The Family Children of God by insidersChildren of God Family International
Home Chat Boards Articles COG History COG Publications People Resources Search site map
exFamily.org > chatboards > genX > archives > post #24506

Re: Steven David -- Can anyone add to this?

Posted by from what I heard on November 27, 2005 at 21:18:55

In Reply to: Steven David -- Can anyone add to this? posted by Researcher on November 27, 2005 at 17:44:22:

Stephen Bruce Ferguson (Stephen David), an American citizen, was a longtime member of the Family International, famous for being ‘mated’ to Jane Miller (Mother Eve David) after she and David Berg separated. Marrying into the Royal Family entitled Stephen to use ‘David’ as his last name. Their union lasted several years.
-----------------------------------------------
I have heard that it lasted long after she got involved with John, in fact I think they tried to be as "revolutionary" as Berg regarding sharing. I also heard that some years ago-not too many- they were discovered "sharing" in a motor home parked in a charismatic church parking lot before they settled into their Asian churches. They were discretely asked to depart from that church (Stephen, Adria and M.E.) Anyone can verify this?
------------------------------------------------

In The New Revolution (beginning February 18, 1975) Berg instituted the Chain (Chain of Command), but Eve & Stephen used their special status to keep out of the Chain & begin a group called ‘Mother’s Team.’ By this time Jane and Stephen had separated; Jane was mated with an American ‘brother’ named John & Stephen was mated with Adria (former wife of Berg’s handyman, Dave).
----------------------------------------------
As stated above, I had heard they never separated but contintued sharing though M.E. in her older age may no longer have a drive for this.
----------------------------------------------

Berg eventually came out with a Letter called ‘The Division,’ in which he said that Steven & Eve were part of the prophesied division in the Family’s ranks. Berg stated: ‘Stephen has had such a hard self-righteous attitude toward some people that he’s even gotten into actual physical violence with some and threatened it with others ... threatening to break into homes to demand housing.’ Berg complained about ‘Stephen’s wild sexual forays on other people’s wives without the consent of the people’s mates, without agreement and unity, and insisting that he share, or even take away wives of others or their mates!’
---------------------------------------------
You may want to note that in fact, according to letters by Berg, Berg himself severely reprimanded some for resisting and dismissed some who were around him for not giving into his demand for instant gratification.
-----------------------------------------------

Mother’s Team had operated in Italy, Malta, Tunisia & Libya. Against Berg’s orders, and against the wishes of Col. Godhafi, Eve and Steven had insisted on having a permanent base in Tripoli. Berg complained, ‘Stephen even had the nerve to ask Godahfi if he could live in his house with him so he could go to the University and study Arabic!’

Some time later, Stephen left the Family. Berg said, ‘Stephen grew only grew worse, until both he & Eve departed from us!—May God help you to be warned by their horrible disobedient example!’
------------------------------------------------
It may also be worth noting that people who were in Bergs "royal" circle had much more liberty to "do their own thing" and were even allowed it though were condemned of it publically. Berg did not want to make enemies of those with so much information. In one letter he threatens M.E. with being cut off from some monetary support from Berg.
-------------------------------------------------

Though no longer a member of The Family, Steven has never publicly renounced its policies and practices. He presently resides in Texas where he & Adria had several children and are listed as the ‘Star Family,’ famous for the “No Bible no breakfast” Star Family show.

An early photo of Stephen David (left in photo) is here:
http://www.xfamily.org/index.php/Newark_Advocate:_Children_of_God_find_new_home

Good article.