By Peter Kennedy
“Also, whenever anyone approached him to bow down before him, Absalom would reach out his hand, take hold of him, and kiss him. Absalom behaved in this way toward all the Israelites who came to the king asking for justice, and so he stole the hearts of the men of Israel.” – 2 Samuel 15:5-6
In 1971, Elbert Eugene Spriggs, often known as “Yoneq”, formed the Twelve Tribes cult. Spriggs claimed to have had a vision while on a Los Angeles beach. Before that time, Elbert Spriggs had been a high school counselor and a carnival barker.
Thirty years later, Yoneq was a jet setting international traveler with palatial homes in the South of France, Brazil, and Cape Cod. The reclusive Yoneq has moved his cult about the country several times to avoid scrutiny.
In 1984, authorities seized over 100 cult kids in a raid of Island Pond, Vermont, after brutal abuse allegations came to light. Today, the group has at least 7 compounds in New England but is thought to have a total of 30 worldwide.
There are many charismatic people who want to lead you astray from Jesus Christ. Today in prayer, give thanks to the Lord and give Jesus alone your heart.
“Do your utmost to guard your heart, for out of it comes life.” – Walter Hilton
God’s Word: “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” – Proverbs 4:23
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