Why Do COG Cult Leaders Brag That God Took Their Wives Away So That They Could Focus Upon The Work?

Oh, what a profoundly inspirational spectacle it was, all of us glued to our seats in rapt adoration as the magnificent Herbert Armstrong babbled endlessly after his poor wife's oh-so-convenient exit from this mortal coil. Eagerly hanging on every word as he smugly announced that the Almighty Himself had snatched her away, all for the noble purpose of letting Herb hyper-focus on his oh-so-vital "work"? There we were, brilliant as a herd of enlightened lambs, nodding along like this was the pinnacle of divine logic, straight from the heavens. The hilariously overlooked reality? Good ol' Herb couldn't be bothered to greenlight a basic, no-brainer procedure to unclog her bowels and save her life. But wait, there's more genius: he pirouettes like a pro and slaps the blame for her demise—and those stubbornly blocked innards—right onto us, the hapless church peons. The whole congregation was mired in glorious stagnation, rotting away like yesterday's compost, and naturally, it was entirely our brilliant fault. Bravo!

And lo and behold, stepping into the spotlight as the self-crowned kingpin of Herb's laughably majestic empire is none other than Gerald Flurry, yet another delightfully deranged pint-sized despot, eternally overinflating his ego with bombast and fake machismo to distract from his... adorably compact frame. After graciously allowing his first wife to wither and expire sans any real medical intervention, he too trots out the divine alibi: his all-merciful god mercifully bumped her off so he could sharpen his laser-like devotion to "the work." How utterly original!

Even the incomparable Dave Pack hopped aboard this oh-so-crucial apostolic thought train, snatching up a second wife for himself—who, by pure divine coincidence, just happened to be the nurse caring for his first wife—all to supercharge his utterly mind-boggling preparations for Jesus's glorious return to the sacred hotspot of Wadsworth, Ohio. So far, he hasn't summoned the holy guts to unceremoniously dump her like the rest of these spiritual superstars.

These paragons of humility and self-sacrifice—bless their narcissistic hearts—each proceeded to lasso in spry young brides, spinning it to the flock as an absolute necessity for propping up their earth-shattering, awe-inducing ministries with some fresh-faced vigor. Then, in a plot twist so predictable it hurts, each dumps his perky partner like yesterday's news and declares with pious flair that singleton status is the only way to truly crush it for the cause. Church of God faithful? Oh, what razor-sharp visionaries we are—veritable geniuses of discernment, or should I say, the fluffiest, most bamboozle-prone flock of dimwitted sheep to ever grace a pasture!

Exit and Support Network has this:

Members Forget What GF Said After His First Wife Died:
November 7, 2025 

 

This letter is in regards to Gerald Flurry’s second wife leaving him. 

 

The PCG is, and always has been, about a man. 

 

However, much like the liberals that they excoriate all the time, PCG members have a short memory. I know because I used to be one. 

 

I can clearly remember when Gerald Flurry said from the pulpit, shortly after his wife, Barbara, died, [September 5, 2004] “Brethren, I believe God took my wife away so that I can focus on the Work.” Likely, none of them remembered that when he took his now-ex, second wife. 

 

You can bet that the PCG is sparing no expense for Flurry’s medical care, likely administered privately at home without much fanfare. Meanwhile, “church” doctrine and counseling for members is to trust God to heal and eschew medical care. 

 

PCG members will have to do some deep reflection when Flurry dies. Their firmly held convictions about Flurry’s role and self-proclaimed offices will all vanish in the wind, just like Stephen Flurry’s high-pitched voice. –Former PCG member [Note by ESN: Read 6-11-20 letter: “Stephen Flurry’s Voice Bombards Your Senses.”] 

 

HWA Likewise Said He Could Focus More on the Work
November 8, 2025 

 

Regarding the previous letter. HWA likewise wrote that he later came to realize that one reason Loma died and was not healed [she died April 15, 1967] was so he “could focus more on the Work.” I wasn’t a member yet but receiving all the co-worker letters, Plain Truth, and other literature. I don’t remember which it was in, but I clearly remember standing in my living room reading those words that Loma didn’t like to fly and he would have to do a lot of flying now because of new radio doors opening up overseas. –[name withheld]

Crackpot Prophet: Unlike Me, Most COG Groups Are Too Stupid To Understand Daniel 11

Bow down and tremble before the all-knowing prophet, the absolute pinnacle of prophetic genius to ever bless the Church of God since Abel, Enoch, and Abraham deigned to show up on the scene. Some folks dare to whisper that Abel and Enoch were the original prophets, even if they weren't officially labeled as such in the divine HR department. Then along comes Abraham, getting direct hotline chats from God about future events, casually spreading his profound message and his, ahem, prolific seed across the globe like it was no big deal.

And let's not forget the legendary Samuel, whom God oh-so-conveniently used to drop some harsh truths on Eli about his utterly corrupt kids and the impending doom of those pesky Philistines swooping in to conquer Israel and snatch the Ark of the Covenant like it was a Black Friday doorbuster.

Fast-forward to this glorious year of 2025, and aren't we just utterly blessed—nay, dumbfounded—to be graced with a veritable parade of real, live prophets? I mean, we've got heavyweights like Dave Pack, Ron Weinland, Gerald Flurry, Alton Billingsley, and, drumroll please, the crowning jewel: our very own self-appointed, self-aggrandizing crackpot who's yet to cough up a single prophetic utterance that's even vaguely acquainted with reality. But hey, why let a little thing like zero accuracy cramp your style?

Alas, such trifling failures have never deterred the Great Bwana from smugly trashing his fellow so-called prophets and those pathetic Church of God splinter groups as a bunch of deluded, puppet-like morons too dim-witted to grasp scripture with the razor-sharp insight he alone possesses. Ah, the unparalleled perks of snagging your theology degree from that prestigious Indian diploma mill, conveniently housed in a luxurious double-wide trailer somewhere in the subcontinent. Who says God doesn't have a wicked sense of humor? Clearly, the Almighty's rolling in the aisles!

Today, this divine gift to humanity and the Churches of God decided to unleash his righteous fury on COGWA, United, and assorted other COG outfits, branding them as hopelessly ignorant fools who couldn't interpret Daniel 11 if their eternal salvation depended on it—which, according to him, it totally does. He proceeded to ridicule their interpretations as laughably shallow and utterly vapid, so disastrously wrong that they'll be blissfully clueless when the real moment arrives to hightail it to Petra, Pella, or whatever godforsaken dustbowl in the Middle East where the Great Bwana plans to lord over his flock like a desert despot.

He proclaims, with all the humility of a peacock on steroids:

Nearly all who are part of claimed and real Church of God (COG) groups such as the Philadelphia Church of God (PCG), United Church of God (UCG), COGWA, and Living Church of God (LCG) believe that their leaders understand end time prophecy.

Yet, the reality is that on many prophetic points the teachings of those groups are confused or otherwise in error. Some of their errors have to do with Daniel 11.

While many are aware of Gerald Flurry’s incorrect identification of Iran as the final “King of the South,” some may be surprised to realize that PCG, UCG, COGWA, and LCG do not understand the proper sequence of Daniel 11 nor the timing of the attacks by the King of the North.

I'm not about to inflict all of his twisted, labyrinthine interpretations that he hurls at each group like verbal grenades, but the crux of his eternal tantrum? He's still seething—positively boiling—that Rod Meredith had the audacity to ignore his brilliant insights. How dare he!

For years I tried to work with LCG on this point as they had a publication written by John Ogwyn that agreed with the sequence that I have taught–that the King of the North invades the USA and Anglo-Saxon nations prior to the invasion of the King of the South. John Ogwyn and the rest of the then LCG Charlotte-based evangelists all told me I was right about that. Yet, LCG has continued with two differing sequences that are in contradiction–which is confusing.

The Great Bwana doesn't stop there; oh no, he even takes a swing at Herbert Armstrong and the old Radio Church of God for their supposed ignorance:

Notice that Herbert Armstrong has Daniel 11:31 first, then the USA and UK getting attacked (Daniel 11:39). While it is true that the old Radio Church of God misunderstood the sequence originally, it changed decades ago–yet some (like in the leadership of PCG, UCG, and LCG) never have understood the change and still prefer to rely on an overridden tradition over the Bible.

But wait, plot twist! He then concedes that good ol' Herb eventually got it right:

From no later than 1979 until the time of his death, Herbert Armstrong correctly taught that the Great Tribulation first begins with an attack by the European King of the North, not that the King of the North first invades the King of the South.

Yet he can't resist circling back to savage LCG one more time. Ouch, that lingering butthurt must sting like a swarm of biblical locusts!

I tried to work with LCG on this for many years, and although their top evangelists agreed multiple times (and at least once it was agreed in a meeting by one of their leaders that WCG had changed its view by the 1970s to the biblical view I was advocating; they never changed their publications to reflect this.

The undisputed king of all narcissists then drops this gem, desperately wishing LCG would finally bow to his wisdom:

Since I was unable to get LCG to change while I was with it, despite agreements by its leaders to fix LCG’s errors on this point, hopefully pointing this error out again will assist them to correct it. Otherwise, this will be another area where those in LCG will misunderstand prophecy.

And for his grand finale, the Great Bwana unleashes his all-time favorite doomsday threat on every Church of God group under the sun:

One to consider is that unless they change their positions, NEITHER PCG NOR UCG NOR LCG OR OTHERS IN MANY COGS WILL REALIZE WHEN THE GREAT TRIBULATION WILL BEGIN AND THEIR SUPPORTERS WILL NOT FLEE TO BE PROTECTED IN A PLACE OF SAFETY IN THE WILDERNESS (Revelation 12:14-16). Their positions will be proven to be false.

But fear not, mere mortals! The Great Bwana swoops in like a caped crusader to rescue the day; he and his pint-sized cult alone clutch the sure word of prophecy and hoard all the truth. Prostrate yourselves before his overwhelming awesomeness, why don't you?

We in the Continuing Church of God strive to always rely on the Bible over tradition: “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts” (2 Peter 1:19, KJV).

Remember, boys and girls, if and only if you repent and grovel at the feet of the one true Philadelphian church, you'll be doomed to never know the actual time to flee to Petra—where you'll endure a torturous 3 1/2 years of listening to the Great One drone on with his utterly fantastical, make-believe interpretations of Scripture. What a blessing!

Bill Watson: Was He Diverting Money Away From CGI HQ As Early As Last Year?

 

Bill Watson is trying to give the impression that his recent breakaway from the Church of God International was almost a spontaneous event. The tax documents below were sent by an anonymous source showing that, as early as last year, Bill was already diverting money away from CGI HQ and into his own coffers for his Medina church.

Don't ask how I obtained this paperwork, but these official tax papers constitute proof that Bill was already diverting donations to his own coffers last year (2024) - not sending them to Tyler, Texas headquarters (see attached file). 

double click to enlarge

UPDATED: Is The Wedding Of The Century Over? Flurry Clan Kicks Vicki To The Curb

 

Gerald Flurry's wedding announcement October 30, 2020:

Special announcement

Dear brethren: I have been meeting with Vicki Barreiro for one year. It all started with ministerial counseling. We both developed feelings for each other in that process. We have been dating exclusively for the last four months. We plan to marry in a private wedding with only our immediate families on November 16.

—Pastor General Gerald Flurry. 

See: The Wedding Of The Century! King Gerald Flurry Is Getting Married!

Now, jump to 2025, and the wedding bliss is no longer blissful. Vicki woke up from her blindness and set herself free, with a little help from the vindictive Flurry family. Try and find a photo of King Gerry and Vicki together; it is next to impossible. PCG has scrubbed her photo from their sites.

From Exit and Support Network 

UPDATED Vicki Barreiro Has Left Her Husband:

November 2, 2025

It was announced yesterday that Vikki Flurry has left her husband, Gerald Flurry.

The sermon was by Stephen Flurry, and included long clips by Herbert Armstrong, and Gerald Flurry, haranguing about supporting “God’s true church,” and then horrible Laodiceans. Much yelling–which I could hear from the other room. It was entitled: “Fight, Fight, Fight.”

I hate gossip, as I have been a victim of it’s abuse, and I try to stay far away, but it is the truth and people should be warned. Also, those who still have family in the gulags of the PCG need to know what is happening to our loved ones.

The only way I can see my way clear of this mess is to accept the grace of Christ, and pray, and read the Bible without their booklets.

By the way, there is another revised version of the Key of David book, which I cannot read. It sickens me greatly (an understatement, to say the least) to read or hear them. –[name withheld]

UPDATED: No Queen at PCG Headquarters? 

November 3, 2025

This is just me speculating, but I am guessing Vicki bailed when she realized she wasn’t going to be queen after all. What a shame.

But honestly. Can you just imagine marrying Gerald Flurry in his current condition and trying to become one with that? Clearly Satan has deceived him into believing he is a king to God. Imagine his nutso-mindset attacking her every minute of every day with wackadoodle nonsense. Poor thing. She clearly didn’t think the results of her marriage-decision through.

No wonder Stephen is upset. His hands are always full inheriting and explaining his dad’s mess. –[name withheld]

And then this:

Vicki Evidently Pushed Out When She Could No Longer Be Controlled:
November 3, 2025 

 

I have a bit of a different take on the situation with Vicki Flurry. 

 

If you’ll remember, it all started when GF was counseling her about her husband. She was told to divorce him! Not precisely sure how long the “counseling” went on for but it would be more accurately described as transference in the psychology world. (“Transference is a psychological phenomenon where a patient unconsciously redirects feelings, desires, and expectations onto their therapist.”) He took advantage of her very fragile state! [Note by ESN: Read: Special Announcement where GF tells about that ministerial counseling with Vicki.] 

 

She no doubt thought she was entering into a safe, peaceful, righteous and God-fearing family. She was totally deceived. Behind closed doors that family is just as full with back stabbing, bickering, jealousy, jockeying and manipulation like any others. What a shock it must have been for her to see their true colors slowly seep out. 

 

With GF’s health deteriorating rapidly, the awareness of a very flawed and fake family, and waking up every morning to a gross, old, failing mean old man, carrying on everyday as his caretaker/maid, would quickly pull the blinders off allowing someone to process the situation for what it is–a fraud.
No doubt, knowing their Dad is nearing death, the “kids” watched her every move and attitude and when they noticed she was no longer blinded to their facade, they began to push her out! Same MO they use on members whom they can longer control. They likely made her life miserable until she couldn’t take it anymore. Because one thing is for certain, Stephen, Laura and families aren’t about to give up one penny of GF’s inheritance to that woman! 

 

I hope one day she’ll reach out to ESN and tell her side of the story and heal from the awful situation she was apart of. I can only imagine the stories she has to tell and the abuses she witnessed. –Former PCG member [name withheld]