Comments on: More C.O.B.U. cult abuse….from another former member… http://avehurley.wordpress.com/2007/04/08/more-cobu-cult-abusefrom-another-former-member/ Just another WordPress.com weblog Mon, 12 Oct 2009 17:38:06 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: Gary Craig http://avehurley.wordpress.com/2007/04/08/more-cobu-cult-abusefrom-another-former-member/#comment-668 Gary Craig Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:17:25 +0000 http://avehurley.wordpress.com/2007/04/08/more-cobu-cult-abusefrom-another-former-member/#comment-668 My older Brother, Dave Craig, is still in the COBU, and has been in and out of it since the late 70's. The typical member, he has given up a good job, a wife, a child, etc. to be part of the COBU. As for myself, I attended some meetings of the COBU back in 1975 in Pittsburgh. When I got out of the Army back in 1980, I actually moved into a COBU Fellowship in Pittsburgh (Squirrel Hill). I saw many people from colleges in Pittsburgh give up their education to join. Most of them eventually quit the COBU at some point and went on with their lives. I quit after my last stint with the COBU in Baltimore, MD back in 1983. They had a fellowship house on Maryland Ave. I guess those of us who quit, most of us, left because we wanted to grow up and move out of never never land. Yes, terrible, we wanted to have a career and family. Marriage, of course, in the COBU was impossible. Nobody met Stewart's standards for marriage. Those who did get married left the church, got married, then returned. If you would like to find out more about my experiences in the COBU you can email me at ga_craig@yahoo.com or by phone at 717-203-1849. God Bless, (Get Smart Get Saved...LOL) Gary My older Brother, Dave Craig, is still in the COBU, and has been in and out of it since the late 70’s. The typical member, he has given up a good job, a wife, a child, etc. to be part of the COBU. As for myself, I attended some meetings of the COBU back in 1975 in Pittsburgh. When I got out of the Army back in 1980, I actually moved into a COBU Fellowship in Pittsburgh (Squirrel Hill). I saw many people from colleges in Pittsburgh give up their education to join. Most of them eventually quit the COBU at some point and went on with their lives. I quit after my last stint with the COBU in Baltimore, MD back in 1983. They had a fellowship house on Maryland Ave. I guess those of us who quit, most of us, left because we wanted to grow up and move out of never never land. Yes, terrible, we wanted to have a career and family. Marriage, of course, in the COBU was impossible. Nobody met Stewart’s standards for marriage. Those who did get married left the church, got married, then returned.

If you would like to find out more about my experiences in the COBU you can email me at ga_craig@yahoo.com or by phone at 717-203-1849.

God Bless, (Get Smart Get Saved…LOL) Gary

]]> By: Ave Hurley http://avehurley.wordpress.com/2007/04/08/more-cobu-cult-abusefrom-another-former-member/#comment-667 Ave Hurley Sun, 16 Nov 2008 07:39:56 +0000 http://avehurley.wordpress.com/2007/04/08/more-cobu-cult-abusefrom-another-former-member/#comment-667 Hi Jeff~ It is a shame that it changed so much. I remember New Brunswick! I was in Staten Island from 4/75- 9/75 before moving to the Phili Center. I had a good time during the earlier days, before Stewart gained total control. The bible studies on Sat Nites in New Brunswick were cool. Remember the old JW that we all sat around witnessing back and forth to and he finally tossed his roll of paper with scratched verses down and quit and then got saved? Witnessing in 75 was awesome...I loved it. I recall back in 75 in NB was Dave Rizetto center leader , Vinny DiPaola a skinny kid that dressed like Stewart, lol [many bros thought it cool to wear work uniforms and carry a mini Z in a belt pouch, lol .. and there was , hmmm.... I see faces, but names.. one kid in particular was a blonde curley haire kid that ...ahah - Roger Norman...started Bayonne~ then John Bevilaqua ran Staten Island, Barbara Walden's brother Bob, ran Jersey City...Jay Edelman was on SI.. I remember a Jeff Bernstein...beard mustache dirty blonde I think....Sharon Sullivan, Karen Stahara, Sue Kyle, Charlie Walsh, Charlie Edelman, DaveChestnut, Chico, Lee, Mary Dunn, ...some stayed in for a few more years and after they started the Carpet Cleaning which intially seemed a good idea, greed kicked in and cutting expenses took away Stewart's humanity [ if he ever had any] and then he surrounded himself with minions and had them run interference and cull out the easy to handle from those who had brains enough to stand up to them.. so they got rid of anyone that didnt provide gain for them... I was lucky . I got out before it went Borg...Many nice people were there and many of them have left and still serve Jesus in other fields , even as pastors and evangelists! You are welcome to join any of the online former member groups.There are several . I have xcobu4Jesus on yahoo groups. Theres also xcobuon yahoo too. and more.. Keep in touch~ GBU~! Ave Hi Jeff~
It is a shame that it changed so much. I remember New Brunswick! I was in Staten Island from 4/75- 9/75 before moving to the Phili Center.
I had a good time during the earlier days, before Stewart gained total control.
The bible studies on Sat Nites in New Brunswick were cool. Remember the old JW that we all sat around witnessing back and forth to and he finally tossed his roll of paper with scratched verses down and quit and then got saved?
Witnessing in 75 was awesome…I loved it. I recall back in 75 in NB was Dave Rizetto center leader , Vinny DiPaola a skinny kid that dressed like Stewart, lol [many bros thought it cool to wear work uniforms and carry a mini Z in a belt pouch, lol .. and there was , hmmm.... I see faces, but names.. one kid in particular was a blonde curley haire kid that ...ahah - Roger Norman...started Bayonne~ then John Bevilaqua ran Staten Island, Barbara Walden's brother Bob, ran Jersey City...Jay Edelman was on SI.. I remember a Jeff Bernstein...beard mustache dirty blonde I think....Sharon Sullivan, Karen Stahara, Sue Kyle, Charlie Walsh, Charlie Edelman, DaveChestnut, Chico, Lee, Mary Dunn, ...some stayed in for a few more years and after they started the Carpet Cleaning which intially seemed a good idea, greed kicked in and cutting expenses took away Stewart's humanity [ if he ever had any] and then he surrounded himself with minions and had them run interference and cull out the easy to handle from those who had brains enough to stand up to them.. so they got rid of anyone that didnt provide gain for them…

I was lucky . I got out before it went Borg…Many nice people were there and many of them have left and still serve Jesus in other fields , even as pastors and evangelists!

You are welcome to join any of the online former member groups.There are several . I have xcobu4Jesus on yahoo groups. Theres also xcobuon yahoo too. and more..

Keep in touch~
GBU~!
Ave

]]> By: Jeff Tompkins http://avehurley.wordpress.com/2007/04/08/more-cobu-cult-abusefrom-another-former-member/#comment-666 Jeff Tompkins Sun, 16 Nov 2008 04:05:57 +0000 http://avehurley.wordpress.com/2007/04/08/more-cobu-cult-abusefrom-another-former-member/#comment-666 Hi ! I just happened to google COBU and was surprised to find anything, no less so much history ! I was a non-resident for a few months @ 1976/77 in New Brunswick/Highland Park, NJ. I met some very nice people during that time and am disheartened at what a negative turn COBU took. I drove some old vans to Phiadelphia and NYC and remember when they started the carpet cleaning. I was at the BIG MEETING when it was announced that they were going to Haiti. I am saddened that something that seemed so positive would become so negative !!! Jeff Rochester, NY Hi !
I just happened to google COBU and was surprised to find anything, no less so much history ! I was a non-resident for a few months @ 1976/77 in New Brunswick/Highland Park, NJ.
I met some very nice people during that time and am disheartened at what a negative turn COBU took. I drove some old vans to Phiadelphia and NYC and remember when they started the carpet cleaning. I was at the BIG MEETING when it was announced that they were going to Haiti. I am saddened that something that seemed so positive would become so negative !!!

Jeff
Rochester, NY

]]> By: alease brink davis http://avehurley.wordpress.com/2007/04/08/more-cobu-cult-abusefrom-another-former-member/#comment-602 alease brink davis Wed, 03 Sep 2008 05:59:32 +0000 http://avehurley.wordpress.com/2007/04/08/more-cobu-cult-abusefrom-another-former-member/#comment-602 Thank you,Sunshine.After I had children of my own,I began to realize how I loved them unconditioally.They are each so precious and irreplaceable to me.Then,I began to ask myself...am I able to love more than Jesus can.Can I somehow love my children MORE than Jesus loves us?It seemed like e ridiculous question.For so many years,I had believed that we were just "throw away children" to God.Now I knew that it wasnt adding up anymore.Read the beautiful story of the Prodigal Son.The father stood outside,watching afar off,hoping for the son's return.When the father saw him in the distance,he ran to him,and rejoiced.I have had a "prodigal son" and nothing could change my love for him,even when his heart is far from me.How much greater must God's love be for us,his children?Please pray for Jonathan,my son. Thank you,Sunshine.After I had children of my own,I began to realize how I loved them unconditioally.They are each so precious and irreplaceable to me.Then,I began to ask myself…am I able to love more than Jesus can.Can I somehow love my children MORE than Jesus loves us?It seemed like e ridiculous question.For so many years,I had believed that we were just “throw away children” to God.Now I knew that it wasnt adding up anymore.Read the beautiful story of the Prodigal Son.The father stood outside,watching afar off,hoping for the son’s return.When the father saw him in the distance,he ran to him,and rejoiced.I have had a “prodigal son” and nothing could change my love for him,even when his heart is far from me.How much greater must God’s love be for us,his children?Please pray for Jonathan,my son.

]]> By: Sunshine http://avehurley.wordpress.com/2007/04/08/more-cobu-cult-abusefrom-another-former-member/#comment-593 Sunshine Sat, 30 Aug 2008 09:56:12 +0000 http://avehurley.wordpress.com/2007/04/08/more-cobu-cult-abusefrom-another-former-member/#comment-593 Rom 8:1 ¶ [There is] therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. I hopw that helps you Alease. Jesus does love you and He's not waiting to replace you. If they told you that in the COBU they LIED. God Bless!~ Rom 8:1 ¶ [There is] therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
I hopw that helps you Alease. Jesus does love you and He’s not waiting to replace you. If they told you that in the COBU they LIED. God Bless!~

]]> By: alease Brink Davis http://avehurley.wordpress.com/2007/04/08/more-cobu-cult-abusefrom-another-former-member/#comment-586 alease Brink Davis Tue, 26 Aug 2008 07:36:08 +0000 http://avehurley.wordpress.com/2007/04/08/more-cobu-cult-abusefrom-another-former-member/#comment-586 The worst thing that resulted from COBU involvement,was that it made me TERRIFIED to read the Bible.Every time I would try to read it,those verses that Stewart used to control us would "jump out at me!"Trying to read the Scriptures made me feel CONDEMNED.With my kids going back to high school and college this week,I have decided to really commit myself to studying God's word.I will have time alone now,and I want to make up for lost years of avoiding the Word,out of irrational fears. It took me many years to really figure out that Stewart had taken Scriptures out of context,and twisted their meaning to serve his purposes.When I hear a minister quoting a verse,especially a frightening one,I check out the context.Many times they also read their own meanings into verses.Always remember,CONTEX IS SO IMPORTANT,when studying the Bible.Say a prayer for me,friends,that I can really learn Jesus Word.Thank you,Alease The worst thing that resulted from COBU involvement,was that it made me TERRIFIED to read the Bible.Every time I would try to read it,those verses that Stewart used to control us would “jump out at me!”Trying to read the Scriptures made me feel CONDEMNED.With my kids going back to high school and college this week,I have decided to really commit myself to studying God’s word.I will have time alone now,and I want to make up for lost years of avoiding the Word,out of irrational fears. It took me many years to really figure out that Stewart had taken Scriptures out of context,and twisted their meaning to serve his purposes.When I hear a minister quoting a verse,especially a frightening one,I check out the context.Many times they also read their own meanings into verses.Always remember,CONTEX IS SO IMPORTANT,when studying the Bible.Say a prayer for me,friends,that I can really learn Jesus Word.Thank you,Alease

]]> By: Ave http://avehurley.wordpress.com/2007/04/08/more-cobu-cult-abusefrom-another-former-member/#comment-550 Ave Sat, 09 Aug 2008 19:07:36 +0000 http://avehurley.wordpress.com/2007/04/08/more-cobu-cult-abusefrom-another-former-member/#comment-550 Hi Alease~! Come join us at xcobu4Jesus and maybe ykou can find some old friends. WE all are still recovering in our lives from Cobu.Many have done well and some still are seeking answers to nagging questions. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/XCobu4Jesus GBU~! Ave Hi Alease~!

Come join us at xcobu4Jesus and maybe ykou can find some old friends. WE all are still recovering in our lives from Cobu.Many have done well and some still are seeking answers to nagging questions.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/XCobu4Jesus

GBU~!
Ave

]]> By: alease davis http://avehurley.wordpress.com/2007/04/08/more-cobu-cult-abusefrom-another-former-member/#comment-548 alease davis Fri, 08 Aug 2008 19:09:27 +0000 http://avehurley.wordpress.com/2007/04/08/more-cobu-cult-abusefrom-another-former-member/#comment-548 Sorry,I MEANT to say,my name back then was Alease BRINK! Sorry,I MEANT to say,my name back then was Alease BRINK!

]]> By: alease davis http://avehurley.wordpress.com/2007/04/08/more-cobu-cult-abusefrom-another-former-member/#comment-547 alease davis Fri, 08 Aug 2008 19:07:37 +0000 http://avehurley.wordpress.com/2007/04/08/more-cobu-cult-abusefrom-another-former-member/#comment-547 I had a nervous breakdown after leaving COBU at age 16 in 1977.Most of my hair fell out,I had temporary memory loss,I became severely depressed,with little will to live....For years afterwards I felt condemned and on my way to Hell.I had the idea(from COBU)that salvation had to be earned,and kept through works. Even now,I am tormented by frightening thoughts about being damned,committing the unpardonable sin,etc,and I truly believe it all started with the brainwashing I recieved in the cult!I came from a home where there was no religious beliefs,so I was a "blank Slate" when the COBU got ahold of me.I was spiritually starved,and ended up being fed all kinds of false doctrines and heresy! I would love to hear from former memebers,especially if they remember me(and even if they dont!) My E mail is Galgonedaft@aol.com My name back then was Alease Davis,I was a really shy ,thin girl,with long blonde hair.God Bless,Alease I had a nervous breakdown after leaving COBU at age 16 in 1977.Most of my hair fell out,I had temporary memory loss,I became severely depressed,with little will to live….For years afterwards I felt condemned and on my way to Hell.I had the idea(from COBU)that salvation had to be earned,and kept through works. Even now,I am tormented by frightening thoughts about being damned,committing the unpardonable sin,etc,and I truly believe it all started with the brainwashing I recieved in the cult!I came from a home where there was no religious beliefs,so I was a “blank Slate” when the COBU got ahold of me.I was spiritually starved,and ended up being fed all kinds of false doctrines and heresy! I would love to hear from former memebers,especially if they remember me(and even if they dont!) My E mail is Galgonedaft@aol.com My name back then was Alease Davis,I was a really shy ,thin girl,with long blonde hair.God Bless,Alease

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