Pastor Edem Kofi Amankwah was a volunteer pastor from October 2007 to 2018, when he resigned as a volunteer pastor without due notice to the church. But he knew Lighthouse could be ruthless with dissenters. Against all 6 Plaintiffs for damages for defamation for publishing 3 Articles against the LCI each titled Darkness In A Lighthouse. LCI churches worldwide share a common vision of propagating the gospel worldwide and training leaders and pastors to take the gospel to the four corners of the world. But an 18-month investigation by the BBC finds it takes over people's lives, separates people from their loved ones and harasses its critics. Edward Laryea, Pastor Seth Duncan, Pastor Edem Amankwah and Pastor Faith Makafui Fiakojo. Paul Waugh said on one call to her. "I'd even physically throw up.". She was born on July 18, 2012. When Jeff got frustrated on one call, Jai told him to up his efforts and stop being emotionally "lazy". Among them are five people with PhDs, two winners of the Margaret Singer Award for cultic studies and three accredited therapists with extensive experience working with ex-cult members. We can put the money into other things, such as fixing our roads and healthcare issues.. WebLighthouse books Christian acts at churches and venues across New England. WebThe Church Universal and Triumphant (CUT) is a New Age religious organization founded in the United States in 1975 by Elizabeth Clare Prophet. A vlogger by the name of Larry Reid reportedly secured copies of the court documents and released them on Patreon. The final expert said they would rather not comment. Jeff was delighted, even if it did cost him 25,000. You are already subscribed to our newsletter! Although Lighthouse International Group Holdings is now in receivership, there is little to stop the people behind it carrying on its work. It was found that between March 2018 and July 2022 about 1.2m was paid to Paul Waugh himself - roughly half the firm's income. But construction of the presidents pet project, due to cover 3.5 hectares (9 acres) of prime Accra real estate, has stalled since June due to lack of funds. WebWelcome to KEION HENDERSON TV! He soon paid 10,000 for a year-long mentoring course to help improve his discipline. We had to find another church to sponsor our loan. Another pastor in the Reddit group complained that he wanted to leave ARC because of recent scandals involving pastors who fail morally but couldnt because his church still owes ARC money. II. "These women have served and have great needs. But before long, it drifts into endless introspection about troubled backgrounds and awkward families - who mentees are encouraged to think of as "toxic" influences to avoid. The church is headquartered near Gardiner, Montana, and the church has local congregations in more than 20 countries.. Unacceptable: Hillsong responds to sexting pastor scandal WebThey have resigned from Lighthouse and have sued the church for violating their rights Kofi Bentil, who is the lawyer for the six former employees of the church, told The Fourth Estate "We've had private investigator reports into Lighthouse," she says. After several months, Jai offered Jeff the chance to get more involved with Lighthouse. In this channel, you'll find exclusive content, More than 40 people who have left Lighthouse, or have loved ones in the group, or have been close to its leader, spoke to the BBC for this story. Erin, whose name we have changed, told her mentor that when she was about 13 she had been sexually abused by someone known to her family. Six former pastors of the Lighthouse Chapel International, now known as United Denominations, have taken the church to court for being exploited for years whilst working for the church. It boasts of helping thousands of people. The churchs policy and practice, which are well known to the volunteers, is that the church owes no financial obligation to volunteers by way of payment of salaries, social security contributions, taxes or any form of emolument. The series of controversies has caused two members of the board of trustees popular Christian leaders Mensa Otabil and Dag Heward-Mills to resign. But then Jeff began spending all day on secretive phone calls and avoiding friends and family - he even sold his house to invest more money in the group. A month later, parliament blocked a budget allocation of $6.3m that the government had wanted to continue the project even as Ghana struggles to restructure its debt to qualify for a $3bn loan from the International Monetary Fund. Most populous nation: Should India rejoice or panic? And, while there are qualifications available, anyone can claim to be a life coach - thousands do. Vandalia FACT CHECK: Dave Ramsey Made a Statement About America Online, FACT CHECK: CIA Director Gina Haspel Found Dead, FACT CHECK: Kwik Trip Launches Kwik Strip Gentlemens Clubs, Meet Lukas Van Ness Girlfriend and Cole Kmets Sister, Frankie Kmet, Meet Seattle Kraken LW Tye Kartyes Girlfriend, Monik Pigeau, Meet Commanders DE Chase Youngs Girlfriend, Sophie Piteo, Meet Sacramento Kings SF Harrison Barnes Wife, Brittany Barnes, Meet St. Louis Cardinals Pitcher Ryan Helsleys Wife, Alex Helsley, Meet Boston Celtics Guard Marcus Smarts Fiance, Maisa Hallum, Tynisha Marcel (born 20th Jul 1995), Candis Clements (23rd Dec 2005), Katelyn (18th July 2012). A post shared by Deitrick TV (@deitricktv). Some are however vehemently defending him saying that there is a ploy to bring him down. Bishop Larry is to report to the CID headquarters for interrogations on Friday 20th August 2021. Most of the great cathedrals are situated near the epicentres of power, particularly parliament because thats where the formal religious rites take place, like the swearing-in ceremonies of presidents, Opoku-Mensah told Al Jazeera. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. It was awarded to respected Ghanaian-British architect David Adjaye for a reported $22m. Lighthouse told him to wait two years for any return on his money and warned him that creating controversy could jeopardise his investment. "They're thinking 'I've got to protect Lighthouse, I've got to protect Paul Waugh.' This is your one stop shop for all things Keion Henderson & The Lighthouse Church of Houston! Now, I feel like it's time for a shifting of focus to impacting our community in other ways than just pulpit ministry. He recalled playing golf with Paul Waugh and watching a senior mentor scurrying after him carrying his equipment. Karina Deichler, whose brother Kris has been part of Lighthouse for more than a decade, says when they were younger the pair were more like best friends than siblings. Their marriage ended in divorce in 2019. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". I have two more years that, whatever the case, the national cathedral will be at a very advanced stage before I leave office. 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These days, an estimated $1.3m is used for its annual maintenance even though an average of fewer than 1,000 people attend regular services. This support was sought from a national trustee member, Reverend Kusi Boateng, due to a delay in the receipt of funds to pay the contractors on time.. 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The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Christian Concert Booker at Fault in $3 Million Fraud - News LightHouseChrist Presbyterian Church | Ormond Beach FL In fact, only one person in Lighthouse was a level four - and that was Paul Waugh himself. The cathedral secretariat denied the allegation, saying the amount was repayment for a loan taken from Boatengs company to pay contractors. Lighthouse isn't an ordinary life coaching organisation, Dawn explained. He later posted online that he was working on a documentary called "A Very British Broadcasting Cult" - knowing our podcast series is titled A Very British Cult - which would investigate "Catrin Nye's sinister cover up attempt". (Paul has since said a handful of other Lighthouse "seniors" have finally reached level four after more than a decade with the group). WebLighthouse Christian Church - Meet our Staff Joe Castillo LEAD PASTOR Joe was born in the Philippines and grew up in Los Angeles and Chicago. In January, two others members of the board Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams and the Reverend Eastwood Anaba wrote to the cathedral secretariat to call for an immediate suspension of construction pending an audit of the project. Dag Heward Mills Exploited Us for Years without Paying Our SSNIT But last year, when Karina wrote about her concerns about Lighthouse online, Kris reported her to the police for being an internet troll. Jai said it was "part of the process". WebCelebrated gospel singer Earnest Pugh is leaving his position as Pastor of Worship at Houstons Lighthouse Church. Doesn't seem genuine," reacted Ajoa Tamakloe. The key to success, explained Paul in his calls, was to get to level four. Gospel singer Earnest Pugh Leaves mega-church and starting a new initiative, 2016. She now goes by Tynisha Thomas, since tying the knot on May 17, 2021. Beyond the president, the project has a number of high-profile defenders. Jeff no longer seemed himself. b. b. Some of his critics have called for the project to be scaled down over fears that it could be abandoned after his exit from office. It was now going global. He also, with the written consent of his biological father, Mr Prosper Fiakojo, signed the Missionary Consent form on 11th November 2013. Initially it was just a catch-up. Join YEN.com.gh's Telegram channel! Scandals Jeff handed over the money, and Lighthouse began to take over his life. He was a volunteer pastor from 2008 to 2018, till he abandoned post as a volunteer pastor without due notice in 2018. Erin says she got a credit card at Jai's suggestion. LCI-Ghana denies this and says the church employed him from July 2005 to June 2010 . WebIn January of 1941, the church was completed, and an article appeared in The Dallas Morning News soon after with the grabber of a headline, Lighthouse Church Warns Oak Cliff of Your email address will not be published. "I started to become increasingly unwell," says Erin. Caroline Jesper, head of professional standards at the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, listened to hours of calls between Anthony and Jai and said if any of her members behaved in this way, the association would investigate under its professional conduct procedure. This was not an illegal payment but rather a refund of a short-term, interest-free loan made by JNS to top up the payments to the contractors of the national cathedral, the secretariat said in a statement dated January 16. "It was brilliant at first," Jeff says of these early sessions. Her two eldest daughters are from a previous relationship. 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Another criticism of the project is the demolition that the government carried out to make way for the cathedral. Every morning at five, Jeff would prepare for a daily call where Lighthouse business would be discussed. On this episode of Lighthouse Faith podcast, Pastor Henderson, founder of the ten thousand member WebAnd yet, Keion has made the proverbial lemonade out of lemons. Jeff was told he needed to choose between Lighthouse and his family. In February this year, the UK government made an application for the firm behind Lighthouse - Lighthouse International Group Holdings Trading LLP - to be closed down. LCI responded that the only wife of Plaintiff known to LCI is Emmanuella Mensah and she refused to move to either Benin or Burkina Faso with him or join him there. Thank You for accepting my friendship first and trusting me as your safe place where we both can grow without judgement. Its unknown what Felecia is doing currently. In theory at least, they try to help people work out what they really want and how to get there. Reporting team: Osman Iqbal, Ed Main, Jo Adnitt, Aisha Doherty and Thanduxolo Jika. "I just feel numb now. "I realised the level of control he had over these people.". People join a mentoring group, usually looking for a career change or new direction. Some point next door to neighbouring Ivory Coast for a cautionary tale. Read about our approach to external linking. WebCathedral of scandals: How a presidential promise divided Ghana The $400m state-funded church has become hugely controversial in Ghana even as the country pursues an IMF loan Meanwhile, members of Lighthouse Chapel International are defending Dag Heward-Mills amidst the controversy he currently finds himself in. Lighthouse argues it has helped lots of people overcome obstacles to their potential through mentoring, life-coaching, counselling and community support. WebHenderson, who has been a part of the ministry for over 25 years and founded Lighthouse Church and Ministries in 2009, was previously married to Felecia Henderson. They are defined by how they can control members' money, time and even thoughts. Church Workdays 2nd and 4th Saturdays 8 am till noon. The group is already evolving. According to court filings presented by government investigators, Lighthouse was not keeping proper records and was not co-operating with their investigation - which meant it was impossible to determine the "true nature" of the business. Jeff had joined the pioneering life coaching and mentoring group to help him find more direction. To devote himself full-time to Lighthouse, Jeff stopped working and sold his house - ultimately investing 131,000 in the group. Before he joined Lighthouse, 30-year-old Anthony Church had struggled with anxiety and depression, suffered a breakdown and attempted suicide. Perhaps the most important idea in Lighthouse is something called "the levels". Life coaching is a booming UK industry. Samuel Rodriguez Has More Than A Few Words About Pew Survey on the Changing Faith Landscape of Latinos and Hispanics, Rev. Despite ONeals Instagram announcement, it is unclear how long the pair has been an item. Akufo-Addo is serving the second of his two constitutionally allowed four-year terms, which expire in 2024. We, therefore, resolve: that in the spirit and cause of transparency and accountability to the Ghanaian people, the current board of trustees of the national cathedral shall appoint an independent, nationally recognised accounting firm to audit all public funds contributed to and spent by the national cathedral.. People are dying. In addition to this we are an active place of worship, meeting needs through Gods love. LCI-Ghana is a legally, financially, administratively and governmentally independent organization from other LCI churches outside the borders of Ghana and only shares a spiritual relationship with the others. The schedule, often running from 05:00 to 22:00, was relentless with little time off. Earnest Pugh Resigns as Pastor The tour will take the "Rain On Us" and "I Need Your Glory" singer around the globe. Certain decisions can be taken today, and the people around can never understand why those decisions have been made until maybe 10 years after, he told Al Jazeera. He added that most of our allegations "were absolute nonsense". We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. II. Thank you for being my friend first, yet being intentional with my time and heart. From September 2010 to May 2018, Bishop Odonkor was employed by LCI South Africa. We complain about schools. The beauty of a gracious and merciful God is that He will use our mistakes as an opportunity to help us unlearn some bad behaviors, gain some new insights, and shift us into our destiny. Hendersons mentor is the well known Bishop T.D. Atlanta Black Star is a narrative company. Most of the $58m spent so far has come from the national coffers, Ofori-Atta himself told parliament when it summoned him in November for a censure hearing. "It's just crazy," Karina says. Hendersonwrote, I will accept all congratulatory messages but yours, @shaunieoneal5 will I cherish forever. One charity which helps people break free from abusive groups, Catalyst, says it now receives more calls about Lighthouse than any other UK organisation, with "over thirty" people asking for help. WebAccording to their report, the six [pastors] have resigned from the church for various reasons and dragged the Lighthouse Chapel International, which used to be the epicentre www.Lighthouseormond.com God looks at the heart, and so lets get our priorities right.. Moody pastored many years ago), Lutzer would lead many astray because Past Lighthouse church member shows support to sexual assault "Why aren't you trying to get justice there?". Everyone else was stuck at level one. Besides being active in the church community, Felecia was part of the online talk show seriesCloset Chats in 2019. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. says Jeff. Lawsuit Accuses Church Planting Group of Allowing Florida Pastor Erin, meanwhile, was berated as a "cynical old witch" when she asked where her money had gone. Deloitte has yet to submit its audit report. One of gospel music's leading performers, Earnest Pugh, stepped down from his megachurch position to pursue a new philanthropic initiative. Lighthouse wanted her to take her parents to court and "make them pay for not taking better care of her". I made a pledge to almighty God that He was gracious enough to grant my party, the NPP, and I victory in the 2016 elections after two unsuccessful attempts, so I will help build a cathedral to his glory and honour, President Nana Akufo-Addo said at the sod-cutting ceremony in 2020. Nine years into their marriage, the pastor reportedly spoke about difficulties in their relationship in an interview. Lighthouse Chapel case: 6 ex-pastors allegedly demand $12 million The plan is for the cathedrals 5,000-seat, two-level auditorium, which could be expanded to have an additional capacity of 15,000, to serve as a sacred space and facility for national events like state funerals and presidential inaugural services. You may recall I have spoken passionately and written extensively about the costs, the design, the location, the fundraising, the mobilisation of the churches, and the role of the trustees, said the televangelist, whose Lighthouse Chapel International church reportedly has a network of 1,200 branches in 61 countries. Required fields are marked *. Set up in 2012 by businessman Paul Waugh, it claims to be different from most life coaching groups.