[Ohio]

I can honestly say that connecting with the Church in Cleveland was one of the greatest life events for me personally. So much changed in me, my thinking, my outlook on life, liberation from drugs and cigarettes, knowing the Lord, etc. etc.

But that doesn’t mean everything was perfect. Nothing is perfect here on earth. And I should add that churches change over time. A healthy church life for me back in the 70’s doesn’t mean all was good then or now. Unfortunately the LC system developed leaders over time that played God, they lorded it over others, they hurt others, not all were that way, but far too many.

One of my biggest failures there was trusting the brothers beyond what was healthy. I own that. Coupled with certain ones over me who were by nature controlling and manipulative was a recipe for failure. Some of those failures have enabled me to experience the love and grace of the Lord beyond what a smooth life would have afforded. As a general rule, we should all accept that behind the scenes it is God who works out all things for good. Bad things can sometimes help us more than the good. We are not alone here, the Lord has promised to always be with us.