{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/63d1b33398c7ca0011c2c649/6a442f1875e7a3e961d8483a?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"THE POWER OF REDEMPTION - Gerald Shoemaker","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/63d1b33398c7ca0011c2c649/1782853336169-214313c0-4728-4db8-a02e-c1b8e1908f91.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>This is a true story. Gerald Shoemaker survived a homegrown, religious cult that nearly decimated his life and the lives of his family. The sect was dominated by his brother-in-law, who rationalized his degenerate desires by claiming to be a prophet of God, and his ex-wife, who abdicated her role as wife and mother to become his loyal devotee. In addition, Gerald’s twin sisters played major roles as converts to this colony of corruption. </p><p>These leaders specialized in distorting the teachings of Scripture to support their polygamous and adulterous style of communal living. They convinced followers to cut themselves off from family members, with the goal of gaining total control of their lives. They engaged in corporal punishment to keep members in subjection to their authority. They exploited wealthier members by manipulating them to support the hedonistic lifestyle of their number one leader and his so-called ministry. Anyone who dared question what he said or did was publicly mocked and humiliated and sometimes beaten. </p><p><em>About the Author </em></p><p>Gerald Shoemaker was born and raised in northern New Jersey, where he currently lives with his wife and members of his family. For most of his adult life, he has dedicated much of his time to prison and street ministries in his hometown. Today he serves as a deacon in his church and as a facilitator of a trauma recovery ministry. His story is living proof that the redemptive grace of God can free men and women from the guilt and power of sin – to serve the living Christ. </p><p>This book is a “must read” for anyone who has ever been involved in a religious cult – or who knows of anyone who still is. It is an astounding illustration of what it means to be redeemed by the power and grace of God. It also offers a clear explanation of the gospel message. For more information, visit www.thepowerofredemption.com.&nbsp;</p>","author_name":"jdouglas barker"}