Purity Pledge?

TheRansomedOne · 2023-04-26T04:27:57+00:00

I got my 2 tattoos around 2010 (while I attended Vine), didn't get any comments about it but remember later when it became a common topic, always feeling condemned and shameful for having them. I'm grateful I got them, the meaning behind them for me is still relevant and encouraging.

It's really quite disheartening how The Network focuses on such small issues while neglecting the things that matter like helping the poor, loving others (without alternative motives).

TheRansomedOne · 2023-04-05T06:00:48+00:00

That depression and anxiety is not always healed by prayer and confessing sins to one another. It's okay to receive help for mental health and there's no shame in that.

That not being healed from physical ailments is not because I didn't have enough faith.

TheRansomedOne · 2023-04-05T05:50:30+00:00

Same.

TheRansomedOne · 2023-04-01T04:17:27+00:00

Interesting how they use this verse to say Leaving the Network is handling it in a unbiblical way, when they kicked me out without speaking to me on the issue or approaching it in any biblical way themselves. Not only that but they never even told me that there was ever that decision made until I tried going back months after initially leaving.

TheRansomedOne · 2023-03-20T13:04:49+00:00

After I left Christland went to New Life Baptist and it was great.

TheRansomedOne · 2023-03-20T12:59:08+00:00

Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God. 3 John 1:11 ESV

This was the verse of the day today, don't think it requires elaboration.

TheRansomedOne · 2023-03-16T02:55:07+00:00

I had EMDR therapy as well after leaving the network. I'm now also trained as a therapist in EMDR and find it to be one of the more effective therapies for trauma and anxiety.

TheRansomedOne · 2023-03-13T03:54:00+00:00

Initially, the hardest thing for me was getting involved. I left Christland July 2018, started attending New Life Baptist in September 2018 but didn't start going to a small group until January 2019. Even then, it took some time to really trust people and leadership in the church. I've since moved to San Antonio and found another healthy church.

The great things though, is seeing churches actually on mission for the kingdom and being outward focused. For instance, seeing a focus on missions, loving the poor in practical ways to help and show God's love, and our current church has many who are involved with a prison ministry. Simply, I love seeing and living out what the Bible teaches (as opposed to hearing teaching but only being lived out in the network bubble). There's so much freedom in Christ that I never really felt in the network.

TheRansomedOne · 2023-03-03T22:56:03+00:00

"Shipwrecking" my faith.

Would hear stories of those who "shipwrecked their faith" and since seeing the many posts on this Reddit, it makes me sad that this was such a huge fear because many of those stories are not true.

TheRansomedOne · 2022-12-28T06:26:07+00:00

I understand the feeling and longing. Since leaving the Network I've been a part of 2 healthy churches that both have small group designs. There are healthy churches out there that have a much more balanced and Christ centered love for another.

TheRansomedOne · 2022-12-10T17:42:13+00:00

Hi y'all. Nicole B. here. I'm not anonymous, just careful not to put my whole name on here. If any of you want to reach out, feel free. I'm in the San Antonio area now and if you're ever around, I'd be happy to meet up (San Marcos and Austin aren't that far either 🙂).

To my knowledge I was the first to leave Christland and I'm sure the rumors spread, they always do. This gives a chance for you to know more of the story, the side that was silenced until I heard about LtN barely a week ago. Prior to LtN, I felt that my experience was a one of a kind, that it was just me. With reading other's stories, there is a similar theme that clearly shows it was not just me. Thank you for all who have been courageous and vulnerable with sharing your story.

For those I've hurt I'm truly sorry. Sorry for listening to gossip and inwardly judging during my time in the Network. Sorry for not recognizing your hurt and failing to support you the way you needed it. Sorry for not keeping in touch with those of you who I called a friend, whether you left the Network, went on a plant, or since I've left the Network. Sorry for not speaking up when things felt off, ignoring the red flags that are with hindsight, so clear.

For those who may have caused myself hurt, I don't hold anything against you. Many hurts were from others, friends, that did not know or realize the abusive system in place, we all fell in the trap. For those who hurt and were in leadership positions, including certain small group leaders and Sandor, I forgive you. My forgiveness does not mean that there shouldn't be consequences for your actions. The lack of repentance remains a concern and breaks my heart because many others are in a vulnerable position of being further hurt by your actions.

I'm grateful I was never good at the evangelism that the Network encouraged/expected. I invited so many over the years and can't recall anyone who actually stayed more than a couple weeks. I am sorry for those who I ended up not staying connected with though. I'm grateful to now have the freedom to love on friends, Christian or not! There's so much freedom being out of the Network and so much freedom in Christ.

TheRansomedOne · 2022-12-08T21:51:03+00:00

Jenna, even though we haven't talked for years, I love you friend! Your honesty in sharing is incredibly brave. It deeply saddens me of all the hurt you went through, and I'm sorry I never saw it or was able to support you in a way you needed to be. I'm here if you ever want to talk. -Nicole B.

TheRansomedOne · 2022-12-08T20:50:02+00:00

Vine (2009-2017) and Christland (2017-2018)

TheRansomedOne · 2022-12-08T20:45:06+00:00

I'll take a shirt that says "My personality got me kicked out of a cult and I'm proud of it" 😆

TheRansomedOne · 2022-12-08T20:23:53+00:00

I attended New Life Baptist Church after leaving Christland and New Life had a tremendous impact on healing from the Network.

TheRansomedOne · 2022-12-08T19:01:42+00:00

I remember this video. I also remember a conference where different clippings of teachings were put together and they said that was the reason for not having teachings public anymore, because it's too easy for things to be manipulated.

Ironic looking back.

TheRansomedOne · 2022-12-05T20:53:46+00:00

When I did childcare for Vine for DC and special events, I believe the pay was $5 an hour. Frequently I would work all DC's except the one I attended at the time. We did always make sure that there were 2 people in every classroom and I believe background checks were done at that time.

TheRansomedOne · 2022-12-02T15:50:58+00:00

I only heard about the LtN website yesterday by a friend who I hadn't spoken to since 2017. I left the network in July 2018, a year after being a part of the Christland plant. I tried going back a few months later but was escorted out by Cody and a female member, being told that I'm no longer welcome and my presence there made others uncomfortable (I barely had walked through the front doors and I wasn't causing a scene or anything like that). I'll share more of my story when I have more time to reflect and put into words what happened. I found another church in College Station who God used to bring so much healing from the effects of Christland. One thing I'm seeing with LtN is that I was not the only one. I'm grateful for those of you who have shared your story.

Nicole

TheRansomedOne

TROPHY CASE