New Book By Former WCG Minister: "The People of the Sign"

 "What do divorce, alcoholism, kidnapping, radio evangelism, ancient prophecies, 

the collapse of the Soviet Union, church schism and the Stockholm Syndrome 

have in common with the music of the Beatles? 

The People of he Sign effortlessly weaves these together, 

proving once and for all that truth really is far, far stranger than fiction."

There is another book ready to be published about life in the Worldwide Church of God.

This one will be a little different from the previous books that have dealt with people exiting the cult. This book is by a former minister of the WCG, who jumped ship during the changes to UCG, then jumped ship to David Hulme's little group and then over to David Antion's group.

From his posts on Facebook and elsewhere he seems to be very unapologetic about his role as a minister and his stance on sabbath and other COG issues. 

It will be interesting to see how people react to his book.

This is what was on Facebook today:

Hi all - I'm a former full time WCG Minister (1989 - 1995) who was then a "local church elder" successively in UCG, David Hulme's COG aia and David Antion's COG SC. I also supported Leon Sexton's Legacy Institute, including several trips to India - and some memorable baptisms there.

I've written an autobiographical book about my journeys - called The People of the Sign. It's being published on 1.16.2012 (couple of tie-ins there - anyone want to venture a guess?)

 My personal experience withing the WCG was overwhelmingly positive, though in my book it is discussed - warts and all, and people from across the experience spectrum will find history to relate to and disagree with.

 It will list on Amazon.com and Barnes & Nobles for $19.95, but is available on pre-order direct from me for $10, which includes shipping.

Let me state, openly, I've worked over 4 years on this book, and I'm not ashamed to say I hope it more than pays for itself. A laborer is worthy of his hire.

Let me also say, one of the reasons for putting up with some of the heckling and attacks that I endured in WCG survivors is that I and the other ministers in WCG and its offshoots do have a lot to answer for. There is pain, hurt, disappointment, suffering, and sin to account for. Those in positions of leadership, such as myself during that time, are held to a higher divine standard than those who looked to us as "ministers".

My goal in participating in open discussions is reconciliation.

By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one for another. Cheers!

 Wade Frannson

People of the Sign

David Antion on Apartian's Death and Ron Dart's Condition

12/12/10   Greetings from Pasadena,

By now most of you have received the news of the death of Dibar Apartian.  When I first knew Dibar he was a French teacher at Ambassador College but not yet baptized.  In a few years he was baptized and began to work on articles in the magazines translating them into French.  He became ordained an elder and later he and I were among four who were ordained “evangelists” in 1966.   He began a radio broadcast in French that was carried in Europe and in other French speaking countries.  

He and his wife Shirley (Nash) were social friends of ours playing Bridge and having dinner in each other’s home.  He was a temperate man who seldom ate desserts preferring to have fruit and cheese following his meals as is the custom in France.  He was always nice and pleasant to Molly and me.  Molly attended his French classes  for two years.

We received a discouraging update on Ronald Dart.  After his fall he evidently had intracranial hemorrhaging.  His time of rehabilitation has ended in the clinic but will continue at home.  It appears that the hemorrhaging has wiped up much of what he has learned in times past and he is having to learn letters and word all over again.  Larry Watkins wrote that he cannot read or write presently.

This has to be very discouraging for him and his wife, Allie.  Ron Dart had a very active mind and loved learning and was an able thinker on many subjects.  Many have prayed and are continuing to pray for him and Allie.  Please remember them in your prayers.

I hope you are well.  I shall be writing some things for our Guard the Temple area of the web site soon.
Sincerely, in Christ’s service,
David Antion