. . . and Deliver Us from Evil

By Mya Brooks

“It takes a relationship to cause trauma, it takes a relationship to heal from trauma”. This statement proved to be true for Mya. Mya, a “black sheep” of the family often created “family” within her small social circle; she lived a decent life until one day she believed that she heard the voice of God call out to her to change her life. When she found out that her first cousin had started a church, she saw it as an opportunity to obey God and connect with her family. She’d later learn that her cousin, a cult leader, would lead her down a dark path. And Deliver Us from Evil is a memoir of her journey.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jun 25, 2016
• ISBN: 9781524501525

Mya Brooks

Mya Brooks is a native of Wisconsin. She is a motivational speaker, poet, and activist whose mission is to save lives. She tells stories that captivate the hearts of her audience. Her delivery is energetic and powerful, and many of her stories are a personal testimony of love, loss, and surviving abuse. While living in Wisconsin, she worked as a teacher, community outreach specialist, and antidomestic violence advocate. Mya currently resides in Arizona with her husband and her daughter. Moving to Arizona has been a meaningful journey of self-discovery with hopes of reconciling with family.

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… AND DELIVER US FROM EVIL

MYA BROOKS

Copyright © 2016 by Mya Brooks.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 08/16/2016

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Contents

Chapter 1     What Is A Cult?

Chapter 2     Sinless Perfection

Chapter 3     The Anatomy Of A Cult Leader

Chapter 4     With Love And Kindness Shall I Draw Them

Chapter 5     Thou Shalt Have No Communion With Them

Chapter 6     A Mother’s Sorrow

Chapter 7     And Deliver Us From Evil

Chapter 8     I Shall Not Die But Live

Chapter 9     Reconciled

Chapter 10     Arizona

Epilogue

Acknowledgments And Dedications

… AND DELIVER US FROM EVIL

CHAPTER 1

WHAT IS A CULT?

What is a Cult?

1 John 4:1-3 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

The word cult was first used in the early 17th Century, a word borrowed from the French Culte and from the Latin Cultus meaning worship. The word culture is also derived from this word. This term refers to the customary beliefs, social forms and material traits of a racial, religious or social group. Today in America the term cult is used to describe someone’s obsessive devotion to one of these groups. Throughout history many organizations fought against the use of this word due to the negative connotation. The acts that have taken place within the realms of the cult world are worse than any idea or feeling that it evokes in the hearts and the minds of individuals that have participated in cult organizations. I don’t believe there’s a word adequate enough to describe the horror, pain and emotional suffering of the people affected by these organizations. In today’s society, Cult’s aren’t common topics of conversation. In the past popular news stations provided us with a sneak peek into various cult-related compounds and into the lives their leaders. David Koresh, born Vernon Wayne Howell was the leader of Branch Davidians religious sect. David believed himself to be the final prophet. In 1985, Koresh and approximately twenty-five followers set up camp in Palestine, Texas living in buses and tents for about two years. During that time they managed to recruit new followers in California, the United Kingdom and Australia. Child abuse, sexual assault and other stories of foul play began to widely circulate in the press, then, on February 28, 1993 the ATF and FBI raided their compound in Waco,Texas. The raid resulted in a stand-off and the deaths of four agents and six Branch Davidians. Koresh, who was severely injured by gun-shot, remained in the compound 51 days. He stated that he had to complete a religious document before he surrendered. During that time a church building within the compound caught fire during the siege. Barricaded inside were 80 cult members including David Koresh. According to the FBI, Steve Schneider, Koresh’s right hand man was shot and killed. Koresh later committed suicide. Heaven’s Gate, founded by Marshall Herff Applewhite, made headlines in March 1997 when 39 members killed themselves in hopes of reaching a space ship that would take them to heaven. The People’s Temple was lead by Jim Jones, the most notorious cult leader in American history. Jim Jones was charismatic and well received by all people including African Americans because he believed in racial equality. Some events occurred that eventually led to Jones shooting a US Congressman that had flown to Jonestown, Guyana to meet him. Knowing Justice would soon arrive he chose to go out in the most dramatic fashion possible, a massive suicide. Over 900 members of the People’s Temple drank poison mixed with flavor-Aid. The cult that I belonged to did not expose me to sexual abuse or poison. Nevertheless, like the men, women and children that lived within gates of these cults, I needed to be rescued. They lured me with the illusion of love and nearly destroyed me. I spent several years pondering How did I get here? I prayed diligently seeking God for the answer. God revealed the answer to that question in his own timing and in such a unique way. I’m willing to share that with you, but first allow me to answer the most pressing question… Who were they?

… AND DELIVER US FROM EVIL

CHAPTER 2

SINLESS PERFECTION

Sinless Perfection

Romans 16: 17-20; Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

Who are they? For years they operated from a cozy living room engaging in in-depth Bible studies led by my cousin and the cult’s leader, Jason. Jason was very charismatic, eloquent and a very powerful speaker. He had an amazing ability to share the word of God in a way that none of us had ever heard before. The doctrine that he preached stated that everyone should live with a Christ-like perfection. He believed that if you are truly of God, then you were capable of living completely free from sin. It was believed that if you failed to live holy as your father in heaven is holy, then you were never of God but of your father the devil. Intrigued by Jason’s teachings, my brother began recording his sermons and uploaded them to the internet. Due to the high responses of both adoration and controversy, the name Sinless Perfection was born. They were known for teaching fiery lessons and sharply rebuking unbelievers that disagreed with their message. Although they offended many with their strong approach and harsh rebuttals, they also inspired people from all over