Bible Missionary Rules
Example from the Bible Missionary Rules link above: "Standards" are a primary focal point of the BMC. The term "standards"
has become an in-sect labele that is applied to a large number of
restrictions on activities, styles of dress, and types of entertainment.
Examples of restrictions include members not being allowed to watch
television or movies, attend sporting events, visit amusement parks,
listen to secular music, or wear jewelry (including wedding bands).[2]
Female members are not allowed to wear pants, makeup, or nail polish,
and they are expected to wear long dresses. Further, women are typically
not allowed to cut, trim, perm, highlight, or color their hair. Another
prime concern is with "modesty," with all members being prohibited from
wearing sleeves that allow the elbow to show or any form of clothing
that allows the knees to show. Women are expected to wear pantyhose
anytime they are seen in public. Male members are prohibited from
growing their hair longer than their shirt collar. The BMC also has
restrictions on activities that can be performed on Sunday, with
working, shopping, eating at restaurants, taking leisurely drives, etc.
strictly prohibited. The BMC prohibits use of the internet in the home
for its members.
I visited a Bible Missionary Church several times and the first thing I noticed besides the women and girls wearing buns and the 1950's clothing, was that everyone had a blank face except when they looked at you. Then instantly huge smiles. They (including children) sat perfectly still during the preaching. Little children sitting perfectly still? Hmmmm.
ReplyDeleteThey would hit us if we misbehaved in church.
DeleteIt was instilled to stay still. There was a family that would literally spank their kids hard inside the church and everyone would hear, the poor babies would literally be crying. I remember getting the shivers and being so uncomfortable.I would look around and some adults were so dissociated while others were listening to the pastor. But I do remember this adult who was shaking her head and I could hear her say that poor baby, it's not his fault. These parents later on had cps called on them and they did a full investigation, the children were later on removed because the parents would not let their kids eat as a punishment. Also this dad was a pastor he later on was removed from that church but it comes to show how people can get away with anything just because they go to church and they have the resemblance of a Godly family.
I was a part of this church for a few years with my whole family. It has taken me years to find any mention of them online and you hit the nail on the head. There were a lot of other rules that were even more restrictive in my church and the fact that they have a rule manual and "performance" to become a member made me realize that this is not a church, it's a cult
ReplyDeleteIt really is a cult, I remember this family who you can tell were very devoted and they were declined to be a member due to having WIFI in their home. It was used for their children's homework due to them being in public school. The pastor literally told the parents it was time for them to start thinking about putting their kids in our private christian school. It still pisses me off my parents spent thousands and I mean THOUSANDS of dollars in my education to find out that I was at risk of my diploma not being valid due to the school not being accredited by the school board of education. They don't encourage their students to pursue careers because it is worldly. I remember always sticking up for myself doing my homework because I wanted be someone in life. I was in this church from the age of 5-19 and I cannot recall one time were they encouraged me to pursue higher education, they want us to go their Institute in Rock Island, but from what I saw the young people would literally go their to find a spouse and get married. None of my girl friends graduated because they would get married right away and it was usually within a year. It's like they want us to procreate with people from only our church and if you dared to have an outside boyfriend/ girlfriend you were shunned or they would literally harass the poor guy/ girl to come to church. I saw so much things that were in question, like the moderators literally did not have to work and they got to have nice cars and houses and it's from money the church would tithe like it's literally a scam. My mom one day received a paper she would use for her taxes and it showed home much they would tithe every week I added up 10 years worth and the amount summed up to 260,000.00 that not counting the offerings we gave Tuesday, Thursday and Twice on Sunday. My heart breaks because my parents and I stopped going, they still do not owe a home because they were always investing in the church or the pastors house. Like I cry sometimes because I realize that my parents were exploited by this church. The Pastors, moderators and anyone above the middle and lower class and doing so much harm. This is a big organization and it will never end but I pray my mom gets to find some of happiness after giving so much to this church and in the end she received nothing. I am not gonna lie I wish the worst on these moderators but I know God will deal with them when they are called to his presence on Judgement day.
DeleteI was in this church (cult) for many years unfortunately.
ReplyDeleteMy first memories were Sunday school classes with Sister. Hillsberry, I hold no grudge against her, she is a saint.She was one of the few people who I saw that believed in God and lived it.
My home was dysfunctional and I craved a safe space and BMC became that, but along with it came sexual abuse and physical and mental abuse as well. It is crazy how this congregation is so closed minded and they literally believe they are the only ones going to heaven. I was so naive to the outside world, we were shielded from, it's like your in zombie like state living a routine of going to school home, church over and over again. I can now see how closed minded I was, it was engraved in my mind to believe all these ridiculous things. 14 years of being a cult and enduring so much pain has caused me trauma but I am slowly healing. If you ever get invited to a BMC church service, youth rally, youth camp or anything else... RUNNNNN ! My life has changed yes I am more aware of my surroundings I don't feel that invisible cloak that causes fogginess. I still believe in God and I fear him but this cult is not the way. They protected a predator and they still do. Aside from all my traumas, I truly hope if any is wanting to get out they can, and at first it's hard because you genuinely believe your going to hell but it's not true.
My God is the same God like theirs my God is the King of Kings and I pray for those who are hurting and tolerating pain and suffrage.
I wish someone would have reported my parents to CPS. I know their are kids that are suffering physical and mental abuse. May God deliver them all