Kids Forum
A 14-year-old sent me an e-mail about Generations and suggested I create an area in this blog for kids' stories. I thought it was a great idea, so here it is.
On another note, I get a lot of personal e-mails from people who are worried about posting to the blog section of this site because of their fear about remaining anonymous. Don't worry ... posters always have the option to remain anonymous.
On another note, I get a lot of personal e-mails from people who are worried about posting to the blog section of this site because of their fear about remaining anonymous. Don't worry ... posters always have the option to remain anonymous.
i have felt in this case some wat "victimized" by this church. and im only 14. i attend a junior high and im an honor roll student. when i went to generations it was great but i realized there ups and downs. there are good stuff about that church to. like how there nice and how there word is strictly from the bible. but then i stopped goin from something i felt after wards. i went to the encounter and after that i had to graduate then go to post encounter. i had no time for myself. i was always making sure i had the right stuff. and that i was prepared. when i graduated from the post encounter there was a list waiting for me to sign up for the school of leaders. i didnt wanna do it. i felt pressured to join. so i signed the paper feeling intimidated every step of the way and wondering wat would happen if i didnt. it got annyoing of how guilty i felt after offering time. cuz i honestly didnt wanna loose all my money. its not fair by them tricking us in to telling us its for god when its actually for them. i started dropping my grades and more depression fell on me. the first day of school of leaders i dropped out. and i never regreted it. not now,not ever. i never wanna feel like that again. i felt like people hated me.
especially at cell cuz i felt like i wasnt one of them. you kno in the presence?? at church and the encounter we were taught to speak in tounges. kids younger than me dont understand there is something wrong. there are so many kids my age and younger that are there. wasting money being taught that if your not cristian or apart of that church that like your basically nothing and that your just like the world. im not sayin all of it is bad.
i dont wanna stab it in the back cuz i do still attend that church. im not kidding when i say there is some good stuff there to. although that was kinda bologna when the guy said he saw a head floating i mean c'mon get real lol but hey it could be true.
i also have 2 other sisters who are in love with the church. there are mainly giving the authority to pastor Rich then our own mother! they rather listen to him then my mom. my younger sister told her that she had been preaching at skool many kids tried to pick fights with her or beat her up, but of course there are many other people that go to my skool and go to that church that were on her side. and my other sister has told my mom that since she isnt the same religion type she is and that she doesnt go to church that she will to, go to hell. they have been rude to me and my mom since they have been in school of leaders. the only reason i still go to that church is cuz i kno wat to expect. i kno the truth. i kno wat to and wat not to get myself in to. i kno when to make the good and bad decision of wat i want not wat they want. i wanna thank you for opening my eyes to see the truth and wat really lies beneath our feet. im also here to tell and show you that it does not only effect the adult mind, but alot of children, and i was one of them.
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!!! I'm a parent and I totally understand. You are so strong to see all of this! Your relationship with God is what is important- KNOW that and don't let anybody tell you otherwise! Kids are so much more vulnerable to the recruiting tactics. Older youth (late teens) church members go on a lot of school campuses to hang out with their "deciples" looking to recruit others. Do the schools know this? Are they aware? I don't know. How many kids and teens are involved and their parents don't even realize? Parents make the mistake of assuming that because the organization is a church that it is safe. Not always so.
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Im new to Yuma and am trying to find a church. Im glad Im reading this because of all their advertising it is eye catching. But being from LA and knowing how much people use the word of god to their own advantage I managed to attend 2 churches and see how every Sunday they ask for more $$$. Chairs, concerts etc. Where does the money go. If you see these pastors lifestyles you are left to wonder. Good luck all and know that where 2 or more meet God's presence is with you. (Start a study group at home)
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I attend Generations.
Since reading this website and blog, I have had mixed feelings and don't know what to think. I am 14, and I began my "journey" two weeks ago. My friend begged me to go to her church, and me and her are really close. So of course I went. When I went to my first sermon, I thought that it was pretty cool, with the good music, and exceptionally great sermons and teachings. But I also noticed how they used guilt and your feelings against you. At first I thought that it was just tough love, because they wanted you to ove God, and come to church to be safe, but then it started to get bad. They made fun of other religions, and criticized people that didn't go to their church. A lot of my good friends go there, but two of my really good friends went to the chruch once and were convinced it was a cult. Before I started going I agreed, but then I went and was sucked in. Like the first perso that commented, I feel victimized. I don't understand why people use God to get money. I was so excited to be commited to somethig, and actually engoy it too. Realizing that the church is a fake is heartwrenching to me, I trusted my faith, my heart, AND my money in that church. It really sucks to be let down.
I would like to hear more of your evidence, if you could emil me that would be great!
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Please please please, as a parent... I'm telling you to share this with your parents. There are many wonderful churches in town. I'm happy that Generations intruduced you to Christ, now build your relationship with him elsewhere. I am a parent and my child was sucked in hard! It was difficult to pull him away, very difficult. It becomes your life. All your friends go to cell, church, revolution hang out etc etc. My son wasnt the only one sucked in; I was too, so I know it's hard. It saddens me to think of how many parents don't realize the influence that is being put on kids. I'm so glad we are out now, we are worshiping the Lord at a healthy balanced church....
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"CYC was so good yesterday and the all seeing, all knowing, future telling Pastor Brandon totally made my night.
I LOVE CYC!!!
amazing pastor... amazing worship... amazing people... and an amazing God!!!"
I was just searching around other congregations in Yuma and found this comment on a Champion youth members myspace comment board. Since when is
G-D put last? Youth can really loose the message that is being said. I wonder if all these congregations are the same. Is it all lights, concerts and a big show. It's sad to see people love and worship someone in the name of G-D. God is first above all "things". Please let us all truly pray for these people. It is not there fault that they are misguided.
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Kids beware! If you know anybody who goes to Generations, they will invite you to cell. They will invite you weekly because they are taught to be consistent. There is a lot of pressure for the kids to bring their friends. The cells set annual goals of how big they want to grow and how many new leaders they want to produce. It's very harmless and quite fun actually. Music, food, a short lesson and prayer then some hang out time with friends. Sounds good so you go again and again. Once you are a "regular" then you'll be pressured to go to the encounter and the process begins. Parents, know where you kids are and who they are with!!!
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i just wanted to say that to all of the people who have gone there and that feel drawn away from the whole 'christian scene' don't lose hope. just as there are nice and mean people in the world, there are good and bad churches. you just have to look until you find the truth. christianity really is an amazing thing, here are some churches that ive experienced and/or heard are fantastic!
first christian church
desert grace
stone ridge church
oasis church
morningside baptist church
calvary baptist church
calvary temple of christ
don't give up! theres always Hope :D
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i attend calvary temple of christ and would recomend it to anyone. so if you are looking for a church, you are always welcome there!
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hey john...jus wanted to stop by and say that u r a liar...u have not met god so u dont kno wat u r saying...
ur a retarted piece of crap... Generations Church is praying that you will die. Rich Witmer himself said that you are Satan and for us to fight you.
i'll pray for u at night...because you are a peace of crap. Only those who go to Generations will be saved. ahahahhaah.
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Unbelievably, The skeptic in me is somehow convinced that your not a current member of generations. perhaps an immature youth bent on sparking more controversy between the members of this site and the church. that is, unless anyone else can attest to generation's members praying for the death of dear ol' John...
highly unlikely, is my opinion. as bitter towards generations as i am, i don't believe it.
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Doesn't Witmer preach, "by your fruits you will be known?"
So, You are an example of the fruit that Witmer and Generations produce.
If you were my child I would wash your mouth out with soap.
Young Person; try to understand the following.
"This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
But ye have not so learned Christ;
If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness."
(Ephesians 4:17-24)
You represent exactly why Generations should be shut down and Witmer should be in prison.
Child abuse at it's ugliest.
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What a great group of Christians you must all be to pray for someone to die.
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spread the word!!!!!!!!! STOP THIS CULT THEY'RE TRYING TO TAKE OVER YUMA! i hate seeing those stickers haha. i will talk to any generations member i surpass from now on... maybe and try to break some sense into their brainwashed pea brains... its very sad but we must do something about it actions speak louder than words. JOHN what your doing is awesome! i did go to this church once!!! i dont see why everyone doesn't see the obvious i googled the pastors name the same night and found this site. I love you john keep it up!
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Listen people, you don't need to go to a church that's going to make you feel bad, feel guilty and just ill. Do you think God had that in mind when he created this place? No, he wants people who love him. I'm sure he doesn't care if you worship him in your backyard, down by the river, or whever. My point is make time for your God, and do it in your heart, because that is where the real God dwells.
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