Posted by early days exer on December 17, 2009 at 07:12:09
In Reply to: Re: writing a college paper and would like information posted by angelawinters on December 11, 2009 at 10:44:10:
In 1970 in Los Angeles, the approach was via exhibitions such as beach baptisms, group songs and skits in public places and then teams would break up and start "witnessing" to those who gathered, usually teams of two, always at least two and assigned. Sometimes it was scheduled for groups to go out on the streets at various places and break up in teams of two to "witness" without first putting on some sort of group exhibition- often going down the streets or at the beach singing in a large group. No one left the building at 5th and Town unless it was on task and escorted. No one came in without going thru security posted downstairs.
Another method was going to events and passing out food from a bus, often stale donated or scavanged donuts or beans and rice or spaghetti, and using food and presence of youth witnessing as an outreach.
Media had already printed a few articles about COG including a Time Magazine cover of a prophet of doom. Fear tactics were used to proselytize as well, as members sometimes would trips to public places dressed in red sackcloth, smudged on the forehead with ashes and holding scrolls with warning messages and verses. It was the prophets of doom element of COG witnessing.
Current events of the time were focused on (often in witnessing and in teachings within) to say that we were the last generation (the youth of that day) and the endtime last seven years of earth before Jesus came back, could start at any time. Then 3 1/2 yrs after that there would be horrible and catastrophic destruction.
Guilt tactics were used, throwing bible scriptures in with cult doctrine that pressured the person being witnessed to that the "fields were white already to harvest" and that we were in the endtimes. Once we heard the word, if we didn't forsake all and join, and then witness day in and day out, those we didn't witness to could die and their blood would be on our hands because we didn't witness to them.
The attractants for me was youth living together with a purpose and what I thought was a good cause. It was said that there was a spiritual warfare and that we were called to fight the good fight of faith. Many things seemed honorable and good but the control from within and indocrination process was extreme.