USA (June 20, 2024) — Within the past year, there has been a significant increase in “exposure” videos on YouTube, highlighting groups that call on the Name of Yah and profess to be Torah observant or part of the Set Apart Walk. As part of our mission, Yahudah Living reports on news within the Set Apart community. While we love sharing the many good and wonderful things happening among Yah’s people, we also recognize the importance of providing an honest portrayal of our community, including the more sober news. This means reporting on the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Although abusive spiritual groups are not a new issue, the growing coverage has prompted many to scrutinize the teachings and practices of these exposed groups. These revelations serve as a warning to some to vet all persons and groups thoroughly before affiliating, while others find solace and healing in knowing they are not alone in experiencing trauma and deception from such groups.

Spiritual Abuse and Biblical Warnings

Spiritual abuse dates back to ancient times. When Yahusha walked the Earth, He gave this warning and admonishment to His disciples: 

“See, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16).

Even in the Set Apart Walk, it’s vital to be gentle as doves and wise as serpents. In these last and evil days, it is imperative to be “awoke” in more ways than just knowing Yah’s Name and understanding that most of the people recorded in Scripture are melanated. We must be mindful of our common enemy who masquerades as an angel of light in sheep’s clothing. This awareness includes recognizing that some groups and so-called assemblies, claiming to shine the light, are in reality dark.

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

“And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14).

“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves” (Matthew 7:15).

Our Messiah warned us that those who lead through deception and spiritual abuse align themselves with the father of lies, the devil:

“You are of your father the devil,” he said to one Hebrew group who had believed in Him initially but began to question and oppose His teachings. “And the desires of your father [the devil] you wish to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has not stood in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks the lie, he speaks of his own, for he is a liar and the father of it” (John 8:44).

Allegations and Concerns

Not all assemblies in the Set Apart Walk are a danger to society. Prayerfully, most are sincerely gathering to study Yah’s Word and keep the Shabbat together, as Yah commands us to convocate during key appointed times. The Messiah and early believers attended synagogue gatherings on the Sabbath and met in one another’s houses to study and fellowship (Luke 4:16, Acts 13:14-15, Acts 17:2; Acts 2:46, Acts 5:42, Acts 12:12, Romans 16:5, 1 Corinthians 16:19, Colossians 4:15, Philemon 1:2).

We are also admonished in the Book of Hebrews—a letter written to the Hebrew people—to not forsake assembling together, especially as the Day draws near. 

“Do not forsake the assembling of ourselves together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging, and so much more as you see the Day coming near” (Hebrews 10:25).

Many believe and argue that “the Day” (End Times) is not just drawing near but is already here. Yet, it seems many are behaving contrary to this Scripture and have forsaken assembling together. This is understandable in light of rampant spiritual abuse in some assemblies and groups, including many Hebrew Israelite communities known as “camps.”

The term “spiritual abuse” might even be a gross understatement considering the cultish and criminal activities taking place within some groups. These “dark assemblies,” as they have been aptly coined, are often led by opportunists who prey on a believer’s genuine desire to serve Yah with all their heart, soul, and mind—especially new believers. But even older and spiritually mature believers have been hoodwinked.

While numerous incidents of spiritual abuse occur within Christian churches, this article specifically focuses on those happening within the Set Apart community.

Exposure videos over the past year have shared common themes regarding abusive assemblies:

• Manipulating and Controlling:  Allegations from former members about undue influence over their personal and spiritual lives, dictating their actions in manipulative ways.
• Teaching Questionable Doctrines:  Presenting teachings that diverge significantly from mainstream Hebraic perspectives and sound biblical teaching, potentially leading followers astray.
• Exploiting Financially:  Raising concerns about financial practices within these groups, including requests for significant monetary contributions from members, such as proceeds from real estate sales.

Past videos and articles have also shed light on additional troubling practices, including:

• Requiring Relocation:  Urging members to uproot their families to live near the group’s leaders or on the same property as other members.
• Forcing Name Changes:  Leaders changing individuals’ names, a control tactic used to gain control over and effectively brainwash their victims, according to Steven Hassan’s BITE method.
• Selling Virgins: Accepting dowry payments for the marriage of young women without their consent, often including underage teenage girls who are advertised as “for sale.”
• Encouraging Polygymy:  Preying on women new to the faith with a “bait and switch” tactic: marrying them and then revealing the husband’s polygamist intentions.
• Enabling Child Abuse:  Creating environments where children are at risk, as they are within arm’s reach of felons.

A specific incident highlighting the issue of child abuse occurred in 2018 when a man was jailed without bond for sexual conduct with a 6-year-old minor after confessing to his crimes to a spiritual group in South Carolina. The group contacted the police, leading to his apprehension. This incident underscores the need for caution within assemblies everywhere. Even assembly members who call on Yah’s Name are ultimately strangers, as we don’t know if they are truly living righteously outside of assembly gatherings or once they log off virtual meetings. For more information on this story, see the Channel 7 WSPA News article here or watch the news broadcast here. This was also reported on FOX Carolina News here and WYFF here. 

Recent Incident of Concern

On June 27, 2024, reporter Joe Schroeder from Fox 59 News in Indianapolis reported a troubling case of abuse in Logansport, Indiana, involving a 14-year-old boy named Bryson Muir. This incident, involving child abuse and potential abduction, has sparked significant concern.

As of the writing of this article, police are still searching for Bryson, with his parents, including former Indianapolis Colts player Daniel Muir, named as persons of interest. The investigation revealed connections to a well-known spiritual group that calls on the name of Yah, raising alarms about the group’s influence and control over its members.

Bryson’s grandmother reported seeing him with a black eye, suggesting possible abuse. Despite law enforcement’s attempts to locate and speak with Bryson’s parents, their cooperation had only just begun. The family’s property is owned by a foundation with ties to a community allegedly engaging in spiritual abuse, often labeled a cult. This case underscores the urgent need for vigilance and discernment within the Set Apart community.

For more information, see the original article on Fox 59 News here. Other news outlets reported on this story, such as Newsweek, ABC Chicago, WRTV, and WNDU.

Updated Information:

On July 3, 2024, Bryson Muir was found safe and well. His parents, Daniel and Kristen Muir, were taken into custody, and several other individuals were detained during a raid by Indiana State Police. Daniel Muir faces preliminary charges of domestic battery and obstruction of justice, while Kristen Muir faces a charge of obstruction of justice. Both parents are held without bond as they are considered flight risks. Bryson has been placed in the custody of the Cass County Department of Child Services. For more information, see the updated article on Fox 59 News here.

Spiritual Abuse Awareness Grows in Set-Apart Communities

The timing of these videos aligns with a growing awareness of spiritual abuse.

Compassionate Soul Care Ministry (CSCM), a Torah-based counseling ministry founded by Sister Diane Foster, MSW, MA, who is also certified in mental health coaching, life coaching, and suicide prevention, began highlighting this issue last year on her blog. She discussed with a member of her assembly the frequency with which new members reported experiencing abusive assemblies in their past, suggesting that spiritual abuse in Torah-based communities may be more widespread than previously thought and that the topic was worth addressing.

It is worth noting that this issue is most commonly known in churches that practice Christianity; however, the sad reality is that it can occur in any community of faith, including groups and assemblies within the Set Apart Walk.

For further insight, visit Sister Diane’s website, where she has published multiple blog posts detailing various facets of spiritual abuse. She also conducted an interview with Yahudah Living on this topic, which can be viewed here. Additionally, Sister Diane hosted a victim’s survivors panel discussion with Yahudah Living.

Seeking Out Healing & Restoration

For those in our communities who have been victimized by or affiliated with the groups being exposed, either presently or in the past, we pray that you seek a journey of healing and restoration.

There are Torah-based counseling ministries and coaches in the Set Apart Walk, such as CSCM mentioned above. Healing requires intentional action.

Suggested Ways to Start Your Healing Journey

• Pray:  Talk to your loving heavenly Father about what you’ve experienced. Consider fasting as well.
• Talk:  Open up to a trusted friend. Keeping your struggles inside without talking about them can lead to emotional distress.
• Seek Counsel:  Make an appointment to speak with your elders or an experienced counselor.
• Get Professional Help. If you have intrusive thoughts that you fear you may act on or if you are experiencing severe depression, PTSD, compulsive lying, or addictions, seek professional counseling. If addicted, you may need to check yourself in somewhere for proper care.
• Cut Ties: In most cases, it’s prudent to sever all contact and communication with people who are deceiving and spiritually abusing you.
• Journal: Write about your thoughts and feelings.

When the time is right, usually at the end of your healing process, Yah can use what you went through to minister to others.

“Yah works all things out for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

“Blessed be the Elohim and Father of our Master יהושע Messiah, the Father of compassion and Elohim of all comfort, who is comforting us in all our pressure, so that we are able to comfort those who are in every pressure, through the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by Elohim” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

Remember, you didn’t get to where you are overnight. Unless Yah wills to instantly deliver and heal you, your healing journey will be a process. Be patient with yourself and Yah’s process. Don’t allow the enemy to convince you that healing is not possible. Renew your mind daily with His Word. Turn off the TV more or entirely and fill your home with Set Apart music and restored scripture readings. Surround yourself with loving supporters.

“Do not be led astray, ‘Evil company corrupts good habits.'”

A Call for Accountability, Integrity & Diplomacy

Many are calling for increased accountability and transparency within spiritual organizations to prevent such issues from arising in the future. This applies to all assemblies, clubs, and communities gathered in the Name of Yahuah. It’s worth noting that an assembly is simply a church when you look up the word in Strong’s Concordance (H6951). Many Torah-based establishments avoid the word “church” to distinguish themselves from the common association with Christian doctrines.

The Father’s Perfect Design

Accountability is part of Yah’s design. We see this with Moses and Aaron, King David, King Saul, and Eli the Priest (Numbers 20:7-12, 2 Samuel 12, 1 Samuel 15, 1 Samuel 2:12-36, 1 Samuel 3:11-14). We even see discipline for assemblies in the Brit Hadasha (New Testament). Specifically, Shaul (Paul) instructs Timothy on how to deal with elders who sin:

“Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning” (1 Timothy 5:19-20).

This is a clear process involving the need for a few witnesses, along with public reproof to maintain accountability among assembly leaders.

If this sounds “serious,” it is an extremely serious responsibility entrusted to elders and other assembly leaders. This aligns with the qualifications for elders and deacons that we see outlined in Scripture.

Shaul wrote the following to the Hebrew people:

“Obey those leading you, and be subject to them, for they watch over your lives as those who shall give account. Let them do so with joy and not groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you” (Hebrews 13:17).

Yes, leaders must “give an account.”

Yahusha makes it very clear that if a leader fails in this serious responsibility by causing one of Yah’s sheep to stumble, that leader will experience great consequences:

“But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea” (Matthew 18:6).

We also see other processes of accountability established in Scripture, such as the one in Matthew 18:15-17. People often quote the part of that passage that says every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses, but take a look at that Scripture with a bit more context by including the verses before and after:

“And if your brother sins against you, go and reprove him between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word might be established.’ And if he refuses to hear them, say it to the assembly. And if he refuses even to hear the assembly, let him be to you like a gentile and a tax collector” (Matthew 18:15-17.

This passage outlines a step-by-step process for addressing sin, ensuring fairness and thoroughness. Shaul also instructs Timothy to give correction and rebuke:

“Paul instructs Timothy to “preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction” (2 Timothy 4:2).

Leaders are to be corrected and rebuked as necessary, with an emphasis on patience and careful instruction. Also, he says “and encourage.” That reminds me of the scripture in Galatians that says that if someone is caught in sin, we who are spiritual should restore the person gently:

“Brothers, if a man is overtaken in some trespass, you the spiritual ones set such a one straight, in a spirit of meekness, looking at yourself lest you be tried too” (Galatians 6:1).

And gentleness, of course, is evidence of the Ruach Ha’kodesh, its fruit.

Lastly, confession and mutual prayer among believers serve as a form of accountability, promoting healing and righteousness, as we see in this Scripture:

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16).

Accountability within our communities also includes holding these dark assemblies to account while ensuring we remain above reproach (i.e., be blameless) and maintain our integrity. This includes “how” we report on or expose these shenanigans.

An overseer, then, should be blameless, the husband of one wife, sober, sensible, orderly, kind to strangers, able to teach” (1 Timothy 3:2).

Exposing Wickedness

For those on a mission to expose the enemy and share personal testimonies, it is crucial to approach the task with prayerfulness, seeking wisdom on what to say and how to go about it, and committing to doing things decently and in order.

“Let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40).

First, it’s important to determine if you ought to say something publicly or at all. When Yah’s Ruach reveals something to you, it’s not always meant for you to shout it from the mountaintop. He might be showing you to pray for that other person. More often than not, when Yah reveals something, it’s for you, something you can improve on and grow from.

While exposure can be very virtuous and righteous (Ephesians 5:11), there’s a lot to consider.

Considerations for Public Testimonies

Here are some general guidelines to consider when publicly testifying:

1. Pray. Seek Yah’s guidance through prayer about the right timing and method for sharing your testimony. It is essential to ensure that you are not acting out of haste or emotion but under the direction of Yah’s Ruach.
2. Prepare. We are a people of preparation. Before sharing your testimony, take the time to prepare thoroughly. Ensure that your message is clear, coherent, and compelling. A well-prepared testimony can significantly impact its reception and effectiveness.
3. Stay Focused.  Use diplomacy and spiritual discernment with compassion and integrity. If you’re naming the cult and its leaders, focus on their actions and teachings rather than the personal details of others who aren’t long-time members or leaders.
4. Plan Timing. Fools rush in. Remember that Yah’s timing is perfect. While it may feel urgent to share your testimony immediately, trust that Yah can create divine appointments at the right time, even if it means waiting a little longer to share your story. 
5. Consider Method. Whether you choose a video, an open letter, or an official statement, ensure that your approach is above reproach (blameless) and aligned with scriptural principles.
6. Get Feedback. Make sure you have received the multitude of counsel” (Proverbs 11:14, Proverbs 15:22). Plans lack for failure of counsel. So you may want to do this step prior to planning, as it’s imperative to use wisdom.
7. Practice. Sharing your testimony with a trusted mentor or group first can provide valuable feedback and support. They can help you refine your message and provide encouragement, ensuring that your testimony is as powerful as it can be.
8. Heal. Ensure you are far along in your healing journey. This could include getting professional help. If your experience with the abusive group is “fresh,” you could still be processing things and even experiencing symptoms. This is unlikely the best time to “go public.”

Expect “Their Side”

While the impact of your testimony may help others who resonate with it, those you “namedrop” or mention in your testimonial video—directly or otherwise—may decide to react, respond, or even retaliate featuring their account of things. Are you ready for that? Again, there’s a lot to consider before going public.

If the group you are testifying about is truly wicked, you can almost certainly expect retaliation, especially if you are going public in short order.  You must determine if you’re ready for potential backlash. You don’t want to experience an emotional setback so soon after escaping an abusive group where you must effectively restart your healing journey.

Remember, every story has two sides. The first account may seem convincing until the other side is heard.

“The first to state his own case, seems right, Until another comes and examines him” (Proverbs 18:17).

If you do not wish to provoke a response from those you mention, reconsider sharing your testimony immediately, especially if emotions are still raw. Allowing time to pass can aid in healing and reduce the likelihood of retaliation after everyone has moved on.

Using Scripture Properly

Yes, Revelation 12:11 says we overcome by the power of our testimony. The entire scripture says,

“And they overcame him because of the Blood of the Lamb, and because of the Word of their witness, and they did not love their lives to the death.”

This scripture emphasizes the power of testimony in proclaiming faith in Yahushua and overcoming spiritual battles—but it does not endorse creating public exposure videos as a calling or ministry. The context is about spiritual victory through faith, not public exposure of wrongdoing.

Yes, in Acts 9:20, it is mentioned that Shaul or Paul (formerly Saul) began to preach about Yahushua immediately after his conversion. However, Galatians 1:15-18 clarifies that after his revelation, Paul did not rush to consult with others or testify publicly right away. Instead, he went to Arabia and later returned to Damascus, only going to Jerusalem to meet Peter after three years. This indicates that while Paul did start preaching soon after his conversion, there was a significant period of preparation and growth before his broader public ministry. This underscores the importance of timing and preparation before sharing one’s testimony.

“But when it pleased Elohim, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me by His favour, to reveal His Son in me, that I might bring the Good News about Him to the nations, I did not immediately consult with flesh and blood, neither did I go up to Yerushalayim, to those who were emissaries before me. But I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Yerushalayim to learn from Kĕpha, and remained with him for fifteen days” (Galatians 1:15-18).

Introspection

Take time for introspection, focusing on your actions and motives. You may want to fast a day or two while introspecting. Ensure your desire to expose wickedness isn’t driven by personal grievances, retribution (Deuteronomy 32:35, Romans 12:17-19), or a desire for attention. While personal grievances are natural, they should not overshadow your goal of exposing evil and protecting others.

Keep in mind that how we measure others is how we ourselves will be measured.

“For with what judgment you judge, you shall be judged; and with the same measure you use, it shall be measured to you” (Matthew 7:2).

Make sure you “need” to go public. Not everyone who has experienced abuse at the hands of a dark assembly needs to make a YouTube video about it. Praise YAH for some of the warnings that have gone out, but use wisdom when deciding if you should include yourself among that number.

“‘I have the right to do anything,’ you say—but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right to do anything’—but not everything is constructive” (1 Corinthians 10:23).

Sometimes we need to get our focus off of what others are doing and focus more on ourselves; through introspection. 

Mattityahu records our Messiah saying this:

“And why do you look at the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the plank in your own eye? Or how is it that you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the splinter out of your eye,’ and see, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you shall see clearly to remove the splinter out of your brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:3-5).

This ties again to Galatians 6:1 which concludes by saying:

“look at yourself lest you be tried too.”

Remember that you can be 100% right about something but sin with your approach. You must remain above reproach, even as you expose others.

Keep it classy, “you who are spiritually mature” (Galatians 6:1). 

It bears repeating to keep your focus on exposing the cult, its leaders, and their practices without naming people you personally know or mentioning private conversations. Even if people you know are involved, they might be naive victims. In order to maintain trust and integrity, avoid personal shaming and unnecessary damage to reputations, as it reflects poorly on the community and may even sound petty. 

Frankly, it’s embarrassing and cringe-worthy when people create videos that unnecessarily mention details in private app conversations or repeat personal conversations between friends. It feels shameful to be associated with such behavior within our set-apart walk. Even if something is “true” doesn’t automatically mean it’s the best or correct course of action to share it. And just because you told that person directly how you feel doesn’t give you a license to tell others or to feature it in your YouTube video. It’s called gossip.

“Do not go slandering among your people. Do not stand against the blood of your neighbor. I am Yahuah” (Leviticus 19:16).

“A slanderer is a revealer of secrets, But one with a trustworthy spirit conceals a matter” (Proverbs 11:13).

“He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets; Therefore do not associate with him who speaks smoothly with his lips” (Proverbs 20:19).

“Brothers, do not speak against one another. He that speaks against a brother and judges his brother, speaks against Torah and judges Torah. And if you judge Torah, you are not a doer of Torah but a judge” (James 4:11).

Most people prefer for private conversations to remain that way unless they give their permission. Proverbs 27:5 says that

“Better is open rebuke than hidden love.”

It didn’t say better is public rebuke. Yahusha put it this way:

“Therefore, whatever you wish men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Torah and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12).

Keep Your Ammunah (Faith) & Hope

In summary, this article reported on the rise of “exposure” videos within the Set Apart community, highlighting groups that misuse the Name of Yah and engage in abusive practices. It discusses the importance of spiritual vigilance, using biblical warnings to caution against deceptive assemblies. Recent incidents, such as the case of Bryson Muir, underscore the need for discernment. The piece also emphasizes the importance of accountability and integrity within spiritual organizations and provides guidance on sharing personal testimonies responsibly. Lastly, it encourages self-examination, healing, and maintaining faith and hope amid these challenges.

As we grapple with the realities of so much “evil” amongst too many groups professing to be Torah-based, it can seem bleak or hopeless at times. But we must remain vigilant. There is no time like the present that continuing to shine our light is imperative.

“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).

We may be the only Besorah (Gospel) that people see, as Shaul refers to us as living epistles.

“You are our letter, having been written in our hearts, known and read by all men, making it obvious that you are a letter of Messiah, served by us, written not with ink, but by the Ruach of the living Elohim, not on tablets of stone, but on fleshly tablets of the heart” (2 Corinthians 3:2-3).

We must continue to keep Yah’s commands, our very duty.

“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.”

Yahusha even says, “If you love me, keep my commandments.”

There is hope, loved ones.

“There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off” (Proverbs 23:18).

“And now belief, expectation (hope), and love remain – these three. But the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13).

It is the prayer of many that the evil folks running abusive groups are shut down. One thing we can be certain of is that Yahuah will not be mocked.

“Do not be led astray: Elohim is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he shall also reap. Because he who sows to his own flesh shall reap corruption from the flesh, but he who sows to the Spirit shall reap everlasting life from the Spirit.”

Truly, much shalom to all. Yes, Yah’s Word tells us it will get crazy like this in the Last & Evil Days. Let’s also remember the words of our Messiah, my favorite scripture:

“These words I have spoken to you, that in Me you might have peace. In the world you have pressure, but take courage, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Our prayer for all:

“Yahuah bless you and guard you; Yahuah make His face shine upon you, and show favor unto you; Yahuah lift up His face upon you, and give you shalom” (Numbers 6:24-26).

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