Winter 2008

Greetings

A Welcome Statement from Our President

The Ex-Pentecostal movement is now entering its seventh year of continuous service to the public. We would like to welcome all new members and all veteran members. We are a rock solid organization with dedicated volunteers committed to shining the light of compassion and truth for all Ex-Pentecostals and Ex-Charismatics. We are here to show the world that leaving Pentecostalism is indeed difficult, but in time it becomes the most exhilarating and energizing experience one could hope for. Thousands upon thousands have used our services over the years and have found a new life full of freedom and possibilities after throwing off the inhumane shackles of Pentecostalist superstition, madness and chaos. We have shown that living a life full of compassion and humane treatment is normal and not the exception. We have insisted that intimidation, cruelty and abuse have no place in religion, in the home, or out on the streets. We have taken a bold stand and declared “The abuse has to stop ‘now or else!’” People over here have taken their lives back, and have become true conquerors. After withering on the vine of hopelessness and despair that is characteristic of broken Pentecostalist wild dreams, people have started new careers, they have gone back to college, they have graduated with advanced degrees, and they have rebuilt their families, and have become normal people once more, full of health and vitality. They have rejoined their communities and have made the world around them a better place with their energy and creativity.

In the years to come, we will continue to provide a helping hand, and assist all Ex-Pentecostals and Ex-Charismatics on gaining their lives back, bringing them out from the darkness that is their former churches into the fresh sunlight of Truth and Hope. We make no apologies for who we are, because we know where we have been. Once a person has tasted freedom, he has no tolerance for slavery - and neither do we.

Lutherius

contact: Luth@expentecostals.org

SAD - Seasonal Affective Disorder

Tips to help ease symptoms of SAD or "Cabin Fever"

• Open the curtains and let the light in.

• Move beyond the windows! Don't just sit behind them and wish you were outside.

• Move the furniture around, spring clean or buy a decoration object for your place of residence but don't break the budget while doing so.

• Add something new to your wardrobe or get a new hair style.

• Get out and do something!

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

Our Founder

I’m glad to announce that the founder of AFP/ex-Pentecostals has joined the Administration team again and is involved with discussions in our forums. Aexapo (Jay) has been through thick and thin and is a former “Apostolic Holiness” individual and has survived through much in life and is an example of enjoying freedom from Pentecostalism. Welcome back Jay!

Writing Tips from Lozza

Not only is Lozza a classical musician based in the UK, he also is a writer who helps encourage others to write by sharing tips on how to push forward with any writing project they may have.

Read Lozza's article then join in on the discussions about writing your story.

Read more...

Enjoying the Scenery with Boots
Life, love, the arts and persuing higher education in adulthood.

Hello and welcome to all our new online community members, visitors and any member who may have come back to share in the conversations.

Maybe people did not understand why I used the tag line “enjoying the scenery” under my user name in the ex-Pentecostal forums… In short, I embrace the wonder and beauty of life, nature and everything involved with the living.

Follow along in a visual journey of celebrating life through the photos I will share with you!

To view photos, click here.

What About Those Miracles

How many times have you or a loved one been told if they just show up or keep attending a particular religious organization they "will be healed" by some miracle. All those empty promises to produce and when the promises failed came the guilt, embarrasment and shame of having to put more in the offering, repent for some secret hidden sin you were "just hiding" from the rest of the bretheren, etc. Or if someone experienced a period of "remission" while being diagnosed with a chronic non curable health issue... and when that remission stops and a "flare up" happens again... some people get told that they just lacked enough faith or it was decided that they didn't deserve the miracle and it was a punishment for bad behavior or familial sin passed down from past generations.

Read how Boustro describes in more detail what people go through concerning "miracles"...

What are miracles... are they real.

Using Your Talents

Were you a musician involved in worship services? Do you find it difficult or painful to pick up your instrument and enjoy music like once before? Join in the discussions or start your own topics related to what you went through and what you may still be going through. By sharing your experiences with other former Pentecostal and Charismatic musicians you can vent, release the fustrations and hopefully find a semblance of peace, pick up your instrument and find joy in it again. You are not alone.

Start or join a topic...

Ex-Pentecostal Member News:

Birthdays, births and other happenings

Congratulations to -
•Graceregained for the birth of her new daughter.

•Boots for making the Deans List in the Fall 2007 Semester.

Thoughts & Prayers -
•Please keep Boustro’s son in thought and prayer.

•Please keep Boot's kids in thought and prayer.

•Please keep all of our families, friends, acquaintances and associates in thought as we are about to live under new “leadership” in the USA.

•Anyone suffering through the domestic violence cycle that is afraid to break the silence and escape. Are you stuck in a domestically violent situation... read more.

Entertainment News

Share the latest news on movies. Music, TV shows and comedy to be discussed on the “round”. We encourage others to move beyond those old taboos of not partaking in enjoying entertainment in the various forms. Click here to chat about entertainment news.

Books on the List

The more you read the more you broaden your life experience and learn!

Twisted Scriptures
by Mary Alice Chrnalogar

Boundaries: When to Say YES, When to Say NO, To Take Control of Your Life
by Dr. Henry Cloud

Hearing with the Eye: Photographs from Point Lobos
by John Daido Loori

We hope you join us in the forums and discuss the latest books and magazines that you enjoy... or any other you may have read in the past.