[blessD]

My attractions to the LC were: firstly, so I would be accepted by my parents and make them happy; secondly, friends encouraged me to go (friends that I had made when other LC families came to dinner at our house); and, lastly, I was initially excited to see a group of people where everyone seemed to be saved and spoke about salvation often (giving testimonies, etc.).

Shortly after attending my first meetings, I quit going and told my friends that my parents had joined a cult. Mind you, I was 13-ish and don't know if I used the term before. Cults like the Children of God and the Unification Church ('moonies') were highly publicized at the time. Some things seemed similar enough for me to make the equation. I grew lonely since my family was gone most nights and weekends. I started going with them so I wouldn't feel so alone. Soon, I made friends, began reading my Bible a lot, learned how to play the guitar & sang a lot, and joined the music and many other service groups. I had a healthy walk with the Lord for a while.

Even with the good things, I heard and saw stuff that seemed very off (this feeling was so strong on some points it bothered me for days, months, years). Now, I realize it was the Lord in me - it was the "prove all things" which I was led to believe should be left to elders or only WL. I saw some warning signs early on with WL's behavior and the idolization of him by some members so I never reached a comfortable place of fully trusting him or what he said. Oddly enough, it took 15 to 20+ years for me to find my way out. I still love many of the people there. Like Ohio says - love the people, hate the system.