This page contains entries 701 through current in the guestbook. Entries were made after April 13, 2000.
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: Arnold F. SILBY
Guest E-mail: asilby@interworx.com.au
City, Country: Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia.
Date & Comments: April 13, 2000
Born and started school in Dargaville NZ, moved to Matakohe until I was 18.
Moved to Hastings in 1964 for work.
Left the EB's in 1973. Moved to Australia in 1988 - lived in Bundaberg since then.
My mother was Ella Garton from the far north of NZ.
Guest: Colin Thrush
Guest E-mail: bexley@bit.net.au
City, Country: Brisbane Australia
Date & Comments: April 14, 2000
Guest: Ryan
Guest E-mail: professing@yahoo.com
Date & Comments: April 14, 2000
Hi, I am a member of a similar group called the Truth. This group meets in
homes, has annual revivals on farms called conventions and homeless ministers
called workers that live with the congregation. This group began in Ireland
in 1897 as a breakaway from the Faith Mission. A man named William Irvine
began this church. A man named George Walker brought the "truth" to US.
The history is denied by some members and they think Jesus started this
way in AD 33! A strict dress code on women exists. To learn more visit
following website: http://www.angelfire.com/ri/Professing
This group is a low profile group.
Guest: David Hall
Guest E-mail: kath@elmwit.freeserve.co.uk
City, Country: Oxford, UK
Date & Comments: April 15, 2000
Guest: David James
Guest E-mail: jamesd@ocean.com.au
City, Country: ex Adelaide now Melbourne Australia
Date & Comments: April 16, 2000
Please note new e-mail address
Assistance or help given to those wanting to escape the EB system Mobile 0411 646 331
David James
Guest: Mark Watson
Guest E-mail: mr-blues@zip.com.au
City, Country: Wollongong Australia
Date & Comments: April 16, 2000
Thanks to the many who have emailed to say hello, some of whom i remembered from days at either the Eastwood or Picton/Tahmoor meetings.
However, I would like to request that those who choose to say hi, please do so without preaching your current beliefs.
I respect your choices, please respect mine.
Regards
Mark
Guest: Robert & Robyn Pilcher
Guest E-mail: beaulinga@cnl.com.au
City, Country: Mulwala. N.S.W.
Date & Comments: April 16, 2000
Would love to here from anybody for a chat having left the brethren just over 14 years ago. Moved to
Mulwala from Bendigo 7 years ago to take up farming. Very happy.
Guest: Adrian Patmore
Guest E-mail: patbros@supanet.com
City, Country: London England
Date & Comments: April 16, 2000
I left in July 1999
Guest: Gerry and Brenda Bell
Guest E-mail: brenda_bell@bigpond.com
City, Country: Yandina Creek, Queensland, Australia
Date & Comments: April 17, 2000
Left exclusive brethren June 1983 together with our family
of 2 children - Ricky, then 4 yrs and Kathryn, then 4 months.
We were local at Nambour then which is about 22 kms from where
we have lived for 8 years. Gerry's father is (George)
Denis Bell and mother Kath still in exclusive brethren.
Brenda's parents are Gordon & Valerie Holt of Picton NSW
Australia also still in exclusive brethren. Both families had 6 & 7 children respectively
of which 4 & 5 respectively have left the exclusive brethren.
We have our own trucking business where Gerry hauls sugar cane in the harvesting season locally and cotton in the harvesting season in the Moree area, along with some local cartage in between. Brenda works full-time as administration manager at a local glass & aluminium business. Son Ricky has just become a qualified fitter & turner in engineering with a local company. Kathryn is in Year 12 and has a part time job with McDonalds Restaurant in Coolum Beach near here.
Guest: Arthur Butler
Guest E-mail: arthur@arthurbutler.fsnet.co.uk
City, Country: Wolverhampton, England WV4 4AW
Date & Comments: April 17, 2000
Left after Aberdeen in 1970.
See my article "The Exclusive Brethren: a Personal History".
Guest: Rita Napier
Guest E-mail: craignap@iafrica.com
City, Country: Cape Town, South Africa
Date & Comments: April 19, 2000
I am from South Africa and am hoping to travel to England in July 2000. We left the peebs in 1997 for good.
Would love to perhaps meet a few Ex pbs while in UK. Please email me if you feel the same way. I am married
with 2 children, Vanessa 9 and Richard 7. I do not want to discuss and run down the Brethren as we have tried
to put it behind us but would love to meet people who have had similar experiences to us.
Guest: Stephane Vergnon
Guest E-mail: svergnon@hotmail.com
City, Country: London, England
Date & Comments: April 19, 2000
This site is great.
I have left the PB in 94. I was local in Le Chambon sur Lignon, France. Anybody French on this site ?
I have also written a book, mostly about experiences within the PB. It is in French.
I would like to publish it and also have it translated into English. Any suggestions welcome. Feel free to write.
I am now in London and happy :-)
Stephane
Guest: Andrew Hopkins
Guest E-mail: Hopkins@uq.net.au
City, Country: Bethania Queensland Australia
Date & Comments: April 20, 2000
I have only just been made aware of this site by a very good old friend in U.K.
I myself left the Exclusive Brethren in 1960 and came to Australia in 1969. Have
made many trips back to U.K. since to see relatives and old friends..I would
be pleased to hear from any old erstwhile friends who recognise my name!! Will
now study this site in more detail when I get time.
Guest: Kirk W. Fraser
Guest E-mail: kirk@clatskanie.com
City, Country: Clatskanie, OR USA
Date & Comments: April 21, 2000
Please respond or forward to anyone that MIGHT be open to consider assisting in writing a Christian book.
Regarding the book's direction, I see a great need for people to return to Jesus Christ from all the variations on the theme espoused by traditional religions. But at present I am praying about how to best accomplish that -- with a book titled: "Future Christianity: The Gospel of the Kingdom" or "Toward World Peace: Teaching True Religion."
On the one hand there needs to be a book on the gospel of the kingdom to fulfill the prophecy that the gospel of the kingdom should be preached to the ends of the earth and then the end shall come. On the other hand most worldly people are interested in world peace and might come to Christ if they read of the possibility of obtaining true peace by that means. The book must be such that it can become popular like Late Great Planet Earth or it won't get read and implemented. I could also try weaving in both themes. Have you advice to share on these concerns?
The next level of detail I see is to work on the Words of Christ -- represented in red letter editions of the Bible -- and to write spiritual footnotes on each theme then summarize them to get to the essence of what Jesus' true message was and to become an expert on that before valuating the rest of the Bible. I believe viewing the Bible from that perspective, putting the words of Christ as more important than the words of the apostles will enable people to see how the apostles built properly on His foundation, and how in some cases their building veered astray from Jesus' true intention. Identifying and eliminating those historic mishaps to be purely focussed on and obedient to Jesus seems necessary for anyone wanting rapture.
Finally, I've been developing a new view of the prophecy in Rev. 12:5 concerning the man-child as the true practical fulfillment of the new-man which is the united believers, both Christian and Jew (see also Isa. 66:7) that ascend to God's throne. This perfect church must be worldwide but free of the deviations from Jesus' truth which traditional denominations hold. So this seems to me very important and worthy of seeking everyone's help & advice on. Your input is encouraged.
Love Jesus,
Kirk W. Fraser
kirk@clatskanie.com
PS: As a fellow partaker of the sufferings of excommunication, I offer the following discovery which should be as coals of fire on the heads of those who shun:
Jesus' steps of discipline which end in letting the offender be a heathen and publican DO NOT imply shunning but regarding the sinner as worthy to receive the initial gospel again.
Guest: John FOOKS
Guest E-mail: jfooks@netbiz.net.au
City, Country: Seville East, Victoria, Australia
Date & Comments: April 21, 2000
Take note. New Email address
Look forward to hearing from any relatives or people who know or have had contact with any FOOKS's located in the Sydney area.
Guest: Arthur Butler
Guest E-mail: arthur@arthurbutler.fsnet.co.uk
City, Country: Wolverhampton, England.
Date & Comments: April 21, 2000
Guest: Warren Kepple
Guest E-mail: ckepple@hotmail.com
Date & Comments: April 22, 2000
Warren wants to hear from Cynthia Norrell
Guest: Werner Cohn
Guest E-mail: wernerco@att.net
City, Country: Brooklyn NY
Date & Comments: April 22, 2000
Would appreciate any information concerning excommunication, shunning, disfellowshipping,
and similar forms of church discipline
Guest: Bruce Holt
Guest E-mail: bholt@one.net.au
City, Country: Richmond NSW Australia
Date & Comments: April 23, 2000
Guest: Peter
Guest E-mail: peter.harrison10@virgin.net
City, Country: Derby. UK
Date & Comments: April 23, 2000
A Happy and Blessed Easter to all reading this site.
Attended a wonderful Easter Liturgy at Derby Cathedral on Easter Saturday.
Smells, Bells and Candles, How Wonderful.
Had Christ,that once was slain,
Ne'er burst His three-day prison,
Our faith had been in vain;
But now is Christ arisen.
Christ is Risen, Alleluia!
Guest: Katherine
Guest E-mail: gorter@eisa.net.au
City, Country: Brisbane, Australia
Date & Comments: April 23, 2000
I left a guest book entry back in March 1999, just a few comments about a high school friend who was/is a Brethren. I never
expected a response from that entry, so I was quite surprised to get a response, and I am still receiving responses.
To recap I just mentioned that a close school friend of mine was a Brethren and I have often thought of her and wondered how she is. I am not a member of the Brethren and never have been so I was curious to know more about it, hence I looked up this site on the web.
Unfortunately I failed to mention that I lived in Sydney at the time, in Castle Hill. I moved to Brisbane at the end of 1993, at which time she left our school to finish high school by correspondance.
I'm not sure if I want to get in contact with her, mainly because I respect her privacy and it has been about 7 years since I last saw her, but she was a great friend and I guess I am curious to know what she is up to now.
It's interesting to search the web for Brethren sites, but I have come across so many different `strains' of this religion. For example I thought Brethren were not allowed to use computers but I keep finding webpages put up by their churches and even a resume homepage of Brethren computer technician.
Anyway her name is Cathryn, she would be around 22-23 now and she lived in Kellyville NSW. Her sister was Roslyn and her best friend was Lisa H. If you know of her then it would be great just to hear what she is up to.
Guest: John Weightman
Guest E-mail: JWeigh6523@aol.com
Date & Comments: April 24, 2000
Would the family Gibbs that wrote to me from South Africa please write again
as due to the crash of my hard disc I have lost their address. Thanks.
Guest: Steve Klassen
Guest E-mail: klasfam@ida.net
City, Country: Idaho, USA
Date & Comments: April 25, 2000
Guest: Derek Reid
Guest E-mail: derekreid@lurgan26.freeserve.co.uk
City, Country: Lurgan, Northern Ireland (formerly Belfast)
Date & Comments: April 25, 2000
Was brought up amongst the exclusive brethren. Left the Taylor junior crowd along
with my parents and immediate family. I have subsequently left the group which left
them.
I currently attend other places of worship including the Elim Church. My parents are still involved with (one) of the groups that left the group. So in a sense they are still exclusive brethren with a closed table and no sunday school. I must stress that my parents and the brethren that they are associated with preach the gospel and will speak to other christians but not worship in any other place other than their meeting rooms.
I am familiar with many of the brethren from the pre 1970 period when Mr Taylor junior reigned. I have read some of your communications with great interest. You are doing a great service! Thank you.
Derek Reid
Email : - derekreid@lurgan26.freeserve.co.uk
Tel no UK 02838 328831.
Guest: Richard Courtiour
Guest E-mail: richard@courtiour.freeserve.co.uk
City, Country: Bristol, England.
Date & Comments: April 26, 2000
Apologies if anyone has been trying to make contact with me, I seem to have
spelt my own name incorrectly on my e-mail address -now rectified. Info about
me and my family on previous entry
Guest: Clive Wyncoll
Guest E-mail: clivewyn@aol.com
City, Country: Ilford, England
Date & Comments: April 27, 2000
I find one of the hardest things is trying to write a letter to ones parents !!!!.
Guest: Chris Kelly
Guest E-mail: chrisilles@hotmail.com
Date & Comments: April 29, 2000
I am interested in how to help some of my friends who are in the Ex.B's to see the
goodness of the Lord Jesus and to leave.
Guest: Greg
Guest E-mail: greginwa@crystal.com.au
City, Country: Perth, Australia
Date & Comments: April 30, 2000
Hi, I have never been a member of the EB's but I have just left a sect known as "the 2x2's" or
"cooneyites" who also have dress codes and control information. I am 21 years old and I would
love to meet anyone in Perth who has been a member of the EB's. There are too many
cults/sects in this world and the more people that leave them the better our society becomes.
Since I left the 2x2's 8 months ago life has been much better except for the fact that I now
have no friends. I am now more open minded about other peoples beliefs. My parents think
that I am on my way to hell but I am still talking to them. Feel free to write to me.
Guest: Ken Grace
City, Country: oztralia
Date & Comments: May 4, 2000
How do the brethren handle a situation when they find out two males are homosexuals and having a affair? Are
they kicked out, or do they just ignored them and hope they go away?
Guest: Andrew (Andy) Gibbs
Guest E-mail: lanpaint@mnet.co.za
City, Country: Cape Town, South Africa
Date & Comments: May 4, 2000
Guest: Eric Huffey
Guest E-mail: huffey@dowco.com
City, Country: Vancouver area, Canada
Date & Comments: May 4, 2000
I tend to read the guest book every few months, and today I saw that
a while back someone had had the collossal nerve to challenge Dick as to
whether he was a Christian. I would just like to remind everyone who accesses
this site, that for several years now Dick Wyman has devoted a chunk of his
life to starting, maintaining and improving this site. As a result hundreds,
maybe thousands have renewed links that were almost forgotten, been rejoined
with relatives, and for me the opportunity to belong to a forum where love,
understanding and support are the order of the day. Anyone who has benefitted
from this site should be on their knees thanking God for Dick, Christian or
not.
Guest: Deane Butcher
Guest E-mail: kymwilliams@hyper.net.au
City, Country: Adelaide, Australia
Date & Comments: May 5, 2000
To answer Ken Grace's question May 4 2000,
Yes, IF they find out two males are having an affair, those two would definitely get the boot, unless the "priests" can convert them to become "breeders".
I can assure you there are currently several men in the E.B.s who have had to supress their homosexual tendencies, marry and produce more little queens.
There would be more that I don't know about, as I was only an E.B.for twenty three years!
Guest: Jill Frith (Watson)
Guest E-mail: gregwatson@gwatson41.freeserve.co.uk
City, Country: Stafford
Date & Comments: May 6, 2000
Guest: Brenda (Ewing) Widholm
Guest E-mail: gw91518@alltel.net
City, Country: Gothenburg, Nebraska USA
Date & Comments: May 6, 2000
Guest: Ann Shreeve
Guest E-mail: ashreeve@emirates.net.ae
City, Country: U.A.E.
Date & Comments: May 7, 2000
I very much enjoyed reading your page which gave some welcome clariifications. In my home town
in North East Scotland, the "Jims" are known as the "hankies" (from the handkerchief-like cloth
which covers the women's hair. I have a few other comments that I wish to think about with
regard to this sect, before committing these thoughts to paper.
Guest: Dan Frownfelter
Guest E-mail: getdrf@aol.com
Date & Comments: May 8, 2000
Guest: Tim Smart
Guest E-mail: smart@eurobell.co.uk
City, Country: Plymouth UK
Date & Comments: May 12, 2000
Guest: Jenny Twaddle
Guest E-mail: jennyt@idl.net.au
City, Country: Newcastle, Australia
Date & Comments: May 14, 2000
I left the PB's in 1990 and have never looked back. The majority of my family have also left since. I am
not interested in going to Church or really discussing past doctrine and the like. I am not saying I don't
believe I just wont have anyone shove their beliefs onto me ever again.
The reason I am writing is to find out whether anyone knows how to get in contact with two old friends of mine from Sydney. One is Timothy Doven (son of Phillip and Dorothy Doven) and the other is Daniel Joyce (son of Cedric and Eleanor Joyce). I do not want to bug either of you so if you aren't interested in getting into contact I will understand. I just want to say hello and see if you are both well.
Thanks
Guest: Peter & Lois Clarke
Guest E-mail: clarketrim@home.com
City, Country: Victoria, BC, Canada, v9e ij5
Date & Comments: May 14, 2000
Please note change of e-mail address
Guest: David Banks
Guest E-mail: davidbanks@onetel.net.uk
City, Country: London, UK
Date & Comments: May 15, 2000
Had spent very little time thinking about my childhood and youth in the Brethren until I discovered Dick Wyman's
fascinating - and beautifully presented - pages last week. Reading the extracts on these pages means I have read
more of the printed 'ministry' in the last week than I read in 18 years growing up in the Brethren. It was also a
strange experience to read the Correspondence pages and have, for the first time and after many years, an account
of the funeral of my sister who, with her husband, was killed in a car crash shortly after getting married - her
photograph stands in a frame next to my computer screen.
Guest: Pam Fyvie nee Farren
Guest E-mail: pamfyvie@aol.com
City, Country: Kidlington Oxon . Formerly from Coventry.
Date & Comments: May 15, 2000
Heard about this site from my brother Tony.I was thrown out of the brethren in 1974, age 16, with my
parents Grace & Victor.I have been married 23 years and have two children. I would love to hear from
anyone who remembers us, as I feel as if my past is a dream sometimes.
Guest: GLENN WALKER
Guest E-mail: walker114@aol.com
City, Country: CLAREMONT CALIFORNIA-USA
Date & Comments: May 16, 2000
Born and raised in the Assemblys until I was 35 Years Old, would love to hear from other X Peebs...
Guest: Doreen McConnaughy
Guest E-mail: timdoreenmc71@prodigy.net
City, Country: Eureka, Ca, USA
Date & Comments: May 16, 2000
Interesting and informative reading. My husband and I know of a middle-aged man that was teaching the
Raven/Taylor doctrine in his local Christian assembly. The assembly put him out-of-fellowship from the
Lord's table. His wife and family still attend the local fellowship there. We don't know anything else about the matter.
We do know that the Raven teaching is very exclusive!
Guest: Stan Field
Guest E-mail: stanfield41@hotmail.com
City, Country: Nelson, NZ
Date & Comments: May 18, 2000
I quit the church in Dec 89 with my now ex wife.
Been through a few upheavls since. Spent 5 years in Perth great place! Now back in NZ for a while. Just want to say hi to those who knew me and helped me, thanks. To those who know the story, the kids are fine. Vincent has a job and is living with me, Carlton works on a dairy farm and Roberta is still at school and lives with her mum.
Guest: lRuth Carlson Ewing
Date & Comments: May 18, 2000
Guest: Gerard & Monica Rayment (Brady)
Guest E-mail: gerardandmonica@cableinet.co.uk
City, Country: Southend UK
Date & Comments: May 21, 2000
Left the peebs late 1995 after being 'shut up' about six months. My brother Richard was 'withdrawn from' a month before
us. His only offence was speaking to us - although we were actually still 'in fellowship'!
We have four children Dale (1988), Tanya (1989), Sarah (1991) and Gemma (1993)
Guest: Deane Butcher
Guest E-mail: kymwilliams@hyper.net.au
City, Country: Adelaide, Australia
Date & Comments: May 22, 2000
Just a message to anyone recently out of the Adelaide e.b.s or wishing to leave, If you want help or just someone to
talk to who understands, feel free to call either
Liz Bennett on 8336-9133, 8204-1279 mob.0411 094940, or
Deane Butcher on 8389-8139 .
We encourage you and look forward to being of assistance.
Guest: robert vaillancourt
Guest E-mail: bailco49@hotmail.com
City, Country: timmins,ontario,canada
Date & Comments: May 22, 2000
Guest: Kenny & Marion Bell
Guest E-mail: Kenny@church-st-tranent.fsnet.co.uk
City, Country: Tranent,Scotland.
Date & Comments: May 23, 2000
Our last entry e-mail address was incorrect. Our correct one is this. Kenny@church-st-tranent.fsnet.co.uk
Old friends (or new) please contact us at the above address.
Guest: James Devenish
Guest E-mail: jd20403@i-one.at
City, Country: London, England NOW Hagenbrunn, Austria
Date & Comments: May 24, 2000
Telephone Number for contact :
+43 676 6314307
Guest: Vaughn Harvey
Guest E-mail: thehalfbreed@yahoo.co.uk
City, Country: Manchester, England
Date & Comments: May 25, 2000
Guest: Dave & Karen Rowden
Guest E-mail: dnkrowdy@aol.com
Date & Comments: May 27, 2000
Guest: Russ & Anne Symington
Guest E-mail: rlsymington@cs.com
Date & Comments: May 27, 2000
Guest: Arthur Boyt
Guest E-mail: asboyt@aol.com
City, Country: Watford, UK, now Cornwall
Date & Comments: May 30, 2000
When I was 'in' in 1974, brethren in non-English-speaking countries had only English hymn books from which to
sing in the meeting. The thing that gave me my gravest doubts about 'the position' was the sight of old French
widows staring at meaningless words while their educated brethren sang in a foreign tongue. Is it true that
prayers, ministry and preachings are also now only in English in such countries?
Guest: Anon
Guest E-mail: pinkscarlett@hotmail.com
City, Country: Gauteng, South Africa
Date & Comments: May 31, 2000
As a young person with over 4 generations of PB influence, what I found incredible about this page,
is that I had an overwhelming confirmation that there IS hope for the hurting.
I have recognised so many names and come across people I've heard so much about - that it has been a real emotional morning so far!
I'm slowly learning to forgive 'the system' for depriving me of so many people who should have played real roles in my life! I'm also learning not to use the PB's as an excuse for my current life and problems. It would be so easy to say it was all their fault instead of taking responsibility for my own decisions. I have recently seen so many marriages here in SA break up and the 'offender' say that he / she was deprived of so much living while growing up in the brethren and that they need to make up for it now, by getting divorced and finding freedom(?)... in all honesty, that's a copout!
Please, take responsibility for yourself. Forget about religion - that is not what life's about; it's all about ONE special relationship. The relationship with The One.
I've excluded my name, but the email address it right. So if you have any comment, please let me know.
Guest: Anna Tijsen/Wood
Guest E-mail: ashton.wood@xtra.co.nz
City, Country: Nelson, New Zealand
Date & Comments: June 1, 2000
I never knew life could be so good since I left the brethren in 1976.
Guest: Ruth Ewing
Guest E-mail: ggruthce@sonnet.com
City, Country: Twain Harte, California 95383
Date & Comments: June 3, 2000
Hi! I wonder if there is anyone out there that remembers me. I'd sure like to hear from you.
I'm now all retired and living in a beautiful small town in the Sierra Nevada mts.
I've been widowed for almost 11 years and although it gets lonesome at times, I've been
able to get around somewhat and I am thankful to the Lord that I am very healthy so far.
I'd like to hear from someone.
In His Grip
Ruth C. E.
Guest: John Kennard
Guest E-mail: workwear@ozimail.com.au
City, Country: Australia
Date & Comments: June 4, 2000
I am the son of Frank and Dorothy Kennard that lived in Sydney, and in the great moveout in the early 1970's moved to Bathurst.
It is great to be free from the shackles of the repressive regime that, I once lived in and thought was so right. It is only when we get out and are able to look at this system of religion from the outside in, do we realise how abhorent this must be to God.
I was interested in reading the interview by a newspaper with Mr Symington in 1977, that was posted on this site recently. If the interview is correct, he seemed to publicly discount any thought that he was the leader of the church, and in fact he was only a humble functionary in the overall scheme of things. However, as most of us that were in the church throughout his reign would know, there was no disent from what was proclaimed by him, and in fact many good christian persons were withdrawn from for what was in my opinion very trivial matters, that dared to differ with his opinion. When I left in 1985, he was being refered to not only as the elect vessel and Paul, but as the only way to God, and was seen as almost a substitute for God in that where his word conflicted with the Bible, his word always without exception prevailed.
Paul in his writings makes no such claims, in fact in one of his books says " I have planted, Apollos has watered, but God has given the increase, in that the planter and the waterer are nothing". Paul gave all the glory to God, but the so called elect vessels of the Brethren, took a lot of the glory themselves. This is typical of any sect or cult that excludes any other form of religion. After a while, God and his word are replaced by a man and his word, and usually this man will become a defacto God in the mind of his followers.
I thank God every day that he showed me that way out, and has led me ever since. I am married with two children, and we go to a bible based church near where we live. I have had no contact with my immediate family for nearly fifteen years, but the pain that I have suffered has more than been offset by the joy of being out of that religion, and coming to know a true and loving God whose love knows no boundaries.
I would like to hear from anybody who remembers me or my family. My computer is not always online, but I can be contacted on (02) 63523994. To anbody out there that is suffering from the feelings of isolation or lonliness; don't give up.
Guest: David Seed
Guest E-mail: Loenseed@gateway.net
City, Country: Roseville, Mn USA
Date & Comments: June 4, 2000
I was withdrawn from by the brethren in 1992 and since that time have not had contact with my family.
I do have four children and some grandchildren but I do not know how many. If anyone has news or info
regarding my family or remembers me, please contact me. I would love to hear from anyone who has left
the peebs and has learned how judgemental and divisive the group really is.
Dave Seed
Guest: Ted Druckenmiller
Guest E-mail: teddruck@quixnet.net
City, Country: Warren, New Jersey, USA
Date & Comments: June 8, 2000
I am already signed in, but we would sign the guest book next time we visited. I visit here once a week and just feel impressed to say it thrills my heart every time I view this web site to see fresh evidence of how the Lord Jesus is working in hearts, liberating our beloved brethren who have been engulfed in this proud religious system. May the Lord lead our hearts to pray in unison for the deliverance of many more. He may, but I don't believe Jesus will break through the barriers and deliver our brethren in mass. Each one has to come to it in their own exercise before Him. But Jesus, blessed be His wonderful name:
"He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself" 2 Timothy 2:13 in spite of our unfaithfulness.
He "stands at the door and knocks." His promise is "If anyone hears My voice and opens the door; I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me." What wonderful grace!
When we "awake out of sleep and arise from among the dead," He will give you light! Ephesians 5:14.
And what does He want us to do? "But to do justly, To love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6;8.
May the Lord Jesus Christ help each one of us to "Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and ..not be entangled again in a yoke of bondage. Galatians 5:1. Furthermore, may the Lord help us each to respond to the exhortation of verse 13 "For you brethren have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."
I would love to hear from any and all how we, who through grace have been delivered from the bondage of the religious PB system, can serve our beloved brethren in LOVE in view of our Savior Jesus working in the hearts of these dear ones.
Guest: Cole (ex Colin & Geoff) Monot
Guest E-mail: 99506331@studpop.aw.latrobe.edu.au
City, Country: Melbourne, AUSTRALIA
Date & Comments: June 8, 2000
Geoff & I are both well and reasonably happy, we would be glad to hear from long lost friends.
Guest: Roy Haughton
Guest E-mail: jak_roy@hotmail.com
City, Country: Leeds, England
Date & Comments: June 9, 2000
New e-mail address
Guest: Francis Mortyn
Guest E-mail: frank59@stanfordalumni.org
City, Country: California
Date & Comments: June 9, 2000
It gives me great pleasure to discuss my Exclusive Brethren adolescence with the Dean
of the Anglican cathedral I attend every Sunday. Although the Brethren experience is
33 years behind me, it did leave its mark on me. Let me cite just one example.
In my many conversations with my priests, I often find that my knowledge of the Bible exceeds theirs, in spite of their intense education at such renowned institutions as Seabury-Western near Chicago. My childhood hours with JND's "New Translation" in hand have left me with value I will never lose. I am thankful for this and many other elements of a Brethren childhood.
I like to read observations by other ex-peebs who can reflect kindly on their experience and let go of the painful parts. Let us not waste our hours in picking at scabs.
As I enter old age I am giving some thought to taking vows in one of the Anglican-Catholic monastic orders. I would like to be the Christian who reads the Morning Prayers. This custom reminds me of the morning prayers which I remember usually started the day in brethren's households, a fine custom.
Last Sunday, when the Cathedral congregation all lifted their voices to sing the hymn "Diademata", i.e. "Crown Him With Many Crowns", it brought back memories of Brethren singing that hymn.
Guest: Cecilie Palmer (nee Boon)
Guest E-mail: capalmer@watchdog.net.nz
City, Country: Waimate North, New Zealand
Date & Comments: June 10, 2000
left E.B. Wellington 1977
Guest: Timothy Rushbrook
Guest E-mail: timinchina@yahoo.com
City, Country: Shenzhen, China
Date & Comments: June 11, 2000
My mother is Judith Rushbrook (nee: Cranston) who left the Brethren in Auckland, New Zealand when she
was sixteen. Would love to hear from any relatives or friends who knew her. She is now living in Brisbane,
Australia.
Guest: [withheld]
City, Country: Watsonia (Melbourne), Australia
Date & Comments: June 12, 2000
Ex Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia 1982. Born 1944, married 1965.
Couldn't sell my 3,000 client Accountancy Practice in time to Price Waterhouse as others had done (Directive!!), so wham-bam. They couldn't get me out quick enough. A senior partner of Price Waterhouse tried to tell me of the inconsistencies including:
After I was kicked out:
I just mention this as I have noticed on this webpage many references to inconsistencies as to practices. These inconsistencies were not just as to EB practice inside, but as to business practice outside. They are very corrupt -
We left together (wife and 5 children), but became different people later, as is likely to happen when 2 people who hardly know each other marry ages 19 and 21. Consequently, we separated and divorced 1990. My main problem was that I was an alcoholic - something very few EB and Ex-EBs will admit to.
I made up for lost education opportunities - 5 degrees including 2 doctorates - try it, as it is fun and after reading all of the EB propaganda it is a pushover. Changed career and now Director of a TAFE Institute - a complete lifestyle change really helps get over it all.
I am not interested in joining any breakaway groups - as I was baptised and confirmed a Roman Catholic 4 years ago. I was affected by the reality of the simple faith that my new partner had (and still has). I always doubted the baptism I had - maybe others feel similarly. You can say what you like about that, but my faith in stronger and more genuine than it ever was as a PB. I have NO doubts - it is that simple and that real.
Have almost literally been to hell and back and willing to be a shoulder for any who need one. Got over the booze at last - for goodness sake give THAT up ... it was the cause of my downfall, but that is another story - we all have our stories.
Guest: Shirley Anne Rendall
Guest E-mail: Shirlthecurl@another.com
City, Country: Edinburgh
Date & Comments: June 14, 2000
Guest: Priscilla Waxman
Guest E-mail: prissyruth@picknowl.com.au
City, Country: Adelaide, South Australia
Date & Comments: June 14, 2000
Hello !
Please note an email address change.
Pris
Guest: Raven
Guest E-mail: Blackbird@englandmail.com
City, Country: Reading.England
Date & Comments: June 15, 2000
Looking for Roy's & Gillmore's, Berks & Oxford area UK.
Guest: Jill Mytton
Guest E-mail: e.j.mytton@uel.ac.uk
City, Country: Bromley, UK
Date & Comments: June 15, 2000
Thanks to some 'incompetent' computer technicians who recently rebuilt my computer a large number of my
email folders were lost. In one of those folders was one containing recent requests from some of you to complete
my research questionnaires. If you have made such a request to me and have not yet been given the instructions
could you please contact me again! Many thanks. If anyone else is interested then please also contact me.
Thanks as always to Dick for maintaining this amazing site.
Guest: Stephen Sheehan
Guest E-mail: stephen.sheehan.2@uni.massey.ac.nz
City, Country: Palmerston North, New Zealand
Date & Comments: June 16, 2000
Guest: Julia Hernandez
Guest E-mail: jhernandez@vineland.org
City, Country: Vineland, NJ 08360
Date & Comments: June 16, 2000
I used to attend a KLC meeting in Belgrano, Argentina, (on Cramer Street). When
I vacation in Orlando, Florida I would like to know if there is a KLC Assembly near
there?
Guest: John and Gwen Bastedo
Guest E-mail: gbastedo@sympatico.caBr
City, Country: Brantford Ontario, formerly Burlington
Date & Comments: June 16, 2000
We are not very computer literate... but will try to answer any emails we get. We have been watching
this site for quite sometime but only just decided we knew enough to put our names forward.
Guest: Rita Napier
Guest E-mail: craignap@iafrica.com
City, Country: South Africa
Date & Comments: June 17, 2000
Someone previously asked for old Brethren Hymnbooks and I offered to send him some. Unfortunately my
computer crashed and I lost all my information including his address. Please email me again.
Guest: Susan G. Sovereign (nee Peebles)
Guest E-mail: sovereignfamily@hotmail.com
City, Country: Richmond Hill, ON Canada (N of Toronto)
Date & Comments: June 18, 2000
Just a message to anyone recently out of the Peebs or wishing to leave, If you'd like help or just
someone to talk to who understands, feel free to call. If I'm not home, I have an answering machine,
you can leave a message, as long as you like. I will not call you back, as I could never be sure if it
were safe (for you) to do so. You'd have to call back! 905-881-9374 or email at above addy!
Sometimes you just need to be heard out by someone who has been there. I'll not encourage you to leave or stay, but I will listen, and answer questions to the best of my (limited) abilities!
God Bless, Susan
Guest: Edith Tuomisto (Fletcher)
Guest E-mail: ragamuffin66@hotmail.com
City, Country: Keswick, Ontario, Canada
Date & Comments: June 18, 2000
Have changed my email address. I am the eldest Daughter of Dudley & Sarah (Wicks) Fletcher.
From Toronto locality until 1987, at which time I left. Love to hear from those that knew me, or my
parents. Sometimes it takes awhile for me to answer, I have 4 children and one is still very little. I will
try hard to answer as soon as possible.
Guest: Sue Twaddle
Guest E-mail: twaddle@globalfreeway.com.au
City, Country: Newcastle, Australia
Date & Comments: June 18, 2000
I was wondering if anyone could offer any help regarding a proposed development for an Education Facility by
the Exclusive Brethren directly opposite my home. The immediate neighbours that will be affected by this have
all got together and submitted a letter with our protests and attached a petition with more than 100 signatures on
it, and we are waiting for the matter to go before council. Other than my concerns, there is a problem with traffic
and parking where they wish to develop this facility.
If anyone knows of a similar circumstance, or could offer any helpful advice to stop this facility going ahead, it would be much appreciated.
Guest: Michael French
Guest E-mail: frenchma@hotmail.com
City, Country: Adelaide, Australia
Date & Comments: June 18, 2000
Nice to see somebody caring enough about all the Ex-Brethren scattered all over the world, to put in
such an effort developing, maintaining this website. It's a great idea! :=))
Check out my entry for contact details. You may remember me from Warrnambool, Victoria (Australia). My family was ex-communicated about 1981. I was about 14 years old at the time.
Guest: Laurie & Kathie Twinam
Guest E-mail: Laurie@twinam.fsnet.co.uk
City, Country: Sevenoaks (Kent), England
Date & Comments: 20 June 2000
We take a close interest in the messages appearing in this Guestbook, as we remember
very clearly what it was like to have to leave our old friends in 'the Jims' behind, some
years ago, when we had a young family. Without any question, through God's mercy,
that important move was very beneficial and brought us closer to the Lord.
If you feel confused after leaving the Jims it is not really surprising. It is like release after a long spell in a prison or concentration camp - you may well have become institutionalised. After thanking God for your release (even though the details may have been painful) ask Him to put you in touch with some good Christian friends who can help you along for a bit. There are hundreds of folk all over the world who understand what you have had to face and would love to offer you a bit of practical help. The Lord has a special concern for those in any kind of trouble - and that is what true Christianity is all about, as the parable of the Good Samaritan shows.
Guest: Ted Glaeser
Guest E-mail: tglaeser@cherrycorp.com
City, Country: Kenosha, WI USA
Date & Comments: June 20, 2000
I fellowship with an assembly that is part of the Kelly-Continental-Lowe divsion. Glad to be able to read and
learn about the Raven/Taylor group - didn't know much about them before.
Guest: Bob SPRATT
Guest E-mail: bob@greenstones.fsnet.co.uk
City, Country: KENDAL ENGLAND
Date & Comments: June 22, 2000
I left the EB's in 1971.
In the mid 1970's I was commended for full time service with the Open Brethren.
Later I joined an Evangelical Church of England, was pursuaded to seek ordination and became as prison chaplain until retirement at age 65.
Since retirement I have continued in prison ministry in the UK and also in Ethiopia.
I sometimes wonder whether my experiences in the EB's prepared me for prison ministry!