I knew this day would come. And it’s exactly why I stayed anonymous for so long.
Sigh.
I preferred to keep these events secret, because they involve people who have recanted their consent to publish the details. But, alas, I feel that Teen Mania has crossed a line and at least a small part of this information needs to be made public. So here goes…
I met with the KLTV reporter for my interview, held just outside the TM campus, on Thursday, September 16th. Near the end of the interview, staff members Jeff Pruitt, Dave Neal and Heath Stoner came to see what was going on. Heath and I had a major confrontation in which he FALSELY accused me of serving alcohol to a minor and banned me from the campus. (He later sent me an email threatening to call the cops if I ever step foot on the campus again.)
Later that day, I spoke with the current intern in question. I mentioned the accusation to them and asked them to provide clarity. That person then sent an email to myself, Heath Stoner, and Dave Hasz which said:
To Heath Stoner, David Hasz, et al,
I have at no time been offered any alcoholic drink from anybody related to the Recovering Alumni movement after it was discovered that I was slightly underage. I have not consumed alcohol since I began involvement with Teen Mania and at no time has any alcoholic beverage been given to me. Any statement or implication from you or the Teen Mania Ministry that I was/I have is patently false. Any prior statements that I may have made otherwise were under coercion of the Teen Mania leadership. I am not being forced to send this AT ALL
So, no big deal I thought and left it at that.
But then, things escalated. Just 2 days later, after giving my interview to KLTV and BEFORE it aired, at around 2am on Saturday morning, someone published all my personal details to the blog: address, phone number, picture, etc. Luckily, I happened to be awake and immediately deleted it and put all comments on moderation.
But apparently, that wasn’t enough. When I woke up the next morning, my home had been vandalized. An acidic smelling, gelatinous substance had been thrown all over my front door. No other house on the block had been vandalized.
Coincidence? I don’t think so.
Keep in mind, the only people outside of this RA community that knew my identity at that time were Heath Stoner, Jeff Pruitt and Dave Neal.
(2021 Update: The pastor’s blog referenced below has since become a malware site. The link points to the Wayback Machine, but do not go to the proper URL. Thankfully, the comments are still available.)
Heath has also seen fit to make false accusations online. A youth pastor blog linked to the ESOAL news story and in the comments Heath said this:
The slanted one sided story that Mica put on KLTV was an embarrassment to journalism. They already had their story written up before they did the investigated story.
How could I possibly put a story on KLTV? I don’t even work there! How does he know they already had their story written up before they investigated? In fact, I know that’s not true based on my conversations with the reporter and the questions he asked me throughout the process. (You can click the link to read the full text of Heath’s comments as well as my response.)
So, the fact that something is not true does not seem to have any bearing on whether Heath wants to accuse me of it.
In addition, after the interview aired, I started getting prank calls. Not to me personally, but someone(s) would call up different places posing as me and ask for information. The most creative one was calling up the Mormons and telling them I wanted to convert. Four people showed up at my doorstep including 2 Mormon elders. I’m sure they appreciated having their time wasted.
All of this I could have let slide. But now Teen Mania has taken it further. They have hired both a lawyer and a private investigator to come after me. These people have called individual(s) that I know and lied to them, attempting to dig up any possible dirt on me.
If Teen Mania really has nothing to hide, why would they behave this way? In fact, hiring private investigators against dissenters is a common tactic of other cults like Scientology, etc.
Teen Mania, if you really want me to stop writing this blog, I can tell you exactly how to do it. It’s not in vandalizing my home or making me feel unsafe, it’s not by prank calls and false accusations, it’s not by trying to drag me into court on trumped up charges – all you have to do is STOP ABUSING PEOPLE – physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. It’s really very simple.
44 comments:
- LizBR said…
- I think one of the most ridiculous things about this is that Teen Mania actually believes that you’ve got something to hide. They must, or they wouldn’t be hiring a private investigator to find out your “secrets,” as if you have any! What skeletons do they think they’re going to find in your closet?
It goes to show the delusion they’re operating under. Because they believe that people who are for them = good people, then they choose to believe that someone against them = someone bad.
I think you all need to write your memoirs about your time at the HA. First one to get a major book deal wins!
- Josh ex-intern 00-01 said…
- RA – All I can say is WOW!!
- littlegraygirl said…
- I am speechless. I just can’t believe it. Why would they waste their time going after one person??? Why are they playing dirty? I don’t….this is just so ANTI Christ….
- heartsfire said…
- This is so sick! The things they (and those that they are accepting the practice of) are doing this to one person that is just speaking the truth of many people’s hurts is beyond not Godly. That Teen Mania would try to lie about you like that so blatantly and then even when the evidence is in continue to try to toss things at you is horrible. It really shows the abusive partner mode in full clarity. When they can no longer control the abused partner many abusers will try to destroy the person using intimidation tactics. Oh sweetie you are such a strong and beautiful spirit thank you so much for giving yourself and your life to this cause. We all love you and if you need any help I am sure there are many that would stand by your side. <3
- Steve Lumbley said…
- I’m sure they don’t really mean it. Maybe you’ve taken their actions out of context.
Seriously folks why should anyone be surprised. This is a group that advocates violence against it’s enemies. This is the “punch in the face” to R.A. They are simply practicing what they preach.
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Mat 5:11-12
- Shiloh said…
- This is sick.
I am…. sorry. That’s CRAZY. That’s… effed up. That’s… maddening.
Oh my gosh and I had no idea any of that was happening! Why didn’t you say anything before? You aren’t in on this alone AT ALL.
Gah! I can only imagine how crazy all this had to of been for you. Psycho’s from T.M. actually calling up people pretending to be you! That just tells me the leadership at the H.A. never grew up and needs to be taken out of the positions they are in, for the safety of the interns… well, actually, if we’re talking safety of inters, the whole place needs to be shut down. - Eric said…
- “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” –Jesus, Matthew 7:15-20
I sincerely hope you are reporting these swine (Matthew 7:6!) to the police and/or other authorities. May their own words and actions condemn them. Also, you’d be well within your rights to sue them for invasion of privacy (though perhaps you save the lawsuits for the ESOAL
(Conversely, have you considered commissioning an independent investigator of your own to get some “dirt” on Teen Mania’s activities? Two can play that game.)
I also love how a news story including a lengthy quote from Jon Hasz is “one-sided.” Exactly how stupid does Heath think viewers are? I guess he’s too used to dealing with brainwashed people.
—-
Dear folks at The Abuse Factory That’s Named For a Mental Illness: the more things you do without repenting, the more you look like a cult. How the heck do you expect people to stop believing you’re abusive if you treat them like this? You might as well say, “We’re not false prophets; we know exactly when the world is going to end!”
- CarrieSaum said…
- You’re not alone, RA. Funny that bullying looks the same, no matter who is doing the bullying, or how they disguise it by having a lawyer do it for them. It is also highly cultish behavior.
Thank you for taking the heat, and for continuing to stand for an end to the abuse. We are all behind you.
- Heather said…
- RA, I had no idea it was getting that bad. It makes me so angry and yet does not surprise me. So sickening.
- fellow traveler said…
- RA-I’m a big lurker here, but just wanted to lend my support. TM is terrible, and none of their behavior is surprising, unfortunately.
- Nunquam Honorablus said…
- That’s a good point.
Just stop being abusive. Stop PRETENDING it’s not abuse and just stop doing it. What have you got to lose, TM?
Unless there’s a reason they’re continuing this pattern. Do they really, I mean REALLY, think this is what God wants them to do? Or is it petty stubbornness at this point?
TM’s not-so-bright side has finally been exposed, and they’re trying to dig dirt up on YOU? That’s nothing short of pathetic, honestly :/
- layne said…
- My question is, what exactly will they gain from the lawyer/PI scenerio? As far as I know, Mica and the RA community are not breaking any laws (and have not made any plans to break the law). Do they feel like we will? Are they sharking for a scandal to distract from the real issue?
I can understand the counsel behind hiring a lawyer preemptively in the event that someone who has been hurt by TM does the same, but a PI? Doesn’t that seem a little sleezy?
- Dave E said…
- RA do you have the IP which posted your info? It may be possible to track down who did it that way.
- Recovering Alumni said…
- Dave E – Unfortunately, no. I should have captured it at the time, but I did not. 🙁
- Nunquam Honorablus said…
- Dear current interns, GE missionaries, and ATF participants-
I’m sure you’re all very happy to know that this is where your money is going.
- phoenix said…
- RA – as many others have said your not alone, we are here to support you. Sadly I am not at all surprised that this is the route that TM would take.
@ TeenMania – Thank you for reminding me why it is that i now longer believe in the church or subscribe it it’s doctrines. You actions are NOTHING remotely christ-like. In fact your actions are shameful.
@ RA – Thank you for being brave enough to stand up to their bullying and hate-filled actions. I really can not put into words how much it means to to me to know that 1) I am not the only one wounded by TM. 2) I am not the looser, unlovable, didn’t measure up, person TM said I was. I can see now that is was all lie’s.
Thank you.
- Krista said…
- I think a quote from Gandhi applies to TM here:
“I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.”
- Anonymous said…
- Yep…another example of adult men who are more immature than the teens they are “leading”…way to go guys. Teen Mania is certainly an appropriate name for this ministry.
- mouse said…
- Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult Cult!
- Eric said…
- (If you stare at the word “Cult” long enough, you can see the hidden picture! I think it represents The Truth.)
- Curious George said…
- RIDICULOUS! I’m sorry to hear you are experiencing all these trials and tribulations RA. Its a scary thing to know that people who despise you and are trying to tear you down have been to your house. May this solidify your beliefs and ideals even more and make you a stronger person. Sometimes it has to get worse before it gets better. Know that your efforts to date have not been in vain. This site has helped many people. TM is going through all this effort because they are genuinely scared. A sling and a little rock can take down a giant. May peace, love, justice and truth overcome the lies and deception.
- mouse said…
- Teen Mania – “Fighting Truth with Fire since 1986”
- Eric said…
- Wait– wasn’t it just last month they were complaining about your “personal vendetta” against TM leaders?
Forget the “log in their own eye”; they’ve got a telephone pole.
- Anonymous said…
- I wonder how many millions short of budget they are this year? This smells of desperation for a few “men” who are losing a grip on the golden goose….sorry for your troubles RA.
- mouse said…
- Hey community, please think about what you would be willing to give financially to help defend RA if TM comes to that. She is standing in our stead, defending the cause. Lets show her our support.
thanks,
mouse
- Shannon Kish said…
- I agree Mouse!
- littlegraygirl said…
- I’ve been thinking…I doubt anyone from TM leadership was directly involved in the vandalism or the prank calling. That having been said, it’s pretty telling that their followers, who are supposed to uphold the values of integrity and honor, would think it is totally okay to do something like that. Where’s Jesus in that?
Like Layne said, I can’t figure out why they would hire a private investigator. Maybe they think that you obtained the alumni e-mails illegally, and want to prove it so they can bring a lawsuit. Which, I’m guessing you didn’t…they are all available on the alumni site. Or maybe they want to figure out who you have on the inside that is leaking info…or something.
I am so, SO sorry you are going through all this. And all for trying to reach out to people who are hurting, and for trying to stop others from being hurt. You have a lot of people willing to stand behind you. Thanks for everything.
<3
- Anonymous said…
- I thank you RA for your devotion to the truth and for seeking healing for those who are and have suffered from the abuse at the Honor Academy.
After reading this most recent post of yours I realize the severity of the situation at the Honor Academy, and I will never support Teen Mania or any affiliated ministries of theirs from this day forward. I will alert anyone I know who plans to attend the HA or Teen Mania about the evils that go on there.
I pray that God will grant you favor and reveal the truth behind this smear tactic of theirs.
- gc1998 said…
- ok, let’s be realistic…for all their faults, i’m pretty sure that dave/heath/whatevertheotherdude’sname is…aren’t the ones playing pranks on RA. that smacks of an overzealous and immature intern to me. on some level the TM leadership are responsible for the interns’ behavior…but one of our objections is how controlling they are…
the leadership are the ones who have secured a PI/lawyer…the PI…that’s just ridic. the lawyer…meh, makes a little more sense.
being vandalized and pranked really, really sucks, and it’s beyond inappropriate, but i’m pretty sure that grown men are not doing it.
i believe in this community, but one thing i’ve always hated about online communities is “hive mind”…that wonderful loyalty and camaraderie that have been cultivated can turn so quickly on anyone or anything that even APPEARS to pose a threat to someone who is part of the community. i have read comments and responses from RA community members in response to people who’re trying to present another perspective…and they might even have been doing it in a perfectly mature and respectful way…and the responses from the supposedly loving and generous RA community were…well, they were disappointing.
i keep hearing the verse “in your anger, sin not” with respect to this issue…believe me…i get righteously indignant (and sometimes…not so righteous about it)…but i just feel like…if we don’t like what they’re doing…BE DIFFERENT. be REALLY DIFFERENT. and i think we’ve often missed the mark on that point.
- Recovering Alumni said…
- Regarding the vandalizing of my home – its interesting to note that it occurred during ESOAL – and likely in the middle of the night/early morning – so its not likely that it was done by current interns.
- Nunquam Honorablus said…
- Honestly, I don’t think it was the leadership who did the vandalism, either. At least not directly.
Maybe they blabbed to a recent alumnus, and they did it in a fit of zeal? I don’t know. It’s all so crazy.
I just can’t see the leadership themselves doing that, and I can’t see current interns doing it. However, I wouldn’t put it past an alumnus. Hell, I would’ve probably done something like that, pre-TM sobriety.
- Mike Doughney said…
- I’ve sometimes referred to the Honor Academy (and TM’s programs in general) as a “glowworm farm” – they’re basically convincing young people that they’re so special, the sun shines out their ass.
Hate to break it to you, gc1998, but this kind of stuff is inherent to the system. The founders/”leaders” set the tone for everything else, and the usual high-demand group/”cult” dynamics are at work; and in the usual way, as the group approaches middle age, identifying and taking action against perceived enemies, often named as those who simply verbalize and communicate a differing view of the organization, becomes one of the group’s primary activities.
Teen Mania is evidently following a well-worn path followed by all kinds of groups from all sorts of cultures. Some are easy to name, other obscure groups have long come and gone, and of course this dynamic is also common to toxic interpersonal relationships.
I’ll again point out this snippet from the Honor Academy Handbook, the version dated 1/18/2005, page 3: “5. I will never portray or allow Teen Mania to be portrayed in a negative light.” (My emphasis.) No qualifiers on that, are there? Couple that to some permutation of “touch not God’s anointed” and other internalized cultural norms, and the outcome is intimidation, petty vandalism, and possibly worse, since an openly verbalized core tenet instructs participants to shut down anything casting the institution in a “negative light.”
That there’s plenty of factually-supported “negative” things to talk about is irrelevant to them. That the leadership may deny authorizing particular actions is also irrelevant – they’ve issued a blanket instruction in the context of a group of Very Special People Who Are To Be Leaders. Divinely sanctioned, God’s “chosen” people. They created the farm, this is the product. Denial, being inherent to this system, is meaningless.
It doesn’t matter whether or not Dave Hasz, Ron Luce (who?) or any of the other principals know about what’s happening. They don’t need to know, in fact, it’s to their advantage not to know. They built the system to create this outcome. Ron Luce has outright said that he wanted to create a movement that would go “out of control,” so no one should be surprised when it does exactly that.
- Anonymous said…
- I’m gonna have to disagree with gc on the comments side.
I don’t think we really have to necessarily shine Jesus light unless we’re followers of Jesus. I know a few on here aren’t.
What has seemed to happen is R.A. has on some levels called out T.M. (though, I think, not the point of this sight entirely, it was just a result.) and now there are direct issues that need to get taken care of. So, even with the comments, T.M. is 100% accountable to the accusations. Our spirituality has nothing to do with this.
Thank you R.A. community for helping me see true justice. 🙂 - Recovering Alumni said…
- I think both Mike Doughney and Steve Lumbley (with their outsider perspective) have hit the nail on the head!
- Anonymous said…
- Wow this is disgusting. I was interested in the whole teen mania thing but not anymore. Congrats, you figured out a new way for the world to hate christians, I hope you’re happy.
- heartsfire said…
- @Anon 6:38 Do not hate a religion for what one group of people do. Do not judge any religion like that because there are good and bad people everywhere even in the body of Christ. While I hope you will understand that the warnings here are from actual people that have seen some rather sickening things while involved in Teen Mania and you will find very few here that even suggest that you have any thing to do with this organization, many here are loving people who really do love Christ and wish to do the best for him.
- ian said…
- Sounds like an IT guy to me. With the exception of the vandalism, all of the items in your list are commonly used tactics by computer hackers. The IT guys at TM would have access to all of the TM leaderships emails/files, so they could get your name/address without any problem. Gathering information under false contexts is aka’d as “social engineering” in the online community, and is step 1 to hacking. Distributing false information so you will be hassled by 3rd parties is called “swatting”.
All commonly used tricks in hacking communities.
(The stuff on the door was probably drano or paint remover. Not especially dangerous, but enough to take the paint off. Did they try to write something with it?)
- hitchcockhill said…
- Anonymous at 6:38 PM – It’s not our fault TMM leadership are acting like crazy cult leaders!!! There was a time when most of us on this site actually wanted to have positive restitution done for the things of the past. Yet when the pansy-ass Board of Director’s decided to do their half-assed attempt at some panel of the claims being made – then put out a ridiculous website with slap in the face letters from a relative of a TMM staff member and an evangelical pastor – you can imagine how our feelings might evolve.
I gave TMM nearly three years of my life and upwards of $8800 to work for them for 20 months. I would expect this place of business to be a bit more respectful of the people who literally put money, sweat, tears, and heartache into making it the colossal Christian business it is today.
- Stephanie said…
- I think my brain exploded while reading this.
I am with gc in thinking that the acts of vandalism are being done by some super zealous, ingrained in the system second or third year intern.
Oh TM, I have finally given up hope for you…:(
- reluctant-intern said…
- Seriously? SERIOUSLY??? Just when you think you’ve read everything….
- Anonymous said…
- Wow- sounds like KLTV needs to do a follow up on the story!
- Shannon Kish said…
- speaking of KLTV… November 1st is next week. Still no word about the committee TMM is supposed to be setting up?
- Melissa said…
- Hugs little sister!! I will support you any way I am able, prayers are urgently needed here. Real prayer, not just the, “Please Lord, open eyes…etc.” But face to face with God our Creator. Do not let our anger with T.M.M. and their actions affect our witness to the world! We are still here to show Christ to a dead world. Let that light shine brighter than the disgust we feel over the actions of a few men. Pride is the downfall of many, and God is still in control!!
- Candor said…
- This is low even for a cult. Sorry, RA. Here’s praying it goes bankrupt in the near future.
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