Feedback regarding Faith Assembly and Dr. Hobart Freeman
I felt there needed to have a level headed discussion on what happened because of the rumors and false reports done by various newspapers, even today some 30 years later. I have come across and continue to get a few emails from hurting people, who like me, got legalistic in the walk and fell flat on their faces.
Please keep your posting to under five (5) short paragraphs, don't ramble on, drop names, point fingers, or be vulgar. This is not a public message board per se. Head over to http://www.overcomersonline.com/FUDforum2/ if you want to debate.
If you want to contact people, I will try to let them know you are asking for them (if they left me a contact email address) and they can reply if they wish. I also don't want to publish full names for privacy reasons, hence first name and last letter.Anonymous postings will be ignored.
One thing, I know folks were hurt by what happened at FA, but it doesn't help dumping on me or cursing Dr. Hobart E. Freeman's teachings. He was a vessel and God is still God, still in control, and still faithful to heal today just as much as He did back then. How you interpret that statement is your business, and no, I don't have all the answers as to why things did or didn't happened at FA.
I usually don't bother defending why I have this feedback sub-section of my site, but a couple of postings at factnet are accusing me that this is a dedicated site/alter to Dr. Hobart Freeman (it isn't), and that 90% of the posts you see are supportive and nostalgic of all things Freeman.
Well maybe, just maybe, could it be because 90% of the emails I get are supportive?
Gosh.
If anyone wants to get Carl Seitz's music on CD, contact Gene Cornell at rccci@netzero.com.
Suggest a donation of $25 paid to him in order to cover shipping costs and CD's.Comments:
May 08 - I don't know all that happen at Faith Assembly. What I do know is that I first heard the faith message by a brother that came on the mission field from Faith Assembly.
I am so glad for the Word that I learned from him and Dr. Freeman.
Today I believe that the Word of God is true and does Work.
Not the legalism but the Word is true.God heals.
Belize, Central America
- Pastor Victor H
May 08 - Greetings Brethren at Large - I have a special request. The other night our pastor closed the meeting in prayer and mentioned being in the hollow of God's hand. Immediately a very old song refrain came to my heart - "I'm in the hollow of your hands...I'm in the hollow of your hands."
I knew it was something that went way, way back. I thought of Jerry Ervin and Steve Hill and meetings at the Indianapolis Adam's Mark Hotel in Decembers. I've sung this song to several in my own assembly, at least what I can remember of it. A couple of said it sounds familiar, but they don't know it.
Does anyone remember this one well enough to fill in the missing blanks?
Above me is the shadow of your wings,
Around me is the hedge of your protection.
Beneath me are your everlasting arms,
Your truth is my shield and buckler.
In your word I will trust with all my heart...
___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ _____,
I'm in the hollow of your hands, I'm in the hollow of your hands.
-Karen P.
To Karen P - The missing words are " FOR YOUR BLOOD PREVAILS ON MY BEHALF" - Thanks -Chuck D
May 08- To ami B= I knew your of your mom & dad back in the day. I'm a little younger than they are I was a mid teen when they got married. I remember their wedding :)
Have your parents ever sang the song they wrote about marriage to you?
It still cracks me up-Hold it hold it hold it-I looooove you:)
Tell them: An old fan says hi, I was at the concert in Indiana when you all were recognized by ray and it did my heart so good to hear your mom & dad are still together and you all are ok.
- Anita
Apr 08 - When I think of Faith Assembly, I feel great sadness.
- Sadness for my parents, who were so young and enthusiastic and overjoyed to be part of what they thought was a great movement. Sadness for my mother, who had to wrestle with untreated depression for so many dark, lonely years. Sadness for their heartfelt beliefs that began to crumble when the unthinkable happened, when Brother Freeman, as I always heard him called, died. Sadness for the youth my siblings and I never experienced, as we were taught so young to redeem the time because the days were evil.Sadness for all the family that we never knew and all the friendships my parents nipped in the bud, because we could not associate with even very godly people who did not follow the teachings of Faith Assembly. Sadness for the years of feeling like an immigrant in my own country, of not understanding the cultural references or the casual manner young people use to address their elders or that wearing a bathing suit does not guarantee eternal damnation.
Sadness for all the times we barely had food in the house but my father would still scrape together a few dollars for the locked wooden box at the back of the church, even if it meant he did not eat or had to forego his beloved coffee.
My mother told me recently that, in all those years of counting deprivation all joy, they spoke with Brother Freeman one time. One time, in all those years. They devoted themselves to this man and the message he preached and the God he served. They sat under his teachings, Sunday after Sunday, Wednesday after Wednesday, and borrowed stacks of his tapes in between services.They left family and friends and education and careers and all behind for the sake of the gospel he preached, and he likely did not even know their names.
That is, perhaps, saddest of all.
-Sara K
Apr 08 - Hello, I am German and sat under the teaching of Dr. Freeman, Jerry Ervin, Bruce Kinsey and so on. I was in one of the few German groups near Frankfurt 1982-1986.
I also visited FA once. My wife stayed in the Füssle Family for half a year 1982. Because of the FA teaching I stopped studying theology at a secular German university, which still was/is a good decision for me.
I think, we got a very good teaching for a long time. I am still positively influenced of the "true word". Sometimes I think that my heart was closer to Jesus at that time.
Thanks Jesus that I never hat problems to get free of the "legalistic" attitude. What happened to Bruce, Jerry and the others. Are the Füssles still living in this area ?
If you would like, please give me a response.
- Martin (Black-Forest Germany)(Editor's note: I remember meeting a fine young German engineer back in '82/83 who came to visit me up at Grand Centre and Cold Lake, Alberta. Dang, I can't remember his name - Jurgen?)
Apr 08 - I also remember, eight live children, one more dead at birth. Yes, I gained, but it cost so, so much and cost all I thouch also. It feels so much to think back over all these old times
God is still blessing me today, and I have "compromised". We paid so much just to fill a seat or even a 'pulpit' in a house church or in Acton or Zion Lake. And all I touch paid but I hope they were paid something also. The pressure that the ministry allowed was really [like] "a demon behind every tree", but, much of the work was Godly.
The hose analogy just did not follow through, it was tainted, human, so, so grave.
- KEITH T.
Mar 08 - I was teenager when my mother started attending FA. My experiences at FA had a very negative impact on my life for along time and then spilled over into my children's lives.
When my children came along FA was a part of my past that I had tucked away but it stilled spilled over in how I raised them...not in church.
The years have went by, my children are now almost grown and most of the healing has taken place by remembering that Hobart Freeman and Bruce Kinsey were human just like me, no better or worse, just human.
I remember that and forgive.
- Kathy L.
Feb 08 - I have read through many of the comments on your site. My Father is a Pastor in Syracuse, New York. The media is just now becoming involved. It is amazing how similar the story is. All the harm, the pain, the suffering. It seems to me that there are simple safe guards that, when identified, can protect good people from harm I've experienced, I've read about.
Consider the common sense of making sure that any organization you attend will encourage you to ask questions, and will be glad and enthusiastic about answering you. Also consider that you should be encouraged to think and make decisions for yourself.
Too often a good thing can go bad when people try to control situations into a direction THEY think is necessary. Also consider that people thinking differently then you, though they may be wrong, also deserves to be treated with kindness and respect.
Don't isolate yourselves to be involved only with those believing as you. Other good people can be encouraged by your beliefs only when you are there to be seen, and when they see some good in it. I have also learned that within many communities are good Churches willing to reach out to those feeling harmed.
Support is out there.
-Daniel
Jan 08 There was some great music back then. Cal Roach and Audie Gates. Carl Seitz. Jerry Ervin. Steve Kinsey.
Good music and worship.
-Swanson
Jan 08 - I was a member of Faith Assembly for 14 years 1970-1984. I just recently moved back into the area. Is there anything documented about the divorces that occurred among FA members? I know that I am one, I just met another gal whose husband divorced her. Can I begin a blog on the topic? Thank you for the recent posts.
There are those who STILL will not speak to me because I left FA! I have since moved on and listen to teachings through the internet. I think that divorce is very wide spread and will probably be the same percentage??
Thank you,
- Ilene N
(editor's note: well that is a good question and I wouldn't say it is the same percentage, but happened never-the-less. Depending if you are the 'innocent' party affects how things work out I guess. I'll put it here for everyone to see and maybe head over to the Overcomers Forum to discuss this in more depth.)
Jan 08 - I am almost, yes I am in tears as I write this note, knowing that I am touching the friends I knew so many years ago. Ami B I remember your dad, Gary & Ray B singing "lets all go down to ma Black's Jesus Center" "Pictures & Crosses" Captain, Councilor, Rock & Shield".
Glory Barn Mothers singing those sweet harmonious Scripture songs, Carl S. "the sweet Psalmist of Faith Assembly" another song (not ours) Precious Memories, how they linger...
I believe for all the suffering we've gone thru, the Music makes it come out almost even. Countless times led into God's presence with Jerry & his 12-string guitar "Like a Mountain Stream in the Springtime, YOU (Jesus) over-flood my soul" Here I am Lord, in the name of Jesus, fill me with your Spirit to glorify your Name, your Holy Name, YOU ARE LORD, YOU ARE LORD, YOU ARE LORD! HALLELUJAH!
Monday night men's prayer meeting: Parking -lot Charlie, Roy M., Dave & Mike B., Cal R. many good memories. 1 Cor.13,Mid! & just in case you're wondering,
I still love Jesus, my Lord & soon coming King!
- Audie G.
Dec 07 - Shela, I remember you and Bob and your family. Please feel free to contact me. This goes for any friends from Faith Assembly who wish to contact me. betty_ok_lpn@yahoo.com
- Betty J
Dec 07- I'v e been reading for the last few hours, taking a trip back in time to the Glory Barn and the "new building". My wife of six months and I moved to Chapman Lake, outside of Warsaw, IN, from Ashland OH in September of 1975, to attend Faith Assembly. Our son was born there in December of 1976, and our oldest daughter in August of 1978. Actually, they were born in Goshen General Hospital, because, despite the teaching, we wanted at least some medical supervision for the births. We attended every time the doors were open, and I remember the lines for Sunday morning. I remember the teachings Dr. Freeman did which basically gave us a Seminary education for the price of the books, and our time. I still have many of the books I bought.
My brother also moved there, arriving a year before I did. He recorded sermons, and edited the tapes before they were duplicated and sent out. He eventually even taught a few times, and taught some home meetings. It was his (and my) independent thinking which eventually got him kicked out publicly, and when I went to talk to Bruce Kinsey, I asked for the tape of that service. He said I could not have a copy, but he could tell me what was said. Bruce said that in order to continue to attend Faith assembly, I must believe that Faith Assembly was THE end-time body with THE end-time message of faith, and that Dr. Freeman was THE man of God with THE true end-time message, and that anyone who did not accept these statements 100% could not be a member, and could not attend. Somewhat shocked, I smiled and thanked him for his time, walked out to my car, drove down the street a block or two, and let out a whoop of relief that I had been set free from such bondage.
I wonder what happened to the people I knew then, like John and Debbi Whetstone, Sherwood and Mary Jo Roach, Cal Roach, Andy Roach, and Audie Gates. I had some good memories, though, and I remember the worship services. As some have said, I have never been to a church since that has worship services like Faith Assembly. I even played sometimes in the band at the new building right before I left, and the power that came forth was amazing. I mentioned audio Gates because I did a recording with Audie, Cal Roach, and some others whose names escape me at the moment, and I remember we played out live one time, at the old M&M restaurant in North Webster. I was in the area last year, and stopped at the new M7M, and drove around the area, up Backwater Lake road, past the Glory Barn site. I tried to find the house we lived in in North Webster after we moved there, but couldn't. The house we lived in in Milford is still there though.
After we left, we moved back to Ohio, and a year later, contacted the media in South Bend, IN, to come forward with our story about our time at Faith Assembly. WSBT TV ran a series, and my wife and I appeared in a portion of it, talking about what we had seen and experienced. Toward the end of our stay, it had become so oppressive, legalistic, and I remember the "guards" in the parking lot, who acted more like Gestapo than parking lot attendants. I knew that they sometimes prevented people from entering, after they had been kicked out, or spoken against from the pulpit. There were "prophecies" which exalted Dr. Freeman, and no one spoke up and said "this is wrong", because they would have been shouted down, and run out of the church building.
I remember Stan Hill (Steve's father) and his wonderful preaching. I remember Steve Hill, Dave Freeman, and June Freeman. June was always so sweet to my wife and I.
I have a mixture of memories, some bad, some good. I still find that I did learn some positive things from Faith Assembly and Dr. Freeman. It's too bad that it went off and devolved into a cult. I'd love to hear from anyone who remembers Jim and Liz S., or Bill and Patty S.
- Jim S.
Oct 07 - I am from the UK. A friend let me hear some of his tapes from the Glory Barn. I found them a real encouragement to my walk with God. His teaching on God and the truth has had an affect on me to my benefit over about 10+ years when I started my walk.
I am saddened to hear of the other side of the teaching and the affect on other people. The church I now attend is following Jesus and does cover the full range of teaching and they do stress balance.
I am interested in hearing more from other Christians who follow the faith message. I have read Bevington and many people and my heart is blessed to hear what God is doing. It is good to encourage other people to find the truth and live a blessed life now.
It would be good to hear from you.
- Lionel.
Oct 07 - I was a teen in Bruce Kinsey's church, Steve Hills meetings, Gary Wilson's, a few of Dr. Freeman's, and others. I was caught up in legalism and have found a church that helped me find balance and healing. I do not throw the baby out with the bathwater.
I grew up in the best faith message you could ever be under and was delivered from anything that wasn't God later. All of these men have my respect as leaders and we all came through and learned from the past.
I give my best blessings to Bruce and hope he knows we love him and his family. I will keep him in my prayers at this time.
- Sophia A
Oct 07 - I was shocked to hear about Bruce Kinsey while on a service call yesterday and wanted to see if any one has Bruce Kinsey email site address. Send it to me if you have it. We herd about faith assembly and drove 4 hr each night some one came up from the states to teach [Jerry Eccles] was the one who was committed I don't know if I could do it my self.
At the end of the church as I think back my wife and I came into knowledge as the bible said we should know spiritual warfare. What a rush in singing and listing to preaching in them there days. I was totally at the bottom of my life losing my business and home full of demons! I am convinced a saved person can have them as Paul did in after 20 years into his ministry Rom 7:11 to 25.
My first day to the meetings on the way home I turned to friend and said we are going to hell in a hand basket if we don't get the hang of this walk. We are from Chatham Ont. and went to Kitchener once a week what a ball - eight of us had believing God for money we [were poor] it always came.
We made up our minds we were going all the way with God no matter what. Our side wins I us this at work and know God will ways show me when I don't know what to do.
Today call me free of condemnation and enjoy our walk. We do not have a problem with [flesh and blood] our brothers] it's the devil that is our adversary
GOD BLESS
- Tom S.
Oct 07 - I was a part of the Lafayette meeting under Bruce Kinsey, and also attended FA a few times. I also knew that we were responsible for rightly dividing the word on our own. Bruce use to stress this aspect often. I can remember more than once, a well meaning person would indicate that I was not following Dr. Freeman's teachings, but I would only respond with the Word of God.
Yes people were forced into "believing" for something, usually healing, but we were taught from the beginning that it is OUR FAITH that matters. If a person is not up to the fight, then let them get the word into them until it IS FAITH.
To this day, that has been what our family has lived by, and we have seen the Lord faithful in so many ways we cannot count them all. I owe all that I am in Christ to the teachings of Dr. Freeman and Bruce Kinsey. We saw through the legalism, even though we were caught up in some of it for a while, and have some regrets for how we came across early in our Christian walk.
I would not pass on the teachings and the experiences and the close friendships we developed while at the Lafayette meeting. Those people are still very precious to me. As in many churches, all to many people follow a man and not the word. These are the people who, in my opinion were hurt the worst.
I do not blame the ministry or Dr. Freeman for the suffering of those that have had families divided, lost their lives or lives of loved ones. Ultimately, they made the choices to do as they did. God will hold us accountable for what we believe and how we lived our lives. He will also hold those teachers accountable for their doctrine and teachings.
- Bryan B
Sept 07 - “Never, never, never give up” - Sir Winston Churchill.
On a very cold winter evening in the late 1970’s, I attended FA on my way to Vancouver BC, Canada. I first heard the ‘faith message’ on tape in Germany. Hobart Freeman spoke that night and I remember being impressed by his authority. I also found some of the most loving and committed Christians I had ever met.
As a Christian wanting to go deeper with the Lord, I moved from Europe to the States to ‘sit under the faith message’.
Dr. Freeman’s undoubted academic credentials went unrivaled and I never questioned the incredible depth he could draw from God’s word.
The problem came when he began painting himself into a theological corner. He never met with other Hebrew linguists to exchange O.T. insights and stopped all contact with former colleagues. His uncompromising interpretation of a ‘literal faith’ together with his isolation, forced him to go it alone.Faith, plus no doctors, no Christmas, no other books, no other ministries, no wine, no Adidas, no TV, no sports, meant principles produced rules: rules produced bondage: bondage produced legalism. I sometimes wonder whether Dr Freeman ever realized that by cutting himself off from the world, he was removed from the very people Christ calls us to reach. As far as I recall, Bruce Kinsey tried to reason with his father in law, sadly to no avail.
Paradoxically, Dr Freeman’s teaching was not all wrong. Christian discipleship means to follow, obey, love and trust the Lord Jesus with a whole heart. That has stayed with me to this day and I learned it at Faith Assembly.
After he died there were a variety of reasons given as to why God had taken him. When one speaker implied that Dr Freeman had given up his life for us, I left. Several ministers went out into regular jobs and now no longer teach. Others have since reinvented themselves in ministry, never seriously addressing the devastation that they left behind. The tragedies enabled the secular and religious media to write countless articles vilifying Faith Assembly and everything we stood for.But the question remains, “How will heaven write us up?”
- Lois C
Sep 07 - I've been reading this message board for several years and the varying opinions are amazing to me. My mother, Mary, started going to "the Barn" in 1975. My dad, Joe, soon followed and before long our whole lives revolved around the "faith message", Dr. Freeman, and driving an hour and a half to church every Sunday morning and night, Wednesdays and Fridays.
I grew up believing that if you didn't go to Faith Assembly or at least listen to Brother Freeman's tapes then you couldn't be a true overcomer. I remember looking around my third grade class with an overwhelming feeling of sadness because I was the only one going to heaven. terrible.
Over the years I had the opportunity to visit other meetings in Florida, Kentucky, Ohio, and Australia. I met some really great people. I also met some pretty mean people. I met people who treated me like a celebrity because I sat under Brother Freeman, and in Faith Assembly I was confronted by several well meaning adults who were convinced I wasn't saved for various reasons.
I often felt confused about the meaning of it all. Ultimately, I knew that one day I would have to make a choice between my family if they stayed in F.A. and having a 'normal' life. I am so pleased to say that after quite a few tumultuous years, I now have a pleasant relationship with both of my parents who are happily divorced and completely uninvolved with Faith Assembly.
I feel that quite a few members led many many people AWAY from the Lord with their version of the TRUTH. I am blessed to have made some good friends there who still participate in my life in various ways. I think about many of the people I once knew and wonder what ever happened to them. I would love to hear from Derrick Down Under.
Peace and All Good Things
- Angela D.
Sep 07 - My comments as a child who was brought up by parents under Faith Assembly teaching are directed to one who can redeem all that we have been through, our loving father God.
Father God, please deliver our parents from all mindsets that are not of you. Please heal us from all wounds inflicted by their attempts to live out what they perceived to be faith. Give us a true understanding of who you truly are, and let us not partake of yesterdays manna but of the true and hidden manna, your Son, Jesus Christ.
I ask you to touch each one that has been wounded right now and bring healing to their hearts and the deepest regions that only you know. where the enemy has took what you meant for good and used it for evil, I ask you to redeem every situation for your purpose to those who love you.
Empower us Lord God, through faith in your name and your Blood, to bring healing to the hurting instead of hurting to those who need healed. Give us the tongue of the wise to declare your heart, your word mingled with your spirit instead of your word mingled with our spirit and our wounds. Let us declare who you really are instead of who we have been taught that you are.
Truth Lord. That is my prayer for the truth shall set us free.
- Connie B
Sep 07 - My Mother was mentally ill till God healed her when I was in the 5th grade. That was also the last year we celebrated Christmas so it stands out in my mind. She still listens daily to Hobart's tapes and reads his books probably as much as she reads the bible. She is also a great prayer warrior. She never goes to the dentist (she has only the front teeth left) and goes thru great personal suffering of her body because she refuses to see a doctor.
When she and Dad came back from Texas I noticed my Dad was not the same man. I spent a lot of time with him at the pool and doing different things each week. He asked me to take him to the dr. I talked to my sister and it was arranged. I thought it might be his hearing...he was very distracted, inattentive and forgetful as well. We had to keep everything secret from my Mother. It felt wrong but it was what my Dad wanted.
Well at this point they think he has dementia but they have more tests to do. She found out the next day because he forgot and told her. She took him to my sisters to live. He is really enjoying his freedom to watch TV, read books other then the bible, go to other churches ect. He's been so happy and improved since on medication which won't cure but will slow things down.
Yesterday my Mother called me to tell me and my sisters that we were all under the judgment of God. We would be punished for bringing doctor's and medication into her home. Dad can come back when he forgets medicine and trusts God. Am I supposed to say "sorry Dad you have to quit your med and go back. Sorry if you forget to dress and feed yourself in a year..." I love her and am trying to treat her with love and respect but listening to all those tapes are making it worse.
Oh well that is part of our story. Thanks,
- Lisa
Aug 07 - I am sorting through what I was taught the first 25 years of my life. It is a frustrating and confusing process at times. In the end I know it will draw me closer to God. I want to have a correct understanding of who God is. I attended a church in Milwaukee, WI that was heavily influenced by the teachings of FA. I laugh as I read this blog as I can identify with so much people in my generation (I am 26) went through.
There were a lot of negative repercussions from the teachings of this church. There was this enormous “book” of unwritten rules. This “book” was handed to new believers. They usually were frustrated within a year and left this church. They were still in love with Jesus but were frustrated with this church. Similar to the Pharisees in Jesus time there was a lot of focus on the external. The only approved clothing for women was a jean skirt. My brother was told he was going to hell for having his hair a little longer. There was little room to be transparent and honest if you were struggling.
There were some positive things too. I want to glean the positive truths and experiences that I had. The people were extremely generous to those in need. This small church would buy cars and food for those families who were struggling. I do not want to be bitter. I appreciate the people I grew up with.
I am still serving the Lord. My wife and I have found an awesome group of believers. I am still processing a lot of what I grew up with. I am sure a lot of you can understand. Anyone can contact me if you have any further comments.
1 cor 13 God bless,
- Dave s.
Aug 07 - Me and my (ex-husband) Bob attended Faith Assembly from 1979 to 1989 when we moved back to Massachusetts. We are (10) - 2 were still born children at the time. Tonia being the oldest to Matthew being the youngest at the time. I would welcome hearing from anyone who knew us at that time. We were very close to Rick and Marybeth, the Mansfield's, Jim and Ione Mennen's. I have a lot of mixed feelings about F.A. Not really sure how I feel one way or another. I do know if greatly impacted out family in a negative way. I can't help but recall and take comfort in the verse....
"All things work together for good to those who love the Lord and are called according to his purpose".
- Shela
Aug 07 - I was born in 1980 in my parents’ farm house in Indiana and into the Faith Assembly Cult. Even before I was born, the distance between my extended family and me was growing. At the church’s direction, my parents had withdrawn from their loving families, even succumbing to church chaperones at times when visits were absolutely necessary. The rifts have never healed and I did not ask for this.
I understand now that my Dad is bipolar. For most of my life, though, there was no name for his bullying and abusive behavior which was unquestionably validated by leaders and members of the assembly because they perceived that he was God’s leader of our home. For some reason, the methods of men’s leadership seemed to escape scrutiny while the minutia of women’s submission was fair fame. The cult’s terrible instruction with regard to marriage ruined many families including mine and I did not ask for this.
Like many others, my parents were concerned about sin developing in my life and I was beaten daily to prevent this. My dad liked to experiment with spanking different parts of my body because the Bible did not specifically forbid it. Mom and Dad were terrified of sending me to public school where I might form ideas they did not implant so I was home schooled which also had the added benefit of keeping me within the cult at all times. The beatings and the isolation had long lasting effects of tremendous fear and insecurities deep in my heart and I did not ask for this.
My mother lost control of her body and, in some way, her mind when she entered the cult and fell under that umbrella of fear and legalism. Upon marrying my Dad, she promptly gave birth to five and then finally six children because she was taught that using birth control was a sin. She understood that her faith and even salvation would really be in question if ever she were to see a doctor. Even though she suffered from terrible dental, venous and emotional ailments, she did not seek medical help and so these went untreated for over 20 years. Serious bodily injury to my siblings and me went untreated and faith did not heal the wounds. Mom suffered deep physical and emotional scars at the hands of Faith Assembly and passed her confusion and pain onto her family and I did not ask for this.
My parents became prominent members of their “church body,” but when they asserted disagreement with their leadership on theological questions, they were evicted without delay and, like some of their other dissenting friends, became the subjects of vicious questionnaires which were distributed throughout the cult for the purpose of discovering every possible sin they might have ever committed. They were stonewalled by their so-called “friends,” and left for hell. But, even after they left the church, they kept the legalism along with the bitterness and I did not ask for this.
- D.
July 07- I was only a kid when I was a member of Faith Assembly, but the effects of this "church" still remain fresh in my mind. I was not at the church in Indiana, but an offshoot in Cocoa, FL. I never met Hobart Freeman, but other preachers in this clique graced us with their presence by coming and doing 'seminars.' There was Steve Hill, Bruce Kinsey, and Tom Hamilton that I can remember. The people in this church treated these pastors like rock stars, and thought of Freeman as a demigod. When he died, there were people in our church who were crying.
'Your first marriage should be your only marriage.' If you divorce your spouse and re marry, you are still living in sin. This is what was taught. My parents were both divorced when they married. My sister and I were the result. When we started going to this church, my parents were told that they were living in sin, and should divorce, and reunite with their first spouses. My mom bought into this garbage, and divorced my dad, and began praying for her first husband to be returned to her. I was only 5 years old, and I was devastated. I remember sitting on a tree stump in the apartment complex where my dad moved, bawling my eyes out, only to be told by my completely brainwashed mom that I was allowing a sprit of self pity get inside me. My dad was crushed as well. Still, he came to these church services to be with my sister and me. My sister was only 2, so she doesn't remember.
Luckily, when I was around 19 or 20, my mom met a new man...a pastor, and he was able to pull her away from this cult. They were married, and I love him as a "second dad."
The other one that effected my life negatively was the rule saying it was a sin to go to a doctor. When I was in third grade, I was bitten by a brown recluse in my armpit as I slept. It swelled up, and became infected, which led to gangrene. My mom refused to take me to a doctor. I could have lost my arm. Also, my sister was severely sunburned over the course of one summer. Her face was severely disfigured in the areas around her nose. She refused to take her to the doctor. One of my sister's friend's dad took my sister to the doctor, said that she was his daughter, and paid for plastic surgery for her. I only found this out around 3 years ago. Also, there was a single mom with a very retarded son, around the same age as me. He couldn't even form a sentence, and basically had the mind of a 2 year old. His mother refused to take him to a doctor, and every week at this 'church' he was brought in front of everyone, where they would lay hands on him, screaming for the 'demon' to leave him. The kid was terrified every time. I bumped into the 2 of them when I was 20, and the kid was still the
same way.
I held a grudge against my mother for a long time, but I have forgiven her. So has my sister. Overall, I blame Freeman for destroying my family, and taking my dad away from me.
- Bill
June 07 - Maybe I came across this information to make sense of what happened. I’m from upstate NY, but settled off and on near Milwaukee, WI. After seeking a “Deeper Life in the Spirit” I came to Faith Assembly, and heard David Freeman many times. I don’t remember if I every heard his father-in-law, Hobart speak, but I think I did. They always talked about him, that I do remember. I have tried to forget these years.
I was a young mother married to an abusive man that used scripture to justify his actions. Looking back, I can see how most of the other women were also held in this bondage. No, birth control was allowed, so I had three children with this crazy man. Most women in this church had several children. The main couple that ran this ‘off-shoot’ location had eight children at the time that I left. She was such an angry woman, I remember. I can’t remember their names. People sold their houses because of the scripture, “Owe man nothing but love.” Of course no one could seek medical help. Seems so surreal thinking about it now. Yes, people were shunned too…this I remember well.
Toward the end of the 70’s, there was a couple that brought their daughter to church often. It appeared that she was sick but no one was allowed to talk about it. She later died in my friend’s living room and they prayed over her forever before she was taken away. I left shortly after that and moved to Kansas City, where I now live.Eventually, I was able to get away from my abuser but it wasn’t easy. I went through personal de-programming and became strong enough to seek help through the law. I divorced him, but then had to raise a son with similar emotional issues. Really, all three of my children with him have problems as adults. I was bound by this man, because that’s what this church taught me. Later, I went back to school, earned a BA and went on with a career as an advertising director.
Now, my life has come full circle and I’ve left corporate life, developed a non-profit organization and spend much time in spiritual teachings. I disassociate with any so called, “Christian” These people scare me. The “Freemanites” scare me more, and I don’t know why you defend them. You are obviously male, and were not affected in the same way women and children were.
- Maureen
*Editor's note: I "defend" them because they were part of my life. Both good and bad I learned from them, but God is good.
June 07 - My mother was a member of Faith Assembly before I was born. She asked my father every Sunday to join her and he did not until I was 2 years old, that was the beginning of the end of my father on this earth. When I was 5, my mother was expecting my younger sister and my father decided that he would do something that had been eating at him for 3 years, as a diabetic, he would stop taking his insulin. He truly believed that God would cure him of his illness if he had the faith. during his last days my mother begged him to reconsider. He told her if she didn't believe, it wouldn't work. He died leaving a wife and several children behind.
Being only 5, I did not know the gravity of what happened would have an effect the rest of my life. Our family finally left Faith Assembly when I was 9 along with many other members of the church who had lost family members or were too smart to stick around and wait for one of their family members to die.
I do not remember or know my father because he listened to the teachings of a man that didn't believe that God works through people including doctors and nurses.
I remember growing up in Faith Assembly when I was young and remembering that there was something wrong with this church and its people. For someone as innocent as a child to realize that was to know that this is not what God wanted. I always felt that no matter what I did I would be in trouble for it and God would punish me. I wanted to ask questions, but I was afraid that if I did, no one would listen to me and would reject my question as childish behavior. Who would have known that I was right to be weary of this church and its followers, this cult.
As I have learned over the past few years, being a part of Faith Assembly at one time was a life lesson. It taught me to trust in God and Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, not to trust in a man (Hobart Freeman) or a church. I just wish this life lesson didn't come at the price of my father.
Faith Assembly has forever tainted me and my family and I will remember every day of my life that this cult was the cause of much pain and regret for many many people. I pray that God gives the families that are still part of this cult the strength to leave and become a member of a church that doesn't alienate them from the communities that they are supposed to be witnessing to.
- Joe
May 07 - Wow! What a great message board. I was part of a body in Clinton, Iowa the time frame 1979 - 1982. Our teacher was Harry A. who was a Five Fold Minister who sat under Dr. Freeman's ministry. He traveled each week from FA to Clinton, IA to minister t us.
My wife and I were in our mid twenties and we were introduced to Dr. Freeman's teachings. Two of our three children were born while we were there. My wife and I trusted God with our children, job, health, finances, and lives. God never let us down. I thank God for Dr. Freeman's teachings and the level of detail that he put into all the theological teachings. I spent hours and hours preparing for ministry. During our time under the faith message I was called into ministry via a theophany. I conveyed this to Harry A. and he helped me to start preparing for ministry.
What happened? The enemy brought offense into my life, questions, and my wife and I left the walk. Our hurt was so great the we stopped serving God. After 15 years of disobedience, with much chastisement, (we knew it was chastisement) the relationship with our Great God Jesus Christ was restored. Thank God.
Where are we now? I didn't know if God could ever use me, or would he ever use me because of my past disobedience. God has assured that He forgives and helps us to get back up. At the age of 50, now for many years, I'm a Pastor of a church with about 130 members. We are Pentecostal bible believing church. Yes, God has called me into a five fold ministry, I'm doing my best with he help of the Lord Jesus Christ to fulfil my ministry.
God's grace is so great. I don't know if I'll ever be able to be in another body like FA. But I thank God for FA, H. Freeman, Harry A., Steve H., B. Kinsey many others. To the ministers that God called while under Dr. Freeman's ministry, here is the scripture that Harry. A. gave me when I told him that Jesus had called me into the ministry: Colossian 4:17, "And say to Archippus (your name), Take Heed to the ministry which thou has received in the Lord, that thou fulfill it."
God prepared every person who sat under Dr. Freeman's teachings for the end time. We may not understand everything now, but I know that Dr. Freeman is a positive influence in my life and ministry. I love everyone who was part of FA. We have ties to each other even if I don't know you all.
In His Footsteps,
- H. Shaffer
May 07 - Dr. Hobart Freeman and Sister Freeman was real people of God. I loved Faith Assembly and even to this day play messages of Dr. Freeman often. We trust God for all healing and had (7) children at home by faith and now my wife has delivered more then 400 babies in faith plus 6 sets of twins and 48 breech babies at home. No Mothers has ever been lost.
Many unkind things are said about Dr. Freeman and Faith Assembly that is untrue. This is often the case. But I can say to the glory of God Dr. Freeman and Faith Assembly has been a major blessing in my life. Pastor Joe who is not the pastor of Faith Assembly has been very kind and often prayed the prayer of faith for our needs.
- Dr. Michael C.
May 07 - I was surprised and grateful to have found this posting on FA. I had searched a number of years ago, couldn't find anything - except Very negative attitudes towards FA and Br. Freeman.
I was a member of a little church that started in MN. That taught and held to Br. Freeman's teachings for a little over 10 years. I experienced much of the growth and pains associated with the message being taught. In 1991 everything started to fall apart.
I am saddened as to the number of close brothers and sisters still holding bitterness towards the message today.
The sound knowledge Br. Freeman taught at the Glory Barn and FA I have found no equal.
Personally I feel many did not take heed to Paul's warning in 2 Cor. 11:3 - minds corrupted from the simplicity of Christ.
I agree with what you are saying and continue to seek the Lord daily.
- JRS
May 07- I have been reading, pouring over, actually, these comments from others who had the experience of all that Faith Assembly represented.
I am 25 years old now, and attended FA with my family from my birth in 1981 until 1993, when we moved to Ohio.
I believe that I have a very unique perspective on FA because I was a young girl and pre-adolescent when I really began to absorb and ascribe meaning to my experiences at FA.
Home schooling, trips to the grocery store in my skirt, spending time with friends who I only met through FA, rules, laws and more rules. No room for grace or exploration or independent thinking.
Sometimes I wonder: What would I be like now if I had not experienced that manner of upbringing?
I recognize that I was so heavily influenced by the style of socializing that the FA family seemed to adhere to. When I was placed in public school at 12, I was terrified. How does one make friends with the outsiders? It was quite the uphill battle, with meager rations and little support.
BUT, God is a gracious God who knows His children. And He is faithful to ALL generations. And He knows what I needed. Today, I am blessed to have overcome the insecurities by His grace.
*** If there is anyone age 20-28, born between 1978 and 1988, I would love to talk with you about the Faith Assembly experience. Thank you.
- Angie F.
May 07 - My time at Faith Assembly (in the mid-1970s) was just what the Lord had for me at that time. I retain many of my charismatic beliefs to this day.
Unfortunately, problems came up in my personal life, and I found myself "on the outside looking in," after April 1975.
God bless all the dear folk I worshipped with and that ministered to me.
- Rick R.
April 07 - My name is Bob Cox Sr. and a 74 yr old Canadian citizen. We (my wife & I) attended a group of people that originated out of Faith Assembly in a place called Haysville Ontario, In southern Canada. Our head speaker's name was Jerry E. In the late 1970's or early 80's. I'm sorry its been so long ago.
I appreciate what you have said here, I must say I am in full agreement with what you have said concerning what it was really like. The teaching was great. I believe the problem was to many folk got into bondage and were more concerned with what others thought, than walking out their own faith in God. Too many had what I like to call...faith in faith, not faith in God.
Anyway it took a while but my wife and I attend a Pentecostal church. Our son that went with us is a pastor in a Pentecostal church, and all of our 5 children and most of our 15 grand children are born again believers in Jesus Christ. One is also a pastor, so I have really nothing more to say than just thank God for the experience and the faith teaching we received in those days. And for God allowing good to come of it all, as far as my family is concerned.Thank you for the opportunity to share.
- Bob & Anna Cox.
April 07 - It's Derrick from down under once again. I last wrote to this website in Nov. of 2005. Your website remains both interesting and entertaining. I am interested in hearing from any one my age. Thanks
- Derrick
*editor's note - how old are ya Derrick?
April 07 - Hi, it's Virginia from Australia again. I wrote on this site 21 July 2006. I periodically look up this site to see what is transpiring. Thought you'd be interested to know that I went to my first church meet in over 25 years and it was the 1st time I felt at home. It's taken that long to even want to venture into another religious place. It was pleasant but the worship not great. The word was good. The pastor preached on Jeremiah. I thought to myself "Lord not this one" as it was one of the first teachings I recall hearing from Dr Freeman but I believe it was for a purpose. It was to show me that other men of God can talk the Word of God and be inspired and receive truth too. I always knew this but it was refreshing to see. I will go again because of the Word as the worship didn't leave much to draw me again.
I also want to say that divine healing and the analogy given on your talk back website from the link above about the good Samaritan and the wine and oil as healing items is so true. When you are away from the "Divine Healing Can Only Be Supernaturally" you see so clearly that God heals in all manner of ways. I have experienced supernatural healing and I've also received healing from mans hands too because my body isn't supernatural yet. One day it will be. I can't help but think that all this effort to get healing a certain way takes us away from Jesus. I hear people say that it brings them closer to God and Jesus but I don't see it that way.If you are wrestling with what you should be doing then you don't have faith for that. Perhaps your bridge has holes in it, or worse still is not a bridge to the other side for healing. When I walk on a bridge I take it by faith that it will hold me. I test it first to make sure that it is built properly but I wouldn't step on a bridge if it appeared to be in disrepair or not build properly. Would you? I feel sometimes we have stepped out on a bridge to find it isn't built properly or is in disrepair. We should run back to the edge and build the bridge. If only some could see into the spiritual realm the bridge they are walking on is so poor that they need to run back to the edge or not venture out in the first place. The bridge is our relationship with Jesus.
As for the gentlemen who was laid up in bed with a bung knee. I sympathise with you, as I too have had to have surgery on my knee because I smashed it and I know what it’s like to learn to walk again and to know that I might not ever walk like I did again. Only you with the Lord can make the decision as to what you should do. It appears God is already trying to speak to you anyway. I hope you listen. Peace be with you all and the love of God and the fellowship of Jesus Christ.
- Virginia
April 07 - My husband and I listened to Hobart Freeman (Mike attended the Wednesday night and Sat. school) during the "Glory Barn" days. Steve Hill ministered in Bowling Green and we attended those meetings. We were so blessed; we received healings. Our son was born dead but Jesus raised him up. We have no regrets. Anything that we did was our decision and our choice.
Life is good. We continue to love Jesus and walk in his Word and wonder what happened to all those folks that we used to worship with from Faith Assembly.
Lord Bless You
- Bev G
April 07 - I attended faith assembly for 10 years and I'm thankful for all the teaching and the zeal that this church had most certainly was a move of God. I most certainly miss all the praise. Thank you
- Francisco C.
April 07 - Hello, I grew up in a church associated with FA in Findlay Ohio. I learned a lot there, both from the word, but also in life. Yes there was allot of legalism, and unloving behavior from members. (I was a bad kid because I wanted to wear a pair of jeans to roller skate in! It is more modest too!)
But as I go back now and read or listen to what was taught, immature people ran with allot of what was being said and twisted it and even ignored key points he said like "if you don't have the faith, then don't stop taking your medicine". I left the church as a teenager because of a lot of it. My parents were divorced because of the church. The deception of the enemy tore my family up so bad and even today my brother's life is a mess, because of some of the people who treated him so ungodly. My aunt Lana died of ulcerative colitis in 2005 thinking she was going to hell because she called an ambulance right before she died because of the pain. She is not in hell, but heaven with Jesus. A deceptive spirit came in and lied to her. She did not learn that from Dr. Freeman. He never said anything like that.
As the Word says..."raise up a child" so the word is true and when the Brownsville Revival came. It stirred my heart to turn back to God and I ran after Him hard since. To a certain degree the word is not taught like that anymore in churches and that is sad, but I can also understand where people are coming from in their hurt from the people that attended those churches. There was no compassion, it was all doom and gloom, and spiritual pride! It came from the members, not from him.
I have to go back to Romans 8, and look at all things work together for my good. Not some, ALL. God's promises are true for everyone. I would encourage anyone reading this who has a hurt to seek God about, it is important to Him. He will show you His heart in the matter and you will have peace that passes all understanding. Also treat others with a zeal of compassion. I hope that I have helped someone. God does not want you to hurt, He wants you to be healed of that hurt and show compassion to the world in this end time where the love of many is waxing cold.
Remember people failed, not God or His word. (even Freeman failed but he was just a man)
- Jennifer H.
April 07 - I went to an offshoot of Faith Assembly in Canada for several years. During that time I believed the faith message to be true. I still do! The problem I found was that love was absent. I was deeply hurt by the church and put out of fellowship. Nobody would talk to me including my ex wife. Only my family would have any thing to do with me. At the time I believe our offshoot became a cult and were the only ones who had the truth.
There was a long time in my life that I could not listen to Dr Freedman because I felt condemnation and fear As my life did not line up to what was been taught or so I thought. I still have some troubles believing some things and struggle with my relationship with the Lord. I believe that where we went wrong is that we stopped seeking Jesus as Lord and started to seek him as Santa Clause. I believe therefore I receive anything I want even if it is not Gods will for us. Sounds like the prosperity movement today. It has taken me many years to come to terms with the things we believed there.
My brother sent me this web page and as I read some of the comments that were posted I really could identify with how many of you are feeling. God used this to get a hold of me and showed me the resident and bitterness that I have been carrying all these years towards Dr Freedman.
I was able to forgive him and the Lord healed me of the bitterness and resentment. I am currently listening to Biblical Theology. Apart from what seems to come across as criticism I find that his messages are full of love.
Dr freedman was a man who loved Truth and wanted others to have the same love of the Truth he did. I do not find many teachers today who love Truth and therefore do not teach it. I know that those of you who are still hurting, if you seek the Face of the Lord he will show you the truth and heal your hurting hearts. That is my prayer for you.
- John L
Feb 07- I read many of the comments - to the poster who said "It was the best of times - It was the worst of times" I have actually said that exact phrase quite often.
I began attending a faith assembly satellite church in the very early 70's as a young teen and "seeing a positive change in my life" (her words) my mom began attending also. We went from once a week here in SW Michigan to wed, fri, sat & Sunday in Indiana.
I miss the feeling of community and unity of the early days of faith assembly.
And I most miss that innocent faith I once knew. In the last year one of my grandchildren was diagnosed with cancer which seemed to really open this scab up for me. As a person of faith you go to God when you are in need, but I can never have the innocent faith that I had in the 70's that God's answer is what I want for it to be. Wouldn't it be nice if we could storm the gates of heaven like an angry two year old and demand our will & get it?
I remember standing at my friend A's & her stillborn child's grave service and forcing myself not to cry-I needed to be happy she was with Jesus. I truly understand now the meaning of choked up-I couldn't swallow without pain for days from forcing myself not to cry. That was the mid 70's. It wasn't the 1st FA death I witnessed but the pivotal one for me. I can't tell you how many of my friends in IN & MI have tied of absolutely treatable illness' (note to the person who has a hard time believing 90-I wish it were only 90!)
In the 1990's I sat beside my mother as still a "true believer" she allowed herself to die of a treatable illness than compromise her belief system (in Fl.) I told her I would honor her choices-but it breaks my heart she never saw any of her grandkids graduate, has never had the opportunity to meet her 12 great grandchildren. I feel like I sat by while someone I loved committed suicide right in front of me and that I forced myself to say she is where she wanted to be with Jesus instead of having a hissy fit like I would like to now. Even a decade after leaving faith assembly I was still trying to die to self instead of admitting let alone expressing my own loss. Sometimes I wonder was it faith or stubbornness that led to our error?
Well it's 2007 and yesterday I found out one more family member never breathed a breath from another botched home delivery. Will we never learn?
Tom thanks for having this board, when I heard about the recent loss of yet again a life that never got a chance to be it's hard to explain to someone who wasn't there that it's a sadness for more than just one baby, there were just so many that never had a chance to live. In this case at least the mother made it though.
- Anita
Feb 07 - My journey with Jesus began when I was seven. I gave my heart to Jesus in a small Baptist Church and was baptized. From the time I was very young I had a strong sense of God's love for me. But I still struggled with the flesh and I didn't know how to do battle or fight the sins of the flesh. So as a teen I got involved in the occult and with drugs etc. During my teen years I began to question if there was a God and I prayed if He were real to reveal Himself to me. To make a long story short I went to the Glory Barn in 1974 - where I experienced the power and anointing of God. I received the Baptism in the Holy Spirit and was totally sold on Dr. Freeman's teachings. I received deliverance from occult demons, I was taught about faith and the faithfulness of Jesus. I experienced miracles and healings in my life. Mainly my life was set on a straight and narrow path to follow Jesus no matter what the cost. I was encouraged to live a holy life and to trust God and to hear from Him for myself. I still had a very strong sense of Gods love for me. I experienced a greater depth and commitment to God that I don't think most Christians are aware of. We were challenged to go all the way with God and to not look back. This teaching delivered me from the world and all it's ways. That was good for me I needed it.
I began to receive Dr. Freeman's tapes and tried to live this "holy" life. I gave up everything - my family and my education - to move from California to Indiana to sit under the "anointing". Hindsight is 20/20 and looking back I realize that during this time I lost the awareness of God's love and lived in fear. Fear of not having enough faith, fear of something bad happening to me and I couldn't go to the doctor, fear of deception, etc. The fear is very real and unless you've been through it you can't understand it. During this time I stopped reading the Bible and only listened to tapes - I actually shut down spiritually. I remember clearly Dr. Freeman's last message before he died. It is not recorded because he told everyone to turn off their tape recorders what he had to say was to the ministers. He severely rebuked the other ministers at FA and said he would do it all himself if he had too. That he would even lock the doors if necessary. I told myself that if he locked those doors I was out of here. That was the first time I dared to challenge Dr. Freeman in my thoughts. I also remember the day they announced his death and I imagined Dr. Freeman entering heaven into the loving arms of our savior and not being "hit over the head like he always hit us over the head."
It took ten years to recover and to think clearly again. To trust and develop my own relationship with Jesus w/o Dr. Freeman. True healing began after I repented from all of my spiritual pride and self reliance. And yes there is life after FA and it's wonderful. There are a lot of wonderful men and women of God who are teaching the Word and I have been so blessed by them. And I don't regret all that I've learned from my experience with FA - both good and bad. Our walk with Jesus is a journey - He is the author and finisher of our faith. I don't understand everything and I don't have all the answers but I love Jesus and that He has taught me.
One last thought - we were always taught that you know a "prophet" by their fruits. Well the fruit that Dr. Freeman left behind (during his latter years) was confusion, bitterness, betrayal, and death. History records several men of God who started out good and anointed but ended up doctrinally deceived and wayward - Dr. Freeman was not the first - and this is to be our lesson - to look only to Jesus as our guide and that we need each other - we are not to walk alone - we need each others love and prayers and support!!! That was FA greatest fault. And yes "Grace" - where was the teachings on love and grace! One person does not have all the light. Dr. Freeman was a gifted man and if he would have stayed in his gift and calling I don't think he would have hurt so many people.
- Carol B.
Feb 07 - If any one has a desire to hear CARL SEITZ recordings, I have them mastered on 2-cd" they include about 50-60 songs. One of the 2 cd's are from the original burnt recordings. The other one is from cassette burnt to cd, both copies are good. Get in touch with Gene if you would like a copy of these.
- Gene Cornell
rccci@netzero.com
Feb 07 - Hi Tom, why, after all these years, are we typing in searches for Faith Assembly? For me, I like hearing from old "family" members so I come back to this site to read the testimonies. Here is mine - Jesus saved me at 20 yrs of age in 1974. 2006 it marked 32 yrs of walking with Jesus. I was introduced to the ministry of Faith Assembly in 1976 by tapes. Moved from out west to attend FA in 1981. Brother Freeman died in 1984. Of my 32 yrs of walking with Jesus, only eight years was Brother Freeman alive for me to listen to. Of those 22 years, the last 14 years have been without attending "church" and I love my salvation more today than when I first believed! I believe in those eight years I heard constantly the Word and was told to believe it and God is faithful to His Word.
When I first began one promise I believed in was 1 Pet.1:5. (Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time). Looking back over my 32 years, I now have and know it by experience. What I learned in those 8 short years about trusting in His Word is exactly what we had to do! We had to take it by faith. We had no experience at the time. But the man we sat under did, and he labored to tell us that we can believe the Word too. We had to take it by faith. Now the man is gone but the Word is not. Now we have some experience. All these years we have been walking by faith. Now Phil.1:6 is easy to believe. I will experience that promise as well.
So here we are 22+ years later and some are still bitter, resentful, hurt, even hateful of the ministry they once praised. Were you following a man? When the man died, did your hopes and dreams die with him? Do you feel abandoned, let down and forsaken, because the one you were following is no longer here to lead you on? So naturally one could feel like that. Forget the clay vessel. So it had flaws. So do I. The Word doesn't have flaws. It doesn't matter now who was in the pulpit, the result God was after is this: that we would hear the word to believe His Word. What did Hobart Freeman repeatedly try to tell us? To believe the Word! I heard that God was not a man that He should lie, that God will not alter the thing that He has spoken, and that His Word is forever settled in heaven so believe it.
The most important thing I learned from the ministry of Faith Assembly was to believe what Jesus says. At times I have failed, given up, but He has not. So for me, it was what I was taught at Faith Assembly. Now the glory of Faith Assembly has withered. And the glory of a man is fading away. But thank God I heard that the Word endures forever!
Be blessed saints in the Lord,- David l.
Feb 07 - Thanks again, for this web site, Tom! I had visited a couple years ago but apparently did not leave a post, so this time I will.
It does make my heart ache to read these stories of so much pain, suffering, and death that has been associated with Dr. Freeman's teachings and church. I attended the Lafayette "Body" from June, 1977 through 1988 when my wife (Pebba) and I moved to West Virginia under the assumption that was where we had been called to live and minister.
While living away from the "Body" God was able to bring us back into a more realistic perspective on life and faith. Thanks to a loving United Methodist pastor and his wife and many others in the church and community we were able to get involved again in fruitful and productive Christain lives. Life was still not without it's troubles though: Peb had deeply suppressed emotional and physical pain re-surface. I had a hunting accident that almost killed me with infection as I stubbornly refused to submit to surgery for seven days.
Again, because of the unconditional love of the people around us and thinking with the "brain God gave me" (as my grandmother always reminded me) I went in for the surgery and Peb sought help through Christian counseling. But again, these have not been "cure-alls". Life will always be challenging because that is how we grow. God is more interested in our character and spiritual/emotional healing than our physical healing and financial prosperity! We must NEVER give up loving God through loving others, no matter how different they are from ourselves! Pebba (now Debbie) and I are living in the Indianapolis area.
Our two oldest daughters will graduate high school and college respectively, followed by our two oldest sons the following year, and then our youngest finishing high school in 2013! I have also completed a masters degree in ministry from Indiana Wesleyan University. Debbie is still pursuing more health and healing through what she believes are God's "alternative" means, naturopathic remedies as well as faith and prayer.
PS: We still listen to Carl Sites music once in a while as well as many of the old worship tapes from FA and Lafayette and Adams Mark, etc. It's hard to find anything else that compares! We miss and love all of you we met through the years at FA, Lafayette, Indy meeting, Zion Lake, Emmetten, etc.
- Chuck D
Jan 07 - Nice Website. I really wish Steve Hill would write a book about his experiences there. Steve is very well respected now and friends with many famous ministers including David and Greg Wilkerson to name just a couple. It seems he won't mention Hobart Freeman's name. Maybe he does privately.
Anyway, here is the preface to the book that Steve should write. "Before there was Brownsville, or before there was Toronto, people were flocking from all over the world to a corn field in Indiana".
I was one who came as a young single man and was grateful I got there just in time for the start of the Charismatic School. I got a good Brethren-Baptist Seminary level education. We used to have to stand in line outdoors in twenty below zero to get a good seat in the Glory Barn. Like get there at 5 or 6 AM on Sunday morning.
As to the many people there who Dr. Freeman was unable to control and to the many people who were following a man instead of the Word of God in spite of Dr. Freeman telling them not to do so. We always had a saying for that.
There was an upstairs auditorium in the barn and an overflow in the basement. We always said it was "those people sitting in the basement" who were doing all that bad stuff that Hobart wasn't really teaching.
God bless you Tom.
- Steve S.
Jan 07 - I find it interesting the number of times the words, spin-off, satellite, or some other name that taught the "faith message" is used. My fathers name and church have been grouped together with Faith Assembly for years. My father was never a member of "FA" as it is referred to, nor was his church ever a part of FA. Dad and Mr. Freeman were friends. They never agreed on everything. The same as you don't always agree with your friends on everything. He did respect Mr. Freeman, and agreed that the message of faith is a critical part of a deeper life with Jesus. The church in Wyoming, and the pastor there, have never been a part of FA either.
When the faith message first came out, it was when cassette tapes were new. For the first time people could get their hands on a message without spending a lot of money on expensive equipment. The ministers who preached the message of faith, were invited to preach all over. It never made a church they taught at a satellite of FA. People made assumptions based on the message being taught. They also made assumptions based on others opinions (instead of their own convictions), whether from the pulpit or otherwise.
I am sorry for the pain and wrecked lives, which came from bad decisions or fear of reprisal. I'll say this, in all the water that has passed under the bridge, God has never failed to keep His word. Only man can fail God. Gods word is still true and always will be. Life is never without scars. God has been faithful to me always. I have made and lost friends because of who my father is all my life. God has never stopped being a friend, and I'll never stop being his, because of what someone else does or says. We all are required to live according to His entire word, not just the dramatic parts. No one ever said Christianity would be easy. Only that the reward for faithfulness to God is beyond description.
- Jim H
Dec 06 - Hummm...it was the best of times/it was the worst of times...my experience with FA started in the 80's. We were occasional visitors from Ohio. The first time I went I was AWESTRUCK at how it seemed to have such unity in the worship, how that Jesus seemed completely central. Not to mention the love for the Word of God.
I was struck by the simplicity and the freedom. Although the women in their head coverings made me feel a bit uncomfortable in the beginning, I saw such beauty in them that it really took me beyond what was obvious. I loved the microphones in the isles that made one feel as though they were part of the dynamic and their spiritual insight was important; We were encouraged to share. Occasionally I even did. (Not without nervousness because I knew I was under well seasoned knowledgeable eyes, still I was gently accepted.)
As we got to know some of the people I began to feel so sorry for them because they seemed to be trapped such in a paradox. I sensed a lot of elitism but also a lot of shame; and arguing between the sister churches. I got caught up in the same. It was like trying to escape a labyrinth trying to get my perspective back.
I guess I never really have. My walk with the Lord is nothing like I'd hoped it would be. Actually it has taking a complete nose dive since then. Everyday I wonder if it is all in vain that I even seek the Lord.
Part of me so longs for those days. To find a church that would come 1/2 as close to the fire and passion. I would hope this time we could have all the beauty and the simplicity and the faith without the other stuff and everyone who was there knows what I'm talking about.
There is so much going on in the "Christian World" today that lays claim to passion and fire. It seems, in comparison, to smoke and mirrors.
...there I go again being judgmental! Oh Lord where IS that balance??? It's Christmas, of course I'm thinking about Faith Assembly! ;-) God Bless Us And Keep Us ALL,
- Diana
Dec 06 - I grew up in FA in the 80s. My parents attended faithfully and ascribed to all the teachings of "the Prophet". The teachings of "the Faith" have had a devastating impact on my family. My father was asked to leave in the late 80s because he was "too legalistic". Since then, he has maintained his beliefs. When I think of my father, I feel such sadness that such a wonderful man has spent so many years of his life faithful to a lie.
I am one of eight children. My older sister and I were baptized by Hobart Freeman, and responded differently to how we were raised. She is bitter because of the irresponsibility that she feels that our parents showed; and no longer associates with our family. My mother did her best to be a good, submissive housewife and mother- but she was trapped in such legalism, and it really hurt her. We weren't allowed to have any friends who weren't from FA, wear any name brand clothing, celebrate holidays, or be seen for any medical conditions.
A vivid memory is of the time that my younger brother ate some Christmas cookies, and we could not awaken him the next morning. The fear that my siblings and I felt as we watched our parents bathe, dress, and try to feed a comatose little boy cannot be described. Our parents had us kneel and pray for his healing and repent of our sins as they laid hands on him. (He was being chastised for eating the cookies.) He revived later that day, and we still to this day do not know what was wrong with him. They called it a miracle.
I considered myself an atheist by the age of 11, and renounced all association with FA doctrine. Since then, I have become a successful member of society, and was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints over three years ago. It is my hope that my siblings and my family can find what was good in their faith and find peace with themselves.
It's good to see that some on this page did have a good experience with this church. "You can always find gold in the ashes."
- Jill R.
Nov 06 - I thank God for Brother Freeman, Stan Hill, Steve Hill, Bruce Kinsey, Tom Hamilton, and all that ministered a true Word to us. We may not have been able to walk true to the level of truth that was given.
But The Word of God is still the only Truth I know today. I was Blessed to be at The Glory Barn, The Tent & the New Building 1976-1983. We lost children to the welfare system for a time, gave up another for 4 1/2 years because I wouldn't hire a lawyer, lost homes & jobs, respect of our families.
But God restored it All.... 100 Plus ! Healings, broken bones, blind eyes opened, my father & my grandfather both raised from the dead with the Doctors as our witness...Oh My !
We can complain an blame whoever or whatever you want for our mistakes, But The Word of God is still True. Today the Body of Christ is slowly dying for lack of the Truth. The Word, you an I have the power to give Life thru the Word that we have been given. Will you Withhold that Truth (the Word) from the Body of Christ because of the Hardness of your heart...
Your brother in Christ,
Ron S.
Nov 06 - Well, stumbling on this site was quite an eye opener! I could go on for hours but was interested in Chris A., I am wondering what he is doing these days. Oh, the FA building was sold by the Nei family last year to a developer
- Nathan R.
Nov 06 - I travelled to FA from Australia in the early '80s at the tender age of 22. I had been under the tape ministry for some years previous to this and really wanted to go and experience this ministry first hand. In all I spent a year in Indiana attending every service that I could and immersing myself every day between services in my own studies of theology, ethics etc.
The faith message made a lot of sense logically - it seems that many people go to God when the doctors give up on them so why not go to God first? Trouble is that logic didn't go far enough.
The movement also claimed to be 'prophetic'. This is a cultic sign and a method of insulating oneself from criticism. We were told that people who talked against the errors of the ministry were in peril of their lives. This is exactly the opposite spirit that we should have (remember James and John ready to call down fire when some rejected Jesus' message?) I also greatly admired Dr Freeman and I believe he was one of the foremost theologians of modern times. Unfortunately, he started to believe the prophetic tag and I can still remember him pointing out 'tares' in the body during the Jeremiah series. This was manipulation by fear and a very disturbing experience.
Due to the intense indoctrination I willingly put myself through it took a long time to get some things into a proper perspective. Briefly put I now believe the following: If the Lord comes for His own tomorrow and a sinner has just repented then he will be raptured. FORGET THIS WHOLE OVERCOMER NONSENSE. You are saved by grace through faith it is not nor ever has been by works! When a sinner repents he has overcome by the Blood of the Lamb and the word of his testimony - end of story.
To finish on a positive note, this ministry (along with the personal study that was encouraged) has given me discernment that has served me well through the years. At times I cannot believe the gullibility of some people and the nonsense that is taught in the name of truth. I now devote my time to combating error and heresy where I see it arise and much of this zeal to contend for the faith I attribute to what I learned in my time under the Faith Assembly message. To this end I have just started a forum of my own that is designed to discuss and debate the theological issues of today. This is the good work of FA that should continue. As Dr Freeman used to love to say: 'Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater'.
- Cheers, Steven W. Australia
Oct 2006 - I was web searching for Hobart Freeman and came upon this site. First when I saw his picture that I hadn't seen for years, the memories started flooding back. Then when I went to this site and a few others I was amazed by how much response I found, and that reading the posts was very cathartic.
I went to Faith assembly from 1973 just about until it closed up shop. My father was a minister there, and at other offshoots of the assembly. like most of the others I have some conflicts, but I don't blame or point fingers it would be pointless. I was 4 years old when we started and about 19 before we finally became less associated with the church.
I would be interested in finding others, especially in my age bracket, to communicate with if any others are interested. I will probably post some more about the history I remember of the church in the future but for now I wanted to say this is an amazing trip down memory lane. The pictures of the buildings also was great. I'm still in the area so I might have to make the trip back out there to the sites.
One thing I know is that those of us who were in this church probably still have bonds to each other that was family like, since Faith assembly shaped our lives so many years ago.
- Chris A.
Oct 2006 - I have been seeking answers again lately. I was introduced to the Faith Movement and Hobart Freeman teachings down in my home town of Princeton, Ky. back in 1977. I was a Catholic at the time and was looking for more ways to express my love for God because I was just ready to be a better person and I suppose I was growing up as well. Some protestant kids at school were talking excitedly about their inter-faith youth group and how good the music and the teacher were and getting in on the conversation basically invited myself to the meeting. The rest is history. I loved the excitement and the natural high of worshiping and hearing the word of faith that I had never heard quite like that before. I was really seeking something more and boy did I find it.
Next thing you know I was attending a home meeting where a guy from Indianapolis or somewhere, was teaching faith. His name was Don Wake. He and some other couples had just purchased some land in southern Indiana and were planning to start a Christian Campground. I loved the meeting and the tongue speaking and the emotional high that I received there. I liked the positive teaching and confession and the whole thing. The Spirit led life. I was 17 at the time and looking for security and acceptance from others. I thought that I had found the answer to everything all of a sudden. I continued to attend the meetings and soaked all the teachings up. Listened to every tape I could get my hands on and went to every meeting I could. I converted my Dad and my brother Carl. During the blizzard of 78 we listened to Tom Hamilton and Hobart Freeman 'till we had it memorized practically. Not to mention read and memorized the word of God.
Since I am supposed to keep this short I will get to the point. We moved to Zion Lake area after I married and had six beautiful children, all born at home except one. We didn't go to the doc or do Xmas. We went to the Adam's Mark in Indy every Christmas where we watched and listened to Steve Hill and Tom Hamilton. I actually performed there a few times as I am a singer/songwriter.
We made a Zion Lake CD that was awesome. I still write and play music, but we quit Zion Lake church because we needed more couples our age. There were not many going there and we were also beginning to realize that we needed to think for ourselves more. We were so young when we got in to the faith movement. We started going to an Assembly of God in Madison IN and went there for several years until the kids all got into sports in school and we moved closer to town and further from Madison area. After we left church things sort of fell apart and I became mixed up and bitter about how I was told so many lies, if not in person on tape, about things. I was under a whole lot of bondage and was ready to start over. Problem is, we did throw the baby out with the bath water so to speak.
I am just now getting my life back in order and have been to hell and back. My kids are turning out great though thank God. I am remarried and realize that I can't blame anyone but myself for anything I have ever done. I chose to believe it all and now I am starting to realize how much truth was in what we were taught as far as the being positive part. (Not the refusing medical help part). I have begun a quest to be more positive because for the last 10 years I have been soooo negative.
- Pat
Oct 2006 - Thank you for creating this website so that God's children have a safe place to express their feelings about their experiences. I read many of the responses; I called Russ who is working to help those who were wounded by the deadly poison that was tangled with God's Pure Word. Jesus said it would be this way. He said if it were possible even the very elect would be deceived. Let's fix our eyes on Jesus, His Love, His grace, His mercy... He is Good and He is our FRIEND!!!
God does not dwell in temples made with hands! We are the temple of the Holy Ghost! Don't you get it? We have a CHOICE! CHOOSE LIFE, LOVE and JOY! Faith Assembly happened for our teaching. The Law makes us know our need for our Savior. It's not about a certain building or fellowship. Jesus said not all who call to Him will enter the Kingdom of Heaven but the ones who do His will. If you don't know Him, how will you know His will for your life? He stands at the door and knocks. Just open your heart and let Him come in!!!
I am God's nurse. Here is the simple gift from the Holy Ghost:
A NURSE'S PRAYER
Oh, Great Physician,
As we attempt to deliver care
We know our limitations
Please make us fully aware
We trust in You for guidance
This job is too big for mortals
We must depend on Your mercy and grace
Please open Heaven's portals
Let Your Love rain down
Help us to do our bestGive us strength and protection
Help us to pass each test
Only You know how to cause healing
We can only do our part
Only You can give the increase
Only You can we trust with our heart
So, be our Great Physician
Reign in our hearts and our minds
Help us always to give You the praise
Please remove the blinds!I wrote this poem in June of 2002.
After our faith was made shipwreck in the 80s, I cried out to my Friend, in my kitchen. I gave my life to Him and asked Him to take away all that did not please Him. I asked Him to lead me and guide me. I live for Jesus! HE will finish the work that He started in Me and in ALL His children. God made ME a nurse. It has NEVER been what I wanted. Anyone who has been involved with Faith Assembly knows how contrary to Hobart Freeman's teaching being a nurse is. I am not fallowing Hobart Freeman! Jesus said to fallow Him. I am a fisher of men. I catch them in the net of Love and let the Lord clean them up. Like the character said on the movie, "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?", "Come on in boys; the water's fine!", as he was being baptized.
LOOK TO JESUS AND LIVE!!!!!!
- Eva RNPS- Does anyone know about Carl Sites? His music penetrated to my soul. I still find myself singing the songs he wrote. I know he lived in Ohio. I met him once and shook his hand in an elevator in Indiana. He went Home in the late 80's - because God called him out of this mess. I'm still waiting on my call. Meanwhile I am going to do my best to hold fast to the joy of the Lord. I would live to get hold of his recordings. Does anyone have connections to his family? He had two sons with him in the elevator.
Oct 2006 - I am a church-planter and minister. I visited the Glory Barn with an old friend of mine, Glenn Stech, in the early 70s as a ministry student at Huntington College. I now live in the area of the Old Glory Barn and am available for anyone who wants to talk and pray and be healed from all old wounds and bitterness. I believe the Lord wants to pour out HIS Glory in this area once again. cell 260-388-1130
- Russ
Sept 2006 - I received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit in 1975 and became involved with a church group that received Doctor Hobart Freeman's tapes on a regular basis. I lived in Indiana and knew a lot of people associated with Faith Assembly. I had attended services in Faith Assembly three times (1980, 1981, and 1982). A lot that has been written about Faith Assembly are just things made up by the media to sell their papers. I know a couple of women died in childbirth but there was no reason to believe that would not have also happened if the women had gone to a hospital. Women die in childbirth. It happens; it's sad, but it happens. A child passed away and the parents wanted it to rise from the dead. Trouble happened because they didn't contact authorities. As far as 100 people dying, I do not believe that. I lived close enough to have heard rumors of these deaths. But even if 100 people did die in a congregation of 2000, what of it? Look at any other church with a membership in the thousands and check to see how many of their members die over 20 years. Things were blown out of portion because of the teaching in divine healing.
Almost everyone posting on your web site here that have horror stories to relate or are bitter about things done in that church are children who grew up in that church. This happens in almost every church; talk to the teenagers and younger children after they grow up and they are all resentful of the things they feel they have missed because they grew up in that particular church. Doctor Freeman said God has no grandchildren, which he meant that each generation has to received salvation for itself; that the parents cannot receive salvation for their children.
I did receive wrong teaching in other church groups that were loosely associated with Faith Assembly. When I came out of those, I had to rethink everything that I had been taught. What was of God; what was not? The book 'Churches That Abuse' by Ronald M. Enroth helped me a great deal.
I've read testimonies of the adults who were in Faith Assembly in the 70's and 80's who are nostalgic about the worship services. They can't find any other church that "worships" God like Faith Assembly. To that I have to say, that these Christians associated the wonderful feelings that they had while listening to the Faith Assembly music to God's actual Presence. After they were cut off from that music, they thought they could not experience God's Presence again. To get any relief from this, they must realize that we cannot experience God with our feelings. We experience God by faith. We must believe that God exists and that He is true to His Word that says He will hear us when we pray. One can "experience" God no matter what music is playing or not playing. Faith Assembly appealed to our senses and we got hooked. It has taken me many, many years to come to this realization and get free.
I do not regret my experiences of the past; they have made me the person that I am today.
- Patty
Sept 2006 - I was first exposed to Hobart Freeman's tapes in January 87. I was going through a severe trial in my marriage and met a man who shared many of HF tapes with me. My greatest need at the time was Holy Spirit Baptism which this man shared many tapes and the Books of Faith & Why Speak in Tongues. I began to introduce this material to others and had a cousin who began going from Michigan down to Indiana to Faith Assembly even though HF had passed away.
As a result we began a Home Fellowship in the Detroit area. We met a couple of men who would come up and teach just a handful of people every week. In the beginning it was a blessing all who attended were growing in faith, wisdom, and knowledge. The fellowship that we had with many of the families from Indiana was a blessing. But one thing we noticed was all the division which was backed by whispering, backbiting, gossip, and much sowing of discord among the brethren.
It did not take long for these things to manifest themselves amongst our little fellowship in MI. After 71/2 years our fellowship was broken up, but prior to that I had noticed for quite some time all the backbiting and gossip going on. The leaders in our fellowship had become very critical of EVERYONE else, always finding fault with everything. My wife divorced me as a result of my association with the assembly in 1998 and we just got remarried on 9-24-06.
Two of the men who led us have had some real severe tragedies come there way. My question is, is it chastening or judgement? There are 3 guys left in the assembly, can you really call that an assembly? Do 3 people make up a church? Our assembly dismantled in June of 2004 and then went down to 3 men by January 2005. There is no Pastor and none of these men have their homes in order, one is not married, one is divorced, and the others wife is not submitted to him. Doesn't the bible say that if a man cannot rule his own house how shall he feed the Flock?
Since I have come out of this group my eyes have been opened to how legalistic we had become. We were taught much truth, of which I will never forsake, but we did not Love one another, "Knowledge puffeth up", but when we would say we should love one another we were told we were effeminate. I attend a wonderful church where the gifts flow every Sunday without reservation, the Pastors home, wife, children, grandchildren, and nephews function in the ministry. Much of what I was taught through HF and others is held to at this church, and the word which is preached is confirmed every Sunday. Yet we are told it is a wrong church. How can fruit lie? The very thing Jesus himself said we could know one another by, Fruit. When I look back and then forward on my experience one path has fruit and the other has everything the Bible warns us about.
- D.F. Michigan
Sept 2006 - Greetings! Thank you for a WONDERFUL website. I am one of the results of the Glory Barn. My parents met and were married at the old Barn and I was born just a year later in 1976. Many of you would know my parents as Gary and Melinda B. My father Gary was often seen at the front of the church with his dear friend Ray B singing about "I'll fly away"...
I don't remember much of that time, we were out of the church after it burned...and attended Faith Assembly a short time after. I think I remember celebrating my first Christmas when I was 7 or so...
At any rate, I recently decided to go back to school, and I am taking a theology class that is requiring a research paper done on a denomination of our choice. I wanted to learn more of what is my past...and basically my beginning. I will be sitting down with my parents as well, but I would love any feedback that anyone would like to give me.
If you want me to pass on a message to my parents from any of you that know them, I would be happy to! Cheers!
- Ami B
