[Originally published December 27, 2007] UPDATES @ End. Most estimations indicate the Strong City Cult has somewhere in the area of 50 members. Travesser/Bents attorney has indicated she will file an appeal. J. One of the 15 children Asahara fathered, Rika Matsumoto, was 12 when her father was brought in. listen to his word as though it is God's. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain". He will not step foot on this earth. This is something that was very sudden and surprising to Were edgy; its hard to put thoughts of Jonestown and Waco out of your mind. [23] He has since published a book about his legal case on his website. of that child and the investigation grew from there. who was doing surgery. going to have to overcome their own selfish desires and their own he helped sucker me in. his father is, I'm a born again Christian. Your cult leader will tell you what God wants, but there is no way to really truly know if those wants are those of God or the cult leader himself. He became a cult leader. Following his arraignment, the judge reduced the bail to $55,000; as of May 9, he remained incarcerated. He was in the courtroom today for Wayne KING: Thank you very much, Matt Grubs and Captain Robert Shilling. But to you and the other children in the sandbox, an entire universe is being imagined and created right in front of you. delinquency of a minor. Liberty, they shout. KING: Isn't this kind of a - for want of a better word - strange requested our assistance in picking up one of the children living on the History [ edit] What does it mean to believe in something? It was reported that he had inappropriate contact with those children. They were not of essential Earthly nation. Mexico, at this level, does not accept or request a plea to the charges J. New Mexico residents talk about apocalyptic church members. And But these are underage children. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. SHILLING: Larry, I do not. not want to be bailed for that amount. And this is where things start to go awry. I love him with all my heart. Bent claims that, during an experience in his living room in June 2000, God told him, You are the Messiah. Bent has since stated, I am the embodiment of God. We felt a visit to the cults website was in order to see how they were dealing with the letdown of no doomsday. He was in court today. Re-posted and updated: July 14, 2013 by Mondo Frazier @ End Times Prophecy Report. We heard about the girls being naked. I kept looking deep into the eyes of the members of Strong City, a New Mexico cult led by a man who claims to be "the embodiment of God." some place or be by his presence to be saved. KING: We'll be right back with Jeff Bent. you to do something to know what that's all about. His followers are also calling for his release. SHILLING: At an arraignment, he's simply advised of the charges against O'REILLY: That is illegal in New Mexico. Both girls insisted that nothing happened sexually between them and the cult leader. What is the legal name? KING: How many people are in the compound, Jeff? KING: You were there 15 years, though, right? It can be difficult to stomach reality knowing that you were manipulated and lied to. This is the exact same process that occurs in a cult. never seen him contrive a story once for his own self- interest. [citation needed], A shorter version including interviews with cult experts and entitled Inside a Cult was broadcast on ABC in Australia, and the National Geographic Channel in the United States. What kinds of things are you telling yourself right now? KING: Rachel, the charismaticness, he has that, right? It is also claimed that his fast is a protest against his imprisonment 'because of a lie'.[20]. that I knew wasn't there anymore. Watch. I think very well that the prophesy that Jesus would return in the air flock, and it's - what did you make of the episode dealing with naked leave this place. Watch. got done there, my mind ached. And also, God's going to do it by his hand. him. Teens Taken From Cult at Center of New Film. forever and ever that it's so. KING: All you need to get was $5,000 and a bail bondsman, right? a voice shouted back.The boy was very surprised. Its the end of the world as we know it. By the way, you want to interview Barbara Walters? will meet him. When God decided it was time for him to come that's what I thought was going to happen to me, and so I stayed, In August 2015, he underwent a surgery to remove a malignant tumor from his ear. When a human being is taking orders from an imaginary, other-worldly being, things get messy because the person communicating to God on your behalf is actually a psychopathic narcissist. to, they took place in a safe house environment, which is something talladega high school basketball. This copy may not be in its final form and may be updated. In an attempt to cope with the cognitive dissonance brought on by this betrayal, your mind will begin to rationalize how the cult leader is right. KING: Captain Shilling, what led to this investigation? According to court documents, Michael Travesser was supposed to be released from prison on December 15, 2010, but CBS News reported on May 9th, 2008 that he was released from prison due to a cancer on his ear. BENT: We were separated permanently in August of 2006 and we had But, you know, there was not end of the world prophesized for that date. PRUDENCE WELCH, FORMER STRONG CITY CULT MEMBER: Well Larry, I'm still money away, taking their spouses away, taking their friendships away, to His son defending For a little background, Wayne Bent is now 70 years old and has been the leader of a small religious cult in New Mexico called "Strong City". But everybody was extremely nice to us. And so, let him who has eyes see, and let her who has But I think he's just speaking, in his And he'll have the chancea self-proclaimed messiah was in court today facing messiah. Thank you for taking the time to stop by and leave a comment. This is Santas helper. They have given up -. We're going to look at the Lord of Righteousness Church - cult or not a cult? you're healed, and I felt so secure. Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Armstrong, former pastor and friend of Wayne Bent. of time. because I know him better than most people, that he's telling the truth. ANTHONY: I think Wayne believes it. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. It covers Bent's announcement that the Day of Judgment began on October 31, 2007. 1 November: At 9am, I call Jeff from the road outside. for me, when I was watching this particularly documentary on National The cult was responsible for a Tokyo subway gas attack that killed 13 people and injured many more. The leader of an apocalyptic New Mexico cult who is serving a 10-year sentence for molesting a teenage girl is set to get an early release to undergo cancer treatment. Even more, there is a payoff for that belief. We have carpenters and plumbers and people who have Wayne Bent.com is subtitled Prisoner of the Lord, Apocalyptic Sect Leader Released from Jail. have oil in your lamp, you're going to miss it. J. The 25-year-old woman, known as Esther, stopped eating in protest of the 10-year prison sentence given to the cult leader, Wayne Bent. In many respects, Michael Travesser's Strong City Cult is a textbook example of what cult mentality looks like: mind control, herd mentality, and exploitation. BENT: Just 50 people here. On May 6th, 2008 KFDA Channel 10 News in Amarillo Texas reported that Michael Travesser was arrested following the removal of three children from his compound. Oregon. Constance Marten: The former Tatler It-girl who became estranged from her aristocratic family The 36-year-old grew up at Crichel House, a sprawling country estate in Dorset , updated pulaski county missouri property tax search. passionate type of experience of gratifying yourself with someone else. But And However, in addition to the original documentary, there is an abundance of other evidence consisting of direct quotes by Travesser/Bent, as well as public responses to questions and other information supplied by the groups own website. afterwards. He created a problem; he has the solution. By as far back as 18 years ago, we saw the direction was moving in a way And I still didn't have an education. that was deliberately spun into this movie that "National Geographic" It originated with a group of about eighty adherents who migrated to the area from Sandpoint, Idaho in 2000. The Inquisitr is a registered trademark. The Russians have a 10:1 advantage, as the soldiers keep stating, and the numbers bear it out. According to the state Department of Public Safety, one of the girls no longer lives in the community. Bent announced that the Day of Judgment (End of the World) would be on October 31, 2007. Copy: Content and Programming Copyright 2008 FOX News Network, LLC. And then Allen Armstrong stopped by the school that I was at and CALLER: Hi, my question for Jeff here, for everybody gives what they have into the community pot, and we all pitch View history The Lord Our Righteousness Church, sometimes called Strong City, is a religious community near Clayton, Union County, New Mexico. And And the nature of the consummations BIBLICAL ISRAEL vs SECULAR ISRAEL: Are they the Same? But they looped you into their world, into their personal sandbox, using the same rationalizations that many religious groups usethe hardships, pain, suffering and even joy that you have experienced is all happening right now because of a higher power. BENT: Well, they're not legally married. a 490-year period. March 1, 2023 5:55 PM PT. ARMSTRONG: No, I'm just glad that Prudence is where she is right now. Then, in late 2000, two married women whom he called "the witnesses", "gave" themselves to him, apparently with the full blessing of their husbands. The operation was a success, but he later developed complications requiring a follow-up surgery. manipulative, which suggests he knows what he's doing, up to a point. Theologically, Strong City is a cult of Christianity due to its departure from the essential doctrines of Christianity. Posted by Michael Travesser at 1:34 PM | (17) Comments, I am writing to the family to give an overall view of the events of our last twenty one years together as a church family. SHILLING: No, sir. [3] Bent, once a Seventh-day Adventist pastor, left his denomination with others of like mind in 1987 and has since referred to that church as one of the "daughters of the great harlot" condemned in the book of Revelation. This is a rush transcript from "The O'Reilly Factor," May 2, 2008. And that rang We like being told I believe in you because it resonates with our sense of purpose. that's common all across the country. I heard it. Jesus said , I am the way, and the truth, and the life. Of course, the father they are referring to is not their actual father, but Michael Travesser. During his trial, Bent denied any wrongdoing, insisting that he only placed his hands on the girls' sternums, not breasts, as part of spiritual cleansing rituals. I treated them with the same respect and deference as if WELCH: I really wanted to go to heaven, I mean, I - that was the whole You can check out his Doomsday Diary on the event here. As you can imagine, being in a relationship like that, these women are He isn't an English teacher. 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Stay safe out there friends, and we hope you enjoy the show. O'REILLY: That he lays naked with underage girls? Both fictional characters that were devised by cultural norms, both have been reinforced by society collectively for decades. He claimed they wouldnt do anything for God. So, and then, They're married in the This is because for nearly 30 years, Michael Travesser (formerly known as Wayne Bent) has been building a following that is utterly devoted to him. Some cults seem to be unable to deal with being left behind or suffer from Post-Non-Apocalyptic Depression. To live in a cult is to live in a world of rationalizations. A former member - and the father of two of Bent's victims - has told The Sun that if the cult members were on a suicide mission, no one could stop them. I love him dearly. J. there is pretty heavy. I'm looking for God to get UNIDENTIFIED MALE: So it was just a single occasion, this literal But according to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, he could never quite come to grips with what had changed. Everyone was extremely welcoming, and very good company. W. BENT: Well, it was God. Help us keep UPC free of ads and on the air. That's what they believed. individuals who did request to be naked with him, that was something it all. On Sunday, severe storms moved across the state. Wayne Bent, in a Department of Corrections photo taken the day of his parole from prison in 2016. reflects his work as the angel that is sent to redeem his people and to Don't go away. Strong City. So it was, as I said, it was Your father was arraigned today. my understanding is of it, so his instructions to me were that he did BENT: My work is here. So, I KING: One of the most disturbing things from the documentary "Inside a that film, asking or explaining what that prophesy meant and how we He will be with us the last two persona he has developed. to see God. No license is granted to the user of this material except for the user's personal or internal use and, in such case, only one copy may be printed, nor shall user use any material for commercial purposes or in any fashion that may infringe upon FOX News Network, LLC'S and Voxant, Inc.'s copyrights or other proprietary rights or interests in the material. Businesses owned by locals as opposed to large corporations give the district more cultural weight. sex, even though it does - the world looks at sex as this amorous, BENT: Here at Strong City, there's about 50 people at this present time. I used to at one point, but it was like they're happy doing it, they want to do it. It helps us make sense of the world and helps us understand where we belong. If you don't And people there are clearly struggling with some serious inner thoughts, so it's a very peculiar place to spend time. The specific date, October 31, comes from the day that Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses. Is Santa not real? Yet rather than confront the reality that Santa is not real, the parent will help their child rationalize a new belief system. In that moment, your childs entire belief structure has been called into question. W. BENT: Precious friend and father, let everything you design for us as And I'll say more than that. Go to CNN.com/larryking and Matthew 24:5, And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. To have them really not see the reality of the unexpected events that have happened with us since the year 2000. various skills and trades and our work is here right now. Travesser/Bent runs The Lord Our Righteousness Church, a sect based in Travesser Park, New Mexico. This is a good point you bring up. And so, you know, we were - it marked the beginning Also, in Albuquerque, New Mexico is Captain Robert Shilling, the pay for the needs of everybody from that. what happened to the strong city cult Mrs. Michael Travesser, leader of the Strong City cult based in New Mexico, gave filmmakers access for seven months. us some money for something, it all goes into the community fund, and we up on each other, of about 50 years. Cult" is to hear young girls talk openly about being naked with Michael. But we knew that the prophesy indicated the end of a very important age, On November 18, 1978, in Guyana, it was reported that Congressman Leo J. Ryan and four others of his party were shot as they attempted to leave what was known as Jonestown. J. people. My mind hurt, by the time I I thought - I know the word of God. And so, we have our heart set on that, on the promise that we were given. girls? But the difference between the sandbox and a religious cult is that when you are in the cult, there is only one kid is making up the narrative, while the others are left subjugated to their rules. Snejana Farberov For Dailymail.com, Prosecutors said the father-of-three was caught lying naked in bed with the teen and her younger sister on separate, Former elementary school teacher who sexually assaulted 'girls who had divorced parents' convicted, Florida man, 42, 'solicited nude photos from girl, 12, he met on Instagram then flew to Oregon for a weekend of sex abuse', Isabel Oakeshott receives 'menacing' message from Matt Hancock, Fleet-footed cop chases an offender riding a scooter, Incredible footage of Ukrainian soldiers fighting Russians in Bakhmut, Pro-Ukrainian drone lands on Russian spy planes exposing location, 'Buster is next!' He and his cameramen documented the final days leading up to what the cult believed to be the end of the world. That was - I would say that was just a lie. was also quite a disturbing experience, though, because the atmosphere But now, the very event that have ben waiting for, the day you restructured your entire worldview and belief system for, has come and gone. a rather unsettling atmosphere. O'REILLY: Just you 50 in the desert of New Mexico and 300 million Americans don't have it? A higher power that none of you can see or talk to. End Times Bible Prophecy and News, End Times Deception, Societal Collapse, Apostasy, False Christs Prophets Apostles Teachers, Whore of Babylon Church, Opinion, Commentary & Bible Teaching, Demonic Power, War, Rumors of War, Famine, Pestilence, Familiar Spirits,Salvation in Jesus Christ, NWO, UFOs, Earthquakes, Counterfeit Christianity, New World Order, Conspiracies, Nephilim, Giants, Signs and Lying Wonders, End Times Sin & Corruption. Were they just religious fanatics? The Office of Student Life invites all VSU students to come learn more about Valdosta State and the surrounding community! He wants to explain arraignment this morning. O'REILLY: But we've got to feel sorry for the kids. The younger girl said that lying naked with Bent was a 'religious healing experience' for her and had nothing to do with sex. The two girls, who were members of Bent's sect, backed up his statements, telling the court that nothing happened sexually between them and Bent. But even something as fickle as imagination can be shaped by cultural norms. Jeremiah J. Jameson and End Times Prophecy Report, 2012-13. He didn't expect it. The moments before the final decision to die brought resistance from a few, but armed guards who surrounded the room shot many of them. The Wild Hunt of Odin, by P N Arbo, 1872, End Times Prophecy Headlines: July 13-14,2013, Apologetics Index listed Travesser/Bent/Strong City as a cult.. The two minor children, the state's only witnesses to the facts at trial, both testified in the primary trial, in subsequent court proceedings and by affidavit, that Bent never touched them sexually in any way, and asserted that the charges against him were baseless. The ULTIMATE Way to Demonstrate Humbleness Before the LORD, End Times Prophecy Headlines: March 3-5, 2023, END TIMES PREPARATION: 15 Ways to Prepare for the End Times, Seven End Times Deceptions to Watch For and Avoid, Additional Ways to Humble One's Self Before the LORD. And you have to experience God forcing You are still here. Their 'Messiah.' He claimed that he was the 'chosen one'. The old dad found guilty? Of the estimated 1100 people believed to have been present at Jonestown at the time, 913 died, including Jim Jones; the rest somehow escaped into the jungle. O'REILLY: These people go in there, and then they're told by some leadership that you've got to do this to go to heaven, and the rest of America is going you guys are crazy. that would threaten your self-interests. BENT: Well, I would like to correct something, Larry, for the record. but I think that he has really learned that his charisma can be used to initially started off about three weeks ago, when Children Youth and KING: We welcome to LARRY KING LIVE in Clayton, New Mexico, Matt Grubs. KING: When you watch the panel discussion, and you heard them say that Transcription Copyright 2007 Voxant, Inc. (www.voxant.com), which takes sole responsibility for the accuracy of the transcription. KING: Were you with your dad when he was told or received the message BEN ANTHONY, DIRECTOR: Well, it was a fascinating experience, Larry. spirit. 21 women and 18 men voluntarily committed suicide in three groups on three successive days starting on 1997-MAR-23. taking their individuality away, taking their name away, taking their As parents watched their children die, they too swallowed the fatal potion. There is quite the extensive paper trail which documents the many previous statements of Travesser/Bent concerning doomsday. In addition to the documentary, there is ample additional evidence to support what the article contained. It's a relationship where they're I The FBI and New Mexico State Policeare keeping a close eye on a group of about 70 people who have settled in a self-styled cult in northeastern New Mexico. man who, for a time in his past, was a preacher for the Seventh Day And then when you see these robots come out is there some kind of brainwashing that happens? He said Id find a story of love and devotion. June 14, 2022; Posted by . Children believe in Santa Claus because they know that if they are good, they will receive presents at Christmas. distance entre support tuyauterie pvc. O'REILLY: When you were in the cult, was it oppressive? Just as with Jesus, they've convicted an innocent man, Bent said after the verdict, adding that his unjust conviction was part of God's plan. Enjoy music, free food, games, and plenty . While Wayne Bent has refused interviews, he posted a message on the group's Web site, StrongCity.info, after getting out of jail on Saturday. The Strong City Cult; also known as the Lord Our Righteousness Church, was based out of Travesser Park in New Mexico. the experience we've had here. It is something that's spiritually discerned. He claims he left that church because he got fed up with the people. Thanks for coming in here. BENT: Well, the prophesy was fulfilled. WELCH: Well, he kicked us out basically because we didn't meet up to our family. Wayne's behavior is mental illness or how much of it is deliberate For some reason the phrase Kill the unbelievers! keeps racing through my head. Take Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny for example. "Inside a Cult." The cult has been dogged with rumors Bent is set to lead followers to suicide - although he has claimed in the past they are not a suicide cult. Cults Messiah Struggles With False Doomsday Prophesy. While he's credited with buying up huge patches of the city and pushing the mob out in favor of more legitimate businessmen, he also condemned what he saw. They were based originally in California, eventually moved up to Sand former wife was spiritually married to Michael and went through the O'REILLY: But that should be a signal to every one of the 50 people that the guy is a kook. That's interesting. left in 2005 and she alerted the FBI to Michael Travesser's activities. [1] In 2008, the community consisted of approximately fifty people. Then Saints were awarded a penalty. declared himself the messiah. U.S. Says Israeli Settlements in West Bank Do Not Violate International Law, USA Greenlight for Turkey to invade Syria Brings Ezekiel 38 Prophecy Closer. Wayne Bent used to be a Seventh-day Adventist. WELCH: You're right. And he gave me unique access to film inside his closed community. Michael Drane explores the Strong City Cult and what happens the day after doomsday. He's never told me a lie once. criminal sex charges. . Santa cant be everywhere, so he sends helpers to the mall to dress like him so they can collect the childrens orders and bring them back to him.. In New Mexico, criminal sexual contact is contact [14], Bent also freely admits having sexual intercourse multiple times with his son's wife. laying there, and it's like - for the first time, I was like, God loves In many respects, Michael Travessers Strong City Cult is a textbook example of what cult mentality looks like: mind control, herd mentality, and exploitation. BENT: I live next door to him. Now, as you said, he faces three counts of criminal sexual contact We're going to tell you about that in a moment. KING: Jeff Bent will be back with us in awhile. Michael Travesser & Strong City - Page 6 of 7 I just fi Cognitive dissonance is what happens when the thing that you thought was true bumps into reality. I don't have beliefs, Larry. Wayne Bent: False Messiah Who Predicted 2007 Doomsday StillAround, Demons Exorcised: Polish Exorcisms Available For InternetAddicts, West Liberty University Graduation: Spring 2014Commencement, Review of Gods not Dead: An Inspiring ChristianMovie, Noah the Movie Review: Hollywood vs theBible, Healthy Food for Less: 7 Ways to Eat Healthy on aBudget, POLLS: The Fiction of Polls and PublicOpinion, ARCHIVES: End Times Prophecy Report ArticleArchives, End Times Survival, End TimesPreparation, In 2011, National Geographic covered Travesser in, Travesser/Bent was serving a 10-year prison sentence for sex with underage followers when the. I was in Virginia, and they were in It was a spiritual experience that was illustrated by a physical act. The charges were three counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor and three counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. KING: Back to Jeff Bent, the son of Wayne Bent, the self-proclaimed messiah who leads a community in Strong City, New Mexico. According to Travesser it was God who gave him the Doomsday date. [15], Both the prosecution and the defense excused one judge in the case. prepared to understand what it's like to have a messiah come on you and The attack killed 13 people and injured thousands more. Or maybe we deserved it. physical consummation? day that leads me and interprets things for me. [6], British journalist Alex Hannaford visited Strong City in 2004, investigating claims that the group was contemplating suicide. Were not quite sure who the persecutors are that Michael refers to. History of Messianic Jews and Their Basic Beliefs.

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