My name is Brian Steele. I was involved in the Santa Barbara Assembly in the early 1990’s. My parents kidnapped me (literally) and hired cult expert Rick Ross to convince me to leave the Assembly. I’m thankful that Steve Irons made himself available to me soon after I left in a number of very helpful conversations. Fortunately, only a small portion of my life was consumed. I know that many others suffered for decades under George. After leaving the Assemblies I went to Wellspring Retreat and Resource Center (www.wellspringretreat.org), a rehab/counseling center for cult victims. The time spent at Wellspring was HUGE in my recovery, helping me understand the manipulation I went through, cult dynamics, and the psychology of thought reform. They also helped me rebuild my Christian faith. I can’t understate the impact that Wellspring had in my recovery to become a whole person socially, psychologically, emotionally and spiritually.
Yesterday I got a call from the director of Wellspring, Dr. Paul Martin. Dr. Martin said that there several people who have left the Assemblies and are desperately seeking help from Wellspring. He gave me specific names of individuals, which I will not put out on the web. These folks can’t cover all of the costs of the counseling. I have personally made a donation to the Victims Assistance Fund: The Assembly, and told Dr. Martin that I would solicit help from other ex-Assembly members.
I would be glad to talk to anybody about my personal experience at Wellspring. After being a client there, I returned a year later and volunteered for a summer to help them. Wellspring is such a dedicated, godly group of people (all ex-cult members themselves) and the work they do is invaluable. They are professionally trained and certified for the work they do and have helped people across the world in a variety of cults. Many ex-Assembly people have attended Wellspring, so they are well acquainted with George Geftakys and his particular brand of theology and abusive practices.
There are three things that I’m asking:
Can you broadcast this appeal for donations to the Wellspring Victim’s Assistance fund to others?
Can you personally donate anything to help these folks?
Can you invite people to contact me regarding my experience at Wellspring if somebody is interested in going there for counseling themselves or donating?
Donations should be made out to Wellspring Retreat and Resource Center and designated Victims Assistance Fund: The Assembly. Donations are tax deductible. The address is:
Wellspring Retreat and Resource Center
Attn: Dr. Paul Martin
P.O. Box 67
Albany, OH 45710
Sincerely,
Brian Steele