Ecult: A Sister's Memoir

Rating:
Summary: to someone out there
Review: A masterful analysis of the destructive effects cults have on the family structure. It shows how cults sucessfully are able to provide a false sense of love, compasssion and security. The struggle of her family to conquer this evil is an inspriation to us all and the ultimate proclaimation of a sister's love.

Rating:
Summary: I couldn't put it down!
Review: Bravo to Mrs. Chavez for writing this incredibly personal story.

I feel like I know the characters, and my heart goes out to each one of them. The author's attempt at reaching her sister in the Concerned Christians cult through every possible medium (i.e. this book) is a true statement of her love and her dedication to her sister Jan and Jan's daughter (Nicolette) who was left behind by the cult to fend for herself.

This book will tear at your heartstrings. It will make you smile. It will make you angry. It will make you cry. But most of all it will make you (as it made me) understand how easy it is to take precious memories and relationships for granted. The media coverage is gone, but the suffering of the families continues now, and will continue until the day their families are reunited. Now, they are only able to remember their past experiences, and I thank Mrs. Chavez for allowing me to share in those memories.

Rating:
Summary: I couldn't put it down!
Review: Bravo to Mrs. Chavez for writing this incredibly personal story.

I feel like I know the characters, and my heart goes out to each one of them. The author's attempt at reaching her sister in the Concerned Christians cult through every possible medium (i.e. this book) is a true statement of her love and her dedication to her sister Jan and Jan's daughter (Nicolette) who was left behind by the cult to fend for herself.

This book will tear at your heartstrings. It will make you smile. It will make you angry. It will make you cry. But most of all it will make you (as it made me) understand how easy it is to take precious memories and relationships for granted. The media coverage is gone, but the suffering of the families continues now, and will continue until the day their families are reunited. Now, they are only able to remember their past experiences, and I thank Mrs. Chavez for allowing me to share in those memories.

Rating:
Summary: a book that touches the heart
Review: I just finished reading this book and it was wonderful. Betty's unconditional love for Jan was heart-warming but also heart-breaking. To know that Betty had done everything in her power to reach her sister, not only emotionally, but spiritually as well, and not have her sister respond like a person should just tore me apart. I know this family indirectly through one of my family members, so it really hit home. The only question I had though was, in this day and age of internet/email, why couldn't someone trace the emails back from where they had been sent? I know it can be done, especially knowing that this particular Concerned Christians "dooms-day cult" was potentially dangerous. All in all, this book is definitely worth reading - it will frustrate you, tug at your heart-strings, and make you realize how fortunate you are to have your loved ones with you and not somewhere unknown in the world.

Rating:
Summary: A review from your niece
Review: I'm so glad that Betty wrote this book in memory of Grandma and Aunt Nancy. I know all of us hope to find Aunt Jan and Uncle John and reunite with them. Even to those who are not family will enjoy this book because it tells of the struggles and the simple clues of suspecting a cult. To Betty, I love you and miss you and hope to see you sometime soon.
Love and best wishes,
Kari Redman

Rating:
Summary: Must have read a different book!
Review: There are many cults that we hear and read about but rarely has a book been written that shows the pain caused in the families left behind. Anyone who reads this book will be able to relate especially if something like this was to occur in their own family. I know that if someone has had to deal with a situation like this in their family, this book will touch them in a personal way. I knew of the leader of the Concerned Christians in the mid eighties, when he was speaking out against cults and deception in the New Age movement. I heard him speak on these subjects at several churches in the Denver area. Kim Miller attended meetings on several ocassions that were held to discuss new groups that were a reason for concern. Myself and others involved in counter cult work began to receive calls in 1996 from families around the U.S. who troubled by extreme changes in their loved ones involved in the Concerned Christians. In response to these inquiries three of us were able to meet with Kim Miller to confront him about why he was turning family members against there families. He was very arrogant and began to speak for God through his voice. We were told by God through Kim that everyone must take up their cross and follow him, cutting ties with your family was part of this. He also were told that if we continued to come against Kim and not bow down to him we would be destroyed. I have been talking with many of the families who have loved ones who are in this cult. There have been deaths of grandparents, parents, sisters, and brothers that most of the members have no knowledge of. I know from personal experience of dealing with many who have come out of a cult, these situations cause intense pain and is hard for them to deal with. I am recomending this book to all who have family members in the Concerned Christians and other cults. Also to all those involved in trying to expose these destructive groups, so they will always be sensitive when dealing with the families.

I know this book had to be extremley diffucult for the author to write but it shows her unconditional love for her sister. Also that she will welcome her with open arms when she returns home. I am praying that her sister will be freed from the hold of this false prophet and return to Jesus Christ and her family.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderfully written
Review: This book brought me to tears, it made me smile, brought warmth to my heart, as well as sadden thoughts.So many things i didn't know and yet so many wonderful memories i did know of. Joining this family when i was 16 this book is not only a history for my 3 daughters but also a hopefull plea that " Aunt" Jan will one day know how much she is missed and loved.Lovingly dedicated to my ex mother-law and true mentor in life as well as friend..

Rating:
Summary: extraordinary touching and full of quiet wisdom
Review: This book is one of the most moving and brilliantly written memoirs I have read in several years. The story perspective and the passion the author's words are a testiment to her sisterly love and devotion. Having just lost my brother to cancer, I deeply feel Betty's emotional quest to reach her sister. I pray that Betty's search for her sister will have a happy ending. I wish her the very best. Losing someone you love is hard. God Bless

Rating:
Summary: extraordinary touching and full of quiet wisdom
Review: This book is one of the most moving and brilliantly written memoirs I have read in several years. The story perspective and the passion the author's words are a testiment to her sisterly love and devotion. Having just lost my brother to cancer, I deeply feel Betty's emotional quest to reach her sister. I pray that Betty's search for her sister will have a happy ending. I wish her the very best. Losing someone you love is hard. God Bless