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Locked in: My Imprisoned Years in a Destructive Cult
Locked in pulls back the thick curtain holding many of the secrets inside Word of Faith Fellowship. This small mountain church in Spindale, NC first came to the national stage in 1995 when Inside Edition aired video which included their signature practice of blasting deliverance prayer. As the first published survivor memoir of this group, Locked in follows John’s journey of hope to live in “God’s ways” by moving his family to Spindale, only to discover the cult’s unique doctrines and practices destroy the family he loves and cherishes. Locked in examines these group practices including communal living, deliverance prayer, fund-raising, as well as revealing the essential beliefs and many unwritten rules governing each member.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 2, 2015
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129 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 6, 2017
I read this because this North Carolina church, which has been in the news recently, is the same one that my aunt has been a member of for over 20 years. The writing is amateurish, which is to be expected from a self-published memoir, and didn't bother me. It was interesting to me that there was no mention of the abuse outlined in the recent AP investigation. I wonder if this is because the author never witnessed those types of events, or if he doesn't consider them to be abusive.
On a personal note, many of the details of life within WOFF ring true to things I've experienced over the years through my aunt. The gradual disowning of holidays (even Christian ones) and birthdays. The refusal to be present in the same building as alcohol. The tight control the church maintains over influences from the outside world (no TV, books or magazines). Families live together with other families, so they can keep an eye on each other. Most people (including my aunt and uncle) seem to work for church-owned businesses, again, so that they are never exposed to outside influence. Several times over the years I have verbally criticized my aunt's church, and been inundated with WOFF-sponsored articles and propaganda to "prove" me wrong.
In my opinion, if grown adults want to join a cult like this, that is their prerogative. Jane clearly takes advantage of and manipulates people who are emotionally and mentally vulnerable to her control, but people have the freedom to choose to be controlled if that appeals to them. My issue -and it's a big one- is the seclusion of children from the outside world. Having grown up in a very insulated community myself- and having had to spend a small fortune on therapy to work through many of the issues as a result of that- I cannot imagine how much harder it would be to extract yourself from the tiny world of WOFF if it was the only thing you'd ever known. I fear for my cousin, who is still a child herself, and who I have never met because of the potential of my corrupting influence.
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/natio...
On a personal note, many of the details of life within WOFF ring true to things I've experienced over the years through my aunt. The gradual disowning of holidays (even Christian ones) and birthdays. The refusal to be present in the same building as alcohol. The tight control the church maintains over influences from the outside world (no TV, books or magazines). Families live together with other families, so they can keep an eye on each other. Most people (including my aunt and uncle) seem to work for church-owned businesses, again, so that they are never exposed to outside influence. Several times over the years I have verbally criticized my aunt's church, and been inundated with WOFF-sponsored articles and propaganda to "prove" me wrong.
In my opinion, if grown adults want to join a cult like this, that is their prerogative. Jane clearly takes advantage of and manipulates people who are emotionally and mentally vulnerable to her control, but people have the freedom to choose to be controlled if that appeals to them. My issue -and it's a big one- is the seclusion of children from the outside world. Having grown up in a very insulated community myself- and having had to spend a small fortune on therapy to work through many of the issues as a result of that- I cannot imagine how much harder it would be to extract yourself from the tiny world of WOFF if it was the only thing you'd ever known. I fear for my cousin, who is still a child herself, and who I have never met because of the potential of my corrupting influence.
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/natio...
March 4, 2017
My home county
This is something you read about that always occurs someplace else, not where you grew up and called home. It saddens me to see how easily it is for people to fall under the spell of mind control. A lot of people will say " I would never let that happen to me." I'm sure no one that entered WOFF thought that would ever happen to them. I still find it disturbing that is happening in my home county. WOFF is located on Old Flynn Rd, that road was named after my grandfather's brother. Flynn Rd in Rutherfordton was named after my grandfather. They would be turning in their graves if they knew that was occurring. Also, it's very disturbing to see how untouchable they are when you have the legal community, medical, law enforcement, political and business community involved. I really feel for the families and children that have grown up in this. It may not happen in this lifetime but, I am confident God will deal with Jane Whaley and it will not be a pretty sight.
This is something you read about that always occurs someplace else, not where you grew up and called home. It saddens me to see how easily it is for people to fall under the spell of mind control. A lot of people will say " I would never let that happen to me." I'm sure no one that entered WOFF thought that would ever happen to them. I still find it disturbing that is happening in my home county. WOFF is located on Old Flynn Rd, that road was named after my grandfather's brother. Flynn Rd in Rutherfordton was named after my grandfather. They would be turning in their graves if they knew that was occurring. Also, it's very disturbing to see how untouchable they are when you have the legal community, medical, law enforcement, political and business community involved. I really feel for the families and children that have grown up in this. It may not happen in this lifetime but, I am confident God will deal with Jane Whaley and it will not be a pretty sight.
November 1, 2016
This was an unusual book, describing details the author remembers from time he spent in an unorthodox religion that he eventually realized was a cult. The cult had a woman leader and many restrictive rules and practices. When he finally got into serious trouble with the leaders and was kicked out of the church until he could repent and reform, he realized that he could never accept the mind controlling restrictions again and left the group. His family refused to go with him and quit talking to him. The author had lived in the same area where I reside and attended the same church I do when he was growing up. My book club chose to read this book because of his local ties. He writes well and indicated that a sequel is in his future.
December 29, 2019
How disturbing and shameful!
As a Christian, I was horrified and angry to read this memoir. That there are churches or cults like this which dare to function on the sole say-so of another, presenting salvation as premised on creation rather than the Creator, the One who sacrificed and died to enable salvation, is utter blasphemy, a shocking insult to Christ. No one is without sin, NO ONE, and for Jane Whaley to imply she is above others makes her a liar (1 John 1:8). Worse still, applying forceful tactics to manipulate people is wrong. Where do we see Christ at any time, when on earth, behaving in this manner? Not once. And where does He establish bunch of trivial rules, such as toilet paper placement, as the pathway to salvation? You'll not find a single text. We can't save ourselves with rules. We can't, of ourselves, even keep the 10 Commandments. Indeed, we can do nothing but for God, and God alone. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Light, not Ms. Whaley, or the Pope, or anyone else. Shame on anyone who says otherwise and deceives people with that lie. SHAME! I am glad Mr. Huddle left this miserable group and pray that he may be reconciled with his wife and children. The separation, if it remains, must be deeply heart-breaking. Anger aside, we must also pray for WOFF, Jane Whaley, and its members, that they may come to know Christ through Christ, as opposed to earthly channels, and accept His message of love and forgiveness. Mr. Huddle, thank you for sharing your story with us. May the peace of Christ go with you as you seek to serve Him in the fullness of grace. God bless you!
As a Christian, I was horrified and angry to read this memoir. That there are churches or cults like this which dare to function on the sole say-so of another, presenting salvation as premised on creation rather than the Creator, the One who sacrificed and died to enable salvation, is utter blasphemy, a shocking insult to Christ. No one is without sin, NO ONE, and for Jane Whaley to imply she is above others makes her a liar (1 John 1:8). Worse still, applying forceful tactics to manipulate people is wrong. Where do we see Christ at any time, when on earth, behaving in this manner? Not once. And where does He establish bunch of trivial rules, such as toilet paper placement, as the pathway to salvation? You'll not find a single text. We can't save ourselves with rules. We can't, of ourselves, even keep the 10 Commandments. Indeed, we can do nothing but for God, and God alone. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Light, not Ms. Whaley, or the Pope, or anyone else. Shame on anyone who says otherwise and deceives people with that lie. SHAME! I am glad Mr. Huddle left this miserable group and pray that he may be reconciled with his wife and children. The separation, if it remains, must be deeply heart-breaking. Anger aside, we must also pray for WOFF, Jane Whaley, and its members, that they may come to know Christ through Christ, as opposed to earthly channels, and accept His message of love and forgiveness. Mr. Huddle, thank you for sharing your story with us. May the peace of Christ go with you as you seek to serve Him in the fullness of grace. God bless you!
November 15, 2019
2.5 stars.
I was bored with much of this book. I hate saying that because this is a memoir of a man and part of his life while he was in a cult, Word of Faith Fellowship. Some of the boredom could be due to the fact that my husband had known so many of these people while he worked in the area, so I would hear the stories he told which mimicked parts of this story. Also, John Huddle's writing is rather poor and dragging.
After so many repeated events, I kept questioning WHY? HOW? I felt like the fact that these people turned over every detail of their life, even toilet paper roll placement, to this woman who perceived herself as God was just beyond my comprehension. HOW can someone do this? WHY would you allow yourself and your family to be screamed at, beaten, vomited over, separated from family and any part of world? WHY are you allowing these people to tie your children, tell you and your spouse when to have sex and what position, take all your money, have control of your life??
And the witch at the top of this food chain, Jane Whaley and her minions, are still practicing in the "church" in Spindale and other places they travel.😡
I was bored with much of this book. I hate saying that because this is a memoir of a man and part of his life while he was in a cult, Word of Faith Fellowship. Some of the boredom could be due to the fact that my husband had known so many of these people while he worked in the area, so I would hear the stories he told which mimicked parts of this story. Also, John Huddle's writing is rather poor and dragging.
After so many repeated events, I kept questioning WHY? HOW? I felt like the fact that these people turned over every detail of their life, even toilet paper roll placement, to this woman who perceived herself as God was just beyond my comprehension. HOW can someone do this? WHY would you allow yourself and your family to be screamed at, beaten, vomited over, separated from family and any part of world? WHY are you allowing these people to tie your children, tell you and your spouse when to have sex and what position, take all your money, have control of your life??
And the witch at the top of this food chain, Jane Whaley and her minions, are still practicing in the "church" in Spindale and other places they travel.😡
November 10, 2020
Why I read this book: I’m really interested in cults & religious groups. I also live in Asheville which is in the area this group is located. And it was available on my kindle unlimited subscription.
The Story: the author is involved with a pseudo Christian highly controlled church group. (Word of faith fellowship) The group practices abusive behaviors such as “loud praying” where they physically and mentally beat someone into submission. When the author left the group, his family shunned him. It’s a sad story. Also apparently the church still exists.
The Book: often the problem with memoirs is that they are not written by authors. The writing just isn’t very good. The book is slow. At times the author talks about barely related work details for entire pages. Near the end, he gives up on narrating his story and includes copy/pastes of emails he wrote his family during the time period. It was difficult to push thru and finish the book.
2 stars. I think it was cathartic for the author to write this- but it’s just not written well.
The Story: the author is involved with a pseudo Christian highly controlled church group. (Word of faith fellowship) The group practices abusive behaviors such as “loud praying” where they physically and mentally beat someone into submission. When the author left the group, his family shunned him. It’s a sad story. Also apparently the church still exists.
The Book: often the problem with memoirs is that they are not written by authors. The writing just isn’t very good. The book is slow. At times the author talks about barely related work details for entire pages. Near the end, he gives up on narrating his story and includes copy/pastes of emails he wrote his family during the time period. It was difficult to push thru and finish the book.
2 stars. I think it was cathartic for the author to write this- but it’s just not written well.
December 27, 2015
I started reading this shortly after the San Bernandino shooting. Since one of the shooters was an American, the media reasoned he had been "radicalized" by a foreigner. Although the term radicalized isn't used, "Locked in", goes into some detail, how people, generally being herd animals, can become part of a community, and, if encouraged enough, can be brought to believe almost anything, no matter how irrational.
July 27, 2017
Yikes!
While I applaud the author's bravery in coming forward with his story, the book is just not written well. The chapters feel disjointed and sluggish. It was really hard to push through this. It's a shame because this story should be told - just maybe written by someone with more experience.
While I applaud the author's bravery in coming forward with his story, the book is just not written well. The chapters feel disjointed and sluggish. It was really hard to push through this. It's a shame because this story should be told - just maybe written by someone with more experience.
April 29, 2023
Where do I even begin?
I read this book as a follow up to Broken Faith - both about the Word of Faith Fellowship cult in NC. Ironically, this cult is only a half an hour’s drive from my hometown. I heard of WOFF in 2020, when I was at a political event and noticed well dressed and well behaved teenage boys doing volunteer “jobs” that seemed…just strange to me. I couldn’t figure out why teenagers would be in positions to be at a political rally just before the elections that would take place in a few months. I began asking questions and was told that they were “with the cult that was in Rutherford County…” so I began to do some research.
I came across Broken Faith, read it and it gave me an insight into what was happening just down the road from my house. To say it was disturbing is putting it gently.
After I finished that book, someone recommended this one, and told me that the author still lives locally and had a personal account of his time at the “church.”
I applaud John Huddle for sharing his story in his book, “Locked In.” From the outside, it seems hard for me to understand how people can be so blindly led by evil and deceit, lies and violence. Mr. Huddle does a good job explaining how he and his wife got caught up in it, and how the aftermath of his exit has changed the course of his life. He talks about how the local law enforcement and courts have continued to turn a blind eye to allegations of mental abuse, child abuse, fraudulent activities, and so much more. He also shares links to news stories, videos and several areas where people who are victims of a cult atmosphere can reach out to for help.
It is heartbreaking to me that so many people are still involved with such a tragedy that is being described as “the will of God.”
“Locked In” is his story that covers 20 years of his life spent being a member of WOFF. Again, I applaud him for sharing his experiences, and for finding the strength to leave such a horrible place. I can’t imagine the courage he had to have to exit, and his departure was not easy. There were consequences.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
There were a few grammatical errors but that did not take away from the overall message of this book.
I read this book as a follow up to Broken Faith - both about the Word of Faith Fellowship cult in NC. Ironically, this cult is only a half an hour’s drive from my hometown. I heard of WOFF in 2020, when I was at a political event and noticed well dressed and well behaved teenage boys doing volunteer “jobs” that seemed…just strange to me. I couldn’t figure out why teenagers would be in positions to be at a political rally just before the elections that would take place in a few months. I began asking questions and was told that they were “with the cult that was in Rutherford County…” so I began to do some research.
I came across Broken Faith, read it and it gave me an insight into what was happening just down the road from my house. To say it was disturbing is putting it gently.
After I finished that book, someone recommended this one, and told me that the author still lives locally and had a personal account of his time at the “church.”
I applaud John Huddle for sharing his story in his book, “Locked In.” From the outside, it seems hard for me to understand how people can be so blindly led by evil and deceit, lies and violence. Mr. Huddle does a good job explaining how he and his wife got caught up in it, and how the aftermath of his exit has changed the course of his life. He talks about how the local law enforcement and courts have continued to turn a blind eye to allegations of mental abuse, child abuse, fraudulent activities, and so much more. He also shares links to news stories, videos and several areas where people who are victims of a cult atmosphere can reach out to for help.
It is heartbreaking to me that so many people are still involved with such a tragedy that is being described as “the will of God.”
“Locked In” is his story that covers 20 years of his life spent being a member of WOFF. Again, I applaud him for sharing his experiences, and for finding the strength to leave such a horrible place. I can’t imagine the courage he had to have to exit, and his departure was not easy. There were consequences.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
There were a few grammatical errors but that did not take away from the overall message of this book.
August 10, 2017
Finding Freedom; Maintaining Hope
Tackling this topic is difficult and could take both the author - as he admitted - and the readers through some dark places. John was able to give a descriptive account of his experience in a seeious but not too heavy narrative. Part of the strength of the deception in a cult settings is the isolation. Even after leaving the cult environment, the feelings of isolation linger. Finding the support of others who have had similar experiences can help tremendously in the transition to normalcy, even 17 years later, as in my case. Thank you, John, for putting the thoughts and feelings of many who did not or could not to ink and paper. We hope together for safe and peaceful exit for our loved ones.
Tackling this topic is difficult and could take both the author - as he admitted - and the readers through some dark places. John was able to give a descriptive account of his experience in a seeious but not too heavy narrative. Part of the strength of the deception in a cult settings is the isolation. Even after leaving the cult environment, the feelings of isolation linger. Finding the support of others who have had similar experiences can help tremendously in the transition to normalcy, even 17 years later, as in my case. Thank you, John, for putting the thoughts and feelings of many who did not or could not to ink and paper. We hope together for safe and peaceful exit for our loved ones.
August 5, 2020
Mind Controlled
This man's experience is one that needs to be told. Ordinary, intelligent people from all walks of life and of all ages fall prey to these destructive religious cults. His best of intentions to serve God and live his faith got perverted by an ego maniac female cult leader . And the way he was treated by all, especially his family is heartbreaking. The mind controlling powers of these cults hiding behind the banner of God and faith are PURE EVIL. I hope the author heals despite the damage he has experienced . He is out of the grasp of the cult and it's demonic leader but he may never be totally free of the losses and the pain he experienced.
This man's experience is one that needs to be told. Ordinary, intelligent people from all walks of life and of all ages fall prey to these destructive religious cults. His best of intentions to serve God and live his faith got perverted by an ego maniac female cult leader . And the way he was treated by all, especially his family is heartbreaking. The mind controlling powers of these cults hiding behind the banner of God and faith are PURE EVIL. I hope the author heals despite the damage he has experienced . He is out of the grasp of the cult and it's demonic leader but he may never be totally free of the losses and the pain he experienced.
December 8, 2021
Revealing!
There are many cults out there and I found it interesting that what seemed like a regular group of Christian church goers had gone down the evil path of using their parishioners to fuel their insatiable appetites of greed and power. It reminded me of a book I had read about the Jim Jones group and how people in his church were also caught up in his spell and went as far as drinking his deadly cyanide Kool-Aid. There's others like Jehovah's witnesses and Mormons as well as Scientologists. Even though it was a painful process, I'm glad the author was able to leave to tell the story.
There are many cults out there and I found it interesting that what seemed like a regular group of Christian church goers had gone down the evil path of using their parishioners to fuel their insatiable appetites of greed and power. It reminded me of a book I had read about the Jim Jones group and how people in his church were also caught up in his spell and went as far as drinking his deadly cyanide Kool-Aid. There's others like Jehovah's witnesses and Mormons as well as Scientologists. Even though it was a painful process, I'm glad the author was able to leave to tell the story.
April 1, 2024
2.5⭐️
This isn’t one of the better books published about this cult, but it was still okay. You can tell this was more self published and had less editing, so there are some grammar and sentence structure mistakes.
I did still enjoy reading it considering that I live less than 10 miles from the compound of WOFF. It’s honestly horrifying knowing what these people live through daily and just go brain washed they are. It’s almost like once you even begin to question anything, it’s too late! Glad this man has gotten away, even though he’s separated from his family.
This isn’t one of the better books published about this cult, but it was still okay. You can tell this was more self published and had less editing, so there are some grammar and sentence structure mistakes.
I did still enjoy reading it considering that I live less than 10 miles from the compound of WOFF. It’s honestly horrifying knowing what these people live through daily and just go brain washed they are. It’s almost like once you even begin to question anything, it’s too late! Glad this man has gotten away, even though he’s separated from his family.
February 27, 2021
I feel like a huge jerk, because this is a memoir and was clearly a horrible and difficult thing for the author to go through. But this book was not good. It was very poorly written, with spelling and grammar mistakes scattered everywhere. The timelines were crazy and sometimes a person would appear in the narrative that he had never mentioned before but it was like we were supposed to know them. I wanted to like this, but I really didn't.
May 31, 2017
A tell all book about the "church"/cult in NC by a former member.
I am amazed the power one person can have over a multitude of people in this day and age.
A woman who speaks with God and sometimes believes herself to be God and educated people follow her! WOW.
Just saw in the paper where this church is being sued for abuse by a former member.
Good read. Eye Opening.
I am amazed the power one person can have over a multitude of people in this day and age.
A woman who speaks with God and sometimes believes herself to be God and educated people follow her! WOW.
Just saw in the paper where this church is being sued for abuse by a former member.
Good read. Eye Opening.
July 27, 2020
I read this book because I read the first Broken Faith. I grew in Rutherfordton and went to Advent Lutheran in Spindale, NC. It was a great little place growing up in the fifties and sixties. I am sorry the cult had to change the perception of Rutherford County. But this lets you know to be careful who you follow.
October 7, 2017
Wow
I am a NC native, never heard of this group. We had Jim & Tammy Fay, in Charlotte. Not a religion, but a cult. God would not approve of man losing his free will, as He gave it to us for a reason. IMHO. Sad.
I am a NC native, never heard of this group. We had Jim & Tammy Fay, in Charlotte. Not a religion, but a cult. God would not approve of man losing his free will, as He gave it to us for a reason. IMHO. Sad.
December 30, 2020
Absolutely riveting true tale
As a resident of the county in which thos cult resides, I regularly hear rumors of what goes on inside the walls of their "church". This book brought all of those rumors and more to light. John is a great story-teller and wonderfully conveys the turmoil he faced as he realized God's Will for his life was outside WOFF control.
As a resident of the county in which thos cult resides, I regularly hear rumors of what goes on inside the walls of their "church". This book brought all of those rumors and more to light. John is a great story-teller and wonderfully conveys the turmoil he faced as he realized God's Will for his life was outside WOFF control.
February 25, 2022
Boring with very little detail
May 20, 2022
Interesting story, but the writing is not the best.
May 23, 2022
Good book at the inner workings of a cult. It seems unfinished but I do recommend it.
March 3, 2024
Very well written
I could not put it down. It was amazing to see how you survived such a misfortune! I wish you the very best in your future endeavors!
I could not put it down. It was amazing to see how you survived such a misfortune! I wish you the very best in your future endeavors!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews