Watchman's Story - Revision history

Panglossolalia at 03:54, 1 September 2008

2008-09-01T03:54:12Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:54, 1 September 2008
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	[[Category:Testimony]]		[[Category:Testimony]]
			[[Category:Spotlight]]

WalkerJ: fixed typo

2005-04-24T05:44:20Z

fixed typo

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:44, 24 April 2005
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	Even though accepting this invitation entailed the "temporary" separation of myself and my family, Katrina and I both felt it was a real [[open door]] from the Lord and we, of course, felt certain that if it did blossom into any kind of a major ministry that she and the children would be brought over in the not too distant future. This assumption proved to be dead wrong. As I look back on it now, I have to honestly admit that they had every intention of separating me from Katrina and the rest of my family as they have done with so many other families throughout the history of the group.		Even though accepting this invitation entailed the "temporary" separation of myself and my family, Katrina and I both felt it was a real [[open door]] from the Lord and we, of course, felt certain that if it did blossom into any kind of a major ministry that she and the children would be brought over in the not too distant future. This assumption proved to be dead wrong. As I look back on it now, I have to honestly admit that they had every intention of separating me from Katrina and the rest of my family as they have done with so many other families throughout the history of the group.

	Once in Japan, I found myself in a completely foreign and totally controlled environment, effectively cut off from all emotional support systems~~. with~~ all incoming and outgoing ~~mall~~ being strictly censored. About a month-and-a-half after my arrival, [[Mo]], [[Mama Maria\|Maria]], [[Peter Amsterdam\|Peter]] and company showed up at [[Heavenly City School\|the school in Japan]] and a couple days later I received a personal phone call from Maria giving me counsel on a new PR video which she wanted me to produce for the work in Japan (interestingly enough, she mentioned she got the idea from watching the video the Moonies produced for their recruitment purposes in Japan!). I was also dealing extensively during this period with Peter Amsterdam (Maria's right-hand man) and also had contact with other members of the folks' personal staff.		Once in Japan, I found myself in a completely foreign and totally controlled environment, effectively cut off from all emotional support systems, With all incoming and outgoing mail being strictly censored. About a month-and-a-half after my arrival, [[Mo]], [[Mama Maria\|Maria]], [[Peter Amsterdam\|Peter]] and company showed up at [[Heavenly City School\|the school in Japan]] and a couple days later I received a personal phone call from Maria giving me counsel on a new PR video which she wanted me to produce for the work in Japan (interestingly enough, she mentioned she got the idea from watching the video the Moonies produced for their recruitment purposes in Japan!). I was also dealing extensively during this period with [[Peter Amsterdam]] (Maria's right-hand man) and also had contact with other members of the folks' personal staff.

	It was during this period that I got to meet "[[Davidito]]" (Maria's son, then in his early teens) and saw him as being a poor little abused introverted boy who seemed to be greatly disturbed and very fearful. While at the school, Davidito briefly had the experience of getting out of what had been a cloistered and basically controlled environment and being able to freely associate with other young people his age there at the school. Unfortunately for him, he began to exhibit some "independent" and "cool" tendencies; and he soon disappeared from the school altogether. Sometime later, we received a Mo letter which explained his sudden absence. It was one of those horrible, vitriolic blasts in which Mo very harshly and cruelly took this poor young man apart while threatening him with the judgements of God and physical violence, etc.		It was during this period that I got to meet "[[Davidito]]" (Maria's son, then in his early teens) and saw him as being a poor little abused introverted boy who seemed to be greatly disturbed and very fearful. While at the school, Davidito briefly had the experience of getting out of what had been a cloistered and basically controlled environment and being able to freely associate with other young people his age there at the school. Unfortunately for him, he began to exhibit some "independent" and "cool" tendencies; and he soon disappeared from the school altogether. Sometime later, we received a Mo letter which explained his sudden absence. It was one of those horrible, vitriolic blasts in which Mo very harshly and cruelly took this poor young man apart while threatening him with the judgements of God and physical violence, etc.

Monger: added editors note (does anyone know when rick wrote this article?)

2005-03-27T03:13:42Z

added editors note (does anyone know when rick wrote this article?)

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:13, 27 March 2005
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			'''Editor's note:''' In [[1996]], several years after writing this account of his life in [[The Family]], Rick died of an intentional drug overdose. For more information, see the article on [[Rick Dupuy]].


	<div style="padding: 1em; margin: 10px; border: 2px dotted green;">		<div style="padding: 1em; margin: 10px; border: 2px dotted green;">
	[[Image:Ricky_dupuy.jpg\|thumb~~\|170px~~\|Rick]]		[[Image:Ricky_dupuy.jpg\|thumb\|Rick]]
	Dearest Friends and Brethren,		Dearest Friends and Brethren,

Monger: added underlines to book titles (as was done in other copies of watchman's article)

2005-03-27T00:16:40Z

added underlines to book titles (as was done in other copies of watchman's article)

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:16, 27 March 2005
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	On this very important topic of recovery, it has come to my attention that some ex-members have fallen into the trap of looking for another religious system to replace the one that they left. In my observation, this is one of the biggest mistakes that can be made. I believe one of the main keys to a full and healthy recovery is to rediscover the thrill of being an individual again and becoming a whole and complete person. It's certainly scary to have to admit that your old "road map" is outdated and erroneous and to have to formulate an entirely new "map" for the rest of your life; but at the same time, if taken positively, this can be very thrilling and challenging. Out in the "real" world, each of us has to take responsibility for our own destinies and discover reality for ourselves. But, again, this can be an exciting and fulfilling prospect. Receiving professional counseling from a qualified psychologist can be a great shortcut and has been a tremendous help to many of us. There are a couple of cult clinics across the country that have excellent psychologists on their staff who offer counseling at a very reduced rate. You'll be happy to know there are many excellent psychologists, both Christian and secular, around the country who are available to help.		On this very important topic of recovery, it has come to my attention that some ex-members have fallen into the trap of looking for another religious system to replace the one that they left. In my observation, this is one of the biggest mistakes that can be made. I believe one of the main keys to a full and healthy recovery is to rediscover the thrill of being an individual again and becoming a whole and complete person. It's certainly scary to have to admit that your old "road map" is outdated and erroneous and to have to formulate an entirely new "map" for the rest of your life; but at the same time, if taken positively, this can be very thrilling and challenging. Out in the "real" world, each of us has to take responsibility for our own destinies and discover reality for ourselves. But, again, this can be an exciting and fulfilling prospect. Receiving professional counseling from a qualified psychologist can be a great shortcut and has been a tremendous help to many of us. There are a couple of cult clinics across the country that have excellent psychologists on their staff who offer counseling at a very reduced rate. You'll be happy to know there are many excellent psychologists, both Christian and secular, around the country who are available to help.

	Books can be an excellent source of comfort and guidance. The following are some that have been of help to me personally: The Road Less Travelled by M. Scott Peck [ISBN 0743243153]; Healing The Child Within by Charles Whitfield [ISBN 0932194400]; Combatting Cult Mind Control by Steve Hassan [ISBN 0892813113]; Holy Terror by Flo Conway and Jim Siegleman [ISBN 0385176708]; Churches That Abuse by Ron Enroth [ISBN 0310532906] (there's another excellent one on this topic called The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse [ISBN 1556611609]); The Rape Of The Mind by Joost Am Meerloo [ISBN 0448001187]; Thought Reform and the Psychology Of Totalism by Robert Lifton [ISBN 0807842532]; and I've also found the works of Abraham Maslow and Victor Frenkle to be very thought-provoking and helpful as well.		Books can be an excellent source of comfort and guidance. The following are some that have been of help to me personally: <u>The Road Less Travelled</u> by M. Scott Peck [ISBN 0743243153]; <u>Healing The Child Within</u> by Charles Whitfield [ISBN 0932194400]; <u>Combatting Cult Mind Control</u> by Steve Hassan [ISBN 0892813113]; <u>Holy Terror</u> by Flo Conway and Jim Siegleman [ISBN 0385176708]; <u>Churches That Abuse</u> by Ron Enroth [ISBN 0310532906] (there's another excellent one on this topic called <u>The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse</u> [ISBN 1556611609]); <u>The Rape Of The Mind</u> by Joost Am Meerloo [ISBN 0448001187]; <u>Thought Reform and the Psychology Of Totalism</u> by Robert Lifton [ISBN 0807842532]; and I've also found the works of Abraham Maslow and Victor Frenkle to be very thought-provoking and helpful as well.

	Whether you seek counseling and support in a Christian or more broad-based environment, my advice is to seek out support systems that are very supportive and loving and allow a large measure of freedom and open-mindedness with regards to doctrines and belief systems, etc. Entering into a good fitness program is a great idea; and the boon of added self-confidence you can gain from such a program greatly promotes clear thinking and is an added defense towards succumbing to the temptations of alcoholism or drug abuse.		Whether you seek counseling and support in a Christian or more broad-based environment, my advice is to seek out support systems that are very supportive and loving and allow a large measure of freedom and open-mindedness with regards to doctrines and belief systems, etc. Entering into a good fitness program is a great idea; and the boon of added self-confidence you can gain from such a program greatly promotes clear thinking and is an added defense towards succumbing to the temptations of alcoholism or drug abuse.

Monger: links, ocr error fixes, etc.

2005-03-26T23:34:04Z

links, ocr error fixes, etc.

Show changes

Monger at 22:25, 26 March 2005

2005-03-26T22:25:02Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:25, 26 March 2005
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	<div style="padding: 1em; margin: 10px; border: 2px dotted green;">		<div style="padding: 1em; margin: 10px; border: 2px dotted green;">

	[[Image:Ricky_dupuy.jpg\|thumb\|Rick]]		[[Image:Ricky_dupuy.jpg\|thumb\|Rick]]
	Dearest Friends and Brethren,		Dearest Friends and Brethren,

	Hi! My name is [[~~Rick Dupuy\|~~Rick Dupui]], alias Watchman de la Mancha; and it is my great pleasure to inform you that I am now safely out of the Children of God group and have miraculously survived the ordeal with my sanity more or less intact -- ha! I would like to affectionately address the following brief history to all you ex-members of the COG who I sincerely pray will find the following account interesting and helpful. I would also like to direct this to any of you "hangers-on" who find yourself in that very uncomfortable state of sitting on the fence in never-never land where you seem unable to reality make a break with the COG or the past and, as a result, are unable to successfully reintegrate into the real ala world or forge a new identity for yourself.		Hi! My name is [[Rick Dupui]], alias Watchman de la Mancha; and it is my great pleasure to inform you that I am now safely out of the Children of God group and have miraculously survived the ordeal with my sanity more or less intact -- ha! I would like to affectionately address the following brief history to all you ex-members of the COG who I sincerely pray will find the following account interesting and helpful. I would also like to direct this to any of you "hangers-on" who find yourself in that very uncomfortable state of sitting on the fence in never-never land where you seem unable to reality make a break with the COG or the past and, as a result, are unable to successfully reintegrate into the real ala world or forge a new identity for yourself.

	It is my prayer that the following account may help in some small way to push you off the proverbial fence and to move you one step closer to full recovery, mental health and the wonderful experience of becoming a whole and integral person who is in full control of his own life and destiny. Kicking the addiction of a controlling religion such as the COG can be a difficult and psychologically wrenching experience and I know all too well how devastating the destructive phobia indoctrinations about leaving the group can be and how debilitating and tormenting the resulting feelings of condemnation can be and the havoc they can wreak in one's life. However, I am also convinced that the joy that comes with fully regaining one's own sense of freedom and true spirituality is well worth the effort and that there truly is "life after the Family".		It is my prayer that the following account may help in some small way to push you off the proverbial fence and to move you one step closer to full recovery, mental health and the wonderful experience of becoming a whole and integral person who is in full control of his own life and destiny. Kicking the addiction of a controlling religion such as the COG can be a difficult and psychologically wrenching experience and I know all too well how devastating the destructive phobia indoctrinations about leaving the group can be and how debilitating and tormenting the resulting feelings of condemnation can be and the havoc they can wreak in one's life. However, I am also convinced that the joy that comes with fully regaining one's own sense of freedom and true spirituality is well worth the effort and that there truly is "life after the Family".

Monger: added photo

2005-03-26T16:16:02Z

added photo

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:16, 26 March 2005
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	<div style="padding: 1em; margin: 10px; border: 2px dotted green;">		<div style="padding: 1em; margin: 10px; border: 2px dotted green;">
			[[Image:Ricky_dupuy.jpg\|thumb\|Rick]]
	Dearest Friends and Brethren,		Dearest Friends and Brethren,

	Hi! My name is Rick Dupui, alias Watchman de la Mancha; and it is my great pleasure to inform you that I am now safely out of the Children of God group and have miraculously survived the ordeal with my sanity more or less intact -- ha! I would like to affectionately address the following brief history to all you ex-members of the COG who I sincerely pray will find the following account interesting and helpful. I would also like to direct this to any of you "hangers-on" who find yourself in that very uncomfortable state of sitting on the fence in never-never land where you seem unable to reality make a break with the COG or the past and, as a result, are unable to successfully reintegrate into the real ala world or forge a new identity for yourself.		Hi! My name is [[Rick Dupuy\|Rick Dupui]], alias Watchman de la Mancha; and it is my great pleasure to inform you that I am now safely out of the Children of God group and have miraculously survived the ordeal with my sanity more or less intact -- ha! I would like to affectionately address the following brief history to all you ex-members of the COG who I sincerely pray will find the following account interesting and helpful. I would also like to direct this to any of you "hangers-on" who find yourself in that very uncomfortable state of sitting on the fence in never-never land where you seem unable to reality make a break with the COG or the past and, as a result, are unable to successfully reintegrate into the real ala world or forge a new identity for yourself.

	It is my prayer that the following account may help in some small way to push you off the proverbial fence and to move you one step closer to full recovery, mental health and the wonderful experience of becoming a whole and integral person who is in full control of his own life and destiny. Kicking the addiction of a controlling religion such as the COG can be a difficult and psychologically wrenching experience and I know all too well how devastating the destructive phobia indoctrinations about leaving the group can be and how debilitating and tormenting the resulting feelings of condemnation can be and the havoc they can wreak in one's life. However, I am also convinced that the joy that comes with fully regaining one's own sense of freedom and true spirituality is well worth the effort and that there truly is "life after the Family".		It is my prayer that the following account may help in some small way to push you off the proverbial fence and to move you one step closer to full recovery, mental health and the wonderful experience of becoming a whole and integral person who is in full control of his own life and destiny. Kicking the addiction of a controlling religion such as the COG can be a difficult and psychologically wrenching experience and I know all too well how devastating the destructive phobia indoctrinations about leaving the group can be and how debilitating and tormenting the resulting feelings of condemnation can be and the havoc they can wreak in one's life. However, I am also convinced that the joy that comes with fully regaining one's own sense of freedom and true spirituality is well worth the effort and that there truly is "life after the Family".
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	Whether you seek counseling and support in a Christian or more broad-based environment, my advice is to seek out support systems that are very supportive and loving and allow a large measure of freedom and open-mindedness with regards to doctrines and belief systems, etc. Entering into a good fitness program is a great idea; and the boon of added self-confidence you can gain from such a program greatly promotes clear thinking and is an added defense towards succumbing to the temptations of alcoholism or drug abuse.		Whether you seek counseling and support in a Christian or more broad-based environment, my advice is to seek out support systems that are very supportive and loving and allow a large measure of freedom and open-mindedness with regards to doctrines and belief systems, etc. Entering into a good fitness program is a great idea; and the boon of added self-confidence you can gain from such a program greatly promotes clear thinking and is an added defense towards succumbing to the temptations of alcoholism or drug abuse.

	I sincerely wish you the very best ... and remember, today is the first day of the rest of our lives! May God bless and keep you! - Rick (Watchman).		I sincerely wish you the very best ... and remember, today is the first day of the rest of our lives! May God bless and keep you! — Rick (Watchman).
	</div>		</div>

	[[Category:Testimony]]		[[Category:Testimony]]

Craven de Kere: closed div, added categorization

2005-02-10T06:51:42Z

closed div, added categorization

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:51, 10 February 2005
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	I sincerely wish you the very best ... and remember, today is the first day of the rest of our lives! May God bless and keep you! - Rick (Watchman).		I sincerely wish you the very best ... and remember, today is the first day of the rest of our lives! May God bless and keep you! - Rick (Watchman).
			</div>

			[[Category:Testimony]]

Indian Joe at 04:19, 8 February 2005

2005-02-08T04:19:03Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:19, 8 February 2005
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	Dearest Friends and Brethren,		Dearest Friends and Brethren,

Indian Joe at 03:52, 8 February 2005

2005-02-08T03:52:08Z

Show changes