I escaped an informal cult: Ask me anything

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was physically abused by my ex when I was only 19 and in agape mission’s NYC branch and we traveled frequently to MD for Agape mission trips. When I told my church leaders about it (we had a gender divided and hierarchical structure of who we could interact with) I was told not to go to the police and that they would take care of it. Soon after my entire church and pastor knew and they took his side as he was in the church longer. When I moved an hour away and attended only Sunday services instead of the SEVEN nights a week nightly activities that were apparently mandatory I was shunned. All blocked my number after isolating me to the point of not having friends or family (even the pastor said if your family and friends are non believers and not in this mission they cannot be around you) things like that… after being told they were my family.. etc etc I always knew something was not sitting right with me I have always been more sceptical but always looking to be closer in faith but it was a money and power scheme. Married couples also had to have joint social media accounts. It was just all so strange.

How long were you there and what school did you go to?

[Anonymous]

I grew up in a religious cult too but my parents left with us when I was 15. My parents had been born into it so it was huge as that was their whole lives and social circle and they had to walk away from all their family and friends. At 15, I couldn't wait to get out so my experience was very different from theirs. I remember being annoyed and confused at how sad and depressed they were after we left as I was so excited!

As an adult I get how hard it was for them but at the time, I couldn't wait to be out!

[Anonymous]

Did you have FGM?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This thread is 10 years old.

It's August. It's hot. Got something better to post? Then do it.