What is a Cult?
I am a mother of two sons who have, since their involvement with the ministry of Lighthouse World Evangelism Inc. headed by Matthew C Manning, founder, cut off all ties with family and friends.
They have developed ideas of years of abuse they say they endured from their parents that have taken us through very painful court hearings in their attempt to acquire restraining orders.
Prior to their involvement with this ministry, we were a very close and loving family in the wholesome sense of the word. My youngest son was a senior in high school playing varsity soccer with many of his friends he has known since kindergarten and worked at a local pizza parlor. His younger sister and he, then 16, shared mutual friends.
Just two months after his turning 18, late at night when the family slept, Matthew C Manning drove from his home ,an hour and one half away, to our home and assisted my son in moving himself and all his belongings to an undisclosed location. Within a month Matthew Manning moved him into his own home where he runs his ministry. He and my eldest son, age 29, live there with several other people involved in his ministry.
My eldest son and I had always been very close, working at the same hospital and same department for several years. He was having some struggles personally and emotionally that brought him to this minister that he met online.
Since he has been living there and involved with this ministry, his mental state has deteriorated to the point that he is emotionally incapacitated, and no longer able to work.
Their attorney has informed us that they have been legally adopted by Matthew C. Manning and changed their names.
We have not been able to speak or have contact with them in almost two years other than through court proceedings. He has managed to isolate them from their past completely. Since they are not minors, our efforts to communicate with them are met with threats of restraining orders. The court has denied their request, but the process of fighting it has been very painful.
I love and miss my sons very much. I hope the day will come when they remember their roots and return to them so we can again be a family.
The effect this has had on their sister is heartbreaking. She too has been cut off from them and her attempts to visit them have been met with threats by Mr. Manning.
As for now I can only pray that they are functional and able to be healthy participants in society with some sense of independence.
If you or anyone you know have had any experience with either this ministry or one like it, please share the experience.
***************************
This is a reposting of my original post dating back to April of 2009.
It has been almost 5 years now since this all began.
I want all reading my blog to remember who Matthew Manning is.
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog.
I still hold hope of their safe return to our family.
Read: www.matthewmanninginfo.wordpress.com
They have developed ideas of years of abuse they say they endured from their parents that have taken us through very painful court hearings in their attempt to acquire restraining orders.
Prior to their involvement with this ministry, we were a very close and loving family in the wholesome sense of the word. My youngest son was a senior in high school playing varsity soccer with many of his friends he has known since kindergarten and worked at a local pizza parlor. His younger sister and he, then 16, shared mutual friends.
Just two months after his turning 18, late at night when the family slept, Matthew C Manning drove from his home ,an hour and one half away, to our home and assisted my son in moving himself and all his belongings to an undisclosed location. Within a month Matthew Manning moved him into his own home where he runs his ministry. He and my eldest son, age 29, live there with several other people involved in his ministry.
My eldest son and I had always been very close, working at the same hospital and same department for several years. He was having some struggles personally and emotionally that brought him to this minister that he met online.
Since he has been living there and involved with this ministry, his mental state has deteriorated to the point that he is emotionally incapacitated, and no longer able to work.
Their attorney has informed us that they have been legally adopted by Matthew C. Manning and changed their names.
We have not been able to speak or have contact with them in almost two years other than through court proceedings. He has managed to isolate them from their past completely. Since they are not minors, our efforts to communicate with them are met with threats of restraining orders. The court has denied their request, but the process of fighting it has been very painful.
I love and miss my sons very much. I hope the day will come when they remember their roots and return to them so we can again be a family.
The effect this has had on their sister is heartbreaking. She too has been cut off from them and her attempts to visit them have been met with threats by Mr. Manning.
As for now I can only pray that they are functional and able to be healthy participants in society with some sense of independence.
If you or anyone you know have had any experience with either this ministry or one like it, please share the experience.
***************************
This is a reposting of my original post dating back to April of 2009.
It has been almost 5 years now since this all began.
I want all reading my blog to remember who Matthew Manning is.
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog.
I still hold hope of their safe return to our family.
Read: www.matthewmanninginfo.wordpress.com
and all it's links
Since hearing of this, I have prayed every day for you and your family. You are good people with a good family. This is unexplainable. This man and his family are monsters and someone needs to step up and stop them. A person should not, by law, be allowed to come in and just steal another persons family and all the hard work, time, and love that goes into raising children. This is wrong and I will continue to pray for your sons and family. I will help in any way that I can. I am a mother of 3, a daughter and 2 sons and it is unimaginable what you and your family are going through. Just remember that you are loved and have support.
ReplyDeleteTo anonymous:
ReplyDeleteYour words of support and prayers are deeply appreciated. I do believe good will overcome evil in it's own time.
So scary how this can happen to a close-knit family. These predators are truly wolves in sheeps clothing; the most dangerous kind. They are on all college campuses, searching for their next vulnerable victim- kids on their own for the first time; looking for independence and a sense of self. All parents should warn their high school and college bound kids. There is a very informative video on "you-tube", it's about 10 minutes long. Type "mind control cults" in the search bar or try the link below. It's well worth watching. My prayers are with you each and every day. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnNSe5XYp6E
ReplyDeletemake sure to check the blog archive
ReplyDeletesection over to the right to view all postings associated to this blog
There is evil in the world. Just keep your children close least they fall to it.
ReplyDeleteWhen all parties are willing to admit truth, then things can change. When all that is done is spread hatred and dissent and there is no support for people who choose to find freedom, separation happens. I am sorry that the only thing you think you can do is attack people you do not know in the slightest. Find Jesus. Find freedom. Find healing. Find grace. Find mercy. Things might begin to change at that point.
ReplyDeleteWhen Jesus is not at the center of your life, things will fall apart. When you allow Satan into your life, the only thing he wants to do is destroy you.
ReplyDeletePerhaps your anger should go towards Satan, as he's the ultimate destroyer.
I agree with "Mom", whomever "anonymous" is, they should really face reality. It appears as though this individual has also been brainwashed into believing that what this man has done is remotely justifiable. Clearly this person doesn't know "in the slightest" how wonderful and happy this family was before it was destroyed by someone who uses the bible as a cover for actually doing satan's work!
ReplyDeleteI have to ask... Was Matt doing God's work at 24 Hour Fitnees with a 21 year old male? I find it interesting that there is a police report and a restraining order placed against Matt, when he was supposedly married with a child! I thought he had been "saved" by then. Did the AIDS reappear for that day, or was it just the "Lewd sexual act?"
ReplyDeletePerhaps those that do not know both sides of the story should stop judging those that they have never met or even had dealings with. Are our lives so boring that we having nothing better to do than attack strangers? That's sad that this is what our society has come to. I pray that everyone involved in this blog will come to repentance and seek the forgiveness of God.
ReplyDeleteresponse to anoymous @0803a
ReplyDeleteI do know both sides to this story. I have met Matthew Manning and since then my life has been anything, but boring. One would have to ask that unless you personally know him, what motive would you have to defend him?
Your opinion appears to be quite slanted.
What do you imagine my motive to be?
Are you reading this blog? If so, how could you ask such inane questions?
Perhaps this Satan supporter should take his/her own advice and seek the forgiveness of God. Clearly assisting in brainwashing, and destroying happy families is not a way to live with Christ! The good news is that there is stll time to truly be saved. I will pray for you!
ReplyDeleteIn addition, this individual must also be "bored" because it seems as though he/she has responded to comments on this blog at least 6 times now!
Interesting site where evil is called good and good is called evil.
ReplyDeleteWhat would anonymous call a so called "church" thats membership has either been brainwashed or hynotized into believing they have repressed memories of all kinds of abuse from their parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins?
ReplyDeleteAs Judge Harry Barnes told Tony Alamo, "Mr. Alamo, one day you will face a higher and greater judge than me" Manning too, will face that judge.
Manning is a coward whose sick and evil lifestyle uses and hides behind innocent trusting young adults to promote his narcissism.
ReplyDeleteHe does all this "In the Name of the Lord"!
God does have a plan and some day his plan will reveal itself.
Manning, you can twist reality for only so long!
All I know is the God I worship and hold so dear would never encourage and support children being brainwashed into hating their family and to be so cruel to those who gave them life and a warm and happy home. I so hope these two boys are not homeless or worse yet, victims of this horrible man and his "family". May God find a way, some day, to bring them to their senses and realize who really loves them, unconditionally. I only sign anonymous because I have young sons and would hate for this man or those who also sign anonymous to get a hold of them, in any way. These evil people (the manning cult) are the ones we constantly warn them about.
ReplyDeleteI look at all the wonderful pictures and still have trouble understanding how two young, seemingly loving and intelligent boys/men could leave their families behind and become involved with this so called Minister. This "Lighthouse" certainly doesn't have any kind of beacon,if it did, Manning would be trying to reconcile this family, not tear them further apart. Why is his group in hiding, what is he afraid of? Is this the only way he can hold on to the flock? Is he afraid that contact with family will cause him to lose his power over them? Weston and Tucker, we love and miss you.
ReplyDeleteManning has a house full of men for one simple and obvious reason: HE IS GAY AND ALWAYS WILL BE GAY. He's a disgustiong and foul creature whose a waste of life.
ReplyDeleteHell will catch up with you soon enough you mutant animal.
I'm so sorry for what you are going through. My name is Brandon and had some contact with Manning (though thankfully only through email) that causes me to think that something was up with him. I'm glad some things have finally been uncovered. I was able to supply some information to an organization that thankfully helped to uncover the truth about Manning. I doubt what I gave them was a huge help but I'm glad I was able to give it. Please feel free to contact me if you ever feel like speaking.
ReplyDeletebrandonlh05@gmail.com
You are entirely wrong about the man and ministry of which you speak. Be careful about slandering people you don't really know, that in itself is wrong. You want someone to blame for your grown children's choices, but what are you really angry about? Yes Matthew Manning has a painful, sinful history that he himself acknowledges prior to his Christianity, but this is a very good man with a good wife, 2 beautiful happy sons, and he is doing a very good thing, helping hurting people. Unless you have something concrete... I have known him and his family for more than 12 years, and I'm well aware of his history, his claims of physical healing and deliverance are true and he is not a homosexual. I have reviewed his authentic documentation and am saddened by your unfounded attacks. Now after reading this, are you going to censor my post? How authentic and true to the story is that? Examine yourselves people!! Plank out of your own eye, etc.!!
ReplyDeleteYou're a joke, and I assume you too have been brain washed, just like the rest who have been involved with Matthew C. Manning. There is no way in hell anyone should believe that this sick pervert is a good man. You need to reevaluate the people you associate yourself with. And don't be such a coward, if you have something to say then show your identity.
DeleteSincerely,
KELSEY
to Anonymous:
ReplyDeleteYou need to check your dates. All Manning's arrests came after his Christian awakening. The last one for "Sexual Battery" came after his marriage and birth of his first son.
Unfortunatly I have met and know this man and can say without hesitation that he is manipulating lier, whose claims of being a "messanger" of God has many people fooled.
Isn't that what cult leaders claim?
This is what empowers them.
I have witnessed his lies first hand, so don't tell me I don't know him.
All you read in my blog is nothing but truth.
Yes, I am saddened regarding my sons choices to become involved with this man. Yes I am angry.
How could I not be?
Why does "anonymous" remain anonymous? Are you not proud to admit your association with this ministry?
ReplyDeleteA real minister would not go the lengths he has to seperate and destroy families creating perverse ideas in the minds of these young adults. A true minister of God would embrace the family, not build a ministry whose basis is structured on the perversion that is an extension of is own life.
I would love to speak to you personally other than on this blog. I hold nothing against those involved with Manning as I truly believe he has deceived many.
My email address is: wcrmag@aol.com
To Anonymous:
ReplyDeleteYou have not accepted my invitation to dialogue off this site. I do not understand your hesitation. If you support this man and his wife why would you not appreciate the opportunity? If you have something to share that would make sense of all this, then you would be doing something positive, as a christian I assume you are.
Again, I offer the invitation: wcrmag@aol.com