes ("it's in the bible!") or think your pastor is some new version of the apostle Peter. People need to have a "sound mind" in everything and stay balanced. If you're against abuse, you don't condone the abuse of others, despite what some isolated scripture might say.]

Even though he did hang around for many years after, I'd like to think that Mike stayed true to what he believed. He did have an independent streak and perhaps—after getting married (*gasp!*) and having a little satanic distraction (double dog *gasp!*) and starting his own business (triple dog *gasp!*)—his own sense of biblical right and wrong finally trumped any loyalty or allegiance to LR Davis and Christian Fellowship Church Ministries International. So he finally walked away. Common sense prevailed. A nice outcome.

I wish him well.

[John Cady]

CFCMI oldhead - "I practically lived there!"

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot..._7484194_n.jpg - The former headquarters building in Waukegan

This oldhead was not lying. I had been in the basement area of the old HQ, and in the lower hallway leading to the boiler room were a couple of rooms that actually WERE residences by CFCMI staffers. There were many twists and turns inside that old building, and it was pretty easy to hide, stake out a "room", and do a number of other things. One staffer had his own barber shop there at one time in the basement. The practice of staffers actually residing in the church building ended in the mid 1990s due to issues concerning voter registration and driver's licenses; the men had to provide a legal residence other than the church office.

As part of the control practices, many of the staffers who did not live there, but lived in staff housing, had their mail sent to the church address. This especially included pay stubs. This also allowed the leadership to intercept any mail from ex-members who may have tried to share the truth with those still in the CFCMI web.

If those walls could talk, many stories would be told...and some would undoubtedly be quite disturbing.

[onetime]

As part of the control practices, many of the staffers who did not live there, but lived in staff housing, had their mail sent to the church address. This especially included pay stubs. This also allowed the leadership to intercept any mail from ex-members who may have tried to share the truth with those still in the CFCMI web.

What descendant of Adam has the right to intercept another descendant of Adam's mail or other personal information? Where is it commanded or even encouraged that you put anyone between you and Christ, let alone some uneducated dolt? Show us the scriptures where "believers" are told to turn over control of their lives to other "believers" that decide to call themselves "pastors."

If you find it in the Holy Writ, please let us know. If you can't find it, then why have you given control of your life and your money to an overweight Navy cook with a high school education?

[turningjapanese]

CFCMI oldhead - "I practically lived there!"
This oldhead was not lying. I had been in the basement area of the old HQ, and in the lower hallway leading to the boiler room were a couple of rooms that actually WERE residences by CFCMI staffers.

LR sure did like to warehouse Mexican boys and indigent men for sexual purposes. Amazes me why more people didn't have a problem with that...especially his corpse of a wife. I would think that zoning issues would be a problem; but Waukegan isn't real strict on code enforcement. (Partially why it's such a hole.) Several former "staff" (man-whore) homes were forclosed on. Jay's old place on Archer was bank-sold for 12 thousand bucks.

I think cults like ghettos; because essentially nobody gives a real crap about what goes on in a church-like building. Especially if they're taking retards off the street and stashing addicts in a gymnasium drunk-tank.

[turningjapanese]

LR and his kin were just all paranoid as fcuk.

Can't have uncensored information coming in, now can they?

Those who control the information control the person.

Source:

http://www.howcultswork.com/

[thistime]

"You see, it was 33 years ago today when Buddy Thomas Jr walked into Room 701 of the Karcher Hotel to confront LR Davis. He had heard allegations from other members on serious sexual improprieties and abuses committed by his father-in-law—allegations that he said he believed based upon his own observations—and he said he wanted to get to the bottom of it."

onetime


The tune I was singing 33 years ago April 2, 1979.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRD_gIoVOmY

[thistime]

My thoughts. April 03, 1979: I remember them well...let's see what they were!



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRD_gIoVOmY

[John Cady]

"You see, it was 33 years ago today when Buddy Thomas Jr walked into Room 701 of the Karcher Hotel to confront LR Davis. He had heard allegations from other members on serious sexual improprieties and abuses committed by his father-in-law—allegations that he said he believed based upon his own observations—and he said he wanted to get to the bottom of it."

onetime


The tune I was singing 33 years ago April 2, 1979.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRD_gIoVOmY

On this day 33 years ago, I was in the 10th grade at East Fairmont High School, happily involved in my first full-fledged relationship with a girlfriend (her name was Sandy), whom I met in creative writing class. CFCMI was nowhere on the horizon at that time. What I would not realize was how one crucial decision made by someone whom I had not met at that time would have such an impact on me years later.

I did not meet CFCMI until July of 1986, and I got baptized on September 14, 1986. While I have no regrets about following Scripture, I do regret being duped into having my mind and life controlled for so many years. Ed, here are the fruits of your decision to compromise and defend Lloyd Davis and his sin:

- Single men were coerced into donating much of their income, life savings, and re-enlistment bonuses into CFCMI's coffers. I was one of those who was tricked into giving most of my re-enlistment bonus in 1989 to your organization. I could have better invested it. When the men became old and feeble, they were discarded - look what happened to Richard Snow.

- Relationships with family, friends, and significant others were strained or destroyed. After nine years, progress has been made in rebuilding bridges between me and my parents and my brothers. The relationship between me and Debbie S was destroyed because of my involvement with CFCMI; it wasn't until 2011 that I was finally able to speak to her and apologize for what happened. Debbie S is married now, but we are friends again.

- Career development was hindered. I cannot say that is exactly the case for all, but I cannot help but wonder how many challenging, career-enhancing billets I turned down because I wanted to "follow God's will and the CFCMI leadership". I am thankful I stayed in the Navy long enough to retire, but I could have stayed in longer and retired at a higher rank had I not listened to Pete and Ed.

- People felt betrayed and used, and are not very trusting of any church organization. I will admit this is true even of me, even though I currently attend a church near my home - I enjoy the fellowship, but am always on the alert. People I talk to in California are burned from years, decades, of allowing a raging maniac to rule the pulpit in San Diego, despite consistent complaints of his abusive behavior. There are people everywhere who feel lied to because of the truth revealed about Lloyd Davis; this was one of the main reasons I walked out.

- Military personnel are not trusting of religious organizations. The record is clear. CFCMI was placed "off limits" for a season at Great Lakes. Complaints of religious harassment ocurred anywhere a CFCMI congregation operated. I spoke out and apologized to command master chiefs because I was misled into being part of the harassment. The master chiefs were far more forgiving than I expected, and appreciated my efforts to stop the harassment.

- Double standards. This is so obvious. Families risked foreclosure on their homes to help keep CFCMI solvent. In the poor family's time of need, however, was anything done? I don't have an answer there. However, one indicator is illustrated in February 2003 - weeks before I walked out - when Ed announced the Sunday School classrooms would remain cold since the church had no money for a new heater. Ed wore a new expensive suit that day, and was tooling around in a new Volvo.

These are examples of the tainted legacy that started on April 1, 1979. This path of corruption did not end that day...it has continued even now, touching and hurting everyone it contacts. I never knew who Ed Thomas and Lloyd Davis were in 1979, but now I wish at times I had never met them at all. The evil Davis did lives on long after his passing.

"The evil that men do lives after them; the good is oft interred with their bones." - William Shakespeare

[onetime]

Most respectable, legitimate organizations are proud of their history. They’re happy to talk about their “early days,” how they got started, their growth and the key milestones and achievements along the way. With gratitude, they acknowledge the important people throughout the years that helped to build the business into what it is today. They generally have pictures to document their journey as well.

Not so with the tiny cult that gathers at 3401 Azalea Garden Road in Norfolk. If they talked about their history, it would focus almost exclusively on the ruling family: LR Davis and his wife Hazel, Pete and Deb Paine, Buddy and Pam Thomas, their offspring, and perhaps a few, obedient oldheads who have not yet been cast off. They might talk of the “thousands” of people that have passed through their portals since their founder wandered the streets of North Chicago, but you wouldn’t see any “close-up” pictures of them or any of the loyal staff that helped keep them going over the years. Any photo gallery would feature snapshots of ... LR … Pete … Debbie … Ed … Pam … offspring … Hazel … LR … Pam … Debbie ... offspring … Ed … Pete … Ed … Hazel … LR … Debbie … offspring … Pam ... Ed … Pete ... LR … (maybe one of K9 looking dazed and confused) … Ed … Pete …… Ed …… Debbie ……... Ed …...... zzzzzzz ………... zzzzzz ............... *dial tone*---------------------------

The reason for the huge gaps in their version of CFCMI history is that 98.6% of all people that were ever associated with them in any form or fashion have long since left. Since leaving CFCMI is an affront to the ruling family (and, according to them, a crime punishable by death in hell), all references to ex-members have been blotted out of the organizational memory.

“LR Davis and the Good New Singers” used to be a huge part of Christian Fellowship Inc., but they won’t show you any pictures of the group because they’d have to go on and talk about why none of the smiling faces are around anymore. They would have to explain how all of those people just "didn’t get with the program,” or “wouldn’t pay the price.” Absalom sure had a field day imparting his spirit to all of those former members! Yes, a whole lotta ‘splaning to be done.

But they couldn’t even do that because they have a form of what I call Selective Retrograde Amnesia. Selective amnesia refers to a deliberate inability or unwillingness to recall an event’s details. Retrograde amnesia involves the loss of memory for events occurring before a particular time in a person's life, usually before the event that precipitated the amnesia (it may result from disease, brain injury/damage, or a traumatic emotional incident). Put the two together and it aptly describes the Davis/Paine/Thomas clan to a tee: anyone who was ever abused by the family or disagreed with them caused the poor little dears “emotional trauma” (e.g., Buddy Thomas hiding from the truth in tears 4/1/1979), so there is an unwillingness to recall the event and anything or anyone prior to all the unhappy, unpleasant stuff.

Selective Retrograde Amnesia: “Established 1974!”

Fortunately, the people who post here and elsewhere don’t have any form of amnesia. They remember people, events and other details with great clarity. Try as one might, it’s impossible to erase all traces of the past. Even here on the Internet, history is preserved. For example, you can see some screenshots of CFCMI.org over the past few years here:

http://www.screenshots.com/cfcmi.org/
http://www.screenshots.com/cfcmi.com/
http://www.screenshots.com/cfcmi-hamptonroads.org/

In the days and months to come, it will be increasingly hard for windbags like Pete Paine to ignore the clear record of what has gone on before and the sordid, criminal history of CFCMI. But I’m sure he’ll do the best he can.

Hopefully the rest will wake up see things as they are. Amnesia victims usually have a good chance of recovery if there is no irreparable brain damage.

[John Cady]

When we discuss healthy organizations proudly sharing their accomplishments, we also need to point out another area: a healthy organization will also be brave enough to admit when they were wrong.

Grace Communion International (GCI), formerly the Worldwide Church of God (WCG) is one of them. On their website, the share their history both during the Herbert W. Armstrong years and now. They boldly admitted that their founder erred in many of his teachings, and following Armstrong's death in 1986 a massive undertaking took place. It was met with division, controversy, and hatred all because it was revealed that a lot of Armstrong's teachings were extreme and out of line with the Bible. Joseph Tkach, Jr. even shared in a documentary that the final consensus was the WCG organization was so badly broken it needed to be completely dismantled and start from scratch.

As GCI rebuilt and restructured their organization, the one thing they refused to do was rewrite history. They admitted the achievements and failures of the Armstrong era and how it turned them into a more respectable church organization today.

The whole idea of rewriting history and editing photos to remove people who no longer were affiliated smacks of Stalinism. Stalin was a master of revisionist history, but in the end the truth still came out.

That is why we are here. No revisions, just the facts.

[John Cady]

One of the most painful, and embarrassing, topics of my CFCMI experience was having to share with family and close friends that I, along with many other men, was approached by L.R. Davis in an attempt by him to find his next male lover. If we knew then what we know now, we could have done something far more severe in ending the CFCMI legacy permanently once Davis himself was locked up.

In 1987, when I was approached by the CFCMI founder, I knew very little if anything about sexual harassment. What little I knew about the subject was that typically involved men accosting women. Men, partly because offeelings of guilt, shame, and embarrassment, seldom if ever reported sexual harassment claims. This was especially true if it was male-to-male harassment. In CFCMI one could not approach the leadership about Davis' behavior simply because it would be seen as "touching God's anointed" or "questioning the leadership". This, coupled with a lack of knowledge of sexual harassment, left many of us feeling powerless and we had to suffer in silence. Even the military was slow to discuss this topic, citing the events at Tailhook in late 1991 as the groundbreaking point in dealing with this problem among the ranks.

In 2012, attitudes toward gender and sexual orientation have changed dramatically. Since workplaces are required by law to be free of discrimination and harassment, people are now more open to report same-sex harassment without fear of reprisals and the associated stigma. Being a victim of such harassment does not make one a homosexual or anything else - one is simply the recipient of unwanted advances, regardless of gender or orientation.

Had we realized this in 1992, following the criminal case against Davis, a civil liability case could have been filed against CFCMI. In such a case, the court records from the criminal trial could have been used, along with sworn testimony, to determine whether the rest of the CFCMI leadership could have done something to stop Davis and make the church organization a safer, more pleasant environment to work and worship. As with other major lawsuits of this type, a large sum of money would have been required to pay the victims, possibly forcing CFCMI to close up shop for good. Pete and Ed would have been forced to find secular employment. However, the top brass can rest easy. No lawsuit citing sexual harassment in CFCMI under Lloyd Ray Davis will ever be filed because, partly due to our lack of knowledge, the statute of limitations has long since run out. In most states, the plaintiff has 180 days to file before the court.

They dodged a potentially fatal legal bullet. However, God's final court is not bound by time constraints.

[John Cady]

I knew this man from Norfolk, and like me he was a licensed minister in CFCMI. He, his older brother, and then wife all walked out just weeks before I left. From all appearances, he appeared to be the model military man: rose up the enlisted ranks to chief petty officer, then was accepted into the LDO program. Compared to many who were in CFCMI, his future looked very bright and was looking forward to a decent retirement from the service when it was all over.

Unfortunately, he made a seriously wrong decision just like L.R. Davis. The military court system was quick to act and render the appropriate sentence, thus destroying what had been 21 years of stellar service. Now, his name and reputation are forever stained. I do not believe this man was involved in the homo circus, but who knows how much perversion did get inside his mind with no one knowing, only to manifest itself years later?

I was kind enough to refrain from saying his name only because he was a good friend of mine. However, these links are public record and the information is there.

http://www.jag.navy.mil/courts/docum...TON,%20T.H.pdf

http://usmvaw.com/2009/08/10/reporti...s-seen-rising/

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2009/...&zIndex=146791

This could have happened to any of us...only by the grace of Almighty God were we spared.

[onetime]

::: For CFCMI history buffs :::

In July 1978, I accompanied LR Davis and the Good News Singers and members of Christian Fellowship on their trip to Washington DC and Norfolk VA. Here’s a short summary of the trip from some old notes I recently discovered:

On July 2, I met the group in Arlington VA where they stayed at a Howard Johnsons. I was put in a room with Rick Hahn, Ed Thomas, Rick Sorenson, Chuck Bellairs and Randy Lorentz (sp?). (This last guy had some Jim Ottoboy psychological issues as he started a fire in the Collins-Karcher hotel several months later, but that’s a whole nuther story.) The DC portion of the trip lasted until July 8 and was a blur of activity. During this time we sang on the steps of the Capitol, did a local TV show (see CFCMI History Channel post #272), sang at the Pentagon, sang at the Arlington National Cemetery where LR laid a wreath of flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, sang at the Kennedy Center and also at the Rayburn congressional office building.

On the July 8, the group drove down to Norfolk VA, staying the first two days at an Econotel motel in the Churchland area, then at the US Navy Chaplain’s Retreat in Virginia Beach the following two days. (I think LR got Illinois Congressman Robert McClory to arrange the stay at the Retreat.) Being singers, we sang at places such as: Langley Air Force Base, a Nazarene and a Methodist Church, Nimitz Hall (Norfolk Naval Station Transient Personnel Unit), the Naval Correction Center (Brig), the David Adams Memorial Chapel, and the USS Saipan. While in Virginia Beach, we were allowed to go swimming once. While in the Norfolk area, the group did quite a bit of feasting at the New Yorker restaurant in Churchland (no longer in business) which was owned by an older Jewish couple. The food was fantastic and the owners took a real liking to the group. Each time we visited the portions seemed to get bigger.

After singing on the Saipan on July 13, we headed down to Cape Hatteras to the small Naval Facility not far from the lighthouse. They put us up in dormitory-style rooms on the base. I stayed in a two man room with Ed. There was just one engagement on the 14th when we sang for a small group of Navy guys. After this we spent the afternoon swimming right next to the lighthouse. It was one of the most fun things I ever did while with CFCMI because everyone just had a good time. For once, everyone acted like normal people, not like freaks.

We left Cape Hatteras on the morning of the 15th, Dave Mitchell backed the new green group van into my car, putting a couple of small dents into it. We stopped in Churchland for a final chow down at the New Yorker before they all headed back to Waukegan. A month later I was transferred to Great Lakes.

PS: Some months after I left in 1979, I was in the area and stopped by for lunch at the New Yorker. The Jewish couple recognized me right away and asked how everything was going with the group. Without going into any gory details, I summarized the unfortunate things we learned about LR Davis and the corruption. They were very sad to hear that.

[John Cady]

***Moderator: Please remove this post due to the title being incorrect. The corrected post is online now.***

[John Cady]

Here's the news article from 1982 when CFCMI was placed "Off Limits" by the Navy.

Spotlight “Fellowship” Off Limits to Sailors Leader Charged with Exploiting Bodies and Minds by Joan Carol Ross Officers from the Armed Forces Disciplinary Control Board on Feb. 11 voted unanimously to prohibit Navy Personnel from associating with the Christian Fellowship, Inc., a Waukegan, Illinois-based group founded nine years ago and led by self-appointed minister Lloyd Ray Davis. The Control Board’s decision to declare the Fellowship “off limits” was based on evidence that Davis pressured group members to take illegal absences from the Navy, turn over their entire paychecks to the ministry, and engage in homosexual activities against their will. Davis denied all charges against himself and the organization and plans to file suit against Rear Adm. James Flatley III, who was instrumental in declaring the Fellowship off limits to Navy personnel. Davis claims Flatley’s actions violate the constitutional right to freedom of worship. According to several articles in the Lake County, Illinois News-Sun (2/6, 7, 8, 11, 12), ex-Fellowship members claimed that Davis, 46, used manipulative ploys – including emotional blackmail and distorted religious arguments – to recruit members, and subsequently seduced them for his sexual pleasure and financial gain. Group Practices David Clark, an “exit counselor” who deprogrammed three members, described the Fellowship as a religious cult designed to break down members’ personalities “in order to control their mind.” Ex-members agreed that Davis had lured them into a situation where their minds and bodies could be exploited and where they had no self-control. The Fellowship’s reported lifestyle deprived members of adequate sleep and proper nourishment, with a diet consisting mainly of soup, orange juice and peanut butter sandwiches. Members had their personal mail inspected, and were forced to abide by a strict code including “no dating.” There was virtually no privacy; members were not even permitted to use the bathroom alone. After returning home from long work days, members were required to listen to four- and five-hour sermons from Davis followed by sexual sessions in his room. One ex-member – who was pressured into a sexual relationship with Davis and hated it – said he twice tried to commit suicide while in the group. Any protests or doubts about monetary policies, living arrangements or fellowship procedures were met with emotional tirades and harassment by Davis. In this rigidly controlled environment, members found it difficult to leave. One ex-member said, “It was impossible to buck the system. You were too exhausted. Besides, they watched you every minute and you had no money, so where could you go?” Members were advised that their parents, home, or anything outside the Fellowship was evil, and one man recalled Davis saying, “IF YOU LEAVE THE MINISTRY, God will kill you.” In the past year Davis has expanded the Fellowship by establishing centers in Norfolk, Va., Orlando, Fla., Rota, Spain, and Naples, Italy. Ex-members claim Davis plans to organize more centers in the future. According to Davis, the Fellowship is financed entirely by free-will contributions and “there is no membership fee at all.” He claims to receive no salary and to own no property. However, the Internal Revenue Service has been investigating Davis and the Fellowship – which has enjoyed tax exempt status since 1978 – as a result of financial irregularities. Davis, who calls himself a minister, acknowledged that he was never ordained in any church and has no seminary training. “Jesus chose men without education,” he said. Ex-members liken Davis to Jim Jones (the cult leader responsible for the deaths of 900 people in a mass suicide in South America). They contend that Davis, who is married and has three children, “never goes home.” Up until 1979, Illinois courts were placing young men on probation under Davis’ supervision. The courts discontinued this practice after two complaints were made that Davis pressured youths into sexual encounters by threatening to send them to prison.

[John Cady]

Imagine

Imagine LR went to heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell if you’re one of us
If you’re not, well then you fry
Imagine all the people
Giving all their pay…
Yoohoo-ooh

Imagine we’re in every country
It’s not hard to do
No need to date or marry
Being a eunuch is the life for you
Imagine all the people
Living as we say…
Yoohoo-ooh

You may say we’re deluded
But we’re the not only ones
We hope someday you’ll join us
And support another building fund

Imagine no possessions
They’ll be taken off your hands
It’s not that Pete and Ed are greedy
A lot goes to Deb and Pam
Imagine all the people
Potlucks every week…
Yoohoo-ooh

You may say we’re deluded
But we’re the not only ones
We hope someday you’ll join us
And support another building fund

This parody of the old John Lennon classic reminded me of a few sermons Ed preached in the late 1980s in Norfolk. In these sermons, Ed would compare Jesus Christ to the Communists in manner of thinking, especially when he tried to describe the early church as having all things common. Such rhetoric would have made him fodder for the McCarthy-era House Un-American Activities Committee, but under President Obama such commentary would have been welcomed.

There is a major problem with Ed's logic. The early church had all things common on a voluntary basis, not under government or organizational edict. Those who were of a willing heart gave in the fashion; nowhere in the New Testament was it ever forced on everyone. Under the Communist system of Soviet Russia and the Eastern Bloc countries, the people had all things common in the way of lower incomes, slavery, and oppression while the thugs in office were given the wealth and power. Historically, this is most graphically illustrated under the regime of Joseph Stalin. Looking at Ed and Pete's lavish lifestyles, along with that of L.R. when he was alive, and one can see the Stalin model of Communism applies here. Wealth was indeed redistributed - to their coffers - while the masses lived in substandard housing and squalor. Indeed, how many single men were robbed of their lives and careers all in the name of the "ministry"? How many families risked foreclosure of their homes to "support the leadership"? Were all things common? NO! Had they been, then anyone for example who helped Ed pay for his Volvo in 2002 should have been allowed to drive it. I can say this because I was duped into helping purchase the vehicle - "needs of the ministry". Ed NEVER helped me buy a car, nor would I have wanted him to. Another example: if the Pillars (a CFCMI front operation) was such a wonderful place to live, how come Ed lived in a $300K house in North Carolina?

CFCMI's view on wealth redistribution fell in line more with the book Animal Farm - "All animals are created equal, but some are more equal than others".

Perhaps the leadership should read Orwell's novel sometime. The end serves as a warning.

[onetime]

This parody of the old John Lennon classic reminded me of a few sermons Ed preached in the late 1980s in Norfolk. In these sermons, Ed would compare Jesus Christ to the Communists in manner of thinking, especially when he tried to describe the early church as having all things common. ...
There is a major problem with Ed's logic. The early church had all things common on a voluntary basis, not under government or organizational edict. Those who were of a willing heart gave in the fashion; nowhere in the New Testament was it ever forced on everyone.

It’s certainly no surprise that the retired parasite with a bad pump would make a stupid claim like Christ having communist thoughts. The little ninny was devoid of understanding and always had things ass backwards.

John, of course, is correct. Giving was voluntary in the early church. And just as it was then, so it is today. Anybody with a brain who can read can see this is so. But if there are some who still wander the gymnasium floors confused as to the meaning of V-O-L-U-N-T-A-R-Y, then break out your KJVs and consider a few examples:

Many did sell lands and houses in those days (Acts 4:32-35). But others did not. Notice in Acts 12:12 where Mary had a house. Concerning Ananias and the possession he sold, Peter said: "While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control?" (Acts 5:4). Ananias died, not because he did or didn’t sell his property, but because he lied about it before God.

It’s not good to lie, is it?

More importantly, notice that Acts 4:35 says that the stuff laid down before the apostles was "distributed to each as any had need.” This meant that not everyone got a distribution, but the NEEDY. In other words, a person having a home with a garage full of chariots, barn-size pantries full of food and other goodies, probably wasn’t too needy, now was he? But the poor guy who lost his job, who was hungry, who was sick, who was living with other poor dudes just like himself, this guy was probably first in line for some help. Yes, the truly needy here had a real lack of necessities. They were not deadwood who could work but refused to do so. They were willing to carry their share of the total load.

Buddy adopted LR Davis’ view that everyone in the cult had all things in common, but some are more common than others. And he was the one who would decide who the "some" were. (Here’s a clue: it included members of the Davis, Paine and Thomas families.) Claiming Jesus thought like a communist was a disingenuous attempt to support these perverted views. According to Buddy, he was always one of the needy. He expected YOU to lay everything at his feet, but he kept the best for himself. He even had the gall to preach to the people who worked so hard to support his sorry ass that they were holding back!

In many ways, Buddy was just like Ananias. He claimed to give all, but did he? When he dipped his hand into various church funds to buy things for himself and his family over the years, wasn’t he stealing from others? In so doing, wasn’t he really lying to God?

Indeed he was.

The church is not a commune. Both communism and fellowship have the root ideas of "common,” but after that, they go their separate ways. Communism says, "What’s yours is mine, and I’ll take it." Fellowship says, "What is mine is yours, and I’ll share it."

Considering Buddy’s life, it’s pretty easy to see why he liked the communist way of thinking, isn’t it?

[onetime]

I was reminiscing today over past New Years, going all the way back to when I was a kid. Where I was, who I was with, and what I was doing, etc. A few of them stand out. Some were funny. In the 1960s, my brother and I cooked up this gag where we would pick somebody random out of the phonebook, and in our best contrived "sloshed" voices, would call to let them know we’d be over with the booze shortly. We called the same number each New Year’s Eve for several years.

In 1971, Michigan passed a law where anyone 18 years or older could legally drink alcohol, effective January 1, 1972. Well, I was 18 and let me tell you, that New Year’s Eve at my friend’s farmhouse was a real doozy! We all got plastered and my girlfriend at the time kept passing out on the bathroom floor with her pants down around her ankles, only to be discovered when somebody had to go next. She never remembered it. I barely do.

There was New Year’s Eve on the flight deck of my aircraft carrier when we were anchored in Naples Italy. The fireworks display was awesome. For those that went ashore, they were informed of the Italian custom of throwing old things out the window at midnight to symbolize the readiness to accept the New Year. So everyone was cautioned to keep an eye out for falling objects!

Then there were a few New Years in Waukegan with Christian Fellowship Inc. The first one was pretty good. My brother got married on New Year’s Day. I have pictures of him at the church with LR Davis doing the ceremony assisted by Pete Paine (who looked 120 pounds soaking wet back then). The last New Year’s Eve was troubling. The Good News Singers did a local radio broadcast on WKRS that night, and were in front of everyone trying to project this wonderful image. However, I felt bad. I had just come to realize that the group was rotten to core, but I went along and smiled anyway. The smiling stopped a few months later.

Now we have another New Years. Looking back over 2012, I see only decline for CFCMI. Ed Thomas retired a year ago and is trying to stay healthy enough to enjoy all of the things he’s accumulated from those he "served." Be damn glad you’re not him. According to their website, CFCMI says they baptized 62 people this year. That’s pathetic for an organization that used to seat 1,000 every week.

I have no idea what the future has in store, but I suspect 2013 will be difficult for the church founded by Lloyd Ray Davis.

How appropriate.

[John Cady]

In 1998, L.R. Davis mentioned that his greatest concern was that "Grievous Wolves" would tear apart the church. Little did he know that those wolves would be his own sons-in-law: since they bought onto the gravy train and were getting rich from other people's labor, Pete and Ed did what they could to make the ride last as long as possible. This also would lead into CFCMI's involvement with Quixtar, where Pete was kissing Jack Dory's backside at every opportunity. More folks were attending Quixtar meetings than Bible studies in the last year I was in CFCMI.

Of course, Dan was involved in the Quixtar scam too. Lantis thought by kissing up to the royal family he too would be accepted as one of them - and in the end he was sent packing to California.

As far as possibly changing things for the better, Pete Paine was given a golden opportunity to clean house in August 1999 when he became the permanent General Pastor. Apparently realizing how good he had it, Pete changed nothing. The policies and practices were still in place, but with one difference: Pete lacked the authority and ability to instill fear into the single men like L.R. Davis. This made it easier for several of them to break free of the "eunuchship" commitment and get married.

With the rapid growth of the internet in the early 2000s, and Abusive Churches.org making its online debut, it was more difficult to suppress information from being disclosed, especially the court transcripts of Illinois vs. Davis. Ed's threats to kick people out of the church didn't work well, either, as folks could read them safely in their own homes. Military guys could go online on their ships or in their barracks and learn the truth as well. Ed's "roaring lion" approach was in reality as threatening as a Chihuahua...not much of one at all.

Poor building choices furthered their woes. The former Swedish Glee Club was sold, leaving the group there with no place to call home. Norfolk sold their building on Little John Road only to be suckered into a high-dollar rental in Virginia Beach, then the gymnasium. All the while, Ed kept smiling and tried to convince everyone that God was leading him in the building process. Pictures that have long since been removed revealed that even several of the board members looked very disappointed when they looked at the gym. Sure, old buildings were fun to renovate when people were young; however, everyone had gotten older along with Pete and Ed, and the energy to do such work was not there. Quite a few had the look "not again."

Of course, Pete's arrogance and poor word selection - check out part 3 of the 2010 Conference where he admits CFCMI is a cult - is accelerating the decline. Pete was supposedly advised by the International Board not to give the Mother's Day speech; Pete refused to heed counsel and delivered one of the most divisive messages in CFCMI history.

L.R. Davis, who once claimed God gave him the gift of discernment, never did receive the discernment that his own family would cause the decline and eventual end of the abusive empire he constructed. Perhaps God did not want him to know.

With numbers continuing to decline, and new converts not keeping up with walkouts, CFCMI's demise is a slow, painful one to watch.

[John Cady]

The following is the testimony of Cliff Hribal, who left CFCMI in 2001 following the Mother's Day speech. Cliff originally wrote this in April 2002. Sadly, Cliff died unexpectedly this year; here is his story. Rest in peace, my friend and brother.


Why I Left CFCMI

Greetings to All! My name is Cliff Hribal. Some of you may know the "Hribal" family. Anita, my wife, and children; Johanna, Frank, and Alana. I would like to share why I left CFC.


I began in Norfolk 1985 while stationed on the USS Spruance DD-963. Marquis Craig was there and Bruce Avants also came to CFC shortly there after. I was attracted to CFC at first because of the brother's zeal to study the Word and dedication to live for God. I had been seeking God for understanding of the Godhead and baptism for years. God had answered my prayer as the Word of God was expounded more perfectly. I had great admiration, respect and trust for, and in, the ministers and especially, the founding Pastor, L.R. Davis. I found out early on about the "attacks" on the church, false accusations of sexual misconduct, etc… I was not thrilled about having to stand up to the critics, but realized that the Godly can only expect to suffer persecution.

At this time in Norfolk, it was the Thomas, Lantis and Wilson trio. Lantis was a "hot head" then too but he was somewhat upfront in that he was seeking to improve his character flaws. I could respect that as I am also human and have my own flaws. It was only a short few months and I began to notice an imbalance in what was being expected by Thomas and LR (via telephone) from the pulpit and what was being lived by Ed and Pam.


The next two years I was stationed in Pascagoula, Mississippi and Mayport, Florida. LR wanted me to visit Waukegan instead of Norfolk. He said that it was more important to visit the church than just contribute to the offering. When I was in port, I would visit Waukegan about once a month. At this time the fellowship center on 22nd Street and Sheridan was going full swing. It was during this time that LR would call me into his office and start conversations, which made me very uncomfortable. There was one visit to Waukegan that I will never forget. I was walking across the center area of the facility when the office door opened slightly. I saw L.R. French kissing Debbie, his daughter. His tongue was in her mouth and when he realized the door was open, he separated and the door was closed. Without a doubt, I know what I saw. The really sick thing is that there were other people standing in there.

It was shocking, and one would question why I didn't just run out the door and never look back. Many of us understand though that we believed that to leave the church would doom us to reap the immediate wrath of God followed by damnation to the lake of fire. We were drilled with Bible studies which were supplemented with many stories of previous brothers who had been deceived, left and been judged by God. After all, L.R. had discernment of spirits and the gift of prophecy and seen visions. My resort was to pray for a way of escape and that God would bring about change.


Fall 1988 rolled around and I was stationed in Waukegan. L.R. persisted to pressure me a few times. I decided that the single men's ministry was not for me. In the spring of 1989, I met Anita who was in Navy Hospital Corps School. L.R. was furious that I wanted to date her. We soon married. It was at this time that some of you came to know her as she was stationed in Norfolk for one year, and then returned.


In 1992 or so, L.R. was arrested and the trial began. I remember he had us all praying and he was very worried when Hazel had to testify. He was worried that she would testify against him. When L.R. was imprisoned, I was relieved and hoped that Pete Paine would turn things around for the better. Sadly, even after L.R. died, things did not. I was very involved in the music department for many years. I have also spent much time in the church building, as many of you know. Sunday School, building projects, visiting families etc…


I have witnessed leadership "in action" on many occasions. I prayed for the last ten years that things would change. In May of 2001, I spoke with Pete Paine with and without my wife about the serious behavioral problems in the church. These problems, I knew that he was aware of, so my goal was to be another "squeaky wheel" that would help him to take action. He had asked the church during the big announcement to voice their concerns; I felt it was my Godly duty to do so.


My main issue was that the congregation was not being treated fairly by the first family. There were standards being put on us that were not being lived by them. The congregation was criticized when they did not meet these standards. Much of it I have observed over the years by Debbie and Pam. Here is a quote from a letter wrote to Pete.


"I have observed Debbie over the years say many things to the choir/band or me or others or had other people come to me or my wife hurt/confused. We have tried to be supportive, send them to you for counseling. Hoping that eventually you would monitor her and bring about change. I do not believe it is the place of any woman to criticize any man or women, especially openly. Debbie instructs/corrects/rebukes even pastors and gives instruction in matters to others that could/should be handled by a pastor or at the least a man capable. Are their not Pastors, men of God? It is confusion. What Godly women would want to be in a position of usurping authority over a man? Other women learn from her and act in the same manner. I have observed this also in Pam Thomas. Women walk around in need of encouragement and Debbie concerns herself with things not her business. Why do you not acknowledge this and act? Why would I want to invite someone to Christian Fellowship Church to wonder what will become of them? Why would any man be encouraged to take ownership of ministry when the leadership structure is broken? I believe that many who have left have only mirrored back actions the way they were treated in the church before they left. Though you may or may not believe that your wife is supposed to function in this manner or if she has said or done things of this nature, I have witnessed painfully her actions and I will not receive it or witness it anymore."


There were also other concerns, which Pete did not even want to talk about. As far as his wife, he asked me what I thought he should do about her. I replied that I should not have to tell him what to do. During the meeting, he never did say he was going to do anything. What he did do well was to point the finger at everyone else. Life in CFC is basically survival of the fittest. If you are of strong fiber or an offensive or obnoxious person yourself, you can tolerate the nonsense. If you are not, someone was probably there to encourage you. Many were just plain offended or had enough character and sense to go elsewhere.


On top of this was the Joe Watson issue, which Pete said, wasn't the churches business. My wife initially brought this to his attention because someone who was privy to the situation sought her out for comfort and support. There also were other incidents of immoral behavior by leadership and the Paine family, which many in the church knew of, yet Pete refused to act. These involve adultery, fornication, drug and alcohol abuse. You would think that Pete and Ed would have learned from their past "mistakes" as they put it and start taking action, especially if they are really sincere Christians. Even with present issues, they act as if they know nothing. Just like with L.R., they don't know about it, they don't want to talk about it. They just want to talk about you getting back to church and getting busy.


I believe that leadership has to set a higher standard than the congregation. Just as a parent does to a child. Judge not, lest ye be judged, says it in a nutshell.


Very recently, I was shocked to hear that Pete told an influential man in the community, who also happens to be a friend of mine, that the reason I left was because of L.R. and because of Adam Paine's immature behavior in the band, (as I was the band leader and piano player after Dave and Cindy Armstrong were told they were not allowed to worship at CFC.) In other words, I was just offended by someone else's actions, Pete was just an innocent bystander. It just reinforces that Pete Paine does not speak the truth about what he knows. In my opinion he only said this because he knows this man rubs shoulders with people in high places, and to explain my actual reasons would only show his failure as a leader, to act on the present. He is more concerned with his image to the politicians than his integrity with an individual.


Since I left in May, my wife attended service once a week due to she was a teacher at the school and it was policy that teachers have to attend. Debbie and some of the core women started spreading the word that my wife should be avoided because she wasn't really "in" the church. Pete also told my wife that Debbie had permission "not" to talk with her. Is that Christian love. If she was so bad, why is she still allowed to attend? I ask you, are things changing? I trow not.


I am most disappointed because some who have left have been so hurt that they have totally backslid. Many have never doubted God, but are just taking time by themselves (understandably) to heal. For some this will mean, "hitting bottom", before they feel God real to them again. Our trust in organized religion has been violated. I have come to realize that God's will must always be first. If we allow a man to tell us that God will only tell him what His will is for you and me, then we doubt the words of Jesus. There is a place for organized religion, but in the book of Acts they went house to house. If you spend too much time in a building, how are you going out into all the world to preach the gospel? CFC has become a self-serving burecracy. There is more taking than giving.


Before I left, I fleeced the Lord for direction. I believed that we as Christians must stand up to sin at any level, in or out of the church. Especially in the church because judgment begins at the house of God. I grew strong enough to cast the weights and sin aside, able to stand up for righteousness' sake.

God himself raised me up as well as many of you to do so. In each of the three times I fleeced the Lord in faith, He directed me to leave CFC.

I can only encourage anyone wherever you may be in God to believe that God can and will give you direction. Abhor that which is evil, cling to that which is good. Most every Christian has received and accepted direction from God for something. If you really have faith, then fast, pray and fleece the Lord. Seek and ye shall find. Knock and it shall be opened.


Since departing, I have been blessed with such great peace. The weights of sin I have been carrying for these so many years have been lifted. I seek to do God's will every day. My conviction has not left me. Being human I sin and I do good. If I offend a brother, I go to him and if he comes to me, I repent. God is truly directing and blessing my family. We worship and study the Word in our home, with others, others with us. I still have a great passion for ministry in music. We are learning lots of new material for worship. I hope to have a CD out soon for sing along purposes. We have had some exciting Bible studies. We just started in Genesis and are reading the old testament, making a timeline as we go, noting chronologically, a summary of the highlights of each chapter.


I will leave you with this word of wisdom from Ecclesiastes: Let us hear the conclusion of the whole mater, Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good or whether it be evil.

To those who still believe that CFC really cares about doing the right thing: I went to CFC church today after work to pick up my children from the school, which runs from K-3 to 7th grade. As I was walking out, Pete Paine was standing in the hallway. He put out his hand. I returned the gesture. He said, " If you ever want to talk about anything, I'd be more than happy to." I responded that I spoke to him before with a whole list of things that he didn't even want to talk about. He did not acknowledge what I had said but instead repeated his first statement. I responded back to him again that he didn't want to talk about what many others and I have brought before him. I told him that he didn't have any idea what was going on around him.


He said well many people are telling me that you are saying mean and vicious things. I told him that there is nothing to talk about, as I began heading for the door. He again made his offer to talk. I said those words sound nice but actions speak louder. He said I'll be watching your actions.


Now:


1. Pete was out of line, as he was speaking loud enough for my three children to hear. My children will remember how he did not speak respectfully to me.

2. Pete refused to acknowledge the fact that there were issues from one year ago that were important to me. I repeated this twice. Not only issues important to me but many who have left. He should have said right there " Cliff I want to talk about them now". Did he? No. He wasn't even listening to what I was saying. All he was focusing on was that other people told him I was saying mean things.

3. If Pete really cared about me, he would have called me directly long ago. But funny how he takes in all this gossip, and has been telling people at the church that my wife and I have been saying things. But then he turns around and tells the church not to repeat gossip they hear about the first family. What they have been telling him is what is on my earlier posting on this site because there's nothing more to tell. I'm sure he read it for himself. If he really cared, he would start being open minded to those who have something to say. He should have learned from his mistakes with LR.

4. I felt as if Pete was just hoping to make me angry and maybe violent. I was not angry at all. I just decided that after he refused to talk about what I asked, it was time to head out the door.


So there you have it. This happened just a few hours ago at CFC Waukegan. Pete Paine, General Pastor still is not interested in doing what is right. He is still only interested in defending the first family. I tried to reason with him. He did not want to hear my heart. Many have experienced Pete saying how much he cares from the pulpit, only to find out that in private he will not even discuss issues that bring shame to the leadership, himself or his family. It is really a sad thing.


When I left last June, I told Pete on the phone that when I "see" things change I might consider coming back. I am not interested in "talk", especially when the other party wants to steer the conversation. He knows what the issues are. All he has to do is fix them. Many have said what they wanted to him and here. If he really cares he will take action. Many of us have experienced talks with the leaders. These talks do not bring about change but rather seem to be a means of gathering information.


To me, some of these things are:

1. Admittance that many of the trial allegations were true and that they were aware of LR's activitys.

2. Apology for their failure to stand up to LR .

3. Apology to all those who were spoken of and cast out as evil when they were only standing up for what was right and for themselves. This needs to be verbal and written. People need to be sought out if necessary.

4. A please come home needs to be given as well. All should feel welcomed home if they wish to return.

5. Ceasing of the quixtar business venture activitys.

6. Church budget/salarys will mailed yearly to members.

7. Some leaders need to be removed temporarily or permenantly who have problems treating parishoners respectfully. Counseling, training, education or some method of support be given to help the person.

8. Complaints need to be documented and if a minister forms a pattern of inappropiate behavior, action will be taken. The offender will acknowledge responsibility and offer apology in each case.

9. If a member is not satisfied with the decision of the pastor, he or she may have the option of going before the elders(church board) to voice their complaint. No one should make the decision to leave the church without feeling they were heard.


I believe that if you are judging rightly, there is nothing to hide. It should be learned that absolute power and authority has not worked in the past, nor in history. I think many former and present CFC'rs would have much peace and comfort if a change was to take place. There would be such a growth individually and in numbers. Let's face it, word of mouth advertising is the best way to reap a harvest. Until present and former members feel good about ministry at CFC, people will not put their shoulder to the plow. Current CFC'rs have told us they miss us. When I was there, I missed many who had left. I knew that they were done wrong and it hurt me to see people go. For many years I was apprehensive about inviting someone to the church (not to a relationship with God). I did not want them to be emotionally abused by some of the leaders.


I know the leadership of CFC will read this. It is not anything they haven't heard before. The question is will "real" change take place?