| Author | Message | ||
| Jorgfe Registered user Username: Jorgfe Post Number: 27 Registered: 11-2005 |
Does anyone remember the movie put out by Jack Darnell, and promoted by the denomination? There were also the Wilderness Survival Seminars, as well as advanced honors in how to lead entire groups of people through the woods concealed, etc. As a 15 year old I was captivated -- after all I wanted to be "ready" for the Time of Trouble". I lived at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. My father was a faculty teacher there. We all started up a AU Chapter of the Wilderness Survival Seminars. The Darnell's (and Terry Snyder, his assistant) were from the Kentucky - Tennessee SDA Conference. I went on about four of the camping/survivaling seminars. They were real neat, and I learned lots of good survival skills. I remember the movie, shown in the mid-60s, made a big impression on anyone who saw it. It started out with a Adventist family listening to the radio, and the Universal Sunday Law has just been decreed. The family grabs their already-packed backpacks, sleeping bags, tents, and other provisions, and shortly afterward heads down the Interstate in the 1960's station wagon for "the mountains". That scene was a very sobering one for me -- for in my mind it clearly paralleled the story of the wise and foolish virgins. Any gaps in the story line were amply embellished by the frightening stories Ellen White had earlier penned in Early Writings. As a result of my interest in survival skills, at the time I purchased a book called "Wild Plants to Eat", by Jack and Mirium Darnell. http://www.edibleplants.com/miriam.htm This evening I got it out and noticed the familiar advertisement in the back. Even though the ad states that it was a "national emergency", at the time it was clearly understood by all that this was referring to our flight upon announcement of the "National Sunday Law". As I look back, what kind of "national emergency" would require fleeing to the Smoky Mountains? I wonder how many Katrina victims thought of the Smoky Mountains? Here is the ad from the back of the book: MOTION PICTURE - PREPARE FOR THE STORM! An educational travelogue depicting family survival in the Smoky Mountains during a national emergency, a wilderness survival field school, how to load your backpack, how to learn survival on your vacations, how to make your survival kit, snow climbing summer and winter, survival tips, how to be prepared. Viewed with appreciation by thousands. On hour -- two reels PS2 -- $495.00. Rental -- $20.00. ORDER AND MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION Outdoor Eduquip, Box 770, North Fork, Ca. 93643 All orders cash | ||
| Wolfgang Registered user Username: Wolfgang Post Number: 12 Registered: 10-2005 |
I wonder how many militia(sp) Ruby Ridge type folk purchased that book? | ||
| Jorgfe Registered user Username: Jorgfe Post Number: 30 Registered: 11-2005 |
It's so interesting how even today SDAs are purchasing "a piece of property in the country for the Time of Trouble". I have frequently felt that, like Paul, if I am doing the Holy Spirit's bidding I am going to be where the people are instead of concerned foremost with my own personal safety. I remember as a child how I had been told that a relative that worked for the Oregon Conference could assist people in finding suitable property in Oregon for the Time of Trouble. That was back in the 1960s. I know someone in Washington state that has purchased property in North Carolina and is building a retreat there for the Time of Trouble. Having grown up in western North Carolina (part of the Southern Bible Belt -- so called for the strong Southern Baptist presence ) I looked forward to at least moving west of the Missippi River where it wouldn't be so far to flee to some real mountains. Even now the emotion scars of that distorted teaching runs deep. I am so thankful for the newfound peace that the Holy Spirit brings to me. Currently we have lived near Salt Lake City, Utah for the past 14 years, and it has been fascinating to see how the Mormons have the same "bunker" mentality. It was especially active in preparation for Y2K. Generators, food preparation, guns and ammunition, etc. The apocalyptic vision, so rampant in Ellen White's writings runs deep in both cultures. That is also what created in David Koresh's mind the inevitability of the events at Waco. In his mind, they were a fulfillment of Adventist prophetic thinking (adapted to his worldview). It is so refreshing to now study the Bible, uncluttered by Ellen White's distorted thinking, and let the rays of truth shine in. Praise God for his wonderful blessings, and the gift of the Comforter. Gilbert | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 3128 Registered: 12-2003  |
Gilbert, I so understand your feelings about this. When I was in the fifth grade I first heard the story "Now" by Merikay Silver. I think the year was 1964. It was terrifying, and I believed it represented the TRUTH. When I think how those stories were structured to depict people putting their lives on the line for the sake of the SABBATH, I'm horrified. Jesus, not the Sabbath, is the One for whom we offer ourselves. Yes, praise God for the Comforter and the truth of the Gospel as recorded in Scripture. Colleen | ||
| Wolfgang Registered user Username: Wolfgang Post Number: 14 Registered: 10-2005 |
two yrs ago we met ppl that were in an off shoot,and they thought we should go to the middle east and hold up in a cave. and bear arms,all sorts out there.I remember going on nature walks and somone would always bring up this might be a good place for hiding. I'll have to ask my kids if they remember that,we never brought it up in our home,cause we were never afraid,God has always provided and always will. | ||
| Dennis Registered user Username: Dennis Post Number: 540 Registered: 4-2000  |
Some wilderness survival experience was required in order to graduate from College View Academy here in Lincoln, Nebraska several years ago. I don't know if it still is a requirement. My daughter called me to rescue her from living in a tiny foxhole--even the academy principal was a participant. As I arrived to pick up my daughter in distress, another student pleaded to also flee this little "time of trouble" experience. So, I ended up actually rescuing two students that night. They were most delighted to be going home. Yes, it still boggles my mind how I could have believed in all these things for so many years. I praise God continually for rescuing me from a toxic-faith system--even after more than forty years in slavery. At the right time, God is faithful to deliver us. The sad truth is that we would not have been willing to leave at an earlier date. God is awesome! Dennis Fischer | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 2156 Registered: 3-2004  |
I do not remember seeing the film, but I remember the teachings. For some reason, thank you God, it did not stick, because all my Mom's relatives are Catholic and a favorite cousin of hers is a priest. I just could not believe what the SDA church taught about them. I do thank our AWESOME God for rescuing me from all that slavery. I thank Him for rescuing my son from that slavery while he was still in grade school. And Dennis, I think you are correct, that we would not have left earlier. God knows the right time and circumstances and then He takes each individual out. Thank You God. You are awesome. Diana | ||
| Jorgfe Registered user Username: Jorgfe Post Number: 35 Registered: 11-2005 |
Do any of you know anything about a "Time of Trouble" novel published in "These Times" magazine, March 1955, by Southern Publishing Association called "The Year Time Ended ... and After" by Ernest Reed, illustrated by Clyde Provonsha? I can't even describe how bizarre it is! To think that I used to actually believe this... Gilbert | ||
| Lisa_boyldavis Registered user Username: Lisa_boyldavis Post Number: 126 Registered: 3-2005 |
We currently live in Seattle and when we go "home" to my husbands hometown for the holidays were are told all kinds of reasons why these people living in a terribly depressed part of the country would never live in Seattle (that we would be the first to be attached, that there could be a volcano or a tsunami!! etc....). My Bible says don't worry about tomorrow because tomorrow has enough worries of it's own. As a kid I remember being in church one Sabbath and during a sermon, suddenly out of the blue there was a loud knock at the back of the church and yelling, "police officers" were there angrily yelling that they were going to arrest us because we were worshiping on the Sabbath. I hit the floor and hid under the pew shacking and sick. It was play acting but I didn't sleep for weeks and had panic attracts off and on for years ... the fear propagated by the fact that my parents and their friends LOVED to talk about the end times. After awhile my parents got a clue that I could not handle it emotionally, but they are still watching the times, reading things like Keys to this Blood, etc... The crazy thing... while they were play acting things that could happen some day, people all over the world were and still are dying for claiming Jesus as Lord. YES YOU ARE LORD, JESUS CHRIST, AND I THANK YOU FOR THE TRUTH YOU HAVE GIVEN ME AND FOR THE FREEDOME AND PEACE AND CONFIDENCE IN TRUSTING IN YOU WITHOUT FEAR. Lisa | ||
| Goldenbear Registered user Username: Goldenbear Post Number: 132 Registered: 12-2004 |
Gilbert, I went on one of the trips as well. Really enjoyed it. Traveled out west from FLA and now live out west. | ||
| Pheeki Registered user Username: Pheeki Post Number: 720 Registered: 1-2003 |
Fear is not of God...SDA are fear mongers and are not acting in accordance with God's plan for His children by spreading fear. | ||
| Pheeki Registered user Username: Pheeki Post Number: 721 Registered: 1-2003 |
Of course I must add...I bought into it hook, line and sinker when I was SDA. I was told by my m-i-l that I would have to be prepared to lay down the lives of my kids for the Sabbath if needed. Isn't that sick!? I remember thinking that Jesus would come in 1980...or the year 2000. My friends and I just knew we weren't going to be able to grow up and do all the fun things grownups get to do like get married, etc. Then you feel guilty because deep down you wanted Jesus not to come back so soon! I want to thank all of you for this topic. I was actually contemplating visiting the SDA church this Saturday because my husband asked me to go, his brother has moved here and wants us to come to his house and go to church. I said I would, to make everyone happy...but I am not sure I can do it. It's almost like a phobia...I start to panic and sweat just thinking about going in there. Kind of like the same way I would feel about entering a voodoo shop in New Orleans. I know I shouldn't be there! | ||
| Lynne Registered user Username: Lynne Post Number: 171 Registered: 10-2005 |
I remember when I was young and naive, new to the Adventist church, and hearing all this Jesus is coming soon, so soon and before this date or by that date. I consulted my bible and knew it was unbiblical. I looked at the name of the church and said, oh that is why. I didn't think it was from the leadership or core teachings of the group. I just figured there were a few people there that seemed a bit off. No big deal, I've known other protestants to be gossips and such. Nobody is perfect. At the same time, I also wondered why the adventists were always asking people coming in if they were visitors in such a weird way. Now I know why it sounded weird to me, it was cultish. Now though. My feelings are right there with you Pheeki. The thought of going into or close to an Adventist church gives me a sickening feeling, like a phobia. It would feel the same to me as going to a voodoo shop, it is a satanic cult! My panic attacks are gone and I hope to never set foot into another Adventist church for the rest of my life. | ||
| Randyg Registered user Username: Randyg Post Number: 95 Registered: 12-2004 |
A couple of weeks ago I shared my resignation letter with a patient of mine who left the rigidity and legalism of adventism 50 years ago. She has felt like an outsider in her own family ever since. She is now pushing 80. She said " I read it over and over-- and yes, with tears in my eyes as it brought back memories --and feelings of sadness at leaving the church. But later a great joy of a burden lifted. The yoke was heavy Randy!!!But now we can worship in the Lord knowing our sins are forgiven with no strings attached". This is a woman who has prayed for over 40 years that her adventist family(siblings) could break out of the bondage of EGW. She was shocked when I directed her www.ellenwhite.org She still cries as she remembers having to put her favorite doll in a shoebox then into the cold basement before sundown every friday night. It's been 70 years and the memory is still painful. Keep sharing your stories especially to those who have been wounded by Adventism, for there are many. Randy | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 3150 Registered: 12-2003 |
Randy, you make such a good point. What a sad story--but how wonderful that God used your story to be cathartic for and to comfort this lady! That memory of the doll almost sends a cold chill down my spine just reading it. My goodness, we were taught to pracitce unbelievably cold and cruel behaviors! Praise God that He thaws our hearts and awakens them to His startling love and freedom! Colleen | ||
| Raven Registered user Username: Raven Post Number: 350 Registered: 7-2004  |
That story of the lady's memory of the doll had a similar affect on me. It also reminded me of a story I'll have to dig out of our files here sometime, of my grandmother's childhood memories. I first read this shortly after my dad died, and it was really another small piece of the processing and eye-opening experience time shortly before realizing the facts about the SDA church. I remember being shocked at the time of reading my grandmother's story of how painful and shocking her childhood was, mostly because of the SDA religious influence. It seems the closer a home was to traditional SDAism, the stranger it was. That also reminds me that a couple days ago, our younger daughter was commenting to me while trying to come up with how to present her mother's (my) childhood for a school project on family history. The project specifically asked if there were any cultural or religious influences. She said she would have a hard time writing anything because it's just "too twisted." I laughed at that one, and thought that she doesn't know how "twisted" it could have been--everything is relative! | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 3156 Registered: 12-2003 |
Wow, Raven--were there any religious influences?! I think your observation about the closer an Adventist home was to traditional SDAism, the stranger is was, is probably true. I certainly don't have a global view of this theory, but from my limited viewpoint, I can say that the most loyal, observant, rigid, careful, EGW-honoring SDAs I know have the least natural love for their children, see their children as extensions of themselves and therefore worthy of abuse if they besmirch the parents' image, dishonor their spouses by honoring Ellen, value practice over relationships, etc. To say nothing of teaching their kids that black is essentially white, loyalty to God means keeping the family secrets--I could go on. All I can say is, when anyone leaves Adventism (or any cult), it is an absolute, unmitigated miracle of God's sovereign love and mercy. He is absolutely worthy of our praise! Colleen | ||
| Vchowdhury1 Registered user Username: Vchowdhury1 Post Number: 146 Registered: 7-2004 |
Pheeki, you are right. Fear is not of God. What completely horrible memories I have. When I was around 10 years old, the pastor of the SDA church where I attended preached a series of sermons on the last days, Daniel and Revelation, the "time of trouble", the "Sunday Law", etc. In all of these sermons he described in vivid detail how the "sabbath keepers" are going to be persecuted during the "time of trouble". He described in vivid detail, how SDA's will be tortured, killed, etc. How we "sabbath keepers" will not be able to "buy or sell", and he described in detail the Christians who have the "Mark of the Beast" (non-sabbath keepers, of course). These series of sermons lasted about 8 weeks and was toped off by the youth department putting on the play "Now" based on the book by Merikay. Then, the Pathfinder group I was in started a series of "Wilderness Survival" meetings/excersizes to get us prepared for the "Time of Trouble". I cannot even begin to tell you how utterly Frightened to death I was as a child because of all of this! I was only 10 years old, an I would lay in bed for hours just crying and crying because I was scared out of my wits! I experienced insomnia for years, and I was utterly scared to death by these series of events that were supposed to happen to the so-called "commandment keepers". I literally looked at everyone who was not SDA as my potential murderer!! When I finally studies my way out of the SDA church, a great burden was lifted off of my shoulders. I think I was always carrying around remnants of this sermon series that I heard when I was ten years old. Thank God, my child is not being raised SDA! What a nightmare!!What a relief! Praise God for the truth of the Gospel!! | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 3159 Registered: 12-2003 |
Valerie, I relate to that insomnia and fear. As a young teenager I used to be unable to sleep at night, fearing that I had some unconfessed sin or that I had somehow inadvertently committed the unpardonable sin in my hopeless wickedness. No matter what the apologetic rhetoric Adventists may use to whitewash the church's underlying beliefs and practices, it is a religion of fear that teaches a weak Jesus and a distant or fearsome Fatherķand an ambiguous Holy Spirit. It is not based on Biblical truth and an all-powerful, unsearchably loving and faithful Triune God. Praise Him! Colleen (Message edited by Colleentinker on January 05, 2006) |
