Note: This story was first published on Monday April 30
A member of the Gloriavale Christian Community says he was thrown out of the controversial sect because his concept of God changed, thanks to pamphlets left by "night raiders" who deliver material giving a different view of God.
Newshub reported that people from South Island churches have for years been sneaking onto the Gloriavale property on the West Coast to deliver alternative religious messages, in a mission to break what they view as a religious cult.
And it worked with John Ready, who has just got out of Gloriavale.
"I always resist the words I left. I always say I was thrown out," Mr Ready said.
The raiders had approached Mr Ready while he was working before dawn on one of Gloriavale's dairy farms.
"My whole concept of God changed; the light came on, he was a God of love pursuing after me to save me from myself - not a God holding me over Hell, threatening me," he said.
Mr Ready says he was forced from the community by Gloriavale's leadership for having the pamphlets which they call "contraband", and forced from his wife and his family of nine children.
Gloriavale's leaders have a night watch set up to stop other religious groups from getting in.
But Newshub reported that those involved with the night raids say they have helped 75 people leave Gloriavale over the past five years.
SHARE ME