Notes on the Living Word Cult and Its Aftermath

Overview

• Charity Novelessi and a colleague investigate the former Living Word Cult’s compound, Shiloh.
• Shiloh, once a cult compound, is now a suburb in Kelowna, Iowa.
• The Living Word Fellowship was led by John Robert Stevens and involved in various controversies.

Historical Background

• Shiloh was a place of significant importance for the Living Word cult in the 1970s.
• The compound was built by John Robert Stevens.
• In 2018, letters exposed widespread abuse in the Living Word Fellowship.

Fallout from Abuse Revelations

• Shalom Abrahamson's letters revealed abuse and negligence by church leaders.
• Gary Hargrave, head pastor, apologized and suggested dissolution of the fellowship’s legal structure.
• Multiple properties across the U.S. tied to the cult.
• Former members abandoned the cult, leaving valuable properties behind.

Investigation of Properties

• Iowa: The compound is now a suburb. Shiloh’s main building was destroyed in a controlled burn in 2020.
• Palmer Lake, Colorado: Formerly occupied by Living Word members, now abandoned.
• Honolulu, Hawaii: Property assessed at $9.9 million, now vacant.
• Anahea, Maui: Renamed Anuhea Chapel, operating independently.

Present-Day Status

• Some properties remain, like the Church of the Living Word in Los Angeles.
• Rebranded but still follows the teachings of John Robert Stevens.
• Living Word Publications is operational online, distributing digital content.

Financial Considerations

• Questions about the mismanagement of tithes and offerings.
• Lack of transparency and accountability in financial dealings.
• Properties like the Palmer Lake church have been handed to community ownership.

Legal and Ethical Implications

• The role of APCO and governing bodies in asset management.
• Concerns about where the money from properties and the organization’s assets have gone.
• Some former members took to social media, exposing systemic abuse.

Personal Accounts and Reactions

• Emotional testimonies from former members about abuse and manipulation.
• Efforts to uncover the truth about asset distribution and organizational integrity.

Conclusion

• The investigation reveals a complex web of financial and ethical issues.
• Former members express a sense of betrayal and demand accountability.
• Efforts continue to understand the full scope of the Living Word's legacy and its current operations.

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Key Figures: John Robert Stevens, Gary Hargrave, Shalom Abrahamson

Key Locations: Iowa, Colorado, Hawaii, Los Angeles

Important Concepts: Cult dynamics, financial transparency, systemic abuse, property management

Additional Study Resources

• Consider listening to related podcasts or reading further on cult dynamics and recovery.