This page contains entries 401 through 450 in the guestbook. Entries were made after February 13, 1999.
These names and addresses are posted to enable people to contact friends and loved ones. Please do not exploit this information for commercial purposes.
Guest: William Page
City, Country: Bristol, England
Date & Comments: February 12, 1999
Guest: Jill Mytton
Guest E-mail: E.J.Mytton@uel.ac.uk
City, Country: Bromley
Date & Comments:
The first time I signed this guest book was back on November 24th 1997 - the day I discovered this wonderful website, I was so excited. Since then the site has developed and expanded exponentially. It serves so many purposes - for example, through it I have met many wonderful people. Reading through the guest book entries and all the other various contributions it seems to me that each of us is seeking our own pathway to freedom and I find each story fascinating, reflecting as it does the great diversity and individuality of human kind.
Many have continued with their christian beliefs, some joining mainstream churches, others linking up with other brethren groups - many have also decided that christianity is not for them and I would suspect that there are also many who have not yet decided. I remember sitting on that particular fence for many years, it seemed too difficult and too scary to even contemplate thinking about getting off. When people asked of me 'Are you still the Lords', I found the question irritating or intrusive and not at all an invitation to leave my perch.
I have tremendous respect for all those who have left, whichever pathway they have chosen - at last we have the freedom to choose. I have chosen a pathway that is uniquely mine. The important people in my life are real, tangible people who I love and who love me. The important ideas in my life are drawn from all of human experience.
I would hope that those of you who have chosen a different pathway to me will respect my right to choose my current pathway - I find it exciting for I never know where it will lead me next. Perhaps next time I sign in I will be saying something completely different!!
Great work Dick, I admire you for the respect you have so clearly shown to all of us. You are one of the greats in my life and I value your friendship enormously.
Guest: Karen Campbell
Guest E-mail: kac@ptk.prestel.co.uk
City, Country: Scotland
Date & Comments: February 14, 1999
Guest: Helen Garlick Van Duzer
Guest E-mail: WeeScottie@webtv.net
City, Country: Cape Coral, Florida (formerly New Jersey)
Date & Comments: February 14, 1999
I grew up in Plainfield, New Jersey and lived most of my life around that
area. I have many happy memories of meetings in that area and conferences
in this country and England. But I have been out for many years and therefore
have no contact with my family who are all still in the exclusives. That has
been a very very sad part of my life, but I have with the help of the Lord
tried to make peace with the situation and tell myself I will see them all
again in a place far better - in eternity.
Guest: John G. Mathison
Guest E-mail: lansur@uniserve.com
City, Country: Vancouver, Canada
Date & Comments: February 14, 1999
(husband of Nan Mathison who passed away June of 1995)
Guest: Gordon Mathison
Guest E-mail: lansur@uniserve.com
City, Country: Vancouver, Canada
Date & Comments: February 14, 1999
Son of John and Nan, brother of William and Rosemary
(who passed away in mva Oct. 97) presently living in
Langley near Vancouver. Would love to hear from any
other "sons of B's" Taylorites that is.
Guest: Pamela Skrabacz
Guest E-mail: huntingmama@hotmail.com
City, Country: Waterford PA USA
Date & Comments: February 15, 1999
Guest: Cherton Enterprise - Mrs. I. McVea
Guest E-mail: staff@cherton.dnet.co.uk
City, Country: Belfast, Northern Ireland
Date & Comments: February 16, 1999
I would like to know more about the religious group referred
to as Exclusive Brethren.
Guest: Ken Symington
Guest E-mail: Wimperdink@Worldnet.att.net
City, Country: California
Date & Comments: February 17 1999
I was recently going through the guest book and realized that my
information is no longer current in there. I missed my occasional
e-mails from other ex-peebs.
Guest: Tim Knappett
Guest E-mail: Tim.Knappett@btinternet.com
City, Country: Purley, UK
Date & Comments: 17 Febuary 1999
Thanks for a most interesting site. I still have three brothers, lots of nephews and
nieces and probably a good many great nephews and nieces in that system. We
just trust and pray that despite it all they are Christians.
Guest: Ben and Grace Fletcher
Guest E-mail: fletch@pathcom.com
City, Country: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Date & Comments: February 17, 1999
Guest: Wendy Parsons Chessum
Guest E-mail: Chessum@earthlink.net
City, Country: Manhattan Beach, Ca. U.S.
Date & Comments: February 18, 1999
My friend Muriel told me about your page and I was home with a
cold today and decided to check it out and I found an old friend of
mine. I grew up in Conn. in the Stamford mtg. and we moved to
Calif.when I was 16. At 18 we were shut up because my Dad wasn't
in the mtg. I left home and lived with my aunt so I could still go to
mtg. It was all I knew. As time went on I thought if this is Christianity,
I don't want it and I moved back home. But God wasn't going to let
me go and He brought true Christians into my life. As a young wife
and mother I truly acccepted the Lord as my savior. I now live a full,
free and abundant life! Yes, life was hard during my teen years but
God has truly blessed me and my family as we have given our hearts
to Him. I think of Romans 8:28 and I know that God does work
everything together for the good of those who love him, who have
been called according to his purpose.
Guest: Peter N. L. Hsieh
Guest E-mail: nlhsieh@tm.net.my
City, Country: Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia
Date & Comments: February 20, 1999
I am from the local churches or Little Flock initiated by Brother
Watchman Nee, an off-shoot of the Exclusive Brethren. Our basic
Biblical Theology is very Exclusive Brethren especially the teachings
of J.N. Darby. I have always been studying Exclusive Bethren teachings
and I have managed to find your net page. It is nice to in communicate
saints from the Exclusive Brethren.
Guest: David Green
Guest E-mail: David@green4.fam.aust.com
City, Country: Sydney, Australia
Date & Comments: February 20, 1999
Formerly of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Reading through the names was a blast from the past. I must admit I don't spend my time thinking about the eb excesses.
Email me if you remember me.
Guest: Tim Mounter
Guest E-mail: timmounter@hotmail.com
City, Country: Peterborough, England
Date & Comments: February 20, 1999
What guestbook? We never saw one in the last 30 years and we
went in enough peebs houses, although we believe our family name
may have been on some list or other.
Please sign Tim, John, Mark & Dave Mounter to the list of ex peebs and if anyone is in contact with our brother Dan who's still stuck in there please get him to contact us.
Guest: Mary Frownfelter
City, Country: Fullerton, CA
Date & Comments: February 20, 1999
I found out about this web page through my sisters Dorothy
and Sharon and it sure has triggered many memories for me.
Yes, I acknowledge the eb as a part of my growing up and I believe no matter how much pain we have experience and what God has allowed in our lives is for a better purpose when we give it to Him and trust Him with it.
I don't have an e-mail address at this time but may be contacted at 1737 W Malvern Ave #4 Fullerton CA 92833
Guest: Was Maree Everest
Guest E-mail: walker-murray@xtra.co.nz
City, Country: Wellington, New Zealand
Date & Comments: February 21, 1999
Guest: Cynthia White (Formerly O'Neal - Nee Cynthia Norrell)
Guest E-mail: ladycynh@ladycynthia.com
City, Country: Sutter Creek, CA. USA (Originally Christchurch, New Zealand)
Date & Comments: February 22, 1999
Oh, I just MUST sign for the second time. The last signer is a close friend
from my youth, Maree Everest. I was closer to her family than any other Ex B
family - ever! And, how wonderfully they treated me! Not at all stiff and stern
as I remember the majority at that terrible time of turmoil in the late 1950's
and early 1960's.
Sadly, I heard from Maree today that her dear father, Fred Everest, passed away in 1990. My heart goes out to his closest family, Eunice, Deanne and Maree. A great man - in all ways, physical stature, emotion and wisdom.
Dick, it's been almost two years since I first acquired a computer and stumbled across this incredible site when I, a computer nitwit, typed "Cults" into Yahoo.
You are getting closer to the 500 guest milestone Dick! Way to go, my friend!
What comfort, caring, friendship and sense of a very large extended-family I have gained from your site. This site, the personal encounters, both here in California and at the Niagara Reunion, being a member of Jill's fab FEEB and my new very personal ex-Peeb cyber-family throughout the world! Well...
It has and continues to help me in ways I never thought possible. So much love, so much understanding and support. Such unconditional love - so needed and wanted by me.
Thank you Dick. Your efforts and this site have done it again - on a very intimate level. Put people from the past in touch with their present and presence! Not having anyone for almost 40 years really understand who I am and from whence I came has not been easy on me. But now I am "connected" again. Sure feels good!
With love and apprecation.
--Cindy
Guest: Sheila Ruth MacLachlan Seesahai
Guest E-mail: sseesaha@videon.wave.ca
City, Country: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Date & Comments: February 25, 1999
I signed up before but have got a cable modem now and a new email address,
could you please update it.
I am the daughter of Anthony "Tony" MacLachlan(originally from Hove, Brighton England) and
Elsie Nora Phillips.(orig. from Gault, ON, Canada) They are currently with the Winnipeg
JS Hales followers.
Guest: Brendan Sherriff
Guest E-mail: ruawinr@yahoo.com
City, Country: Melbourne /Australia
Date & Comments: February 26, 1999
Hello to all ;
I am a 32 yr old father of 4 (my wife, nee Ruth Abraham - from Brisbane Au & children have been enticed back into the Brethern)
I have access to my children fortnightly (Saturday) for 6 hrs at our old family home, this is overseen by 2 bro's. I am very thankfull of this tme with the children as no one else I have heard of has access. I would like to hear from others in similar possitions and am willing to help in any court against them.
I was 10 years old when my parents were excomunicated (as a result of my older brothers leaving) and lived with 6 familys till I was 20, and then got married. My parents have since been received back after 20 years.
I look foreward to any comunication as I feel you can't forget your heritage (no matter how hard I try!!!)
Guest: Roger Stott
Guest E-mail: rogerstott@lineone.net
City, Country: Tunbridge Wells,UK
Date & Comments: February 26, 1999
Guest: Paul and Cathy Purday
Guest E-mail: arts@purday.demon.co.uk
City, Country: Sidcup, Kent
Date & Comments: February 27, 1999
We were with the Exclusives all our lives until 1970 and are now leaders in the
Avery Hill branch of Ichthus Christian Fellowship. In view of the legalism of the
past we are great exponents of Grace!
Guest: Ken and Barb Carnwath
Guest E-mail: KCARNWATH@AOL.COM
City, Country: Davisburg, MI (Detroit) USA
Date & Comments: February 27, 1999
Left EB's July, 1989. Doing fine.
Guest: Lois K. McFarlane
Guest E-mail: LOKAMAC@aol.com
Date & Comments: February 27, 1999
Thank you for this amazing web-site. I believe you have found the work that
you came here to do. I only discovered this site a few weeks ago and because
of it, I was able to re-establish contact with several people and meet with
three childhood friends that I have not seen in almost 30 years. The
experience was joyful and fulfilling and we expect to keep in touch from now
on.
I was 22 in 1970 when my father, having learned of the events in Aberdeen and subsequent withdrawals from A. B. Parker and E. E. Hoyte, walked out of the Nostrand Avenue room in protest. He returned a week later for the Care Meeting at which J. T. Jr. walked out of the room followed by most of the New York Brethren. Not knowing all the facts, I was quite surprised because there had always been mutual respect between my father and J. T. Jr. At that time, our entire family joined with what came to be known as the Renton group.
I am the second of nine children and our family moved to Queens, N Y from Jamaica in 1959. I was always an avid reader and kept my own counsel. At 18, I began working for a large financial corporation where I became acquainted with people from all walks of life. I eventually left home and the brethren in 1974 when I could no longer reconcile what I was learning with what I had been taught. Although two of my mother's sisters and some of their families still remain with the Hales group and all but one of us children have gone our separate ways, we still remain close and see each other whenever possible. As a result, we did not experience the pain and suffering that many others did.
In closing, I would like to wish everyone well and hope that the many wounds can still be healed. This site has reminded me that we are never far away from our roots and we need to embrace and learn from them. I remain skepical of any society that attempts to exclude half of it's members from decision- making especially when those excluded are responsible for the continuation of said society. I have learned that there are as many interpretations of the Bible as there are people so I try to keep it simple by taking some lessons from this statement:
Zen Life is : Infinite Gratitude to all things Past ; Infinite Service to all things Present ; Infinite Responsibility to all things Future.
Guest: Peter Harrison
Guest E-mail: peter.harrison10@virgin.net
City, Country: Derby. UK.
Date & Comments: February 28, 1999
Re Cynthia 22 February.
Cynthia you hit the nail on the head, when you spoke of the unconditional love that this web site has brought. I have been in touch with people I haven't seen for over 25 years, it's been such a comfort to be able to talk to poeple that understand where we're coming from.
Thank you Dick, for all your hard work.
Guest: David Shephard
Guest E-mail: davidshep@tesco.net
City, Country: UK
Date & Comments: 2 March 1999
Please note change of address.
Guest: Ted & Debbie Trim
Guest E-mail: ttrim@attcanada.net
City, Country: Windsor, Ontario Canada
Date & Comments: March 6, 1999
Guest: Piers R. Hayes
Guest E-mail: phayes@msc.ca
City, Country: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Date & Comments: March 6, 1999
What an amazing wealth of information & relationships! I am a brother-in-law to Stanislas Hayes, who has written to this page a couple of times.
I was withdrawn from in 1969 after emigrating to South Africa for "leaving home before being married", and spent 25 years there in Johannesburg & Cape Town. Got married to a South African girl, Joan in 1982 & had three children. I returned to the Lord after Joan was converted, and have followed him as best we can since then. We joined a Baptist related Church and spent some 12 years there, and here, really experienced a wonderful revival in our spirits and relationship with the Lord.
In 1993 we left South Africa and spent 2 years sailing to Canada with our 3 children, who were then aged 9,6 & 4 years. We now live on Bowen Island just off from West Vancouver, and have joined a small Anglican/Brethren Church.
We found it quite difficult emigrating to Canada, and don’t yet feel fully part of the Church, but have committed ourselves to the position here. We have also, since being in Canada, adopted another Daughter, so have our hand quite full!
Irrespective of the criticism of the Brethren, and not without reason, I remember with deep affection, persons, relationships, truths, and disciplines, that were learned, suffered and enjoyed that I have not experienced elsewhere.
Guest: Warren and Rosemary (nee Grugeon) YEOMANS
Guest E-mail: yeomansw@bigpond.com.au
City, Country: Newcastle, Australia
Date & Comments: March 7, 1999
Have been browsing for some time - thought we had better do
the right thing and register! We have been released since
8/3/1980 (19 years tomorrow!) - having been 4th or 5th
generation PB's on all sides of the family - understandably
a shock to the system. We are now enjoying fellowship with
the Lord and his (wider family) people.
We would love to hear from anyone.
Guest: Eleanor Hope (McFarlane)
Guest E-mail: Mon5404p@uel.ac.uk
City, Country: 30a Pepys Road New Cross London SE14 5SB
Date & Comments: March 9, 1999
Very interested in reading about the psychological trauma
for my own sake.
Guest: Paul
Guest E-mail: wildpc33@aol.com
City, Country: Hampshire, UK
Date & Comments: March 11, 1999
We live in Hampshire, UK and are interested in learning about and helping people to
deal with problems encountered when leaving the Exclusive Bretheren.
Contact above email for help or just chat.
Guest: Bryan Williams
Guest E-mail: bhwilliams@lineone.net
City, Country: Living now in Bath, Somerset
Date & Comments: March 11, 1999
My parents left the EB's in 1961 or 1962, when I was in my early teens. My father's name was Keith Williams, and we attended the meeting hall in Harrowby Road, Birkenhead. He was forced to make a decision as to whether to leave the EB's or stop having business lunches which were becoming an essential part of his work. Thankfully, he chose the former. I have clear memories of our years in the sect, and the leaving was very traumatic. Many others left the six Merseyside 'meetings' at around the same time, and for several years a 'remnant' met in a scout hut in the Aigburth area of Liverpool. After being in various 'free' churches, I have now applied to train as a Reader in the Church of England, which is the church my paternal grandfather left to jon the EB's. My maternal grandfather was Hugh Harvey who farmed in the Goudhurst area of Kent. Any correspondence would be welcomed.
Guest: Ross and Joyce Hill (Joyce Overland)
Guest E-mail: rjhill@bc.sympatico.ca
City, Country: Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada
Date & Comments: March 13, 1999
Hello Dick Wyman, the last time I saw you was in l960. I stayed at your house in
Cleveland during some fellowship meetings. I am the Ross Hill from Toronto,
Canada, my parents are Albert and Anna Hill, divorced in l97l. My father is in
the Jim's in Toronto, my mother is out of the EBs. This is a very interesting website.
I left the Jim's in l968 (kicked out). Have a wonderful family, two girls l6 and l9,
and we attend a Pentecostal church in Langley, B.C.
GOD IS GOOD.......Romans 8:l
Guest: Kevin Buchan
Guest: Dennis and Marion Wragge
Guest E-mail: dwragge@trebnet.com
City, Country: Toronto, Canada
Date & Comments: 18 March 1999
Please note our address has changed.
Guest: Edward & Judith Bartlett (nee Tydeman)
Guest E-mail: ed.bartlett@bigfoot.com
City, Country: Taunton, Somerset
Date & Comments: March 21, 1999
Left 'Jims' with my family in 1968. Left 'Frosts' in 1988. Is there any of our
family out there? Please get in touch.
Guest: Adel Gad Mitry
Guest E-mail: adelgadm@hotmail.com
City, Country: Kuwait
Date & Comments: March 21, 1999
Plymouth Brethren of Kuwait
Guest: Joel Skrabacz
Guest E-mail: racoon074@yahoo.com
City, Country: Savannah Ga.
Date & Comments: March 21, 1999
I guess I don't understand why you are dedicating a whole web page on why the Bretheren is bad.
Love thy Neighbor.
this is not love
Guest: Rebecca Murray nee Elliman
Guest E-mail: beccy.murray@virgin.net
City, Country: Taunton Somerset England
Date & Comments: March 23, 1999
Guest: Katherine G
Guest E-mail: gorter@eisa.net.au
City, Country: Brisbane, Australia
Date & Comments: March 27, 1999
This is the 1st useful site on the Brethren I have found. I'm curious to know more about the Christian brethren in Australia because I had a very close Christian brethren friend for the 1st 1/2 of my high school years, who I would love to get in contact with, but I think that I probably wouldn't be allowed to get in contact with. It's a shame to think we were such good friends, but she left my school because her parents wanted her to study by correspondance due to many problems she had at school. These included having to be exscused from classes where a radio would be used, or a video was shown, as well as any form of scripture, drug and personal development, even learning dancing in sport classes.
It is scary to now think back and see that her convictions were so strong at such a young age. She always wore a scarf and what i now realise is a token clip in her hair, no make up, and very conservative clothing. Her family went to church every night. If anyone in our class ever questioned why she wouldn't watch the video she would say, "because it's not in the bible"
All i can say is she would be 21 or 22 now, and i hope if she is still in her church that she's happy. She was very smart, I hope she is in a fulfilling career.
I'm so interested to know what the brethren home life is like, I have so many questions.
Thank you for putting up such an informative site.
Guest: Joan Grace
Guest E-mail: jrgrace@senet.com.au
City, Country: Adelaide, South Australia
Date & Comments: March 27, 1999
I'm just about to have my 10th anniversary of leaving the PB's.
I'm very happy, and am glad I had a solid upbringing, but am glad to be able to live the life I lead now.
Guest: Brian Macdonald
Guest E-mail: bmacdee@talk21.com
City, Country: Glasgow, Scotland
Date & Comments: March 28, 1999
I am one of the ones that left. Thanks for taking the time to put together such a valuable tool for us!!
Guest: Luke Deayton
Guest E-mail: Elisejenn@aol.com.au
City, Country: Sydney, Australia
Date & Comments: March 31, 1999
My name is Luke Deayton, grandson of the late Albert Deayton. Would like to know where along the line I would fit in as your relative. Would like to hear from you via email.
Look forward to hearing from you
Luke
Guest: Arlin
Guest E-mail: flash31@gateway.net
City, Country: USA
Date & Comments: March 31, 1999
Guest: Philip & Ruth Mills (Ruth Mills nee Hedger)
Guest E-mail: Uckfield, East Sussexstephen@oakwoodct.freeserve.co.uk
City, Country:
Date & Comments: April 1, 1999
We 'withdrew' in 1959 due to unscriptural teachings; i.e not eating with own relatives etc. and
undue pressure to 'conform'. Wonderful fellowship since then. Would be pleased to hear from
you - can we help? We have many relatives still 'in': MARSH, Farnborough; WICKLAND,
Bognor; HEWITT, Coventry; MANZ, Zurich; CLARKE, Birmingham; BARR, Leamington;
Julia HEWITT?? - any news appreciated.
Please note change in e-mail address since first entry in December 29th 1998.
Guest: Susan Grant
Guest E-mail: sgrant@midbc.com
City, Country: Williams Lake, British Columbia, Canada
Date & Comments: April 1, 1999
Will be glad to help with a Vancouver reunion.
Let me know if I can help.
Guest: Ex PB
Guest E-mail: visitor@manxisle.com
City, Country: Douglas, Isle of Man. Phone 01624 629798
Date & Comments: April 2, 1999
Will Pay very good price for JSH's Dark Brown Books from 1.2.3. upwards.
Many Thanks for adding me to Guest book.
Guest: David Shephard
Guest E-mail: davidshep@tesco.net
City, Country: Bedford, England
Date & Comments: April 3, 1999
In May 1998 I left a message on this site and my message has unfortunately caused
offence to certain persons in the Renton group of Brethren. Please note that this
was not my intention. There are many dear and genuine persons in that group. There
are however some who continue to operate the harsh exclusive machine! The purpose
of my original message was to warn persons that harsh exclusive practices still exist
with certain Rentons and in some influential Renton quarters.
Guest: Garry Lay
Guest E-mail: Layer@es.co.nz
City, Country: New Zealand
Date & Comments: April 4, 1999
I have been bought up in the open brethren in New Zealand, have had good
experiences and some not so good.Had a time away from the assemblies but
now enjoy meeting with a small group.
Guest: Tammy L. Gladstone
Guest E-mail: gladstones@juno.com
City, Country: Woodstock,Ga. U.S.A.
Date & Comments: April 5, 1999
I already sent you an e-mail detailing my frustration at being lumped into a
group--exclusive brethren. By the way, we have a guestbook too.
Guest: Ian Booth
Guest E-mail: ieabooth@bigpond.com
City, Country: Port Sorell, Tasmania, Australia
Date & Comments: April 6, 1999
My wife, Valerie, grew up in an Exclusive Brethren family. Her parents,
now deceased, and one sister and her family left the fellowship in about
1971. She still has one sister and her family who remain in the Exclusives
and with whom she has had no contact for about 38 years. I was interested
to find this page.
Guest: Steph Ruddiman
Guest E-mail: payroll@greatadventures.com.au
City, Country: Cairns, Australia
Date & Comments: April 6, 1999
I've heard that my brother Matthew (19) was withdrawn from recently
but haven't heard from him. I am really keen to speak to him and if anyone
has heard from him would they please pass on this message. My work
phone number is 07 - 40527809 or home e-mail address is
chambers.adrian@bigpond.com.
Please Matt, if you read this, give me a call, as these first few months can be really difficult. Hope to speak to you soon!
Steph
Guest: Gordon and Deanne Field
Guest E-mail: GDField@xtra.com.nz
City, Country: New Zealand
Date & Comments: April 8, 1999
Great to find this visitors' book on the web.We left in 1970
over the Aberdeen "matter" We would be glad to hear from
other ex-exxies. I was Deanne Everest from Christchurch NZ
my husband is Gordon Field of Nelson. We have been living
in Christchurch for the last 30 years and have made a few
trips overseas where we have met other former E Bs.Usually
we find that so many shared formative experiences have us on the
same wave length and we have such an interesting time
talking together.
Guest: Daryl & Barb Hadley
Guest E-mail: hadleys@cyberport.com
City, Country: Kalispell, Montana
Date & Comments: April 9, 1999
We have our own email address now. Could you change the
address to: hadleys@cyberport.com
Guest: Cameron Elkins
City, Country: Guildford, Surrey UK
Date & Comments: April 9, 1999
A quick hi to all ex-peebs. My parents are Robin & Janet Elkins nee Lynes
I left Jan this year on my own. Aged 20.
If anyone wants to speak to me Tel:07803 903753/01483 720813
Guest: Andrew & Christian Wallach
Guest E-mail: andrew.wallach@talk21.com
City, Country: Cheshunt, U.K.
Date & Comments: April 10, 1999
Please note alternative e-mail address
Guest: Scott Franzen
Guest E-mail: sfranzen2@bigred.unl.edu
City, Country: Lincoln, NE, USA
Date & Comments: April 11, 1999
I am truly amazed at the comprehensiveness of this website. Thanks, Dick-this was encouragement to
me to hear of those from my former life that I can identify with. I left the PB's in 1996, and have never
regretted it. I'm formerly of Gothenburg, NE and left a wonderful, loving family that sadly just couldn't
see my dreams [mother (Hunte-Barbados), father, sister, and two brothers] when I was eighteen. I'm
currently a junior English/pre-medicine student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. I've had the best
years of my life since I left but remember a lot of loving and caring people that were sadly blinded. I
would be interested in hearing from those that have left in recent years(1992-present) and those with
any connections to Barbados. Wishing everyone hope and strength.
Guest: Jenny Terwey
Guest E-mail: djdj68@hotmail.com
City, Country: Perth - Western Australia
Date & Comments: April 11, 1999
My maiden name was Jenny Patton from Sydney. I married Derek Terwey from Perth in 1965 and we
left the exclusives in 1968. I still have family and relatives in the exclusives but we are fortunate to have
our 4 children with us. I have been attending the Westminster Presbyterian Church for the past seven
years with my daughter Suzanne and have been amazed at the spiritual food that is found there.
Guest: SAMUEL PAPPY
Guest E-mail: C21CRESTDL@AOL.COM
City, Country: SUWANEE, USA
Date & Comments: April 11,
I WAS RESEARCHING 'BRETHREN BELIEVERS'.
MY GRANDPERENTS WERE NOT CHRISTIANS. THE LOVE OF CHRIST SWAYED THEM THROUGH BRETHREN PEOPLE TO SAVLVATION. WE REVERE THAT FAITH AND BIBILICAL TEACHING WORTHY TO COUNT ALL LOSS.
THE BEST THING THAT HAPPENED IN A DARK AGE WAS THE SPIRITUAL REVIVAL BY INTRODUCTION OF 'BRETHREN MOVEMENT' TO BRING THE TEACHING OF CHRIST, ETERANAL SALAVATION BY FAITH IN CHRIST ALONE, UNITY OF BELIEVERS, PREISTHOOD OF BELIEVERS, SEPERATION FROM THE WORLD, INDWELLING OF HOLY SPIRIT FROM THE MOMENT OF A PERSON PUT FAITH IN CHRIST ETC. THIS WEB SITE MAY SERVE THE SEEKRS TO FIND THE TRUTH AND LIVE CLOSE WITH THE LORD. NOT WHY I LEAVE THE 'EB/OB/PB'. THE ATOMOSPHERE AND THE TIME THAT WE LIVE IN WILL ENCOURAGE MANY TO COME OUT BECAUSE THEY WANT FREEDOM MORE FREEDOM. IT IS NOT THE SET UP OR PRACTICE OF THE BIBLICAL TEACH THAT FORCE ME TO BE OUT BUT MY WILLINGNESS TO SURRENDER TO HIS WILL WHEN I FAIL LOOK FOR AN 'OUT'. LIKE RUTH IF WE CAN SAY 'YOUR GOD IS MY GOD, WHEREEVER YOU GO I WILL STAY WITH YOU, PLEASE DO NOT TELL ME TO LEAVE YOU.'THEN I WILL SEE THE PROVISION GOD FOR ME RATHER THAN BE OPEN, FREE AND COMPROMISED AN EASY LIFE TAINTED WITH HUMANISM AND MATERIALISM. MAY THE LORD SHINE OUR INNER EYES TO SEE OUR SAVIOUR AS THE JOY OUR OF LIFE AND PURPOSE.
Guest: Donald and Rachel (Gray) Greig
Guest E-mail: donaldgreig@msn.com
City, Country: Linlithgow, Scotland
Date & Comments: April 11, 1999
Guest: Jeffrey Ryan Mead
Guest E-mail: rokhop561@aol.com
City, Country: Watertown, Massachusetts, outside of Boston
Date & Comments: April 11, 1999
Hello! My name is Jeffrey and I teach eighth grade Language Arts in a town just west of Boston.
We have had several families who belong to the "Plymouth Brethren" educate their children through
the eighth grade at our school. This year is the first that I've ever had one in my class. My student
seems very reluctant to tell me about the Brethren. I am just curious because I make many
accomadations for this student, and I enjoy teaching this student. I just want to know more
about the religion. Can anyone share anything with me?
Guest: Roger Clist
Guest E-mail: R.Clist@irl.cri.nz
City, Country: Auckland, New Zealand
Date & Comments: April 13, 1999
Hi-
I recognise some of the names mentioned in this site. However, I'm disappointed at the lack of comments left in the guest book. Everyone should have something to share, so, come on, guys, and sign back in with your thoughts included. I think you've got a great site here, Dick, and I feel a bit nostalgic at times. I left the EB fellowship in 1961, and memories are now somewhat of a dream. This was shortly after Mr Cowell was put out ("associations" being made a test of fellowship) and as the "non-eating" doctrine was being ushered in, and alcohol consumption encouraged. So I didn't have to unlearn what a lot of you have had to cast aside as worthless wood, hay, and stubble. Even so, it took me many years to feel free in the company of other believers in the Lord. During that time we kept a small meeting of "Outs" going, until in 1994 we threw in our lot with the local brethren who meet at Mission Hall, Grey Lynn (sometimes referred to by the Exclusives as "Reading"). We are very happy in that circle, and find the teaching solid, practical, evangelical, and mixed with love and care.
I have heaps of relatives in the Jims, and would welcome recent news of anyone with the surname of Clist, Scarlett, Wearmouth, Johnston, and Clare. Most will still be living in New Zealand. My parents (now with the Lord) and younger sister and brother were delivered from that evil system, but my older brother was enticed away from home. This caused a great stress to my parents, and they never got over it really.
To my unknown friends and relatives still captive in the Exclusives who chance upon these comments, be assured that using a computer to search this web site is not a sin. The Exclusives suppress all independent thought, but the Holy Spirit can reveal truth from the Scriptures to those that seek. May the Lord help you get free from that captivity to follow only Him. The cost will be extreme, but freedom is always purchased at great price.
God bless you all.
Roger
Guest: John Symington
Guest E-mail: jsymington@earthlink.net
City, Country: 9516 Dakota Road, Bloomington, MN 55438
Date & Comments: April 13, 1999
Visited with Bruce Symington last week in Watkins, Colo.
Guest: Sheena Rate
Guest E-mail: regyrate@msn.com
City, Country: Edinburgh Scotland
Date & Comments: April 14, 1999
Guest: A Friend
Guest E-mail: briand@webcom.com
Date & Comments: April 15, 1999
I was a Plymouth Brethren for many years, it was not an exclusive assembly by name nor do I think by
design. Yet they found ways to exclude people. I was never disfellowshiped from the assembly, even though
I might as well been. Two things I have found among the PB church I attended that you do not want to be is
sick or in need. I can not go into all what happened but I can say I hated almost every single moment of my
time there and feel like a total looser now for the experience. I have never seen a pure disrespect for
other people that in the Assembly. Especially a livid almost mad dog hate of the Catholic faith.
Most of the members were excatholics which does stand to reason that the dislike was so heavy. The dislike [was] for other views of the bible in comparison to JND's view of it. My experience is actually wrapped up in one phrase " all form and no content". My time among the PB cost me my family, my sanity, most of my friends, and I am sorry to say most of the faith I have for Jesus.
With my health failing now I sit here alone and unable to reach out to any church for fear of being polluted by the world so to speak. I know some of you can relate to the anger that one feels having been really injured by such a group. These people were kind alone and I do believe they cared, not really about me but people in general. The thing that most upsets me is that it was never my church, always their church and their meeting. All the silly stuff about rules and studying the bible, which seemed twisted. They held every other point of view of the bible as evil and of the devil, which was silly.
It seems that almost every "cult" that is rabid now a days came out of the Pre tribulation Dispensationalism. I am not saying this view of the bible is wrong, but it is just one view. I do know the effect it has on people, it makes them forget about other people. In my reading of other people from the PB's that is easy to see. Well Jesus hung on a cross for all people not just the PB's or the Catholics or for any other single group.
I wish I could go back and rebuild my life, that is no longer an option. All I have to add to the many years as a PB is sad, real sad. A friend
Guest: Rod Wilkins
Guest E-mail: wilkins@austarnet.com.au
City, Country: Mackay, Australia
Date & Comments: April 15, 1999
Just an update on my earlier entry (October 3). My new location and email address are as ahown above.