Before John Robert Stevens was the venerated cult leader we know him as today, he was a defrocked preacher cultivating a small following in his two Los Angeles churches. 

In this episode, We will examine scandalous audio that documents Stevens’ greatest test to his authority and apostleship to date. 

On this historic Sunday evening, JRS is publicly challenged over allegations of infidelity by an ex-witch who he claimed to have saved through the power of Jesus Christ. What you will hear is a public witch trial, a battle of loyalty, and the ultimate Oops im in a cult moment where his followers are forced to decide where they stand.

Scott Barker and Charity Navalesi are former members, born and raised in The Living Word Fellowship. They are investigating this organization, founded by John Robert Stevens in 1951, that branded itself as a Christian church for over seventy years but turned out to be just another cult. Stevens demanded full submission of his followers until his death in 1983 and when his successors, Gary & Marilyn Hargrave took over, the beliefs and practices became even more extreme as they levied control over the congregants for the next three decades. 

In 2018 a former member finally spoke up after Marilyn's death accusing her son of abuse. There are five active lawsuits. The organization is a shadow of what it once was, but some remain believers of John Robert Stevens' teachings and many maintain loyalty to Gary Hargrave. Gary has a new following on social media and an active "ministry".

If you or someone you know has a mental illness, is struggling emotionally, or has concerns about their mental health, there are ways to get help. Use these resources to find help for you, a friend, or a family member.

⁠⁠⁠https://988lifeline.org/⁠⁠⁠

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help

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