Attacking House of Lies

In light of the similarities between my latest release, House of Lies, and the tragic death of Bethany Deaton, I have come under attack by some people in the IHOP organization. This is because they perceive the novel to be written about them. 

It is not. 

House of Lies is a fictional story based on many years of research of many cult-type groups and leaders, both past and present.  It is not a book about one organization nor one leader. In fact, I conducted an in-depth study of five groups in order to create the fictional cult in my book.

 

It is not a true story and any likeness to real people, both living and dead, and to real events, past, present and future, are purely coincidental.

I have received hate mail from IHOP supporters and they are now trying to destroy my reputation as an author by placing negative reviews of House of Lies on Amazon and other websites.  It is doubtful they have even read the entire novel.

In their reviews they are, of course, afraid to use their real names; however their code names are the same as the ones they use to comment on various other websites that stand against the IHOP movement.  Not very subtle.

Let it be known that I look at each review, positive or negative, as the subjective opinion of one reader and I do not base my skills as an author on any one opinion. 

I do find it ironic that IHOP supporters are the only ones striking out at me.  All other reviews have been positive, as noted by this review from True Blue Ebook Review, dated October 18, 2012.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Switching Modes from Tears to Tours

My blogs lately have centered around the Bethany Deaton murder.  This is because stories like these weigh heavily on my heart. I lay in bed at night and pray for her family.  You see,  I have friends and loved ones involved in cult-type groups and Bethany's family is now living my worst fear. 

I fear waking up one morning and reading headlines that speak of another Jim Jones or David Koresh incident.  I fear turning on the news to see my friend or family member's face plastered all over as another victim who fell prey to a "feel-good-movement."

There are times when the worry breaks me... and for my own emotional health I must step away from the topic for a while.  I will continue to pray for Bethany's family.

This week is Thanksgiving and it reminds me of how thankful I am for the many blessings in my life.  God has given me so much more than I deserve and I am humbled by His love for me.

It is also a time when I want to say "thank you" to my readers and supporters, and I have chosen to do this by entering all of my site members into a drawing for a FREE kindle.  The winner of the drawing will also receive a FREE download of one of my novels of their choice.

I am honored to be a member of a select group of authors who are participating in a Mystery We Write Blog Tour running from November 26th thru December 11th.  At the end of this tour, I will announce the winner of the FREE kindle.

Please join us on the Mystery We Write Blog Tour, as each author will be having their own free giveaways.

Kizoa slideshow: Mystery We Write Blog Tour Giveaways

Bickle Lies in Letter to Other Leaders

Below is a letter the International House of Prayer founder, Mike Bickle, sent to other IHOP locations and leaders.  It was then forwarded to associated groups by Gary Wiens, IHOPNW.


Dear Friends of the International House of Prayer,

Mike Bickle, Director of IHOP-Kansas City, sent out this note today, and it's important for all to see. Thanks and blessings,

Gary Wiens, IHOPNW

Mike Bickle's letter begins here:
Friends,

This is a tragic and bizarre situation that is all over the media in KC. We have received sad and sobering news today from the Jackson County Sheriff's Office regarding the death of Bethany Deaton, who was originally believed to have committed suicide on Oct 30. A tight knit religious group of about 15 young people moved to IHOPU from Texas with the specific goal of infiltrating us and even taking over IHOPU. They were a close knit group for several years before moving to KC together (under a cloak of secrecy to try to get involved in IHOP and get into positions of influence etc.) Authorities notified us yesterday that an IHOPU student, who knew Bethany since their college days and is a member of a Texas-based religious group who has recently come to IHOPU, has been charged with her murder. We are passionate that this group's secrecy and religious practices are exposed.

There is an ongoing investigation and we ask you to join us in praying for Bethany's family and all those involved in this tragic situation. We all want to join the IHOPU faculty and student body as they grieve together with the family of Bethany Deaton and all who are involved.

Note also: The guy who confessed to murder told this to the police. He said they cursed the IHOPU leadership and sought to take it over. They were together for several years before all moving together to KC. They have very perverse sexual practices and believe their leader is a chief apostle, etc.

Please pray for us.

Mike Bickle

End of letter.

It never ceases to amaze me how cult groups, such as the International House of Prayer, play the victim.  Bickle states that this group from Texas came to IHOPU with the express purpose of infiltrating them and even taking over.  This is ludicrous.  And, let it be noted that Tyler Deaton was a Division leader in IHOP, not in IHOPU. 

It is time to call a spade, a spade.  It is time to look at the tree that is bearing the bad fruit and cut it down.

There are inside sources at IHOP-KC and they will continue to leak truth to the media and to those who stand against this cult group.  Bickle and others in leadership will undoubtedly continue to scramble, change their stories and lie; but eventually those lies will run dry.

Bethany's family, and the families of every person involved in IHOP and its many branches, deserve to know the truth. 

 

Caught in Lies

The Kansas City Star newspaper released a story today, detailing more about Tyler Deaton’s role in his wife’s murder and his role at the International House of Prayer (IHOP).  It is yet more evidence that the leadership of IHOP is lying.  I have posted the article below, or you can go to the KC Star website by clicking here.

 

Tyler Deaton’s role at the International House of Prayer becomes clearer

By DONALD BRADLEY

The Kansas City Star

By DONALD BRADLEY The Kansas City Star

Updated: 2012-11-16T16:21:

A clearer picture began to emerge Thursday about Tyler Deaton’s role at the International House of Prayer.

Deaton’s wife, Bethany Ann Deaton, was found dead in a parked van Oct. 30 at Longview Lake. Authorities initially believed she killed herself, but a week ago a man told police that he had killed her at the order of Tyler Deaton, who has been described as the charismatic leader of a religious sect.

The man who confessed to the killing, Micah Moore, a member of Deaton’s group, has been charged with first-degree murder. Deaton has not been charged. Prosecutors have acknowledged that he is under investigation.

Deaton’s group came from Texas to be part of the International House of Prayer, based in south Kansas City.

On Monday, Allen Hood, the president of the International House of Prayer, said in a statement that Deaton led his group independently and operated under a “veil of secrecy,” though members attended a school operated by IHOP. The statement also made reference to the group’s “disturbing religious practices.”

But a handout and website posting shows that as of Nov. 4 — five days after Bethany Deaton’s death — Tyler Deaton was a “division coordinator” on the administrative team of International House of Prayer friendship groups. The position is unpaid, according to another person who holds the same position and attended three recent meetings with Deaton.

According to IHOP’s website, friendship groups are small groups that meet weekly. There are more than 80 friendship groups. Deaton was listed as one of six division coordinators.

When asked Thursday morning to clarify Deaton’s relationship with the organization, spokesman Nick Syrett told The Star that another statement would be released later in the day. In the afternoon, he said the organization would not have the statement ready until Friday.

The posting that listed Deaton has disappeared from the website.

Moore, 23, a member of Deaton’s group, lived with the couple in a Grandview house along with other members of the group.

He appeared Tuesday in Jackson County Circuit Court. He told detectives that Deaton told him to kill his wife because “he knew he had it in him.”

Moore told detectives that he and other men in the group had sexually assaulted Bethany Deaton and that the men in the group had also engaged in sex with Tyler Deaton, according to court documents.

 

 

Formal Statement on House of Lies

I have received numerous email and/or comments via social media outlets, asking if my latest novel, House of Lies, is “true.”  These questions are being prompted in light of the murder of Bethany Deaton and her attachment to the International House of Prayer (IHOP) movement in Kansas City.

At this time I am not able to answer each email privately, but will make a formal statement here:

Despite the fact that there are similarities in the circumstances surrounding Bethany’s death and its link to the International House of Prayer movement, my novel, House of Lies, is a written work of fiction.  Any likeness to persons (living or dead), or events (past, present or future) is coincidental.

I am following the story as it unfolds and offering my deepest sympathy to Bethany’s family and friends.   I believe the present focus should remain on seeking justice for them.   ~

 

KC Star Speaks TRUTH

A dark side to International House of Prayer’s allure

By MARY SANCHEZ

The Kansas City Star

By MARY SANCHEZ

Updated: 2012-11-15T13:53:03Z

 

Certainly there are more dangerous places for a young person to get lost.


IHOP, south Kansas City’s evangelical missionary movement, was created 13 years ago by a man who grew up in the Center School District. It’s one man’s version of religion made big. 


The suspicious have long leveled the charge of “cult” against IHOP (International House of Prayer). That will likely increase in light of recent news coverage.


A young woman with ties to IHOP was found murdered at Longview Lake. A young man with ties to IHOP is charged with suffocating her.


IHOP, it should be emphasized, isn’t accused of anything criminal in the murder. Only those eventually charged will bear that burden. 


But the praying elephant in the room is that this religious movement is the perfect cover for the sort of wickedness outlined in court records describing Bethany Ann Deaton’s murder. 


Deaton, 27, came to Kansas City from Texas, drawn to do an internship with IHOP. She lived in a house full of people, including her husband, also drawn by IHOP.


IHOP has bought scores of area homes to provide quarters for similar young devotees. This ministry is a siren call to young adults with a taste for wanderlust, a need to feel a part of something, determined to differentiate themselves from their parents, their high schools, their hometowns. 


Founder Mike Bickle has a constant supply of converts. The business plan: Attract enthusiastic young people and evangelize them to believe the end times are near, that they are needed to go forth and make ready. 


It’s why the former Terrace Lake Shopping Center is filled 24/7 with out-of-state license plates. They come for round-the-clock prayer. 


There’s a muted energy in the expansive prayer room. And a lot of pacing as young people roam around the lines of chairs. It’s for the visual. The prayer is webcast. It’s led from a stage full of musicians and readers chanting repetitive phrasings of faith.


 The young people aren’t out boozing it up or drugging, which can lead to bad outcomes.  But many also aren’t in college, living near family, preparing for a career. IHOP runs a “university” that isn’t. Not by accreditation. 


Bickle’s been candid in interviews about hearing God speak to him, and believing he’s been to heaven twice. 


For the curious, IHOP will hold its annual “onething” gathering Dec. 28-31 at the Kansas City Convention Center. More than 25,000 people are expected. 


IHOP does not deserve the barbs likely to come its way as details of the murder unravel. But the organization can’t completely divorce itself from the fact that it lured characters involved with a horrific murder to Kansas City. 


Drawing young people with grand ambitions, after all, is the mission.
 

To reach Mary Sanchez, call 816-234-4752 or send email to msanchez@kcstar.com.

Copyright 2012 . All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Posted on Wed, Nov. 14, 2012 11:38 PM

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/11/14/3917848/mary-sanchez-a-dark-side-to-missions.html#storylink=cpy

INJUSTICE

Everyone has hot buttons.  They are those things in life that you just cannot tolerate.  They are the things that send you instantly over the edge.  My biggest hot button:  Injustice

This weekend a news story broke about a young woman in Grandview, Missouri named Bethany Deaton.  She was 27 years old and she was murdered.  I posted the story on this blog yesterday, so if you haven’t read it you can either Google her name or scroll down and read the story.

New evidence has revealed that Bethany's husband, Tyler Deaton, was the man who ordered Micah Moore to kill her, stating “he knew he had it in him to do it.”

Why did they kill her?  Because she had information they didn't want shared.  Because she knew too much.  Because they had to keep her from talking, from revealing the truth about what was happening behind closed doors.

Bethany, her husband Tyler, Micah Moore and the other men involved were all members of IHOP (International House of Prayer) in Kansas City.  Sure, they may have held separate prayer meetings at their home, but the practices they were using were taught and learned at IHOP.  They are not the only ones practicing these methods.  Their story made the news because it ended in death, but countless others are still suffering.

 

Allen Hood of IHOP claims they were not “active” members and tries to paint the picture that they were members several years ago and were currently operating separately from IHOP. This is false information.  Tyler Deaton's group was a "friendship group" from IHOP.  He was listed as a Friendship Group Leader on the IHOP hand-out.  And, noteable to mention is the fact that IHOP removed this information from their website today, undoubtedly realizing it did not support the false statement made by Allen Hood.

Here is the IHOP hand-out from only nine days ago. Tyler Deaton’s name was listed on the Administrative Team at IHOP.  I didn't black out any names and contact information because this was publically available on their site.

Handout from IHOP Church (Forerunner Christain Fellowship) 9 days ago. FCF Handout 11042012 by IHOPKC Friendship Groups Friendship Groups Administrative Team November 4, 2012 Jon Boegl Department Director (928) 255-3576 jonboegl@ihopkc.org   Michelle Chamberlain Admin. Coordinator (260) 610-4937 michellechamberlain@ihopkc.org Caleb Chamberlain Creative Media/Social Networking (260) 610-2533 calebchamberlain@ihopkc.org Division Coordinators: Ivy Anderson (816) 668-2728 ivyanderson2@yahoo.com   Chris Castanza (504) 982-7782 cpcastanza@gmail.com *Tyler Deaton (361) 877-2727 deaton.tyler@gmail.com Jeremy Jacobs (803) 372-1532 jeremyjacobs@ihopkc.org Bill Spearman (630) 272-4642 spearman.bill@gmail.com Juliet Canha (816) 509-4803 jujuviae@gmail.com Get Connected Find out more: IHOPKC Friendship Groups “Above all, LOVE each other deeply...” 1 Peter 4:8     Funny how a person “not actively involved” would be listed as being on the Administrative Team.  Ironic, how a designated leader of a friendship group arranged by IHOP is all of a sudden said to be completely separate from them.  Something smells rotten and that's because it is... rotten to the core. In addition to this, Tyler Deaton has a personal website.  As of last night, it has been sealed and opened to “members only.”  However, I was fortunate enough to receive a downloaded copy of it before it was shut down and on the first page in the ABOUT ME section, Tyler writes:   “I am student in Kansas City, MO at the International House of Prayer, in the second year of a 6-year preparation to overseas missions.”   Why would a non-active member of an organization claim to be in his second year of a six-year program?  I’d say only an ACTIVE member would use this description.   IHOP is trying to distance themselves from Bethany’s death, just like they've done with every IHOP-related death, through more lies.  This isn’t the first time and sadly, it won’t be the last.  Remember the death of Jeremiah Candler four years ago?   How many people will have to die before the lies stop? My prayers go out to Bethany's family in this most painful hour of loss and betrayal.    Let this blog be a call for justice.  IHOP has been built upon a foundation of threats and lies, and it is no different today.   Don’t let Bethany’s death be in vain.  Let it at least expose the truth...the truth about a dangerous organization...a truth that can protect others from the same fate.      Don’t let IHOP get away with murder….literally.  It is a terrible injustice to her and to her family.