I was raised in the “TRUTH AND WAY: I never even questioned anything, I bought the whole thing, I am now OUT and I’m at peace since I asked my Savior Jesus, to guide me, he did and lead me out. Thank you Jesus. I’m 85 years old and was always pretty skeptical, but this one flew right over my head, I never even had any questions, it was driven into my head from the time I was born. Ask Jesus for guidance.
Thank you for sharing! Your Christian upbringing is part of what saved you & your family. Imagine being in this for 68 years B&R and never hearing the true gospel. What an awakening! I've watched most of David's interviews & they've been very helpful. The last 20+ years I've been convinced the meetings were not the right way to have a relationship with God, but it took the Dean Bruer revelations to make me desperate enough to truly search for what God wants from us. Joy!! Yes!! He loves for us to live abundantly.
I'm so incredibly thankful that I had my upbringing to fall back on once I realized the truth. Even though we still had a lot of rebuilding to do, it gave our family a foundation to start from. My heart truly goes out to those who have to start from square 1.
Dear Merissa - your voice is an important one! Your story shows us 2 things...1- how having access to other perspectives loosens the hold of narrow-minded thinking and lets the light in and 2- we are all prone to the influence of others and to pushing aside the little voices that tell us something's not quite right. Thank you for sharing your story! It broke my heart in many ways to hear your pain and what you've had to go through to get your peace back. But it just made me realize that you're telling my story, too, even though I was raised in it. We have to acknowledge the harm before we can heal. It's hard to do that... especially when loved ones are still in. You and David are providing a much-needed voice right now. Thank you.
I agree, it will always continue to be a part of us when people that we care about are still part of it. I'm so glad that God has given David (and I!) this outlet to share and encourage!
I was young and married into this. My husband never told me he was in this group until after we were married. It was confusing and scary. I was treated horribly because i would not join and asked questions that were not answered. I was shunned in my own house by my husband...it was discipline....and he neglected me and our children. I still have triggers that set me back. 😢 Thank you for sharing. Getting in the word and prayer is the only thing that alleviates and brings the joy back.
Merissa, thank you for being that "someone else out there" for me. Our stories are so similar, and I am so grateful that you shared. Funny that you brought up the hymns. To me, they sum up my whole experience in this group...the few hymns that I know the tune to sound familiar, but the words aren't the same...the theology is close, but not quite right. Thank you for sharing your story!
Coming out of the religion, I had the same sense, that I would recognize this tune, but the words were all wrong! I got very indignant that “the truth” had to make up their own hymns to make sure they were set apart from all other religions. It disgusted me once I had that revelation. But also, listening to ‘worldly’ Christian music suddenly had me feel so much joy that was never there before. I’m very thankful for my walk with Christ today!
I’m so sorry your experience took the song from your heart. I also love music and want to sing a joyful song of thankfulness and worship. Blessings to you and David. I am glad for all the podcasts and your story! Thanks for sharing so vulnerably.
Thank you Merissa for sharing this. Thank you for being authentically you. You will never know how many people are touched and helped by your story! There will be many. God be with you Always!
You, my dear, are a joy!❤ Thank you so much for sharing your story! I’m glad you’ve gotten some help through counseling, and that God has worked with David to lead him out and you two can grow together. Without knowing you, I know you.. and I love you. David’s interviews have been very helpful to so many, too.
My wife and I fell for it when we were in our thirties. It isn't just being young and naive but as she mentioned , the devil deceives using 97% truth. We left 4 months ago.
It's so true, the devil will use any method he can to be deceptive to us at any age. Praise God that you've been able to find your way out! (Although I'm sure the last few months haven't been easy for you.)
I loved hearing your story and am so happy you shared it with us. I can relate to so much of what you’ve been through. I, too, was a kid who loved church, youth group, AWANA, even Campus Crusade in college. I married into the 2x2 and like you, didn’t realize what it was for a while. Fortunately, my husband and I chose to leave meetings when our kids were very young. We say it’s the best decision we made for our family. We go to church as a family with Sunday School. We have been out for 14 years, but we are still dealing with all the baggage. Your story is such an encouragement. Thank you!
It takes such a long time to undo what's been done, no matter how long we were "in" for. I'm so thankful that you were able to leave with your husband and children and start them over with a strong foundation!
I think for anyone raised in this, there will always be baggage. It will always be painful. But it gets so, so much easier to handle over time. There is a light and a way forward in spiritual freedom.
Yes! I felt strongly religious growing up. As a child something was always there, and it was the spirit of God. I became Baptist on my own. Simply stated I went from family that saw me as an oddity to marrying into a family that to this day does not accept me 40 years on. I am back in my church. Thankfully our children are in evangelical churches too. Stand strong.
I am so thankful that you shared your story and all the other stories that are shared on this channel. I love that you shared JOY there at the end. My wife and I are now starting to experience that joy also. Thanks so much
Thanks so much for sharing your story. Feeling alone is not a good feeling, nice to be able to connect with someone. I have watched all of David’s interviews and have enjoyed them so much. Thanks again for sharing.
Thanks for sharing your story Born and raised left and started back with a outsider wife our story is very familiar I am sorry that you and my wife had to endure this cult Praise Jesus for saving you and your family from this..again thanks for sharing
Awe Marissa! What an Amazing Testimony. Thank you for stepping out, for being brave and for lovingly standing for God's truth🫶 Philippines 1:6 "being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you,will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Well done, sweet child, of the True and Living God. ✝️♥️
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! Your story resonates with me so much! I now realize that my wife and I were looking for a God filled church when we joined this. We were very naive and didn’t know it. 50 years later, I wasn’t growing and would bring up things in mtg like Acts 15:28-29 …lay no other burden on you… But it seemed to go over their heads. I sat in meetings, frustrated, not growing. Thinking I am the problem. Till close friends pulled away and I asked them why. Then the blinders came off! Big time! Praise God!
I was raised in this cult. I left in my 20’s. I know all about the excommunication! But praise God, I learned what is truth and know I’m saved! God is good. Thank you for telling your story. ❤
I always wondered how my Dad and step-mom got involved with this crafty cult, I know it must be kind of hard to share your story but many many people need to hear it. May you both continue to expose this works religion. God bless always, Richard :)
I’m sure you know how very blessed you are that your husband came to Christ too. I was saved after I got married. Before I was saved I just thought he was a Christian I could get along with. My husband grew up in a “Christian” church that isn’t following the Bible. We’ve been married 26 years and 23 years after I was saved, we are still unequally yoked. Breaks my heart. But I am so happy to hear when others don’t have to go thru that. 🎉🎉🎉
Praying that the Lord give you the grace and wisdom to lead your husband to truth. May strongholds of deception, religion, and control be exposed, broken, and shattered; may the scales be removed from his eyes; and may you both lead many into the real Truth! ...in Jesus' mighty Name!
Merissa thank you for sharing your story! My heart goes out to you for all the efforts you were putting forth to please God. And you were met with so much criticism that led to panic attacks.. Church should be a happy safe place for children:) so proud of y’all’s decision ❤
Ohu goodness! Your story resonated with me so much! I was born in a cult and experienced many of the sorts of things you did. I can not tell you how much your testimony has brought such comfort and conformation to me. God bless you and thank you so mucb for sharing your testimony. ❤
I am glad that I took the time to watch this. What a blessing this lovely girl must be to David with her sweet, gentle spirit. I love her take on what children should get out of church. When I used to look after babies in the nursery at church, for me, it wasn't about keeping them out of their parents' hair, so that they could sit in church undisturbed. It was about giving children the experience of having positive associations with church through contact with loving, caring people who recognize their value.
Dear Melissa, I went through honestly the very same thing but through a “Baptist” cult. Everything from the women not liking me because my husband married outside the church, children had to be quiet or get spanked, to a service going till 4:00 am (with my babies lying in my lap) because of the woman who had a ring in her husband’s nose and then the pastor screaming that this man has to control this woman because if he can not control this church he resigns… as the church stood and pointed their fingers at me screaming, “Look at what you’ve done!” All because I asked a question. We would love to tell our story of how God used this situation to finally cause a fracture in my husband’s wall, allowed us to help lead other’s to the truth of God’s love and freedom through Christ. Good’s wonderful protection and love is all throughout our story and we would love to use it to help others feel His love.
Absolutely important! Thank you, thank you….. Thank you for sharing your raw experience. NEVER DOUBT IN THE dark, WHAT YOU’VE LEARNED IN THE LIGHT! God has brought you through this wilderness, to touch thousands.
Wow! Praise the Lord! I loved your Testimony. Very powerful and so true. Every Christian needs to hear your Testimony as satan has wirely ways to lead people down a dark path. You are so easy to listen to and I listened to every word on the edge of my chair. Thank you for sharing!
I just want to meet you and wrap you in my arms to comfort you! I have trouble seeing the harm that this group inflicted sometimes because when I grew up in it, I must have been the frog in the boiling water in so many ways, but still there was something that was not meeting the needs I had and I have been at a great church now for 20 years that has met theses needs. Since see this contrast, I can relate to the lack of joy, and the constant striving to do what is required when I was part of “the truth”. Maybe someday we will meet and have a good discussion about all this; is sure love to!
Marissa, first I want to say, ty for sharing.your story. 2nd, I too have been, gone thru PTSD, and I found the Lotd, and in finding God, and getting to know and build that relationship, He has made me whole again. So, as you go thru your counseling, learn to forgive them, and pray for them. For they know NOT what they do, but by doing this, you may save many souls. Blessed be to Our Trinity, may God prosper you and your family. 😊❤ Love from AZ-US
Your not the only lady that happened to. I was never accepted by people my age in meetings. Mainly cause I was blessed with the understanding of the bible. I could articulate it in my testimony. I think alot of people thought I should be in the work. I was always dressed right. My hair was always neat. So don't feel alone. I was never accepted by women my age during my time professing. Big hugs. Your truly a meek and beautiful soul. 💝
Melissa, thank you for your honest and brilliant account of leaving what you married into. You are a brave and thoughtful young woman who told your story and I am sure that it will wake up anybody who listens to you. God is using you for His work in this. You are brilliant for sharing it just like it is!
A powerful testimony, I so enjoyed it. your sincerity stands out. May our God be uplifted through your and David's ministry. Watching from the Land Down Under.
Thank you for sharing your story. I was 4th generation born and raised, and it took the events of last year to make me finally see clearly. You are right - there is so much joy that we were missing out on. I know that you think your story is so different from those of us that were born and raised, but really, there are so many commonalities between what you said in this "interview" and what we experienced. The difference, as you pointed out, is that we are "baby" Christians now, whereas you had a basis of knowledge. Anyway, thanks for sharing.
Thank you Marissa, my heart broke, actually I did cry, bcuz when you mentioned, the red flags, the times that I went to, that made me think that I was going crazy, doubting what I felt, that was when I let it out. This was a powerful testimony, and I feel like, released. Whhhh, ok ty again
So very happy for you and your family...."always ask questions" is the best advice!! God is using your family to share how to know the whole truth....praying you continue to heal.
Thank you so much for sharing! We left in May of 2023 after almost 55 years of being in. We love now knowing the true gospel story and the true joy of living for God! God is amazing! ❤️
@@davidalinkThis is shocking! UA-cam "algorithm" brought this to my feed. Otherwise, I never heard of it until now. The religious terminology certainly sounds like what various Christian groups use, so outsiders could be subtly deceived. (Mormons are similar in their recruitment process. You probably already know that.) It is easy to see how a young woman could have been deceived.
Thank you, Merissa for all that you shared here from your heart. It was very encouraging for me, and I could relate with you in so many of your experiences you mentioned. Praise God that your eyes were opened, and David’s eyes were opened.❤️
God put it in David's heart to marry a woman who was raised outside of meetings, not to bring her into them, but to bring him out of bondage. God sure had a treasure in store for him. Not everybody who was raised in church cares about the things of God as much as Merissa does.
Never feeling “good enough”, yep, that pretty well sums up the 2x2/meeting culture. I grew up in it from the time I was 4 years old and finally quit for good when I was 43. I’ve been out 15 years now and as more time passes, I see all of the incongruities of “the way”. When it all hit the fan last year with all the workers being exposed for their sexual abuses, I was thinking is this what it takes for people to realize this is so wrong? I feel like I could write a book about it, but I’d rather just move on with my life than dwell in the dark spaces of the past of this cult. Thank you for sharing your story, it’s very important that people hear this. It’s such an emotionally abusive culture.
Merissa, i am so grateful for having listened to you testimony this morning. My walk is very different in that i continued all my life to go to an evangelical (reformed) church and when i married my husband, who was English speaking, we started going to like English speaking churches. However, what is happening in so many denominations today is a slow moving away from Christ centered teaching, Him being Lord of the church and our lives, to an easy believism that " we are okay and that God loves us and wants to bless us", that 90% truth, with no emphasis on, or call to salvation in Christ and accepting Him as our Lord as well as Saviour. So I take from your testimony to ask even the right questions in all instances, and to recognise these subtle diversions from the Truth we have in Christ Jesus. May you be blessed as you continue your walk with Him and may He guide you as you raise your family in His name. With so much gratitude, encouragement and prayer, Lynette Marchant, south Africa.
I so appreciated your truth. I understand the brainwashing and the PTSD. I am very traumatized for the whole lie. And i missed 20 yrs. I am so thankful you got out. And so thankful David finally saw the light. Your message today was just what i needed on a lonely Sunday morning. There is hope, i might find joy. God bless you, David and your family. Davids ministry is a big help to my loneliness. I too had left because of terrible panic attacks. Then my eyes were opened to the lies. I appreciate your willingness to share. I heard you, and it did make a difference. I told David, one day i hope to share my story. But its a nasty one. Not sure its fit for airing.
When you mentioned the funeral, that is the exact same experience I had at my own grandmother's funeral/memorial. Part of my family is in it (still are), and another part is not anymore. For those of us not in it, it was like we didn't even exist, it felt cold. They had a potluck after, in the same house, but yea, we were all basically ignored. It didn't even feel like a memorial, it felt like just a moment for the worker who spoke to preach the gospel and that was it. After going to another funeral recently, which was held in a christian church, it was the exact opposite. People were talking, hugging, shaking hands. Your religion didn't matter. Part of me wished my grandma had a better memorial, but at the same time, she was so deeply entrenched in that faith that she probably would have loved it. Thank you for sharing your story! I was born into it but never liked it, even as a child, it just felt wrong. I never liked how I would have questions and they could never be answered, or I would get told to ask the workers when they come around. When they did come around, they still never answered my questions. I ended up disliking every religion because that was the only one I knew. Recently, with all the information coming out about the 2x2 sect, it has made me really question my own spirituality, after seeing that other religions are not like that at all.
Thank you for so openly telling your story. It helps so much to understand my own. Raised as a Roman Catholic girl I searched for Jesus and a life with fellows in community . I met my husband in a church of brethren. (Don't know the exact name in English.) There was so much legalism. And I was young and naive and fell under much pressure as I got children. Today I know it was my dysfunctional family structure in my childhood which was the foundation for such structure. Bug I was searching the truth. Even in a Baptist Church after that we got into false teaching. After going to a more pentacostal community now I am tired of church structures. Jesus is the only truth. Please continue. ❤
I grew up in this. It's good Christians like you who have really helped me/fed my soul after I left and during the process. Thank you for this. That must have been so difficult to share. I know how hard this stuff is to discuss. It's so, so painful and difficult to express in words. God bless you. God knows you are strong and has used your strength for good. Don't ever feel like this was wasted time or effort being around these people, for them to turn their backs on you. If exposure to your Christian values helped even one single person in this group, your effort was worth it
I understand how hard it is to go to a "normal" church after being in a group like this. Watching David go through that struggle (even though he wanted to go to a church!) was painful.
Wow Merissa, I had panic attacks to the highest degree especially right before I left meetings for good! I can relate so much to you in so many ways! I’m so glad you got out by the grace of God, along with your husband David. God bless you both! I left back in 2020 at the age of 30. My husband never professed but he came a lot with me. My first child was born around the time I left so I’m very thankful to raise my kids to know Jesus Christ for who he really is! GOD! ✝️🤍
I can understand how you can be caught up in something and not fully realise until later that it was either a cult or a very unbiblical church. This happened to me coming out of the charismatic and Pentecostal movement. I always knew something was off but didn't know my bible enough at the time to really know what it was. Jesus was alway mentioned and worshiped but the true gospel message was always sidelined as the focus was on works, signs, wonders, speaking in tongues and finding your purpose! Praise God I am in the word every day and go to a good biblical church whete we hear the gospel every week and Jesus the King is front and centre. Thank you for having the humility to share your story Merissa. Praying for you and David and this ministry.
My daughter is in a legalistic situation like this. So many things form panic attacks, lack of joy, over disciplining for making noise in church.... I dont know how to help her.
The Mormon church is definitely a cult I fell into as a single mother struggling with two troubled teens. I was vulnerable, and they love-bombed me. Being alone, troubled with out of control teens, and working two jobs to support us all, I craved their kindness and attentions. Stayed in their church for about 10 yrs. I realized they worshipped Joseph Smith more than Jesus Christ. I realized you MUST fit into their very narrow mold, using a certain language, doing certain rituals, and participating only in church functions. And that's why they threw me out formally. I had been an alcoholic all my adult life. When visiting my home, someone noticed an empty bottle in my house, and promptly reported it to our bishop The bishop invited me to a private meeting, and told me in a stern way I was out. Now years later, I am grateful to be back to private worship based on the Bible. God answers my prayers, so something is going right!
do your own research. Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints dies NOT worship Joseph Smith. good grief. read the name of the church do your own research! with the church and independently.
@@ardenpeters4386I believe her nearly 10 years with LDS, was her own research; as you suggest. Why would I overlook Joseph Smith's adulteries and Brigham Young's claims that God told him to swap wifes around amoungst his dudes? Please do your own research. Exodus 20:14. Proverbs 14:5. Matthew 4:10. Matthew 15:18&19. John 6:68. 1 Corinthians 7:23. Love you, and I reccomend we all keep studying and learning. Curious is better than Furious. (Micheal Jr.)
Born raised and believed for years. But long lack of joy and disinterest in the suffering of others loosened its hold. It took long years to finally detach .long after im fearful of church setups. But feel god hand nearby
27:38 This is a new one to me. 1Cor12:10 ‘discernment of spirits’ being manifested in the flesh as a suffocating allergic reaction to false doctrines of demons. This woman is a spiritual barometer! Love it. 〰️〰️〰️ p.s. Congratulations David for leaving the cult to keep the joy you found in your wife. She definitely is a🏆keeper. Eph5 19 speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs; singing, and making melody (Gal5v22 JOY) in your heart to the Lord;
If you aren't allowed to ask questions or question anything, that should always be a major red flag. I hope that you've gotten your questions answered now!
I near life-end and never experienced any questions allowed. Typically, get banned/excommunication for trying to understand. I'm not saying absolute, just no personal encounter life-long.
You may feel that you wasted years of your life but like you said God bless us go through things sometimes so that we can save others out of those things. It's not wasted
Thank you for your story. It feels like it is hard to describe the actual pressure. As I watch several of these interviews, each one bring out the fact that the bible is read in small context and not deep detail in which it was designed to be understood. I am saddened by this opening of a religion and brought to light that people are lead astray and not directed to read the bible for themselves. I am also saddened by the status of our Christian Church as a whole that does not read the bible, or believe it is true. We are a people who do what is right in our own eyes. It is sad.
They take no name but are know as meetings, the friends and workers, the way, the fellowship, the truth, etc. from the outside they are know as the 2x2s. There is more info in the description too!
I was raised & still attend a church who believe in The Trinity. But I was shocked to realise the actual word Trinity is not in the bible at all. & yes there are many passages that speak of Jesus also being God, but the scripture also tells us that Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father. So there are clearly two of them & when we get to heaven we will meet both God & Jesus as separate beings. I can’t wrap my head around the 3 in 1 concept & have concluded I may never get it. All I know is one day I will meet God & Jesus. “Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely. Three things will last forever-faith, hope, and love-and the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:12-13 NLT
@juliecramer8459 mentioned, but I'm unable to conceptualize. God will let me know, not humans, if i need to understand. No allistic will tolerate any question to comprehend God.
Yes, definitely. As an Evangelical Christian, I know this cult and have met people involved in it. I know its origins are in Ireland. The sign of a cult... is the attitude people have towards you, when you decide to leave. People who truly know the Lord don't stop speaking to others, just because they leave their church or gathering.
@@elizabethburke5322 that's a good point. But I think the sign of a cult is also that you're not allowed to ask questions and flesh things out with people. Questioning the authority in a church when you feel like it's not biblical and they shut you down
I really really could relate. The world and the churches in this world are like that our Lord Jesus had the same experience. A born again Christian is different. He or she is like our Lorfd God. Love you and your husband very much.
Thank you for sharing your story very I awakening... Long story short an acquaintance of mine wanted me to go to her church so I agreed ... after doing some Bible studies at my house of which was no problem.... But when I got into her church of the Jehovah Witness for the first time I was lucky saw all the red flags at my first church serviceI had the worst anxiety came home and vomited. There talk was the total opposite from what I've been taught for years as a Catholic was very shock 😲 Jehovah witnesses talking about how other religions are the devil that was a red flag right there. The ride home was silent of which was odd. This acquaintance of mine called me up and asked how I like the church service And I told her the truth how I got sick after coming home and the talk about the devil and I did mention I felt like I was in a cult all she said was oh I'm sorry that you feel that way ended the conversation there and never spoke or saw her ever again. Just WOW so brainwashing.... In all my years I've never experienced anything like it so uncomfortable. I no longer go to any church I feel more comfortable in my own home environment reading the Bible, books,listening on TV or radio. Many of times I tell myself today is the day I'm going to take myself to church never happens . Home environment is what I am going to have to live with for now on .
I praise God for bringing your husband out if that cult, and for rescuing you from going deeper into it. The Lord is using you to help open the eyes of other believers, who may not be very discerning. Thank you so much for sharing your story. I do have one question. What is a worker? I'm a born-again believer in Jesus Christ and I don't know anything about the Amish religion. So I'm hearing certain terms, and I don't know what they mean. Are you able to explain a little about that? God bless you and your family, as you point others to the Cross. Jesus saves. 🙏🏻 🕊️
@@davidalink oh! Thank you so much David, for pointing that out to me. I'll check out that information. I should know better than to listen to important videos, on days that I'm not feeling well. It never fails, I always misunderstand what I'm listening to. Thank you for responding.
Meetings are a legalistic group started in 1897 that denies the deity of Christ and strives in vain towards a worked based salvation. They claim no name, but are known as Meetings, The Truth, Friends & Workers, 2x2s, The Fellowship, The Way, etc. They claim to be a continuation of the 1st century church and the "ministers" or workers, are homeless and go in pairs. However, they stay in members homes known as the Friends. In '23 & '24 a lot of CSA and SA has been revealed in the leadership and members, so many of the Friends are leaving the group. You can find out more about them here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Two_by_Twos
@@MerissaAlinkThank you! UA-cam's algorithm randomly sent me to this video on auto play, as I was ironing... But it was both interesting and moving.❤ God bless and best wishes from Sweden.
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
I was raised in the “TRUTH AND WAY: I never even questioned anything, I bought the whole thing, I am now OUT and I’m at peace since I asked my Savior Jesus, to guide me, he did and lead me out. Thank you Jesus. I’m 85 years old and was always pretty skeptical, but this one flew right over my head, I never even had any questions, it was driven into my head from the time I was born. Ask Jesus for guidance.
Praise God!
Jesus saved me from that cult group thankful everyday for freedom
Good for you!
Yes!!!
What cult group is this ?
Thank you for sharing! Your Christian upbringing is part of what saved you & your family. Imagine being in this for 68 years B&R and never hearing the true gospel. What an awakening! I've watched most of David's interviews & they've been very helpful. The last 20+ years I've been convinced the meetings were not the right way to have a relationship with God, but it took the Dean Bruer revelations to make me desperate enough to truly search for what God wants from us. Joy!! Yes!! He loves for us to live abundantly.
I'm so incredibly thankful that I had my upbringing to fall back on once I realized the truth. Even though we still had a lot of rebuilding to do, it gave our family a foundation to start from. My heart truly goes out to those who have to start from square 1.
Dear Merissa - your voice is an important one! Your story shows us 2 things...1- how having access to other perspectives loosens the hold of narrow-minded thinking and lets the light in and 2- we are all prone to the influence of others and to pushing aside the little voices that tell us something's not quite right. Thank you for sharing your story! It broke my heart in many ways to hear your pain and what you've had to go through to get your peace back. But it just made me realize that you're telling my story, too, even though I was raised in it. We have to acknowledge the harm before we can heal. It's hard to do that... especially when loved ones are still in.
You and David are providing a much-needed voice right now. Thank you.
I agree, it will always continue to be a part of us when people that we care about are still part of it. I'm so glad that God has given David (and I!) this outlet to share and encourage!
I was young and married into this. My husband never told me he was in this group until after we were married. It was confusing and scary. I was treated horribly because i would not join and asked questions that were not answered. I was shunned in my own house by my husband...it was discipline....and he neglected me and our children. I still have triggers that set me back. 😢 Thank you for sharing. Getting in the word and prayer is the only thing that alleviates and brings the joy back.
I'm so sorry that this happened to you; our stories seem so similar in so many ways! I'm so thankful, though, to hear that you are finding joy now!
Merissa, thank you for being that "someone else out there" for me. Our stories are so similar, and I am so grateful that you shared. Funny that you brought up the hymns. To me, they sum up my whole experience in this group...the few hymns that I know the tune to sound familiar, but the words aren't the same...the theology is close, but not quite right. Thank you for sharing your story!
Coming out of the religion, I had the same sense, that I would recognize this tune, but the words were all wrong! I got very indignant that “the truth” had to make up their own hymns to make sure they were set apart from all other religions. It disgusted me once I had that revelation. But also, listening to ‘worldly’ Christian music suddenly had me feel so much joy that was never there before. I’m very thankful for my walk with Christ today!
I’m so sorry your experience took the song from your heart. I also love music and want to sing a joyful song of thankfulness and worship. Blessings to you and David. I am glad for all the podcasts and your story! Thanks for sharing so vulnerably.
Thank you Merissa for sharing this. Thank you for being authentically you. You will never know how many people are touched and helped by your story! There will be many. God be with you Always!
You, my dear, are a joy!❤ Thank you so much for sharing your story! I’m glad you’ve gotten some help through counseling, and that God has worked with David to lead him out and you two can grow together. Without knowing you, I know you.. and I love you. David’s interviews have been very helpful to so many, too.
My wife and I fell for it when we were in our thirties. It isn't just being young and naive but as she mentioned , the devil deceives using 97% truth. We left 4 months ago.
It's so true, the devil will use any method he can to be deceptive to us at any age. Praise God that you've been able to find your way out! (Although I'm sure the last few months haven't been easy for you.)
"The devil deceives using 97% truth." That's a great sentence.
God bless you! So happy for you and how Gods grace brought you out 🤍 I left back in 2020 being born and raised in the 2x2s.
I loved hearing your story and am so happy you shared it with us. I can relate to so much of what you’ve been through. I, too, was a kid who loved church, youth group, AWANA, even Campus Crusade in college. I married into the 2x2 and like you, didn’t realize what it was for a while. Fortunately, my husband and I chose to leave meetings when our kids were very young. We say it’s the best decision we made for our family. We go to church as a family with Sunday School. We have been out for 14 years, but we are still dealing with all the baggage. Your story is such an encouragement. Thank you!
It takes such a long time to undo what's been done, no matter how long we were "in" for. I'm so thankful that you were able to leave with your husband and children and start them over with a strong foundation!
My grandchildren attended AWANA and enjoyed it. I left the 2x2’s before I had children. Minimal religious teachings for my children
I think for anyone raised in this, there will always be baggage. It will always be painful. But it gets so, so much easier to handle over time. There is a light and a way forward in spiritual freedom.
Yes! I felt strongly religious growing up. As a child something was always there, and it was the spirit of God. I became Baptist on my own. Simply stated I went from family that saw me as an oddity to marrying into a family that to this day does not accept me 40 years on. I am back in my church. Thankfully our children are in evangelical churches too. Stand strong.
I am so thankful that you shared your story and all the other stories that are shared on this channel. I love that you shared JOY there at the end. My wife and I are now starting to experience that joy also. Thanks so much
Thanks so much for sharing your story. Feeling alone is not a good feeling, nice to be able to connect with someone. I have watched all of David’s interviews and have enjoyed them so much. Thanks again for sharing.
Thank you for giving your testimony. These testimonies are from Jesus to encourage us (and others) as we journey through this life!
Thanks for sharing your story Born and raised left and started back with a outsider wife our story is very familiar I am sorry that you and my wife had to endure this cult Praise Jesus for saving you and your family from this..again thanks for sharing
I'm so thankful that we have an opportunity to share our stories
😭💔❤thank you for sharing this. Everything you said resognated with my heart. I can 100% relate. I went for 20 years, left in fall 23.
Awe Marissa! What an Amazing Testimony. Thank you for stepping out, for being brave and for lovingly standing for God's truth🫶
Philippines 1:6 "being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you,will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
Well done, sweet child, of the True and Living God. ✝️♥️
we didnt go to counselling We just asked God "Please show us ! And He opened the scripture to us! yes so glad now!
We can relate to your experience. i was raised in it ,so know what its like ! God himself will teach us individually !Please show us!!! Thank you !
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! Your story resonates with me so much! I now realize that my wife and I were looking for a God filled church when we joined this. We were very naive and didn’t know it. 50 years later, I wasn’t growing and would bring up things in mtg like Acts 15:28-29 …lay no other burden on you… But it seemed to go over their heads. I sat in meetings, frustrated, not growing. Thinking I am the problem. Till close friends pulled away and I asked them why. Then the blinders came off! Big time! Praise God!
I was raised in this cult. I left in my 20’s. I know all about the excommunication! But praise God, I learned what is truth and know I’m saved! God is good. Thank you for telling your story. ❤
I always wondered how my Dad and step-mom got involved with this crafty cult, I know it must be kind of hard to share your story but many many people need to hear it. May you both continue to expose this works religion. God bless always,
Richard :)
Praise God! 😊👍🏻🙏🏻 Thank you for sharing! Jesus is the Truth!
I’m sure you know how very blessed you are that your husband came to Christ too. I was saved after I got married. Before I was saved I just thought he was a Christian I could get along with. My husband grew up in a “Christian” church that isn’t following the Bible. We’ve been married 26 years and 23 years after I was saved, we are still unequally yoked. Breaks my heart. But I am so happy to hear when others don’t have to go thru that. 🎉🎉🎉
Praying that the Lord give you the grace and wisdom to lead your husband to truth. May strongholds of deception, religion, and control be exposed, broken, and shattered; may the scales be removed from his eyes; and may you both lead many into the real Truth! ...in Jesus' mighty Name!
@@LeightonGRose Yes! Thank you.
Merissa thank you for sharing your story! My heart goes out to you for all the efforts you were putting forth to please God. And you were met with so much criticism that led to panic attacks.. Church should be a happy safe place for children:) so proud of y’all’s decision ❤
Ohu goodness! Your story resonated with me so much! I was born in a cult and experienced many of the sorts of things you did. I can not tell you how much your testimony has brought such comfort and conformation to me. God bless you and thank you so mucb for sharing your testimony. ❤
I'm feeling so bad for your experience with friends...I don't even know you but I love your honesty. I believe you. 😢
I am glad that I took the time to watch this. What a blessing this lovely girl must be to David with her sweet, gentle spirit. I love her take on what children should get out of church. When I used to look after babies in the nursery at church, for me, it wasn't about keeping them out of their parents' hair, so that they could sit in church undisturbed. It was about giving children the experience of having positive associations with church through contact with loving, caring people who recognize their value.
Dear Melissa, I went through honestly the very same thing but through a “Baptist” cult. Everything from the women not liking me because my husband married outside the church, children had to be quiet or get spanked, to a service going till 4:00 am (with my babies lying in my lap) because of the woman who had a ring in her husband’s nose and then the pastor screaming that this man has to control this woman because if he can not control this church he resigns… as the church stood and pointed their fingers at me screaming, “Look at what you’ve done!” All because I asked a question. We would love to tell our story of how God used this situation to finally cause a fracture in my husband’s wall, allowed us to help lead other’s to the truth of God’s love and freedom through Christ. Good’s wonderful protection and love is all throughout our story and we would love to use it to help others feel His love.
Thank you Merissa for your story... Yes, where's the joy ?
Absolutely important!
Thank you, thank you…..
Thank you for sharing your raw experience.
NEVER DOUBT IN THE dark, WHAT YOU’VE LEARNED IN THE LIGHT!
God has brought you through this wilderness, to touch thousands.
Wow! Praise the Lord! I loved your Testimony. Very powerful and so true. Every Christian needs to hear your Testimony as satan has wirely ways to lead people down a dark path. You are so easy to listen to and I listened to every word on the edge of my chair.
Thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much Marissa for sharing your experience, wish I could give you a big hug- Louise
I just want to meet you and wrap you in my arms to comfort you! I have trouble seeing the harm that this group inflicted sometimes because when I grew up in it, I must have been the frog in the boiling water in so many ways, but still there was something that was not meeting the needs I had and I have been at a great church now for 20 years that has met theses needs. Since see this contrast, I can relate to the lack of joy, and the constant striving to do what is required when I was part of “the truth”. Maybe someday we will meet and have a good discussion about all this; is sure love to!
I'd love that! We have plans for many more travels in the future so you never know :)
Marissa, first I want to say, ty for sharing.your story. 2nd, I too have been, gone thru PTSD, and I found the Lotd, and in finding God, and getting to know and build that relationship, He has made me whole again. So, as you go thru your counseling, learn to forgive them, and pray for them. For they know NOT what they do, but by doing this, you may save many souls. Blessed be to Our Trinity, may God prosper you and your family. 😊❤ Love from AZ-US
Astounding and powerful! Thank you! I was also that girl. Praise God for deliverance!
Your not the only lady that happened to. I was never accepted by people my age in meetings. Mainly cause I was blessed with the understanding of the bible. I could articulate it in my testimony. I think alot of people thought I should be in the work. I was always dressed right. My hair was always neat. So don't feel alone. I was never accepted by women my age during my time professing. Big hugs. Your truly a meek and beautiful soul. 💝
Melissa, thank you for your honest and brilliant account of leaving what you married into. You are a brave and thoughtful young woman who told your story and I am sure that it will wake up anybody who listens to you. God is using you for His work in this. You are brilliant for sharing it just like it is!
A powerful testimony, I so enjoyed it. your sincerity stands out. May our God be uplifted through your and David's ministry. Watching from the Land Down Under.
Thank you for sharing !
Thank you for sharing your story. I was 4th generation born and raised, and it took the events of last year to make me finally see clearly. You are right - there is so much joy that we were missing out on. I know that you think your story is so different from those of us that were born and raised, but really, there are so many commonalities between what you said in this "interview" and what we experienced. The difference, as you pointed out, is that we are "baby" Christians now, whereas you had a basis of knowledge. Anyway, thanks for sharing.
I'm so glad you've finally found the joy!
Thank You for sharing.
You completely blessed me with your openness. I am so thankful that you and David are loving Jesus and living for Him.
Thank you Marissa, my heart broke, actually I did cry, bcuz when you mentioned, the red flags, the times that I went to, that made me think that I was going crazy, doubting what I felt, that was when I let it out. This was a powerful testimony, and I feel like, released. Whhhh, ok ty again
I just discovered your channel this morning. Very interesting amen
Thanks for sharing,
James
So very happy for you and your family...."always ask questions" is the best advice!! God is using your family to share how to know the whole truth....praying you continue to heal.
Thank you so much for sharing! We left in May of 2023 after almost 55 years of being in. We love now knowing the true gospel story and the true joy of living for God! God is amazing! ❤️
Wonderful!
@@davidalinkThis is shocking! UA-cam "algorithm" brought this to my feed. Otherwise, I never heard of it until now. The religious terminology certainly sounds like what various Christian groups use, so outsiders could be subtly deceived. (Mormons are similar in their recruitment process. You probably already know that.) It is easy to see how a young woman could have been deceived.
@@Charity-vm4bt sounds like God brought it to your feed.
I need to shorten my other comment. They are not like the Quakers or Mormons that I know. Thanks. @purplelove392
Great story telling. Love all the vivid detail. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Takes a lot of courage to share what you shared. Thanks so much for sharing. Praying the Lord continue to fill you with His peace and joy.
Thank you, Merissa for all that you shared here from your heart. It was very encouraging for me, and I could relate with you in so many of your experiences you mentioned. Praise God that your eyes were opened, and David’s eyes were opened.❤️
God put it in David's heart to marry a woman who was raised outside of meetings, not to bring her into them, but to bring him out of bondage. God sure had a treasure in store for him. Not everybody who was raised in church cares about the things of God as much as Merissa does.
Thank you for sharing. I’m so glad you guys were able to get out and just keep on keeping on.
Never feeling “good enough”, yep, that pretty well sums up the 2x2/meeting culture.
I grew up in it from the time I was 4 years old and finally quit for good when I was 43. I’ve been out 15 years now and as more time passes, I see all of the incongruities of “the way”. When it all hit the fan last year with all the workers being exposed for their sexual abuses, I was thinking is this what it takes for people to realize this is so wrong?
I feel like I could write a book about it, but I’d rather just move on with my life than dwell in the dark spaces of the past of this cult.
Thank you for sharing your story, it’s very important that people hear this. It’s such an emotionally abusive culture.
Merissa, i am so grateful for having listened to you testimony this morning. My walk is very different in that i continued all my life to go to an evangelical (reformed) church and when i married my husband, who was English speaking, we started going to like English speaking churches. However, what is happening in so many denominations today is a slow moving away from Christ centered teaching, Him being Lord of the church and our lives, to an easy believism that " we are okay and that God loves us and wants to bless us", that 90% truth, with no emphasis on, or call to salvation in Christ and accepting Him as our Lord as well as Saviour. So I take from your testimony to ask even the right questions in all instances, and to recognise these subtle diversions from the Truth we have in Christ Jesus. May you be blessed as you continue your walk with Him and may He guide you as you raise your family in His name. With so much gratitude, encouragement and prayer, Lynette Marchant, south Africa.
I so appreciated your truth. I understand the brainwashing and the PTSD. I am very traumatized for the whole lie. And i missed 20 yrs. I am so thankful you got out. And so thankful David finally saw the light. Your message today was just what i needed on a lonely Sunday morning. There is hope, i might find joy. God bless you, David and your family. Davids ministry is a big help to my loneliness. I too had left because of terrible panic attacks. Then my eyes were opened to the lies. I appreciate your willingness to share. I heard you, and it did make a difference. I told David, one day i hope to share my story. But its a nasty one. Not sure its fit for airing.
When you mentioned the funeral, that is the exact same experience I had at my own grandmother's funeral/memorial. Part of my family is in it (still are), and another part is not anymore. For those of us not in it, it was like we didn't even exist, it felt cold. They had a potluck after, in the same house, but yea, we were all basically ignored. It didn't even feel like a memorial, it felt like just a moment for the worker who spoke to preach the gospel and that was it. After going to another funeral recently, which was held in a christian church, it was the exact opposite. People were talking, hugging, shaking hands. Your religion didn't matter. Part of me wished my grandma had a better memorial, but at the same time, she was so deeply entrenched in that faith that she probably would have loved it.
Thank you for sharing your story! I was born into it but never liked it, even as a child, it just felt wrong. I never liked how I would have questions and they could never be answered, or I would get told to ask the workers when they come around. When they did come around, they still never answered my questions. I ended up disliking every religion because that was the only one I knew. Recently, with all the information coming out about the 2x2 sect, it has made me really question my own spirituality, after seeing that other religions are not like that at all.
I'm so sorry that you had to go through similar experiences! Continue asking questions and seeking answers :)
You have such a gentle and sensitive spirit. Thank you for sharing your story.
Thank you for your boldness in sharing your story. May God bless you and your marriage/family as you move forward in Him.
Very nice ending 🩷 You brought me joy 🌷
Thank you for so openly telling your story. It helps so much to understand my own. Raised as a Roman Catholic girl I searched for Jesus and a life with fellows in community . I met my husband in a church of brethren. (Don't know the exact name in English.) There was so much legalism. And I was young and naive and fell under much pressure as I got children. Today I know it was my dysfunctional family structure in my childhood which was the foundation for such structure. Bug I was searching the truth. Even in a Baptist Church after that we got into false teaching. After going to a more pentacostal community now I am tired of church structures.
Jesus is the only truth.
Please continue. ❤
I did not know about "the meetings" or whatever name the group goes by. Thanks for educating Christians about them
I grew up in this. It's good Christians like you who have really helped me/fed my soul after I left and during the process. Thank you for this. That must have been so difficult to share. I know how hard this stuff is to discuss. It's so, so painful and difficult to express in words. God bless you. God knows you are strong and has used your strength for good. Don't ever feel like this was wasted time or effort being around these people, for them to turn their backs on you. If exposure to your Christian values helped even one single person in this group, your effort was worth it
I understand how hard it is to go to a "normal" church after being in a group like this. Watching David go through that struggle (even though he wanted to go to a church!) was painful.
Wow Merissa, I had panic attacks to the highest degree especially right before I left meetings for good! I can relate so much to you in so many ways! I’m so glad you got out by the grace of God, along with your husband David. God bless you both! I left back in 2020 at the age of 30. My husband never professed but he came a lot with me. My first child was born around the time I left so I’m very thankful to raise my kids to know Jesus Christ for who he really is! GOD! ✝️🤍
I have a UA-cam video of my life story “Vanessa’s Testimony Out Of Spiritual Bondage”
ua-cam.com/video/riamDf4VJfI/v-deo.htmlsi=pgH-JbZVQmf6c8TP
I can understand how you can be caught up in something and not fully realise until later that it was either a cult or a very unbiblical church. This happened to me coming out of the charismatic and Pentecostal movement. I always knew something was off but didn't know my bible enough at the time to really know what it was. Jesus was alway mentioned and worshiped but the true gospel message was always sidelined as the focus was on works, signs, wonders, speaking in tongues and finding your purpose! Praise God I am in the word every day and go to a good biblical church whete we hear the gospel every week and Jesus the King is front and centre.
Thank you for having the humility to share your story Merissa. Praying for you and David and this ministry.
Thank you for the prayers!
Its a relief that im not the only one that had similar experiences. Thank you
Such an interesting perspective. Thank you so much for sharing your story.
My daughter is in a legalistic situation like this. So many things form panic attacks, lack of joy, over disciplining for making noise in church.... I dont know how to help her.
Oh, sister, what a testimony! Praise God for showing your husband the Truth!
Thank you, for sharing your story. You are such a beautiful person full of God’s light.
I certainly identify with your story, mine is very similar! THANK YOU for sharing!!!🙏👏😊
The Mormon church is definitely a cult I fell into as a single mother struggling with two troubled teens.
I was vulnerable, and they love-bombed me. Being alone, troubled with out of control teens, and working two jobs to support us all, I craved their kindness and attentions.
Stayed in their church for about 10 yrs.
I realized they worshipped Joseph Smith more than Jesus Christ. I realized you MUST fit into their very narrow mold, using a certain language, doing certain rituals, and participating only in church functions.
And that's why they threw me out formally.
I had been an alcoholic all my adult life. When visiting my home, someone noticed an empty bottle in my house, and promptly reported it to our bishop
The bishop invited me to a private meeting, and told me in a stern way I was out.
Now years later, I am grateful to be back to private worship based on the Bible.
God answers my prayers, so something is going right!
As you know, using alcohol isn’t a reason to be put “out” of the LDS church. There is more to the story here. May God bless you on your new journey.
do your own research. Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints dies NOT worship Joseph Smith. good grief. read the name of the church do your own research! with the church and independently.
@@ardenpeters4386I believe her nearly 10 years with LDS, was her own research; as you suggest.
Why would I overlook Joseph Smith's adulteries and Brigham Young's claims that God told him to swap wifes around amoungst his dudes?
Please do your own research.
Exodus 20:14. Proverbs 14:5. Matthew 4:10. Matthew 15:18&19. John 6:68. 1 Corinthians 7:23.
Love you, and I reccomend we all keep studying and learning.
Curious is better than Furious. (Micheal Jr.)
And doing my family genealogy apparently opened up a can of worms along with reporting abuse.
You are amazing and have great courage. Blessings to you and your family.
You are an amazing young woman. Thank you for sharing your story. God bless you. 🙋🏼♀️🇦🇺
You can leave a cult in minutes but it might take a lifetime for the cult to leave you.
Wow. That is so true. From 8 yrs old to 35 years old for me. From birth to 35 for my spouse. It took YEARS to clear our hearts and heads.
...yes, too true... glad I am where I am now but it's been very difficult transition.
Well done Merissa, love your story & for helping David
Born raised and believed for years. But long lack of joy and disinterest in the suffering of others loosened its hold. It took long years to finally detach .long after im fearful of church setups. But feel god hand nearby
Thank you merissa
27:38 This is a new one to me. 1Cor12:10 ‘discernment of spirits’ being manifested in the flesh as a suffocating allergic reaction to false doctrines of demons. This woman is a spiritual barometer! Love it.
〰️〰️〰️
p.s. Congratulations David for leaving the cult to keep the joy you found in your wife. She definitely is a🏆keeper. Eph5 19 speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs; singing, and making melody (Gal5v22 JOY) in your heart to the Lord;
Thank you for sharing your story Merissa
God bless you for sharing this. " I don't know why I had to leave, I just know I had to leave". The guidance and prompting of the Holy Spirit..
Absolutely!
We were never allowed to ask questions. If we ask questions they were overlooked or pushed aside or looked down upon
If you aren't allowed to ask questions or question anything, that should always be a major red flag. I hope that you've gotten your questions answered now!
@@MerissaAlink I have many questions but I wont ask the workers.
I near life-end and never experienced any questions allowed. Typically, get banned/excommunication for trying to understand. I'm not saying absolute, just no personal encounter life-long.
I'm glad God you out!! It's for freedom that you've been set free!
You may feel that you wasted years of your life but like you said God bless us go through things sometimes so that we can save others out of those things. It's not wasted
Thank you for your story. It feels like it is hard to describe the actual pressure. As I watch several of these interviews, each one bring out the fact that the bible is read in small context and not deep detail in which it was designed to be understood. I am saddened by this opening of a religion and brought to light that people are lead astray and not directed to read the bible for themselves. I am also saddened by the status of our Christian Church as a whole that does not read the bible, or believe it is true. We are a people who do what is right in our own eyes. It is sad.
What is meeting? I'm confused! What church is this?
They take no name but are know as meetings, the friends and workers, the way, the fellowship, the truth, etc. from the outside they are know as the 2x2s. There is more info in the description too!
@@davidalinkThat is how they hide their identity! Those words are innocuous!
I was raised & still attend a church who believe in The Trinity. But I was shocked to realise the actual word Trinity is not in the bible at all. & yes there are many passages that speak of Jesus also being God, but the scripture also tells us that Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father. So there are clearly two of them & when we get to heaven we will meet both God & Jesus as separate beings. I can’t wrap my head around the 3 in 1 concept & have concluded I may never get it. All I know is one day I will meet God & Jesus.
“Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely. Three things will last forever-faith, hope, and love-and the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:12-13 NLT
And don’t forget that Jesus sent the Holy Spirit just like He promised. The third member of the deity! Hallelujah!
You might want to check out Focus on the Kingdom, if it's not in the bible then maybe there's a reason for that. God bless.
When Jesus the Son was baptized, God the Father spoke, and the Holy Spirit came down like a dove, All 3 are mentioned
@juliecramer8459 mentioned, but I'm unable to conceptualize. God will let me know, not humans, if i need to understand. No allistic will tolerate any question to comprehend God.
The word "Godhead" is in the Bible.
Thank you for sharing your story, Merissa. You mentioned the "workers" are homeless. Who are the workers and what exactly do they do?
They are the "ministers" in the group. There is more info in the description too!
I love your attitude merissa. Tks for sharing.
That's a really good point - young people need to be taught about cults
yes!!
Yes, definitely. As an Evangelical Christian, I know this cult and have met people involved in it. I know its origins are in Ireland. The sign of a cult... is the attitude people have towards you, when you decide to leave. People who truly know the Lord don't stop speaking to others, just because they leave their church or gathering.
@@elizabethburke5322 that's a good point. But I think the sign of a cult is also that you're not allowed to ask questions and flesh things out with people. Questioning the authority in a church when you feel like it's not biblical and they shut you down
Oh my goodness, my story is very identical to Merissa's. Except we're still pat of it for the moment... I am still processing a lot of things 😔
A live and learn story and that's ok❤❤❤
I really really could relate. The world and the churches in this world are like that our Lord Jesus had the same experience. A born again Christian is different. He or she is like our Lorfd God. Love you and your husband very much.
Thank you for sharing your story very I awakening... Long story short an acquaintance of mine wanted me to go to her church so I agreed ... after doing some Bible studies at my house of which was no problem.... But when I got into her church of the Jehovah Witness for the first time I was lucky saw all the red flags at my first church serviceI had the worst anxiety came home and vomited.
There talk was the total opposite from what I've been taught for years as a Catholic was very shock 😲 Jehovah witnesses talking about how other religions are the devil that was a red flag right there.
The ride home was silent of which was odd.
This acquaintance of mine called me up and asked how I like the church service
And I told her the truth how I got sick after coming home and the talk about the devil and I did mention I felt like I was in a cult all she said was oh I'm sorry that you feel that way ended the conversation there and never spoke or saw her ever again. Just WOW so
brainwashing.... In all my years I've never experienced anything like it so uncomfortable.
I no longer go to any church I feel more comfortable in my own home environment reading the Bible, books,listening on TV or radio.
Many of times I tell myself today is the day I'm going to take myself to church never happens .
Home environment is what I am going to have to live with for now on .
Where I grew up we called that "having no life, there was only death". It's unexplainable
Marissa your strong, you followed the Lord and your heart.❤
❤❤❤
I'm trying to figure out what 'group' this is?
There is more info about the group in the description box. They are known on the outside as the 2x2s.
@@MerissaAlink - Thank you!
What i found crazy in my experience, were thw workers. My marraige was failing, and a worker, unmarried, wanted to council us about marraige?
I praise God for bringing your husband out if that cult, and for rescuing you from going deeper into it. The Lord is using you to help open the eyes of other believers, who may not be very discerning. Thank you so much for sharing your story. I do have one question. What is a worker? I'm a born-again believer in Jesus Christ and I don't know anything about the Amish religion. So I'm hearing certain terms, and I don't know what they mean. Are you able to explain a little about that?
God bless you and your family, as you point others to the Cross. Jesus saves. 🙏🏻 🕊️
This is not the Amish but a group called the 2x2s. There is more info in the description!
@@davidalink oh! Thank you so much David, for pointing that out to me. I'll check out that information. I should know better than to listen to important videos, on days that I'm not feeling well. It never fails, I always misunderstand what I'm listening to. Thank you for responding.
@@louisehenari4916 David is also working on another video with more info on the group and the history. He should have that up in a few weeks :)
@@MerissaAlink I look forward to watching it. 🙂❣️🕊️🙏🏻
# WHAT are "Meetings" ??? I'm a devout Christian and have Never heard of the "Meetings" that you are talking about/referring to ...?????
Meetings are a legalistic group started in 1897 that denies the deity of Christ and strives in vain towards a worked based salvation. They claim no name, but are known as Meetings, The Truth, Friends & Workers, 2x2s, The Fellowship, The Way, etc. They claim to be a continuation of the 1st century church and the "ministers" or workers, are homeless and go in pairs. However, they stay in members homes known as the Friends. In '23 & '24 a lot of CSA and SA has been revealed in the leadership and members, so many of the Friends are leaving the group. You can find out more about them here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Two_by_Twos
Is "THE WAY" one of these groups?
It is the same
Thank you for sharing We all have been deiced in different ways
What religion is this where they go to “meetings”?
2x2
Thank you for sharing your experience. ❤️
This group is known on the outside as the 2x2s but within the group they refer to themselves as Friends and Workers or The Truth.
@@MerissaAlinkThank you! UA-cam's algorithm randomly sent me to this video on auto play, as I was ironing... But it was both interesting and moving.❤ God bless and best wishes from Sweden.
@@thebigmacdNever heard of this. Do the go by a different name? Are they non trinity or Jesus only?
Helps explain my journey