Thread by @AlexandraMazur1

Ok #ygk, I have a serious thread coming to end this series.

Part 3 of 3 focuses on what happens to people after they turn away from the church.

Most said they were shunned, excommunicated, and defamed by their former friends, even by some of their family members when they left.

https://twitter.com/CKWS_TV/status/1339526759511945216

In part 1, I described how people’s whole lives played out at the church.
globalnews.ca/news/7499084/k…

After leaving, they had to relearn how to live.

They never listened “secular” music or watched certain movies, some were even told to boycott Starbucks, because it supports Pride

Going back into the "real world" made one former member feel like she was "losing her mind."

Also, part 3 shows the extreme fear that some people had after leaving.

One person said she worried she would literally be struck by lighting if she spoke badly about the church. #ygk

I'm not here to sensationalize people’s lives, but details are important.

Many of these people say they got connected to the church at either extremely vulnerable times, after dealing with identity issues and/or physical, sexual and mental abuse more often than not. #ygk

Churches like these also focus heavily on recruitment, youth groups and family activities, so many people started at a very young age, and grew into the culture. #ygk

globalnews.ca/news/7499084/k…

They say they were told to submit to the authority of one person, who said he had a direct contact to God.

He speaks in tongues, and now calls himself the Apostle.
Experts say there is little oversight, no checks and balances for a non-denominational church run like Third Day

One expert said these churches run under “authoritarian rule,” since if you question the leader, you’re really questioning God. #ygk

globalnews.ca/news/7499084/k…

All the people I spoke to are normal, everyday people. Some are embarrassed for believing what they did, some are ashamed, others confused at how they lost so much time and money, but all have taken steps not only to reclaim their lives, but to help others do the same. #ygk

So again, I ask you all again to be kind.

I also want to again thank everyone who spoke to be for the story. I have received a lot of feedback from the community, and thanks everybody for that, but these are their stories, they are the brave ones. #ygk

globalnews.ca/news/7499084/k…

I see I wrote "be" instead of "me"...

Nothing I can do now, I am be.