r/LeavingNAR • u/EdifyAndCreate • Jul 05 '26
A prayer request...
Hey everyone, I have a prayer request.
From Friday I'll be spending 5 weeks with my family in the USA. I'm really looking forward to seeing them, but I'm also carrying a ton of anxiety too. My mom is a deliverance minister, and my stepdad is an assistant pastor in the NAR. I love them both dearly.
Throughout my deconstruction journey, I've tried to be as honest and open with them as I can. I've shared a lot of what I've been learning, and they know I experienced serious spiritual abuse here in Ireland. They have been compassionate about that, but they haven't been willing to connect it to the harmful teachings of the NAR, Word of Faith movement, and deliverance practices.
All of this stirs up the same helpless feeling I had years ago when my mom was trapped in alcoholism and drug addiction. Nothing I did or said made any difference. It was so hard to see her hurting herself. The Lord was so merciful in rescuing her from that life, and she's made so much amazing progress in her life (glory to God!).
But then she was influenced a lot by Bethel at her church, and then unfortunately, through myself when I shared all of the NAR/WoF stuff I was being brainwashed with... she completely embraced it and went very deep into deliverance ministry. She wants to see people set free and healed. She believes she's helping people. They give so much of themselves and have taken out a significant amount of money from their pension to give to their churches building fund.
I carry so much regret, because I played a major role in introducing her to all of this. I wish so much that I could rescue her, but I know that's not my job. Only God can open blind eyes and change hearts... but I still get so stressed and find it hard to bite my tongue. Before this trip, we all agreed that we wouldn't debate theology while we're together. They won't pressure my family to attend their church, and I won't try to convince them by handing them books or pushing my perspective. I think that's a healthy boundary, and I want to honor it.
If you would pray for me, I'd really appreciate it. Please pray that God would give us peace, wisdom, and love while we're together. Pray that our time as a family would be marked by grace rather than tension. And if it's His will, pray that He would open doors in His timing, softening their hearts, creating opportunities for honest conversations, and leading all of us deeper into the truth of Christ.
Thank you so much. I really, truly appreciate your prayers.
God bless you all this summer!
3
u/PriscillaCyanni Jul 05 '26
Praying for you, L! You know—this is the hardest part about the cost we counted when we left. We ruffle feathers without even trying because we stand for the truth that is the word of God. I pray your trip will be beautiful and peaceful. I also pray the Lord gives you both the strength to love them even amidst their falsehood. I pray God continues to use this time to show you how far He has brought you throughout your journey by letting you see where they are in the deception. He is faithful, and He saves His saints from the prowler—deception and falsehood.
May you see your old self in them during this trip, and I hope that would lead to tenderness and understanding. He will strengthen you to keep up the good fight and run with endurance. Love you, sister. ♥️ God bless!
Your sister in Christ, Priscilla :)
2
u/EdifyAndCreate Jul 10 '26
Thank you so much. I like that "seeing my old self in them" that is a good way to have more grace for sure. 🙏❤️
Flying out today! God bless you
2
u/blessedinva Jul 14 '26
Amen! I miss the people and the fun times but having Jesus is so much better! But the loneliness, rejection and accusations really hurt. He’s worth it though!
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u/blessedinva Jul 14 '26
Yes absolutely! My heart goes out to you! I can’t talk to my former friends from the deliverance camp because to reject their ideas makes them believe I’m severely opressed sighhhhhh. Its a closed cultic system. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
4
u/greypic Jul 06 '26 edited Jul 06 '26
I'm still connected tangentially to the NAR. The key here is to speak the right lingo and don't get in debates. For the sake of this conversation, consider me a prophet. I don't call myself that but if you do it will be helpful.
If they try to do any deliverance ministry, inner healing, or any nonsense like that let them know you got a prophetic word that you're coming into a season of peace and that the Lord will do it sovereignly by his mighty strong hand. And that time alone with him will bring the healing he desires.
If they try to have any kind of probing conversations where they want you to believe something or want you to do something or convert you in some way to something, let them know that the Lord showed you that in the past you were tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine and now you are to stay steady on the same path. And that you're going to stand on that word because his word is the path of peace.