Is Polygamy a peaceful religion? The 1977 murder of a small-town doctor in Utah pulled back a veil on a bloody conflict between Mormon polygamist factions that stretched all the way to Chihuahua, Mexico. Polygamist, Dr. Rulon Allred, had a small practice in Murray, Utah, multiple wives, and 48 children. On May 10, 1977, two young women in wigs and disguises strode into his clinic and shot him to death in an examination room. The murder was associated with Allred’s fundamentalist faith. A series of threatening pamphlets had made the rounds from the Church of the Lamb of God, an extreme offshoot of the LDS Church, “repent or be destroyed,” one of them read.
The church was headed by Ervil LeBaron, who believed himself to be a prophet, and was based in Chihuahua, Mexico. Ervil’s brother, Joel, was the leader of the sect, but they clashed over differing visions.... In retaliation, Ervil plotted Joel’s murder. Members of the polygamy group were taught that it was noble to struggle… Family followers left with Ervil when Joel kicked him out after which he began writing revelations and preaching that Joel was a false prophet. And in 1972, several of Ervil’s followers lured Joel to a house, beating him, and shooting him to death. But Joel’s murder was not the end of the violence Ervil’s fanaticism wreaked. Polygamist leader Ervil LeBaron was arrested in Laredo, Texas, June 1979.
Investigators connected the murder of Allred to Ervil’s sect after finding a gun box and two wigs in a dumpster near the scene. They traced the gun to Ervil’s youngest wife, Rena who married Ervil when she was 17 and he was 42. He promised she would be a goddess and serve the prophet. Ervil’s first wife, a Mexican woman named Delphina, contacted authorities. She was treated like a servant at Colonia LeBaron and said she was willing to talk if she could be flown to Salt Lake. She proved the key to unraveling Allred’s murder.
https://www.oxygen.com/deadly-cults/season-2/episode-6/the-ervilites
Mark your calendars for an interactive day to find out more about what God is doing among polygamy groups here in Utah and hear testimonies from those who have left polygamy for Christ.
SATURDAY, September 19th 2020
LOCATION: The Salt Mine, Sandy, Utah
7984 S 1300 E ~ Sandy Utah 84904
COST: $20 (includes continental breakfast and lunch)
Hosted by Chris R. DeMorell
Learn from ministries that will be sharing current opportunities to engage these communities with the Gospel.
Find out how your church can pray more effectively for this needy mission field and even become actively involved.
Questions? Chris DeMorell – (801) 754-3442 or chris.demorell@gmail.com
Schedule · Saturday, September 19, 2020
8:30 AM - Continental breakfast
9:00 AM - Welcome attendees,
9:15 AM - Session 1 - Brody Olson -
Grace Reigns, Colorado City
9:55 AM - Session 2 - Chip Thompson -
Tri-Grace Ministries to Polygamists
10:20 AM - Session 3 - Tonia Tewell -
Holding out HELP to Polygamists
10:45 AM - Session 4 - Gareth Evans -
Reaching Polygamist Teens for Christ
11:10 AM - Session 5 - Doris Hanson -
A Shield and Refuge for Polygamists
11:35 AM - Salvation Testimony 1 - Vaughn Huffman - Former AUB Member
12:00 PM - Catered lunch
12:30 PM - Session 6 - Mike Menning -
1:15 PM - Testimony 2 - Bud Cooke - Former FLDS
1:50 PM - Q/A Panel with Group Session Speakers
TO MAKE RESERVATIONS go to: https://www.facebook.com/events/232049141212931
It is a completely different world for us who were born and raised in Mormon Fundamentalism. We were brainwashed from the cradle to believe that those not in the group were our enemies, not to be trusted. To help understand the brainwashing and bondage polygamists face, we have suggested reading material which may give you a better understanding of the dark world of Mormon polygamy.
This month our featured book is entitled THE POLYGAMISTS, A HISTORY OF COLORADO CITY, by Benjamin Bistline.
This is an insider’s historical view of the controversial
polygamist communities of Colorado City, AZ. Hildale, UT, and Centennial Park, AZ.
In his preface the author tells why he wrote this history:
“My only hope in writing this history, is to try and portray that the things told to the followers of the “Fundamentalist Cult” are not fact and that once a person begins to question such, only then will they be able to see the truth in the matter and be able to take steps to break out from under it’s grasp. The hold that these “religious” leaders have on the people and the community, is very powerful and even though many of the people suspect that things are not right, it is very hard to make any great change to better their circumstances. Maybe, in some small way this history can help those who are seeking to find the truth.”
This book reveals history of the FLDS that most people are unaware of. He writes in depth about the “priesthood” and the UEP: United Effort Plan which is a trust all FLDS polygamists place their assets for the betterment of each member and of the group. (Each Mormon polygamy group have their own
version of the United Order. They are similar to each other yet differ in some respects.) The following from page 225 is a keen insight into their preaching/teaching method: “Now, I want to say a few words to the faithful. The Lord is pleased with your actions so far — you… who serve God and keep His commandments … and believe in the Lord our Savior, Jesus Christ, and in the Prophet Joseph Smith and his works. But those who try to change the words of Joseph Smith… had better walk carefully, because the judgments of God are terrible when they come upon a disobedient people.”
This is a great book for those interested in historical events of the FLDS polygamists, it is available at www.amazon.com
MORMON POLYGAMY HISTORY
Excerpted and condensed from Expose’ of polygamy in Utah, by Fanny Stenhouse—1872.
After these reflections and constant prayer, I managed to subdue my disobedient heart sufficiently to make my appearance. But that was indeed a wretched day for me; and every day after was more wretched than the previous one. Polygamy was the last thing I thought of at night, and the first thing in the morning. It was with me in my waking hours and in the dead of the night. It haunted me like a spectre. It was like a fearful blight that had fallen upon me and was withering my soul. One thought was ever present in my mind — that thought, Polygamy! How should I be ever able to bear it? Everything in life appeared to have lost its charm for me, except my darling children, and they seemed now to be dearer than ever; for I felt that they were indeed my own, and that no one could take them away from me. But how I mourned over my little daughter; for I felt that she, perhaps, would some day suffer as I did. May heaven forbid it! She is today a polygamic wife, and the mother of two children!
I did not bear all my troubles in the introduction of Polygamy meekly, like a saint. I was wicked and rebellious at times, and said very bitter things of "the Prophet of the Lord," and all his sex, my husband included; he often told me that I was a great clog to him, and more than once he said he could not enjoy the Spirit of God and live with me. There were days when I was full of sorrow and regret for my wicked thoughts about "celestial marriage," and then I would fast and pray, and seek forgiveness from the Lord and from my husband. But even in my best moments, I could never bear to hear him speak about Polygamy; and whenever the elders came to our house, the painful topic was sure to be discussed. As soon as I heard it, all my angry excitement returned, and I instantly felt a spirit of rebellion stirring within me. I felt that womankind was insulted whenever the subject was mentioned, and I never got over the feeling. I thought, how shall I ever "get salvation" with such an offending heart as mine?
~ Expose of polygamy in Utah. By Mrs. T. B. H. Stenhouse, of Salt Lake City. Pgs 34-36 - continued next month.
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My name is “A” and I’d love to just thank you for your thought provoking interviews and programs. I’m not out of Mormonism at all but as I am leaving my faith community, I found your channel on YouTube years ago, and loved to hear about others leaving their faith and finding how wonderful Christ truly is. I’m still connected to my faith, as I found leaving to be very difficult. I believed I would be under judgment from God and will never be able to speak to my friends the rest of my life. I’m Jehovah’s Witness. I wouldn’t dare look up info about my own faith so I devoured your program. Sometimes I totally agreed with you and sometimes I didn’t, on theological points. But I love how simple you explain scripture and have such conviction. I have since investigated my own faith and am disgusted with many things. I’ve tried telling my friends about other Christian faiths but I didn’t get far at all, so now I just maintain what little friendship I have left without saying anything about my beliefs. The people are mostly good, kind, devoted, self-sacrificing. It’s hard to walk away from something you’ve believed in for 20 years, but your program was the perfect first step in the right direction. Thank you so much for your hard work! Sincerely, “A”
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WE ARE available to speak to your group, association, church, or organization about the Mormon Fundamentalists of today. Just call Doris: 801-649-3103, or
Email: doris@whatloveisthis.tv
- Please pray for “R”. She wants to meet and talk about how we can help her but is very afraid. She’s afraid she will be seen, recognized and reported by someone else in the group. Pray God will overcome her fears, give us both safety, and that He will show her clearly that He is her refuge and protection, not the polygamy group.
- We are still asking for the donation of a car to help an ex-plural wife. Pray God will provide this need. Donations are tax deductible.
WE ARE available to speak to your group, association, church or organization about the Mormon Fundamentalists of today.
Just call Doris: 801-649-3103, or Email: doris@shieldandrefuge.org
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