Surviving Ernie Knoll -- Jeremy & Megan Serrato
Updated: Sep 9, 2020
Dear brothers and sisters,
My name is Jeremy Serrato. My wife, Megan and I, had been following Ernie Knoll and the For My People Ministry (FMPM) since 2015.
As many already know, Knoll had begun receiving dreams back in 2005. Until a few short weeks ago, I believed that God had been sending messages to Knoll for the preparation and edification of His church in these last days.
His dreams have most certainly been controversial, as many have rebuked open sin and false teachings within the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church.
The main purpose of this testimony is to reach others involved in FMPM, including those in leadership. We hope to present a kind, honest, yet compelling testimony. By writing this, we have purposed to once again make our hearts vulnerable and to relive our own version of this trauma, sympathizing and hoping to relate with others through similar experiences, and to inspire others to awake.
We also hope our testimony will encourage others to come out boldly with their own experiences. It is our understanding that, moving forward, many more will begin to speak out in regards to the things that will be addressed.
By God's grace, we pray that we will give an accurate account of the truth, as it is in Jesus. If you are willing, please take this time to pray, asking for God for the guidance of His Spirit as you read through these documents.
We love you all, and have no desire to needlessly expose or hurt anyone in writing this. It was never our desire to write this. Concerning Matthew 18:15, you will see that there have been numerous attempts to privately address increasing concern. You may also find dozens of others who have had the same testimony. “One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.” (Deuteronomy 19:15) There have been far more than 2 or 3 witnesses. The evidence is here and it is well established. It is now time to respectfully bring it to the attention of the Church.
Concerning the dreams, we would regularly compare each statement with the Bible and SOP. We did not have issues with the doctrines themselves. It was a combination of these two things that began to change our perceptions:
The Divine Mission of FMPM
The Fruits of FMPM
We never knew Knoll personally, but we did know his wife, Becky Knoll (or so we thought). For the most part, our relationship was a blessing. It wasn’t until later that we learned of the unpublished fruits of this ministry. It is our honest conviction that there is a major controversy taking place of the highest magnitude. Upon learning of these things, the way in which God has lead us, and the means by which He has worked through us, has been astounding to say the least. Knowing what we know now, It would be unwise, even foolish, for us to hold our peace.
“But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand. So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me.” Ezekiel 33:5-7
“Woe unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the LORD, and their works are in the dark, and they say, Who seeth us? and who knoweth us?” Isaiah 29:15
Note: If you are unable to read the whole testimony but want to see the evidence for the claims, you can reference survivingernieknoll.com.This website has unpublished dreams, private instructions, documentation, resources, and helpful information on how to survive Ernie Knoll and the For My People Ministry. There is much work to be done, but by God’s grace, and through much prayer, it will continue to grow. There are original emails, correspondence, and testimonies of former members and believers.
Some of the statements shown in the correspondence on survivingernieknoll.com could be considered gossip or rumor. For example, text messages from a daughter to father, concerning her life in the ministry, may be thrown aside as false information. After all, it is simply considered her testimony. This information must be taken with responsibility.
It is very important to understand that this information is NOT for everybody. We do not intend for it to needlessly fall into the wrong hands. Sensitive minds and children are not encouraged to read this material. In addition, those who struggle with sexually-related sins and perversities should be very aware. Ultimately, those who believe they are being called by the Spirit should research the information with the help and protection of God.
This particular testimony was written from our point of view. It is important to understand our thought process, as many others will be coming from a similar viewpoint. Hopefully, it will help to expose what we believe to be one of Satan’s most deeply rooted strategies against God's remnant Church.
There is much to cover.
The Following is Another Testimony about FMPM
Jeremy:
Since 2015, I had followed the dreams with a powerful zeal. Upon reading them, I remember thinking they spoke directly to my conscience. Every question, including my convictions, concerning the condition of the SDA church, were answered with supernatural clarity. Many messages deeply convicted me, specifically those which addressed our need for revival and reformation. Other messages, though I knew to be true, were not so easy to receive, as they had rebuked false beliefs. For example: The observance of the Jewish feast days.
On August 11, 2015, the very first email I sent included this portion:
“I have had these same convictions of the Adventist Church for years. I felt very happy that someone would address these issues.”
Note: It wasn't until later that I realized my convictions were being exploited.
When I read the dreams, I was completely captivated. I would envision myself as though I were in Ernie’s shoes. I felt as though I was the one being led through this incredible journey. Every new dream was like watching the plot of the most mind-bending movie unfold. My thoughts were brought into heavenly realms. I would have amazing revelations throughout my reading experiences. Filled with emotion, tears, and absorbed in thought, for the first time, I was learning truths that shook me to the core.
Note: It wasn't until later that I more fully realized one of Satan's main purposes; to exploit the truth.
Contrary to what some have said, the dreams taught many of us how to better “test the spirits” and to discern between true and false teachings. We were strengthened in our convictions that the Bible was our only safeguard and that the Spirit of Prophecy (SOP) was also to be studied with great diligence. We learned that our hearts must be prepared because Jesus is coming! It was not only true doctrines we learned through the dreams, the dreams seemed to point to Christ and the true character of God.
Note: Unfortunately, along with accepting this new relationship with what I believed to be God and His truth, we also accepted the divine mission and authority of FMPM. It wouldn’t be until later that I would realize that the dreams are the Trojan Horse. Hiding within would be fanaticism and a total submission to FMPM.
I immediately went to work, spreading the messages as best I could. Shortly after reading the dreams, I learned of the critics of Knoll. I was very concerned and surprised to see how much negativity was directed toward him. I read the book, the Truth, the Whole Truth, and Nothing but the Truth, vol. 1, “A Response to the Critics”, and soon realized that their allegations were not supported by scripture. I saw how eloquently the Bible and SOP were used to explain and defend, both the doctrines in the dreams, and the calling of the ministry. As I beheld the beauty, I saw such consistency-an impenetrable defense. Even though the Truth Books (vols. 1 & 2) were written by multiple people (excluding Knoll), it was as though written by one author.
One day, I emailed a portion of one of the dreams to some friends and family. I received an email from my grandfather, and a lady, speaking of the sexual licentiousness of Knoll.
At the time, I simply assumed that this was a rumor-another false claim. It wasn’t until later that I realized what was happening; I had been learning to disregard claims before doing any investigation. It happened so subtly. I got to the place where I tested doctrines and truths, but never thought to question the ministry itself. I would reason that all the material on their website was sufficient to explain any concern I may have, even though I may not understand it all. It wasn't until later that I realized that when anyone questioned the dreams of Knoll, I disregarded them, thinking they would be as wrong, and their claims, as unsubstantiated, as the critics in the Truth Book.
Note: Many followers of FMPM don’t believe they are following man. They truly believe they are following and obeying God’s commands. In fact, (outside of the ministry) the opinion of man becomes strangely insignificant. I began to believe that every counsel was divinely inspired; every word spoken, law. I can confidently say, I would have died defending these messages. If I had been asked to do anything, I would have done it without question, as though requested by the mouth of God Himself.
Note: We must be careful what we ask for!
Upon receipt of the emails from my grandfather and the lady, I sent Becky an email inquiring:
“Hello, can you please explain this to me? I heard this as a reason why my Grandfather would not read your books. I also heard it from another Adventist lady. Now I found the website that I believe is the cause of this confusion. http://omega77.tripod.com/ernieknollnudity.htm”
She replied by saying:
“In our video titled, “By Their Fruits,” we addressed the issue about nudity as stated below: ‘At the end of the information about Jill, false statements are made about nudity and about a young lady living in my home. I have never had such a person living with me. It is a boldfaced lie that can be proven by eyewitnesses. Then Ferrell accuses me of having no contact with Jill since our visit. This is another lie that can be proven by the emails Becky and I sent to her.’”
I received the answer without question. I then disregarded it as another false claim.
Note: From the excerpt in the video, “By Their Fruits,” any standard thinking mind would read Becky’s response as follows:
“...we addressed the issue about nudity. . . .false statements are made about nudity. . . .
It is a boldfaced lie.”
It wasn't until later that I realized she had intentionally misled me. She didn't want me to know the “whole truth.”
It is also important to note that it wasn’t until later, after things got much more difficult, that I began to more deeply study the video, “By Their Fruits.”
As time progressed, I became steadily more filled with “faith” in regards to what I believed to be the divinely inspired mission and authority of the ministry; to preach the Straight Testimony to the Laodiceans, calling them to repentance as did Elijah and John the Baptist of old. I believed we were to prepare ourselves in a special way to be among the 144,000.
In late 2017, I began speaking with my uncle. I had been trying to minister to him, hoping to introduce him to the dreams. January, 2018, he kindly told me he believes the dreams are from Satan. He added some more strange information about Knoll, asking if I had ever heard of “Isaiah Walk.” I didn't know what to think. As I had been doing, I naturally rested in the assurance of the many false claims of the critics.
Within a few weeks, my uncle also met with my Mother-in-law, who at the time, also believed in the dreams. She told me she had met with my uncle and was afraid to tell me. Because of what was told her, she renounced the dreams, but after speaking to me, decided to recommit to FMPM. I had told her that the information presented was false; that Knoll had many critics, fabricating different lines of distraction. This was, after all, what I believed. It was, after all, what I was supposed to believe.
I emailed Becky with an update:
“Please pray for my family and my uncle. He is strongly opposing the dreams now. He seemed receptive the night [brother E.] gave his testimony, but I just heard from [my mother-in-law], that he met with her and my father-in-law, and they discussed Knoll. . . .
[My uncle] has been sending emails to her about the dangers of Knoll. She was afraid to tell me until now. I explained some things to her and she has decided to continue with the ministry. He also told her that there is an unpublished dream, called Isaiah Walk, which if discovered, will expose Knoll and his perversions. I watched "By their Fruits", but I don't think it's quite covered in this. Also, [he] says he read the emails and they disturbed him because he found evidence linking Ernie with a nudist resort. Can you help explain this please?”
This was Becky's response:
“We are truly sorry regarding your Uncle. I did write to [your mother-in-law] and hope it helped. You are all in our prayers. When we walk the path with Jesus it is not always easy but the outcome is far worth it. Remember to see the logs as toothpicks and the boulders as pebbles and to ask for the Holy Spirit’s guidance. No one as yet has been able to find doctrinal error in the dreams. We are still “waiting.” So when people can’t find the error, they attack the messenger. It happened to Ellen White as well. We are well aware of the opposition but choose to ignore it and continue on. We know in whom we believe. When a person finds truth, it will never be popular.”
Confused and somewhat frustrated, I could see that my questions had not been answered.
Note: Becky had essentially told me that because the messages have no error, I must ignore any and all future concerns relating to the calling of those in the ministry, without question. It wasn't until later that I realized how dangerous this is. Was this an exploitation of my faith? A willing ignorance?
But let’s say, hypothetically, Satan were never to introduce error to the public dreams. Does this mean the private dreams automatically pass the “test?” Would it not be possible for Satan to accomplish a deception in this manner? Has he exhausted all means by which to deceive?
But what if we were to know that the dreams would always remain pure? Then wouldn't all instruction forever be safe and trustworthy. However, if these dreams are inspired by Satan, then all he would have to do is exploit, groom, and cause us to reach the place where we no longer question the source, and then when trust becomes perfect, he could very easily flip the script, causing us to transgress God’s law, in faith, and in the name of Jesus Christ.
When we reach the place where we “settle down”, saying, “I am rich, and increased with goods,” and no longer have need to test the spirits, Satan can access our minds through deceit. We must be careful how we trust. In these last days, investigation and faith should be balanced with soundness and reason.
“No true doctrine will lose anything by close investigation. We are living in perilous times, and it does not become us to accept everything claimed to be truth without examining it thoroughly. Many who claim to believe the truth have settled down at their ease, saying, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing.”—The Review and Herald, December 20, 1892
Moving forward, despite my uncle’s seeming attacks, my faith remained fairly strong in the dreams. In February of 2018, a little over a month since my mother-in-law forwarded me the email, I finally read it. It was written by a former pastor of FMPM.
Here is the email, which includes Ernie’s email and dream, “Isaiah Walk”:
“Hello I pray all is well. I prayerfully come to you with a humble heart pleading to God to prepare your hearts before you read & while you read this message. I in the past had many questions about the FMPM and trusting the counseling in James 1:5 my questions were answered. God has reveal to me my errors and the reason I walked away from the calling. You know I am not perfect and I know there is nothing good in my sinful nature. I am not worthy of anything but I give thanks to God for He saved me from this sin that was bringing death to my soul for I put on Christ. I have faith that He will continue to finish what He started in me. AMEN I want to start of with the following: “God never asks us to believe, without giving sufficient evidence upon which to base our faith...Yet God has never removed the possibility of doubt. Our faith must rest upon evidence, not demonstration. Those who wish to doubt will have opportunity; while those who really desire to know the truth will find plenty of evidence on which to rest their faith. {Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 278.2 [CSA 46.1]} “Those who are perpetually talking doubts and demanding additional evidence to banish their cloud of unbelief do not build on the Word. Their faith rests on circumstances; it is founded in feeling. But feeling, be it ever so pleasing, is not faith. God’s Word is the foundation upon which our hopes of heaven must be built.”—Lt 11, 1897. {Mind, Character, and Personality Volume 2, p. 679.2 [2MCP 679.2]} We truly desire to know the truth and instead of demanding additional evidence to banish our cloud of unbelief we followed this counsel “The Word of God is the foundation of our faith, and therefore it is by the Word of God that we may obtain evidence of our standing before God.”[From the Heart, p. 79.2 {FH 79.2}] Please understand that our reason of leaving the FMPM is because we have not found biblical evidence on where to base our faith. More and more now we hear “If we have sufficient evidence for everything, why we need faith ” (Paraphrasing) but sister Whites says “God never asks us to believe, without giving sufficient evidence upon which to base our faith” “therefore it is by the Word of God that we may obtain evidence of our standing before God.” Now the Word of God says we need to examine ourselves to see whether we are in the faith; it counsels us to test ourselves by the Word of God that we may obtain evidence of our standing before God. I have questioned the calling of my wife and also my calling. We in the past have walk in faith believing that this a higher calling from God but truly never understood the reason why God has ask us to do certain things that leads us and other to transgress the law of God daily. So we followed the guidance of the Word of God and begin to test ourselves. And we notice the following: THE DRESS UNIFORM: Quoting from Ernie Knolls dream: "The camisole is thin and that the coloration of her nipples is shown though the cloth but the cloth is not sheer or see through” "The length of the skirt is to be short where it comes just below the butt cheek. If an individual is concerned when sitting down, that part of their butt or vaginal area may come in contact with something of the seat. I was told for those that have this concern it would be better for the individual to lift the back of their skirt and sit totally butt naked on the seat." Many women in the For My People Ministry around the world have been instructed to wear revealing provocative tops as well as dresses. They have been instructed to in all strive to wear as revealing clothes as they can and to have a mindset of an exhibitionist. They also have been instructed that when wearing the uniform they have to make men desire them. (Please keep in mind that the women of the For My People Ministry are instructed not to wear any undergarments) When they sit there are to spread their legs wide open and if a man where to look between their legs they are instructed to spread them wider and look them in the eyes. (Please keep in mind these instructions comes from private dreams that Ernie Knoll claims comes from God) Christ said, "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.' How could a woman that wears clothing that was designed to cause her neighbor's to commit mental adultery/ fornication not be guilty of breaking that law of love? In what way does this glorified God? Why is the FMPM encouraging them to continue transgressing the law of God? I would like to share the following: “A decided guard must be placed upon the human agents in regard to the impressions they are making upon others in deportment and in dress. The Bible is our guide; study its teachings with a purpose to obey, and you need make no mistakes. Our dress should be in strict accordance with the character of our holy faith. [1 Timothy 2:9, 10; 1 Peter 3:3-5 quoted.] There is need of putting more of the Bible precept into the dress, as well as the inward adorning into the character. “{DG 158}
“If our sisters have the Spirit of God abiding as a living principle in the heart, they will not in a single instance give occasion for any to turn aside the counsels of God [in how to dress] Daughters of God, p. 159 {DG 159} Sister White made it very clear that those who are called to wear this “uniform” have NOT the Spirit of God abiding as a living principle in their heart and are not living in obedience to the Word of God. We are counseled to close every door of temptation: "Our example and influence must be a power on the side of reform. We must abstain from any practice that will blunt the conscience or encourage temptation. We must open no door that will give Satan access to the mind of one human being formed in the image of God." Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 360
(Note: The following is the email from Knoll, which includes the dream, “Isaiah Walk.”)
“Good morning all. I will ask that you share information in this dream with only specific people. Please do not give a hard printed copy to anyone as I am sure you will understand that there are those that love to get their hands on incriminating documents. So read and do not print but discuss with only individuals that need to know. . . .
Dream from this morning: (AGAIN NOT TO BE SHARED EXCEPT THE FOLLOWING PARTS WHERE IT APPLIES MAYBE BE SPOKEN, NOT PRINTED, BUT SHARED WITH CERTAIN SELECT INDIVIDUALS. IE: THOSE WHO WEAR THE UNIFORM) In my dream the angel the Guide comes to tell me that I am not to worry about the cost of the repair of the Honda Fit. I am told that it will be taken care of with God’s money but in a way that I will be shown later. But I was told not to worry about it. I was next shown that we (this ministry) are no longer unless instructed in a dream to financially assist anyone with financial problems. Each is expected to lay their money problems on God and not on His ministry. a. Next I am shown Beverly and I am also shown Bianca at the same time. (Bianca is our Dutch translator in St. Martin) I am reminded of how Bianca had a problem of approaching people on the beach (nude) and witnessing to them when the Holy Spirit had not prepared them. I was shown how Bianca was shown to walk quietly, look into the eyes of those as she passes, smile and continue on. Beverly, you are to cease all forms of witnessing, teaching, sharing, instructing, etc…. You are to (in church) sit, do not speak unless asked a question. You are to not witness. You are not to hand out tracts, DVD’s, or anything unless instructed to by this ministry (from God). You are to (at the pool) sit, rest and if someone looks at you smile but do not talk unless a question is asked. You are not to open the discussion nor speak of health, diet, religion. If an individual (through the Holy Spirit) ask you something you may briefly share but that this will be a short conversation. You are not to reply with a long lesson or teaching of information. You are to be the one who listens and the one who is to not talk. You are to sit, listen and heal. You are NOT to teach, share or witness, but to sit with lips shut tight except to smile but with your ears and eyes wide open. I was told you need to heal but that involves not being involved but simply a listener. As you walk in your uniform look in to the eyes of those that look at you, if they smile, smile back. Do not speak. In the pool, listen to others and do not speak. You are to heal by listening. I do not think there is any need to ask questions as it was very clear in the angels instructions. So I will NOT say if you have any questions email. Obviously you will not be calling. b. The dress uniform issue. I was shown that for those that have been asked to wear the uniform that clarification is required. The shirt (camisole) that is suggested is like the v neck and regular camisoles that Becky and Isabel purchased at Forever 21. The camisole is thin and that the coloration of her nipples is shown though the cloth but the cloth is not sheer or see through. Becky will show those when we get to Florida what she wears if they want. Becky was also instructed to wear revealing provocative tops as well as dresses. She is to in all strive to wear as revealing clothes as she can. Becky has been told she is to have a mindset that she strives to be an exhibitionist. We talked of how we are to strive to be a part of the 144,000. Those that are asked to strive will do that --- Strive! For the skirts it was explained that skirts or dresses is to be the main article of clothing worn. The only time a skirt would not be worn is those time when shorts need to be worn like when a woman is having her period. Other times would be allowed to wear shorts and slacks but the skirt should be what is always worn except for those times that warrant slacks or shorts. In other words there are times when a woman is not having her period but slacks or shorts would be ideal. Like cold weather, going through tall sharp grass. Common sense should come into play here and the individual should be able to comprehend what should be worn depending on the situation. So basically, going to the mall, to the store, shopping, picking up kids at school, running errands – skirts. Walking through tall briar laden grass, digging a ditch, cold freezing weather – slacks or shorts. Again common sense. The length of the skirt is to be short where it comes just below the butt cheek. If an individual is concerned when sitting down, that part of their butt or vaginal area may come in contact with something of the seat. I was told for those that have this concern it would be better for the individual to lift the back of their skirt and sit totally butt naked on the seat. The angel said where is the faith of being concerned of contaminants. The individual should sit on what cloth there is on the bottom of the skirt or dress and give no second thought. I was told that the skirt for only the select individuals should be short. The weight and size of the individual should be taken in to consideration. It was also understood that the individual would practice clean hygiene after going to the bath room. For example using a “wet one”. The skirt is to come just below the butt cheek of a standing person. No concern should be made as to when they sit down. The thin or narrow spaghetti strapped camisole is to be thin enough but not clear, sheer or transparent. The subject of temperature was discussed. If while wearing the uniform an individual goes into the cold or freezer part of a store the individual is to endure the cold. If the muscles contract it was explained that the this would facilitate the working of the muscles and the lymph system. If sitting in a place that is cool like a restaurant the individual is to endure. I was taken from this dream for a moment to be shown how those in prison would be made to sit and in some cases almost reach hyperthermia. Foremost each is to remember we are to strive. It will not be easy. Was it easy for what Jesus had to do. Did He not strive. We all need to know and understand that we will have a song to sing, a story to share of what we endured for Him. c. Becky and I will be staying at I believe Cypress Cove and we are to meet with any that come over. (At least we think that is where we stayed last year.) Before we had decided not to stay there as we had a concern with those that might seek us out to show that we were nudist staying at a nudist place. We were told to not have a concern. . . .
Again I will mention to NOT print out this email as we do not want it to fall in to the hands of those that would use it against this ministry. With your group talk about the clear direction that needs to be taken. Think of how God is calling His women. Think of how many are called but few are chosen or will choose to follow what He asks. Who can have a heart set that they want to wear what He asked and have a mindset of being an exhibitionist?”
Needless to say, I was crushed into fear and confusion. I read about the “uniform.” I learned of the nudist camp(s). I read some seriously heartbreaking things that left me speechless. Seeing that the email did in fact come from the FMPM address, I was especially concerned. I thought, how will they explain this?
Once again, thanks to the Truth Book, I dismissed my fears and told myself, if people made up blatant lies about Knoll in the past, then it wouldn’t be impossible to fabricate this email (wishful thinking).
Note: It wasn't until later that I realized I was forcefully trying to fit pieces into the wrong puzzle.
Here is the relevant portion of the email response I sent to Becky, regarding Isaiah Walk:
“...The second issue is different, and I don't understand what to think about it. Like I said, the last attachment appears to be a set of unpublished dreams and emails written BY Knoll. My thinking is that "By Their Fruits" is the official response to these nudist claims. The only issue I have is how intricately they were put together. It really does appear as though Knoll wrote these emails. But, like I said, they appear to be written by him, but they don't align with any of the teachings, admonitions, OR suggestions given to me and my family, both privately and by public means. Nonetheless, it still is a lingering problem for me. Please help shed some light if possible. Just going through a time of trouble, that's all.”
Becky:
“I will keep this brief, simply because the enemy wants us to dwell on negatives. The individual who wrote the email against us is a person mentioned in Ernie’s dreams whom God called through Ernie to be a pastor for this ministry. However, because he did not follow God’s calling in God’s way and wanted to do things his way, he has criticized Ernie and this ministry ever since. Because of his falling away from truth, God can no longer use him and he has continued to fall further into the sins of the world. I will spare the details. It is very sad and tragic. We have seen how when people walk away from the dream messages of God, they follow Satan toward perdition. It’s like those falling over the water’s edge as Ernie describes in ‘The Amusement Park’ dream. Please for your salvation’s sake do not focus on what others think or believe but on what you know to be the truth in the dreams that have changed you and brought peace. When we allow the enemy to harass us, we walk further away from God and the truth. Don’t forget what God has already done for you. Look beyond the criticisms and focus on God’s wonderful plans for you. Hold fast to your faith no matter what others say or do. You will not regret it.”
I was mortified. I still remember that night, falling on the floor with my face to the ground, crying out to God. It was one of the worse nights of my life. My response to Becky comes from a broken and betrayed heart, confused and humbled:
“Thank you. So, now I'm under the impression that Ernie DID write that email. So... What about explaining to ANYONE about the "Isaiah Walk" and "Dress Uniform." Obviously, (at least in my mind) I need more than a brief explanation to be out of the water. This will be the only thing I won't be able to even SLIGHTLY explain. How can I take your word as long as that email EVEN EXISTS. It's completely disgusting. I hope you don't think I'm being disrespectful. God knows I'm sincere. But He also knows I'm not going to be satisfied until I have some solid ground on which to stand. That being said, I have never doubted the dreams, not even for a minute. I even feel like God created me [SPECIFICALLY] to receive and share them. But when I minister, and this topic is brought up, and I know it will be, I will not have a good answer. "Becky told me not to think about it." "Well, what do you mean?" "I just need to trust she knows what she's talking about." "So, you're going to base your faith on her?" "I guess so?" Furthermore; Exhibitionist mindset? Just so you're aware, indulging in pornography was my biggest struggle before beginning my walk with Christ. And just READING the dream puts my mind [in] DISGUSTING, perverted places. I don't EVEN want to go there! I wonder, HOW CAN THIS BE OF GOD?! I will fervently seek God, but I must say, I'm beyond uncomfortable. I'm not interested in following man. I'm not interested in spreading false claims. BUT CAN YOU SYMPATHIZE WITH ME? CAN YOU UNDERSTAND MY DISCOMFORT?”
Note: I did pray that night. I cried and prayed. Then, I prayed again. Reading my response, it isn’t difficult to see the battle for my soul. You can also see the Holy Spirit striving to reveal that something does not add up.
I clearly said in the email,
“But when I minister, and this topic is brought up, and I know it will be, I will not have a good answer. ‘Becky told me not to think about it.’ ‘Well, what do you mean?’ ‘I just need to trust she knows what she's talking about.’ ‘So, you're going to base your faith on her?’ ‘I guess so?’”
Here is how it seems to be presented to me: If the published dreams are completely true, then everything else is true, and you should have absolute faith in the ministry, never questioning anything. They will never mislead you, and as long as you obey, God will bless you.
After I sent Becky that rather emotional response, she sent me this:
“Jeremy, please know that we cannot talk more in detail because Ernie has been told specifically by God not to defend himself, but wait for God to vindicate him. When people question, respond that God will vindicate Ernie because his dreams are from God. If the dreams have no error, then Ernie is a true prophet. So many individuals, because they cannot find errors in the messages, criticize the messenger. We are not here to dwell on the criticisms of others but to focus on the dreams and other material on the For My People Ministry website. If individuals want all the evidence, then where is their faith? The dreams are either from God or Satan. There is no middle ground. So if you believe in the dreams, then you must believe in Ernie as God’s prophet no matter what others say or what you may hear. If your family or others still have an issue with your response, then they must take that up to God, not to you as a human being. In closing, my suggestion is that you ignore everything that is written or said against Ernie and For My People Ministry. Read your testimonial again. Focus on what God has already done for you. The dreams helped you to change for the better. They gave you peace that you so long for again. Others have written to tell us that when they doubted Ernie or the dreams, they suffered miserably. Why? Because they were rejecting God. Please don’t do the same thing. Your salvation depends on it.
Will it be an easy walk? No. But suffering is what purifies our characters. Don’t let the enemy distract you with irrelevant details. Focus on the big picture that God is pointing to. Jesus is coming and there is very little time left to get ready and no time for distracting issues. Please know that if you write again on this same issue, I would not be able to answer any differently, because I have to obey God’s instructions to not defend ourselves. You and Megan are in our prayers. Again, may the Lord guide and bless you as you seek to prepare for Christ’s imminent return.”
I had a very difficult time receiving these words. It was only a short moment after that I met with my uncle again in person and he gave me everything he knew. Words cannot describe my confusion as to what I was hearing. I just tried to brush it off as false claims, but it was getting increasingly more difficult to simply deny my building convictions.
I emailed Becky for prayer and advice, saying:
“...I met with him [my Uncle] in person today, and it was possibly the hardest conversation I have had yet. He claims to have evidence of Ernie Knoll being linked to a police report which involves one of his "many" wives. The 8th wife apparently got weirded out and wanted nothing more to do with him. Police report? Please tell me, does Ernie Knoll have more than one wife?? He is saying FMP is a sex cult. My own faith is being bitterly shaken. I'm trying to see the truth in all this mess. I'm trying to somehow fit this together in my mind. The dreams are solid, but the nudist tendencies sound exactly like Satan. Nudist colonies involve children. To me, this is pedophilia. I don't even feel comfortable meeting with you, let alone, with my children. I'm telling you right now, I'm heartbroken. I'm scared! I fear that when Megan learns of these nudist tendencies, she'll be destroyed. I have to tell her, but I'm too fearful. Will I have the faith to continue after that? Brother E. knows about it all. I thought he would be able to tell me it wasn't true. But it turns out he didn't know about it either! Now he's doubting Knoll. Your rebuke, removing him as a board member, and his newfound discovery are why he thinks Ernie isn't being lead anymore.” I also asked Ivory to help me understand the confusion (I asked brother E. and Ivory at the same time). But, apparently, she has been struggling with the same doubts for years, if I recall accurately. I don't want to mislead my family church. I don't want to find out later that FMP was nothing more than a sham. Am I making a big mistake?? My convictions are so clouded. I have literally wept, pleading for answers, but I feel like God is generally being silent. HELP ME, LORD JESUS!!!!!!!”
And then after I spoke with my uncle, my mother messaged me, which I forwarded to Becky (hoping for any kind of encouragement):
“Here is the most recent update. My mother just sent this to me. This is blowing up fast. It was only a matter of time.
‘Dear Son. I have fasted 3 days before knowing what to say to you.
There are no words. But now that you know that this man has sexual perversions. Do the right thing. Humble yourself and admit you are a sinner who can honestly make a mistake. There is no shame in that. God's grace is big enough.
We are asked by God to be modest. How can you go from not feeling comfortable having your wife [discreetly] nurse among friends to putting your own flesh and blood in [the] way? Secret societies are forbidden by God, yet this man has special indecent messages he sends out to followers in the upper echelon. He is a nudist. What happened to Noah's son for looking on his father's nakedness? And yet this ‘prophet’ says parents should walk around naked in front of their children? Blasphemy. Now you know he is from Satan. Protect and defend your family! I ask you in the name of Jesus to abandon this sinful man. Amen!’
I know that ‘venting’ to man has no significance in itself, and I understand that God is my only refuge and strength, but at the same time, even the kings requested a word from the prophets.
Part of me is hoping that God will hear even me, as little as I am, and send a message to Ernie to communicate with me directly. I would ask God to address my doubts, and disgust, and give me much needed hope. I would ask Him about Megan, my love.
I have recently had a strange sense of peace throughout all of this, but I don't know what it means. I have confidence God will help me through it, though I'm still not sure what He's saying to me. I'm torn between my past convictions, based solidly on the dreams, and this new behavior, which I am convicted is immodest, immoral, and out of line with God's Word, to say the least.
I trust you are not taking offense to my bursts of desperation. I am only a man, desperate for direction. Blessings,
Note: “Part of me is hoping that God will hear even me. . . .and send a message to Ernie to communicate with me directly.” It must be said, what did I ask for?
Life was falling apart. The more people questioned our faith in the dreams, the more turmoil we endured. These were some of the most difficult moments of my life. I believed I was obeying God. Nevertheless, I had been reaching a place where, if I was indeed being led by Satan, I would be ready to renounce the dreams.
I went through a season of fervent prayer, wrestling with God in confusion and sorrow, crying out for help and understanding. Eventually, I reached a place of peace. I remember being filled with understanding. Some of the Biblical principles that could be used to explain these nudist instructions began to make sense. I tried to reason how Isaiah could walk naked in the Bible. I tried to understand Hosea, Ezekiel, Abraham, and many other instances where God’s people seemed to bend the rules. It seemed to me that God could in fact enable these men to behave in such a way.
I was still in darkness, not understanding many of my convictions. I didn’t know how to approach my wife. I hid everything from her with a heavy heart, hoping things would make more sense later.
Much of me couldn’t let go of the dreams. I believed them to be Biblical. I tested them using the Biblical tests. I believed they passed each test.
Agrees with Scripture
Brings forth good fruit
Bears the fruits of the Spirit
Knows God and hears truth
Loves Jesus
Loves others
Hears God’s words (and keeps them)
Opens the door and invites Jesus in (is receptive to Christ)
Does the will of God
Teaches plainly
Has wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, fear of the Lord, quick of understanding. Judges not by sight and does not reprove by the hearing.
Makes melody in his heart to the Lord. Gives thanks to God. Serves others in the fear of God.
Keeps the commandments of God
Hears God’s prophets. Confesses that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh.
Humbly confesses
Strives for unity in Christ
They inspired me to study the Bible and Spirit of prophecy like never before. Additionally, I knew what rejecting them meant; it would mean that I would be eternally lost.
I remember reading the dreams many times over. Terribly sad judgments were described as happening to the critics. I could never dare to question the authorship of the dreams. In my mind, I had too many reasons why they were of God.
Notwithstanding, I almost got to the place where I could renounce them, but I was being held in place:
I believed the dreams were supported by the Bible.
It seemed right that God would raise up a prophet to address the corruption within the church.
Making a church-wide call for revival and reformation.
Holding the church accountable.
I knew if I rejected them I would lose my soul.
All I wanted was to do the right thing. All I ever wanted was to please God. I felt like I had gone too far, like there was no turning back. My mind was being controlled. I couldn’t imagine God and FMPM as being separate from one another.
Unfortunately, I stifled my conscience. The more disagreeable the things I had learned, the more I pushed them in the back of my mind as rumors. The things I couldn’t avoid, I did my best to squeeze them into the idea that God had asked His people to do strange things in the past.
At this time, I decided not to read “Isaiah Walk” again until I was spiritually prepared.
Note: Shortly after this, I forgot most of my concerns. As they say: “ignorance is bliss.” One thing was sure, I no longer felt comfortable sharing the dreams. I began to hide them in my heart.
Exploitation 1: Truth
Exploitation 2: My Faith
Exploitation 3: My Fears
Exploitation 4: Obedience
During this time of searching for answers, I began to look more deeply into the video produced by FMPM called “By their Fruits: A Response to Vance Ferrell.” In the presentation, it explained how nudity was used throughout history as corporal punishment. I received the testimony in the video with relief. Their response to the nudist claims literally soothed my conscience. I grew to believe that the ministry was in fact asked to get used to being nude in order to prepare for a great work in the future; to minister to prisoners in concentration camps.
However, unwilling to dig any deeper, fearing that some of the more heinous claims would be uncovered as true, I began to fully rely on this video testimony, “without question.”
At the time, both my wife and I were working for my uncle, but due to a conflict of interest, we sought other work. During this time, I sent my uncle an email in response to some of his former claims.
“I know about Knoll's nudist tendencies. These things being done in order to prepare a certain people for a great work. There will be concentration camps. People will be stripped and humiliated. Everything you read in those letters about the sexual stuff is nothing more than an added twist from the devil. Those brothers became bitter. They didn't follow God's leading and turned against For My People. If you cannot get passed this part, then I'm sorry. It was never God's intention for you to focus on the messenger, but rather the messages sent from the God of heaven.
“Unfortunately, and historically, many more will rise up against God's messengers. The church at large rejected Isaiah. This man could not be lead of God, they murmured. God would never allow something so indecent and foolish [as to walk naked]. History is being repeated. “At the same time spake the Lord by Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying, Go and loose the sackcloth from off thy loins, and put off thy shoe from thy foot. And he did so, walking naked and barefoot. And the Lord said, Like as my servant Isaiah hath walked naked and barefoot three years for a sign and wonder upon Egypt and upon Ethiopia; So shall the king of Assyria lead away the Egyptians prisoners, and the Ethiopians captives, young and old, naked and barefoot, even with their buttocks uncovered, to the shame of Egypt.” Isaiah 20:2-4
Note: Months went by. 2018 was nearing its close. During this time, I essentially separated myself from many of my family members-not because I didn't love them, but because I was afraid of not knowing how to interact with them. I was also afraid that my faith would be affected by *their* “rumors.”
Part 2: Trust & Obey What?!
Note: This next portion of our testimony reveals how our relationship with FMPM begins to change. On Jan. 6, Megan and I had a personal video call with Knoll. On this call we were given special instructions. Shortly after this call, on the same day, Megan spoke with Ivory Webb, a friend who was also involved in the ministry. She told her about what we were asked to do. On Jan. 17, Ivory sent out a testimony to many in the ministry, addressing many questions and concerns. 2 days later, on the 19th, Knoll responded by addressing it in a public, ministry-wide conference call.
In Knoll’s response, it should not be difficult to discern that he was presumptuous and dishonest in dealing with us and the Webb's. We will be addressing it in part 3, but before we do, we will discuss the events leading up to the video call and the personal instructions therein.
Before making a decision, it is very important to compare Knoll’s testimony with ours.
Misappropriation of Tithe
Megan:
My husband and I had sent $300 to a [SDA] brother D., who is the director of an orphanage in Kenya. $100 was sent as a freewill offering through Western Union. The other $200 was sent from our tithe account, sent to a GoFundMe campaign.
Please see receipt below:
“Dear Jeremy serrato, This is a receipt for your donation to Help fund kids in need.”
Date: November 16, 2018
Donation to: Help fund kids in need
Donation will be received by: Blank
Amount: $200.00
Tip to: GoFundMe
Amount: $20.00
Total amount: $220.00
Note: Prior to sending any money, my husband [Jeremy] had received a dream where he gave brother D. money. This, we believed, was in answer to our prayers, as we had been asking God if we should help the orphanage. Jeremy assumed that this was tithe, remembering a SOP quote that said, in cases of extreme poverty, it was right to send tithe to the poor.
Learning of the physical condition of the children in the orphanage, and seeing their poverty, my husband had compassion on them. I remember him speaking to my oldest son of how important it is to help those in need. He gave him a lesson, contrasting our easy lifestyle with these little children living as orphans in Kenya.
Raise money for the orphanage, including such things as food, clothing, shelter, etc.
Altogether, Brother D. had been donated $475 toward his GoFundMe (GFM) campaign. Unfortunately, because he lives in Kenya, he had been unable to retrieve the money thus donated, as no banks in Kenya work with GFM. Additionally, he could not pull his money out due to someone else setting up his account. These things caused us concern.
We tried helping him with his account. He had given his credentials to his email and GFM accounts. However, we were unable to help him, so the money, including our $200 tithe, remained there unused. Since the $200 never went to the orphanage, Jeremy had asked me to send another $200 to them for food.
Because of all the difficulties and confusion in trying to help the orphanage, I became weary and began to question whether what we were doing was right. I told him I would like to contact FMPM for guidance and confirmation before sending more tithe.
On Jan. 3, we received a response from FMPM. We discovered that sending tithe to the poor was wrong. The response received was appropriate.
“Dear Megan,
We believe your prayers have been answered by the fact that you can still retrieve your money. Tithe is never to go to help the poor.
Tithe is for supporting the gospel ministry as written in Leviticus and Numbers. It should only go to a pastor or ministry who is teaching the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
Offerings can be used to help the poor. But we must be careful, because when people are desperately poor they can be dishonest. We have met that issue in the past…”
After receiving this email, I looked up the quote, which my husband used in support of extreme poverty.
“There are exceptional cases, where poverty is so deep that in order to secure the humblest place of worship, it may be necessary to appropriate the tithes. But that place is not Battle Creek or Oakland.”—Ms 24, 1897
The tithe is to be used to spread the Gospel-only, regardless of financial status.
I remember the day we received the email. After learning of our error, we immediately repented and made the decision to not misappropriate our tithe again. We were not trying to be willingly ignorant. We had no desire to dishonor God. I trusted to my husband's judgment. He trusted to what he believed to be true. God winks at ignorance. He knows what we are going to do before we do it and weighs it accordingly.
After this email, we decided that we would pull our money from the GoFundMe campaign and tithe elsewhere.
Unfortunately, our tithe had been sitting in the account for weeks. Even though we had been working with Brother D. and GFM, we were unsuccessful in releasing the funds to the orphanage, or to reimburse it. Because of this, the $475 will continue to lay dormant until it is returned March this year.
On Jan. 4, we received another email from Becky:
Jeremy and Megan,
This is to let you know that Ernie needs to video chat with both of you.
Please let us know if that is possible and if so, when?
Have a blessed Sabbath…Becky (& Ernie)
We responded by saying we could video chat:
“...Would like to do it as soon as possible, preferably some time this weekend.
The devil has already been at work.
A video chat with Ernie Knoll - that is both exciting and intimidating.
Happy Sabbath.”
On January 6th, Ernie video called my husband via Whatsapp. We were still very unaware of the reason for this call. I felt intimidated and stayed in the background, listening, but not wanting to make my appearance known.
Ernie began by giving a tour of his RV. He explained some things to my husband about his travels, ministry endeavors, and the like. At first, I was afraid to even look at Ernie, but as he began talking of his place, I was curious and wanted to see. He showed us his computer, toy robot, and made it abundantly clear that he is a real-life person.
He talked about how there are three girls living in the house with Isabel and Becky, and how one of the girls has a little boy that is near the age of one of my sons (3). He expressed that he doesn’t have a father-figure in his life. He even stated that he encourages him call him “daddy,” which, at the time, we thought was strange. He also said he deeply loves and cares for him.
Note: Concerning this child: It wasn’t until later that we learned that Ernie intentionally mislead us. He lead us to believe that he had no biological relationship with this child. Why would he tell us there is no father-figure? And why is there a consistent theme of strategically stating and/or withholding information with the intent to mislead?
Ernie is the father; “Addison Ray Knoll” is this little boy’s name. Weeks later, in a conference call, on Jan. 19, Ernie said “...If God instructed me or someone else to have a child or a thousand children, who do you think you are that you can judge me and condemn me? Please keep in mind that this child is not from his wife, Becky. (See: survivingernieknoll for more information)
After about 45 minutes of small-talk, Ernie said he wanted to share with us a personal message.
Note: We were already very intimidated. My husband's faith was so deep in the ministry, and his beliefs were such, that he was fully unprepared for the coming crisis.
We both thought it strange that there was no prayer offered beforehand. My husband said, “Wait! Shouldn't we pray?!” Ernie said something along the lines of, I'm always asked to pray, why don't you pray this time? Jeremy led out in prayer. I prayed silently as well.
He told us how he had some young girls living with them, and how they were given a special assignment from the Guide Angel. He stated that they were dressed too modestly-that they were too extreme in their dress, and for their benefit, needed to be shamed and humiliated. Thus, they were instructed to always be nude. Except for going in public, they are to wear the same special “uniform” discussed in the dream, Isaiah walk.
The uniform these girls are assigned to wear includes a thin camisole, with no bra underneath--where the areola and nipple can be intentionally seen through. In addition to this, they are to wear a very short “skater skirt.” It must also be worn without undergarments. He continued by saying that shorts or pants are appropriate during menstrual cycles. It was to be an assignment of humility.
As Ernie began to speak these things, we were stricken with fear. Due to my heart not being as connected to FMPM, and therefore, being more willing and receptive to the Spirit’s warning, I was more prepared for the trial. My husband, on the other hand, was much more invested than I.
Throughout the conversation, I remember seeing a look of death on Jeremy’s face.
In addition to the girl’s instructions, Ernie explained that Becky and Isabel were also instructed to dress in a similar manner.
He also stated that the UPS man would see the younger girls playing outside naked while delivering packages. My husband had asked him how he could not struggle with lust, being that he was around naked woman all the time. He explained that he was raised in the 60's and 70's, and that this was the norm back then. “You’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all.”
Jeremy:
Note: Is this not desensitization? Is it not the exact opposite? Most men do not want to see only one naked woman, but on the contrary. Physiologically, and thanks to sin, men are drawn like magnets to the nakedness of woman. Unfortunately, I am no exception. The question that must be asked is does growing up in a society of lawlessness and sin justify a course of licentiousness?
Personal Instructions
Megan:
Ernie proceeded to tell us that he had a message for us from the guide angel.
He stated that there was no orphanage; that the man to which we had been tithing was pocketing our money. He said because we had given our tithe to this orphanage, we had to pay “restitution.”
Jeremy:
Note: Even though we had reason to believe this was not true (See: Misappropriation of Tithe), it had suddenly become very difficult to discern truth from error. The floods of emotion were making it very difficult to discern between right and wrong. Because I had gotten to a place of such complete trust, when Knoll brought before me these instructions, I had, in my mind, no other choice but to continue to believe as I had, trusting they are from God. Everything, at this moment, was received as law. In my heart, I believed that any deviation from this path would lead to eternal ruin. I believed the message to be true.
All conviction was muddied or blocked. Only hopelessness presented itself. I truly could see no other possibility. I felt as though God had betrayed me. I was sick. I felt as if I would die of a broken heart. Words cannot describe my despair.
Megan
To prepare us for the explanation of restitution, Ernie portrayed a similar circumstance, where a woman was tithing to an institution for the blind. He told her she needed to stop misappropriating her funds and send them to a tithe-worthy ministry. She ignored the instruction, and after about a year, lost her disabilities income. This was in relation to her partial blindness. The reasoning of losing it was because she was working and did not report it.
He also shared that this woman mocked the other girls who were instructed to wear the uniform. He was given a message by the guide angel that she was to pay 70% of her income as restitution to a particular woman in the ministry (and the woman would then send it to Ernie). She was also told she had to wear the same “uniform” as the girls. I was worried when Ernie said the guide had a message of similar import.
Ernie explained that I would have to dress in the “uniform.” He then went into detail of the clothes I had to wear. He said that I would wear the uniform in public. He gave some examples, including dropping the kids off at school, when I were to get groceries, and when I would run errands.
The guide told Ernie to tell my husband not to be surprised if one day he came home and I was completely nude. He told us how I would gradually become comfortable with complete nakedness in the home and that this was the goal.
I asked him how long I would have to do this. He said all messages from God are permanent. I would always have to be this way from now on. I felt sick to my stomach.
My husband asked why I [Megan] was being punished? Ernie stated that the punishment was actually for him [Jeremy], saying that it would be much easier for her [Megan] to accept it than for him. He constantly repeated this, including how we should be praising God about it.
Jeremy told Ernie the whole story about how we misappropriated our tithe, explaining that it was an honest mistake. But Ernie insisted that the guide angel said we “knew better.” He continued by trying to convince Jeremy that the instruction would be a blessing. He said in many ways it would be very easy; that he was being selfish and making things all about him.
Ernie was confused. He said that he had given this message to many in the past, and we were one of the few who could not give an immediate answer.
Jeremy:
Note: One must ask, while being so perfectly unprepared, and due to the magnitude of the seriousness of this request, who in the right mind would make such an impulsive decision?
Sister White says: “Let every such suggestion be taken to the Lord in prayer, and seek earnestly for his guidance,—not only once, but again and again. Plead with him, until you are convinced whether the counsel is of God or man. Do not trust yourself to men. Act under the Divine Guide.” SpTEd 123.1
Note: According to SOP, restitution for misappropriated tithes calls for back payment and repentance. Go and sin no more is always the theme after forgiveness. While there can be perpetual consequence for sin, we can find no evidence for this type of permanent restitution in the character of God. Additionally, it is to be an “accurate reckoning,” “repaying that which they have robbed”. Nakedness for restitution is arbitrary and pagan.
“Let those who have kept back their tithe make an accurate reckoning, and bring to the Lord that of which they have robbed His work. Make restitution, and bring the Lord peace offerings. ‘Let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me, and he shall make peace with me.’ [Isaiah 27:5.] If you acknowledge that you have done wrong in misappropriating His goods, and freely and fully repent, He will forgive your transgression.” MS57-1901.21
Note: I just wanted to be a good, obedient Christian. I just needed some encouragement, hope, or peace, concerning my standing with God. I was already having issues with my outlook of God. One of my biggest struggles as a Christian has been misunderstanding the character of God. The words, “they knew better”, were being continually repeated in my mind.
I had to choose. It was either sell my wife, or sell my soul. My head hurt. My brain hurt. My heart hurt. My convictions were dampened. The “voices” in my head were severe. I entered into a darker place than I thought possible. I considered the instructions. I really did.
It wasn’t until later that we realized how these commands and suggestions, according to the degree of belief, have such immense power. They can cause even the most extreme intimidation and fear. They have the power to create in minds total changes of belief.
Megan:
Ernie told us we should be happy that our assignment is such a small task. He stated, in one severe case, he had to give instructions to a couple in the Dominican Republic; in that they are to take their children and perform sex acts in front of them. This was somehow to be a form of restitution.
Note: God lead us to the original transcript. It was originally written in Spanish, but we had it translated into English. Visit the website to read the full document. Please see excerpt below.
“As part of your restitution, there is something else you should know regarding personal relations. Both should be very open in your relations: Loly, you must approach your husband to show physical affection frequently and with much interest. You must welcome him to enter all parts of your body. You must explain to your children that this is normal. This is what Jesus and his angels showed Adam and Eve to do. This is what they did in front of their children. Our generation has done this behind closed doors and in the dark. None of you should treat this message lightly. If one of you say “no” to this message, everything ends, and your eternal salvation is in jeopardy.”
The reason why these instructions must remain secret is because those who read the transcript without the prior conditioning will easily be able to tell the author.
When Ernie told us of the instruction to the couple, my husband exclaimed, “THAT'S DISGUSTING!”
Jeremy:
Note: At this point, I was on the verge of a mental, spiritual breakdown. The words of Sister White accurately describe the scene:
“The worst feature in this case is that all his satanic work is done under pretense of being a representative of Jesus Christ. One sinner dressed up as an angel of light can do incalculable harm. Dark and fearful plans are deliberately made to separate man and wife. Said the apostle: ‘Of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts.’ These licentious characters even creep into respectable families and by their deceptive wiles and intrigues lead astray the conscientious. Damnable heresies are received as truth, and the most revolting sins committed as acts of righteousness, for conscience becomes confused and stupefied.” 5T 140.1
Megan:
Jeremy again began speaking of his children, pleading for answers. We have three small boys--3, 6, and 9, he said. He could never have his wife dress in public in such a way, let alone in front of his children. But Ernie said that because they're so young, they won't even know the difference. The little boy at his home is around the women, and they are naked all the time, and he isn’t able to tell the difference.
Note: This bothered me as well to hear of a child being raised in such an environment.
My husband pressed his concern of his children, and how we have raised them, teaching the importance of modesty, responsibility, and guarding their minds. We had just had a discussion about sex and the dangers of pornography with our oldest son about two weeks prior to this conversation. How would we explain to them that Mommy now dresses like a prostitute?
When these concerns were brought forth, Ernie said to take it to the Lord--that he is only the mailman, and that he is only delivering a letter. This was what he was asked to do.
Jeremy:
Note: Knoll’s response is similar to one in a documentary called “The End of the World Cult”, in which a man, “Wayne Bent”, professes to be Jesus Christ come the second time. Having a somewhat small following, people believed him to be “Michael,” the name used to describe Jesus, the chief of the armies of angels. He was also having sex with many of the men's wives, including his son's wife. It was another exploitation of the “symbolic” love of Christ for His Church.
When the husband's were interviewed, it was evident that they were crushed and broken about their wives becoming intimate with this man. You could see the pain in their faces and hear it in their voices. One man said he was told to take it to God if he was having bitter feelings. He also said “Michael” helped him through it. It shouldn’t be difficult to see the correlation.
There is another important note to make concerning this documentary. In a testimony given by some of the younger, underage girls, they explained how Bent publicly made a statement, in which he made a comparison between nudity and their relationship with God. Because of simple seeds planted in their minds, many of the younger girls (and women), without any coercion, began to seek him out, having intense urges to expose themselves to him. Many underage girls did end up exposing themselves. One particular underage girl literally begged to have sex with him.
Here is the correlation. Can you imagine the power of the dreams of Knoll? There are innumerable suggestions and commands found all throughout them, not including the private instruction. There are also many appeals made.
Those who suddenly have an urge to help are being told it is the Holy Spirit, when in actuality, they are being inspired in the same way as were these women.
“The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 1:9
Power of Suggestion
Megan:
Note: When Ernie continually told me I would readily accept the instructions, I began to believe I would. I initially agreed that it would be easy to accept the instructions. However, I was not acting according my own convictions, but was being manipulated by suggestion.
Psychology Today, 4 Ways the Power of Suggestion can Change Your Life:
“A deliberate suggestion can influence how well people remember things, how they respond to medical treatments, and even how well they will perform and behave, according to research by Maryanne Garry, Robert Michael, and Irving Kirsch.
He looked at me again, asking if it would be easy for me to accept the uniform. I shook my head in agreement, thinking of how, before I became a Christian, I had dressed inappropriately. Even though I knew this was not right, I genuinely agreed with him. How did that happen?
(May this be a lesson in the simple power of the mind. May it be the evidence of the real-life power of witchcraft and mind-control.)
Almost as soon as I agreed with Ernie, I snapped out of it, left the room, and sought the Lord in prayer. Afterward, I was confident this man was not God’s prophet. From that moment, I began to try to help my husband. Everything in our lives, how God had lead us, had built itself up against this day.
I could not see any sensible reason to pursue this course, but Jeremy believed Ernie. Unfortunately, no matter what I would say, Jeremy would disregard it. Everytime I tried to talk to him, Ernie would ask about me. He kept asking to see me. I was trying to stay away from eye contact at this point, and even from the view of the camera.
I began to give my husband Bible texts and SOP quotes that I hoped would help him. I prayed for God to help us in this crisis. I was even telling him to end the call (This was significant because God had given me a dream warning about this months before).
Every time Ernie asked if we were on board, he replied by saying, he needs to “pray and cry” about it. Jeremy said this a number of times.
And Ernie asked me to give my answer, which was a red flag for me. He was asking me to make an impulsive decision, on the spot, without prayer, any prior preparation, understanding, confirmation, or without being in agreement with my spiritual leader. I was nervous to respond. Jeremy told me to tell Ernie how I felt. He urged me to tell him the truth. I whispered, “why?” Ernie heard this. He laughed and said, “Because I am Truth! That's my name.”
The conversation ends by Jeremy going outside to talk with Ernie in private.
Jeremy:
I asked why God would have us do such a disturbing thing, knowing that lust has been one of our most difficult battles. Ernie told me that this would help us overcome lust. It didn’t make sense. I also told him that Megan has struggled with self-image and fear of men. He said he knew a lady who was abused, who was able to overcome by pursuing this lifestyle.
For me, this conversation, in general, was affecting my mental stability. Reason had been thrown out of the window. I ended the call by again asking for prayer. I told him I was desperate and needed it. He told me he would pray for me, but not now. He said he was very behind, not knowing the conversation would be so long. The question must be asked, who denies prayer for a brother in crisis? Pretty much nothing was making sense anymore.
Note: We later learned from a former member that Ernie had received instruction, sometime in 2018, to cease from praying altogether, until he was reunited with one of his wives. Evidently, the wife represents God’s pure church, but she is in the Laodicean condition. Ernie represents Jesus. Symbolically speaking, it was a representation of the Laodicean church and its need to repent to Jesus. It had to do with their need for communion in prayer. This would explain why he would not pray for us in the beginning and end of our meeting. This has not been confirmed firsthand, but seems to also harmonize with the fact that while delivering messages on the Third Sabbath conference call(s), he would not lead in prayer as would the other pastors.
Set up for Failure
Followers of FMPM are intentionally set up for failure. The devil is a hateful being, who wants nothing more than to destroy mankind. He tells us to diligently study God’s books, then causes us to profane God’s law, in the name of Jesus, with a full knowledge of the truth.
One particular book we are told to read is Creeping Compromise. This book elaborates upon Christian Standards in a modern setting. There are chapters that cover the Dress Reform question. There is even a chapter that addresses nudity.
Here is a very relevant quote from the chapter, “Is Nudity Modest?”
“God made man in the beginning with a very sensitive sexual nature that could be quickly aroused by the sight of female nudity. Woman, on the other hand, was created with a sexual nature which would not be so easily stirred, especially by sight. She was made to be more responsive to touch and tenderness. Her more subtle sexuality could be drawn out by the physical attentions involved in the conjugal relationship.
God gave man his emotional sex nature for the purpose of making marriage more pleasurable and happy. The husband was to be the aggressive one in the relationship. Under this beautiful plan of God, the sex instinct of both husband and wife could be lawfully stirred. But mark this: God never intended for man's sex emotions to be stimulated outside the marriage chamber. And in order to protect him God placed within the woman a delicate sense of modest reserve, so that she would not expose her body except to her own husband.
The plan was perfect, but it has broken down in one area. Satan has managed to destroy to a very great extent that inherent modesty with which the Creator endowed womanhood. Under the growing curse of transgression, women have thrown off the moral restraints. Uninhibited nudity or provocative haft-dress has become the accepted norm of modern fashion. On every side, the Christian, as well as the non-Christian, is forced to look upon scenes of nakedness which are utterly foreign to the original plan of the Creator.”
As faithful followers of FMPM, those who have proven their loyalty will be called to pursue a course that is in direct opposition to the materials suggested by the ministry. Even the published dreams strongly appear to disagree with the private instructions. This, I believe, is intended to confuse the mind, when given private instructions, in order to induce hypnosis.
When we were asked to fulfill these instructions, we were not only unprepared, but our entire religious experience was facing in the opposite direction.
From the years of speaking to our children of the importance of modesty and self-respect
From the personal battles with lust, pornography, and self-control
From the counsels given to others, living lives of sexual immorality and adultery
From the victories gained over fornication, adultery, and licentiousness