Why do so many leave NTCC

[ntcctruth (ntcctruth)]

Well said, justinother. You're a good person, as is Angela I'm sure.
As far as redemption goes - that'll only come if she ever comes back to NTCC. Anything else matters not to the powers that be.

[bonita (bonita)]

Ah, but you are so wrong, all knowing Ali-perez-rushy. She is dear to me whether in NC or WA. But not only to me but many others.

If all of what you are saying is true then you must think I'm a complete idiot. Many of you have stated that you are so sure that these threads are read by some all-seeing-eye in WA. You have also stated that any who leave are cut off and we are not to have fellowship with them. Well here I am, once again, telling of my friendship to Angie, so I guess I should expect a bolt of lightning from the pulpit any time now.

Strange, We just had a Reverand through this weekend, I even spoke openly of Angie and our friendship and got not one rebuke. I even spoke of our upcoming visit.

24 years, Perez, that is how long I have been with NTCC. 24 years Linda and Linda. Why don't I have the same thoughts that you have? Maybe because I am so meek and mild mannered. Maybe because I have become a clone? No, that can't be because Tanya said I was different and wasn't an example. I believe blackcat even backed that statement.

And as for being moved every 2 years, my husband and I have been in this city for almost 11 years and no move seen in the near future.

And as for the family issues. My mom was up last week for 5 days. I have a severe respiratory infection and she came to help out. Because, you see, when she was sick I helped her out. When Dad had to go to Nashville for heart test, guess who took him. When little brother was in real bad shape, I was at his side.

So you see, the things you are saying don't quite fit what I have experienced. I wonder why I have not been run off? Isn't that how you said they did it? Just wondering.

P.S. If there is any all-seeing-eye out there, I covet your prayers. I'm having a time shaking this infection but God is able.

[left_in_1989 (left_in_1989)]

Bonita, I pray you are able to shake that infection.

Angie... you made me smile with what you called me.... I never realized I'm 'Notoriously Controversial', considering I'm but a mere jot on a website where others post volumes. THANK YOU for respecting the fact that we're in 2 different places, and showing me Christ's love with your abililty to look past these differences.

Bonita, if everyone else within NTCC could have gotten away with what you've been so blessed to have done, I'm sure there would be less people leaving. You are not the rule, you're the exception. I know this, because I was told I couldn't go to my sister's wedding in Maine. I watched her video when she mailed it to me (I borrowed someone else's VCR so I could see it)... and I BAWLED for a good 30 minutes. My heart broke that I missed one of the most special days in a girl's life. This is the sister who leaned on me when my Mother died (she was 15, I was 19). I wish I had YOUR guts, Bonita, because I would have gone anyway. But I wanted to be 'obedient'.

I understand it's hard for you to comprehend where we're coming from, because you've had so much liberty that the rest of us haven't had. I hope you can see what it is that causes us to not want anything to do with NTCC.

I would love to keep in touch with you Bonita, because I think you're wonderful... but you started preaching at me when we were emailing, so I backed off. If you're willing to communicate and share about our families, our hobbies, general conversation, let me know and I'll be happy to email you again.

[bonita (bonita)]

Linda,
Here is a copy of our last few emails. I would like to know where I was preaching at you. I took out names of others that were mentioned and I am sure you understand that. Of course you have to read the emails from the bottom up to get them in order as they were sent. Bonita



Bonita...

I too have been feeling like I don't even want to read anymore on that list. I will tell you that all of your posts have spoken to me in such a strong way, I want you to know that. I KNOW God was there when I was.... and I have seen Christ in so many of the people. I have pondered so many things, and questioned myself so many times. I have softened on some things, but I'm firm on others. Your Christ-like posts have shown me first of all why I love you so much, and also helps me to remember how God moved in my own heart and life while I was there. THANK YOU. Your posts above all others were handled in a way that I feel is SO pleasing to the Lord.

I don't even want to participate on FACTNet any further, and need to step away from it. I know who I am in Christ, and the relationship I have, and I need to move forward and continue to grow.

Love you!!!

Linda
----- Original Message -----
From: Bonita Woodlee
To: Linda Smit
Sent: Thursday, June 03, 2004 9:22 AM
Subject: Re: Lots of Love


Dear Linda,
I can go back through all that mess and find your statement about how we sound like a cult to you if you need me to. And that is why I asked you the questions I did in my last e-mail. I can also find other statment that were made that I would not exactly call "Christ-like" from you and the ones you are standing behind. I only bring others up here because you mentioned someone ripping you apart from NTCC, so if we are all grouped together then I quess you all are also. If what they are saying about us make us a cult then I know for sure that the U.S. military is a cult, sounds like alot of die-hard athletes are in cults, Catholics for sure (Mother Teresa and the Pope are highly thought of) sounds to me like the girl scout and boy scouts could even be a cult when you go to applying some of those rules that mean something is suspose to be a cult. But folks are on a hobby horse and remember NTCC! didn't start the mess, others did. None to this stuff would have ever been brought us had someone not started tearing the church down.

Now Linda, I believe we are intelligent women, so don't try to tell me, we are just trying to inform others.. That is hogwash. It is slander and in every heart they know it. So why shouldn't I get on there and begin to inform everyone of all the faults of every group in the world.. Imagined or otherwise. Everyone has their own perspective on everything. A woman may call growling what a man calls just his voice. A man may call nagging what a woman calls just letting you know. But I know I'm getting nowhere with this so I will not continue to ramble, though my mind is full. Maybe I'll put it in a book and make a million. I don't mind e-mailing you but maybe I shouldn't continue to read the posts on the thread because all it does is add to my arguement. You see, I don't get this from my "church brain-washing" or is that "cult", I get it from my own person. ! I am me and people like to make fun of southerners, "red-necks" and hillbillies, thats ok, I do it too because I can relate, but they are a hard-headed bunch. They stand for something, are not wishy-washy and are true blue to their cause. Well, "red-neck woman" here signing out for now . Believe you me, if is wasn't for the love and Christ-like behavior I was taught at this church I would be melting some computer screens with my comments. But thank GOD He has helped me in that area. I can so all things through Christ. Lots of Love Bonita

Linda Smit <lsmit@maine.rr.com> wrote:
Hey, Bonita....

Who did I call a name? I don't remember ever calling anyone a name... well, someone from NTCC did email me & ripped me up one side & down the other for 'exposing' ********** ** 'issue', when in fact it wasn't me. I sent an email back telling them that they were wrong in VERY FIRM TERMS, and quoted the person who was so awful as to post that information. But other than that, I've tried to keep my posts Christ-like, and only rebuke others when absolutely necessary (I only know of one that I had sarcasm towards another, but I was once again being falsely accused and had to show them the 'truth').

Bonita, I don't want to pull you away. You are who you are because of where you're at.... I'm thrilled that you're so happy. And I have to ask, because I don't remember ever taking the stand that it's a 'cult', but where did I ever say that I think it's a cult? I don't agree with a lot of things, but I know that I truly had a relationship with the Lord there.. as did many... I don't know if I can say it's a cult.

Why do I want to keep in touch with you? Because you were such a happy memory for me. I love knowing how the boys are doing, that your son is such an academic genius, that your daughter-in-law's testimony is so powerful, seeing pictures, I have always been so sad that I wasn't able to keep touch with everyone. I wish I could say 'hi' to ********** **... she's someone I truly miss.

I hope I've explained things, so you don't have to feel so defensive with me. If it is too uncomfortable for you to communicate, then I will let this be my last email to you. But I will say that if this is my last opportunity to write, I will let you know that I truly love you & Jeff, and will once again say THANK YOU for all you did for me, and I truly appreciate both of you. You had a huge impact on my life.

Hugs,

Linda


----- Original Message -----
From: Bonita Woodlee
To: Linda Smit
Sent: Thursday, June 03, 2004 12:07 AM
Subject: Lots of Love


Dear Linda,
I don't understand why you would want to have any contact with me since you believe I am in a cult. If I thought someone was in a cult, (had some relatives who were at one time, polygamy and everything) I would not want to keep contact with them. Honestly. I think you know you are not going to pull me from what I know is truth so why are you interested in me. Is my comments used in your group support meeting? I know ya'll wouldn't tell me if they were. But I am being honest with you. That's just me, my husband say I'm too honest sometimes. But I don't want to be played the fool. So I have no problem with chatting but I would like to know the real deal.

By the way, talked to ********* today, she don't have internet yet so isn't up on all the trash talking, thats not her anyway, but I told her I chatted with you and she said " I always liked Linda, how is she?" I told her fine, married and four grandkids. Didn't know what else to say.

Anyway, if you really believe I am in a cult, after all I have shared. And after Jennifer's testimony then I don't know what else to say. It hard to share my life with someone who feels that way about me. I mean if it was just "Hey I don't agree with your religion but you are nice folks" that's one thing but "sure fire sign of a cult" that's another.

I don't mind keeping up with folks. Saying hey now and then, sending Christmas cards and a phone call now and then. But the name calling has to go. Sorry about "sincerely". LOTS OF LOVE, Bonita

[left_in_1989 (left_in_1989)]

Maybe 'preaching' wasn't a good way to describe it. Did we talk on the phone or IM? I remember that our interactions left me feeling like it wouldn't work because we couldn't have the same 'safe' conversations that Angie & I have. You would keep going back to defending NTCC, and it wasn't where I wanted our conversations to go. I can't give you specifics, I only know why it was that I chose to not continue contacting you.

I don't think you're wrong to stick up for your church, and I respect your feelings. But if I bring that out in you, then it would be best if we don't keep in touch.

[bonita (bonita)]

No, I have never spoken with you on the phone and I never IM, because I type too slow (ask Angie). I do believe this was our last emails. I would only defend if an attack was taking place. You have your feeling and I have mine. As long as someone is going to spew theirs, then guess what, they are going to get to hear mine. And remember, by your own admission, YOU chose to break the contact, not ME. The only reason you would bring that out in me, as you say, is because you bring it up. I'm truly sorry you feel that way.

[spyman (spyman)]

Hello:

As far as the original thread goes,"Why do so many people leave NTCC". Something that puzzles me. It seems like there are As many people trying to get out of the church, as there are people who are trying to get in. Maybe I'm wrong. It seems like there are more "X" Members than there are "Actual" members.

[imaskingwhy (imaskingwhy)]

I don't know but they sure helped fill alot of churches not in ntcc.