Reflections on Paul Martin

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Reflections from reFOCUS

Fifteen years ago Paul Martin autographed for me a copy of his recent book, CULT-PROOFING YOUR KIDS, (Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, MI) with these words, “Dick, What a great experience to work with you in the cult busting field. I am really looking forward to working with you in the future. I especially like your gnostic-cultic world view paradigm. Sincerely, Paul”

Actually the application of the ancient Gnostic heresy to modern cultic thought originated for me from another late counter cult pioneer, Kevin Garvey, but I obviously got a lot of mileage out of it, as Paul testifies. I was further honored to be quoted by Paul in his chapter on “Cults and the Church.”

No one can adequately give an historical account of the International Cultic Studies Association (formerly known as the American Family Foundation) and other anti-cult organizations without highlighting the role of Paul R. Martin. His risk-taking and entrepreneur’s spirit in founding a residential treatment center, Wellspring, near Albany, Ohio in an arena of activity known for the lack of readily available funding for such efforts, is extraordinary. Usually, in my experience, the abusive cultic group had already gotten all the member’s accessible money. When my wife and I visited Wellspring in its early days, I stood in wonder of what Paul and Barbara had accomplished

I can only imagine how much Paul and Barbara had personally sacrificed financially to initiate and perpetuate this important ministry. That is why my wife and I contribute annually to Wellspring and why we invite all of Paul’s colleagues and admirers to contribute generously to his family at this time of his death.

As a Christian clergyman of the Lutheran tradition, I was always grateful that Paul’s experience in the Great Commission group was not so traumatic as to drive him totally out of the Christian faith and community, as it had some others I knew and attempted to counsel. As a role model he showed the world that being cult-savvy and Christian are not mutually exclusive.

As a fellow contributor to Michael Langone’s 1993 W. W. Norton book, Recovery from Cults: Helps for Victims of Psychological and Spiritual Abuse, I was honored to author a chapter in the same section as Paul, “Facilitating Recovery.” For the past three decades to know and work with Paul Martin has been one of God’s blessings to me.

The Reverend Richard L. Dowhower, D.D.
Mechanicsburg, PA

Jerry and Hana Whitfield are extremely saddened to hear of Paul’s passing. We valued knowing and working with him more than can be readily expressed, as well as what he stood for, his tenacity in pursuing what he believed in and the compassion, consideration and respect he always extended others. When our thoughts turned to who could best help someone who had left a high demand group, it was always Paul. I clearly remember taking a young teenager to Wellspring some years ago. She had just left an abusive group and was petrified of everyone and everything. Paul spent several days in ever-so-gently paced meetings and exchanges with her until she stopped fluttering like a moth near a flame and was able to see him for who he was – safe, helpful, and having only her best interests in mind.

Thank you, Paul. We will not forget you. We are thankful you are free and in a far better place now.

We extend our love and prayers to Barbara and family, and want her to know that we stand with her at this time of great loss and great joy.

Jerry and Hana Whitfield

I am so sorry to hear this and it is so sad. I have been concerned about him for a while now. Paul and I roomed together in Miami once when we were both on the CAN board. I remember his amazed look in South Beach . We were dinning in the open air across from the beach watching the parade of exhibitionists and Paul practically gasped “Oh MY Lord. Look at that one” and it was a young shapely woman wearing jeans with one backside pocket cut out exposing her flesh. As you see, I also didn’t forget it but it was so Paul. He was wonderful, caring, committed and the most earnest person I have known. He will be missed.

Arnold Markowitz, C.S.W.

It is very hard to realize that Paul Martin is gone. As a person he was caring sincere, humble, and above all authentic. In his work as a psychologist, researcher, and director of Wellspring he touched directly or indirectly hundreds of cult victims. To ICSA members he brought hope in reducing abuse by dangerous groups and he increased greatly our knowledge of how to rehabilitate ex-members.

Arthur Dole, Ph.D.

I am very saddened by Dr. Martin's passing. I met Paul at my first conference in 1995. I didn't know then that in six years I would be moving to Ohio only two hours away from Wellsprings. Paul and the staff at Wellsprings were always available to me, giving information when I needed it. I am now a Clinical Counselor in the state of Ohio. I was born and raised in a bible based cult. Paul's compassion and wealth of knowledge helped me to gain a healthy faith in God. Paul's work has also helped me to establish a knowledgeable base to help others who are in need of healing from their abusive experiences.Though he is no longer with us his legacy will forever live in hearts and minds of those he has helped.

Christine Tuck, MA, LPCC

Thank you, dear Michael to inform us of the sad news that Paul Martin passed away. I keep a particular remembrance of him, when he attended our conference in Barcelona (1993) where it was decided to set up a European association, which I helped to organize. Thanks for your support in this circumstance. (It was done in Paris in June 1994). I quite remember the nice evening we shared in the 'rambla' with you and with Martin, such a jolly fellow!

I received for several years Paul's leaflet, and I appreciated it very much. I mentioned many times Wellspring in conferences as a unique such Center in the world. Let us hope that it will continue. It is particularly important at a time where we have to bear bitter attacks from certain scholars, who from their high chairs pretend to consider as nonvaluable and to despise the clinical studies and witnesses' studies. I call them 'protecteurs de sectes', and I suggest to Tom Sackville that we begin dealing this difficult subject( with suitable precautions) in London next JULY 9-10. in the next FECRIS conference . It would be a nice opportunity to recall Paul Martin's works. We shall write some lines in memory of him in the next issue of BULLES, the quarterly of UNADFI.

Please transmit our sincere condolences to Barb and to Paul's family.

Jacques RICHARD, honorary president of FECRIS
 

Dear friends of ICSA:

From the RIES (Ibero-American Network for Study of Sects), all our best regards and wishes for the family of Paul Martin and for you, and our prayers for him. We have written a short news article about his death in our blog (http://info-ries.blogspot.com/2009/08/fallece-el-experto-norteamericano-en.html) and in our newsletter.

Luis Santamaría del Río

For many years I knew Paul Martin as a friend and co-laborer in the area of assisting people affected by destructive cults. Several families I assisted were helped tremendously at Wellspring. Paul's contribution in this area is beyond measure, he raise the bar in professional counseling of individuals who were damaged psychologically and spiritually by these abusive groups. He will be missed but the effect of his work will continue.

Mark Roggeman
Denver, Colorado

I am very deeply saddened to hear of Dr. Martin's untimely death. I grew to admire Paul for his wise counsel when I was running the Leo J. Ryan Education Foundation. He was patient, kind and humble and had a great capacity to extend his love to his fellow human being. I shall never forget him.

Please convey my deepest sympathy to his family and colleagues in their great loss.

Julia Bronder

Dr. Paul Martin will be someone who will be greatly missed.  By me.  I was fortunate enough to be one of his clients last fall at Wellspring before he fell sick and had to be hospitalized.  I knew during the time that I was there that he was not feeling well, but he never complained nor missed a session.

I can honestly say that the two weeks I spent at Wellspring changed my life.  I have not been the same since I left.  Dr. Martin helped me see that I was deceived when I joined a cult, that it was not my fault.  And that I do not have to perform to earn God’s love and acceptance.  As a result I have been experiencing freedom like I never thought possible in this life.

When I received news of his death a couple days ago I just broke down.  And wept and wept.  And I only knew this man for such a short time, but I can’t imagine not seeing him again or how people who have suffered cultic oppression  are supposed to get the help they need to heal without  him and without Wellspring.

I just learned something interesting in my astronomy class that made me think of Dr. Martin.  I learned that the death of certain stars enables the birth of new stars.  Dr. Martin was a shining star that brought light to a lot of people, freeing one mind at a time.  I look forward to seeing the birth of new stars, if you will, and the continued shining of all those who are giving of themselves to free others from the chains of cultic bondage.

Molly Koshatka

Because I haven’t been able to attend recent conferences, I was shocked and am saddened to learn of Paul’s death via Lorna Goldberg’s email this morning. I didn’t know he had been ill. I’ve always particularly admired him... his quiet and generous manner, his warmth, dry humor, wisdom... and his dedication to all those involved with AFF/ICSA’s mission—professionals, ex-members, and families... He was so responsive to me when we met the first time at a Denver conference in the 1990s, at the time when his input was so valuable regarding my personal situation.

Sharon Hamm

I am saddened by this news.

Dr. Martin was a powerful and articulate spokesperson as well as pioneer in the realm of cult awareness.  He made a difference.

Please pass my condolences along to his family and the staff at WellSpring.

Douglas Agustin

This was indeed sad news. He was so brave and did so much.
With kind regards

Barbro Westerholm

 

We are deeply touched by your mail, informing us about the passing away of Dr. Paul Martin.

We will keep him in mind as a highly impressive person, dedicating his abilities to people who are in need. In that way he has done so much to many and I’m quite sure that his seed, which has already started to grow a long time ago, will keep on growing. I guess continuing his work could be the best way of paying him the tribute he deserves. I’m sure that you and your friends and colleagues of the ICSA are following that kind of way and I’m very glad for it.

Thank you for just being like you are!

Sincerely,
German Müller & Sylvia Neuberger
BUNDESSTELLE FÜR SEKTENFRAGEN

So sorry to hear the news of Paul.  I met him in London when he came to talk our ex-member group. Also at the Brussels Conference.

Generously he had offered for me to do an internship at Wellspring as part of my training as a Counsellor - I also intend to work in this field helping those who, as I did, find their lives controlled by a destructive group.

He had a massive influence on me and many others who have had similar experiences. 
Thanks to God for his courage and ability to speak out. He will be sorely missed.

Mary Candler
Lancaster University

I am very sorry to receive this sad news. I met Paul in 1993 at the conference of AIS in Barcelona, and I was impressed by his book Cult Proofing Your Kids, the contents of which I have used in many lectures and I shall use again next time in November 2009 in Sofia, Bulgaria. I saw Paul several times again at various conferences. I have a very good memory of him and it is really sad to loose such a good friend. We will keep his memory in honor.

Best regards
Friedrich Griess

Former President of FECRIS

When I think about Paul Martin many wonderful adjectives come to mind, as other people here have posted. However when I think back on the life of Paul, I also think of him as having been an amazing Trail-blazer and Pioneer. He was not only a cult survivor himself, but also understood from the clinical and educational perspective the tremendous psychological damage done to people in cults back in the day when anyone who got involved with a cult was a 'loser', 'loner', or an 'outsider.' He then went on to help people recover from their cult experiences in a safe retreat setting, and continued to be a life-long advocate for cult survivors. Wellspring had only been around 5 years when I went there in July of 1991, but I sensed even then how rare it was to have a retreat/recovery safe house for me to begin to heal and make sense of my cult experience. So many of us will always be forever grateful for his vision and commitment to create Wellspring, as well as his educational knowledge and expertise he provided in so many other settings.

Paul was a 1-in-a-million kind of person. Totally himself all the time: honest, direct, intelligent and funny -- but always with such never-ending compassion for cult survivors. I will forever reflect on him for the incredibly special contributions he made in his lifetime to this world. We are all so blessed to have known him. Rest in peace, Paul. We will always celebrate your life.

Sincerely,
Sharon Colvin


It’s very sad to hear about the news of Paul Martin. I didn’t know him personally, but reading his profile, I feel and understand his passing away is a great loss for you, Lorna, ICSA, and all ICSA-friends. I send you all my sincere condolences!
If some heaven exist, I hope Paul will continue to help us……

Best regards,

Monique van Heynsbergen
Amsterdam – The Netherlands

I have just received from Lorna Goldberg the sad news of the death of Paul Martin. Paul was a person that I appreciate a lot. I remember his kindness when I came to Wellspring Center with a group of Japanese pastors.

Here in Japan Paul's work has helped many persons to better understand how to help people after they leave cults.  Mr. Yoshida, Mr. Kokai , Ms. Kawazaki all join with me in wishing his wife, Barb, and the rest of Paul's family our deepest condolences.

Sincerely,
Pascal Zivi

We were deeply saddened to learn of Dr. Paul Martin's passing, and the Chinese scholars share the feelings of the people of International Cultic Studies Association. Dr. Martin’s death is not only an imponderable loss to Wellspring Retreat and Resource Center, but also to Cultic Studies in the world. We will miss his extraordinary knowledge and sagacity, his compassionate support of former cult members, and his warm contribution to the spiritual retrieval of human beings. We will never forget the pleasant time with Dr. Martin during our visit to Wellspring and his kindness and care to China. Please convey our sincere condolences to Dr. Martin’s family; we pray for him.

Sincerely yours,

Ms. Cheng Ningning
Mr. Ou Jiancheng
Dr. Wang Wenzhong
Dr. Wang Yusheng
Prof. Xi Wuyi

I am greatly saddened by Paul Martin's passing. What a remarkable man! Paul, along with many other cult experts, such as Carol Giambalvo, Lois Svoboda, Michael Langone, et al, was instrumental in my spiritual and emotional 
healing from a Bible-based cult.

After leaving this cult, I began reading the cult literature and was reassured that my post-cult feelings and issues were normal. I distinctly remember the day that I read an article by Dr. Martin about anger. I was going through that anger stage which was triggering because of the teachings about anger in my cult. My cult leader taught that anger was an indication that you were playing a victim and were not totally surrendered to God. Being a victim was considered the most self-absorbed, self-centered, antichrist attitude that a believer could exhibit. Then I read this passage from a chapter in Recovery from Cults written by Dr. Martin:

 
In coming to grips with what has happened to the ex-cultist, it is quite helpful to employ the victim or trauma model. According to this model, victimization and the resulting distress it causes are due to the shattering of three basic assumptions that the victim held about the world and the self. These assumptions are the belief in personal invulnerability, the perception of the world as meaningful, and the perception of oneself as positive. The former cult member has been traumatized, deceived, conned, used, and often emotionally and mentally abused while serving the group or the leader. Like other victims of such things as criminal acts, war atrocities, rape, and serious illness, ex-cultists often reexperience the painful memories of their group involvement. Trauma also causes many to lose interest in the outside world, feel detached from society, and display limited emotions.

It had only been four months since I had left the cult and I cried and cried. I was amazed at how sensitive I continued to be. (Back then, I thought four months was sufficient time to recover from a cult experience). Dr. Martin's explanation made sense, but the victim label had such a negative connotation for me. It had been drilled in my head by the leader of my cult that to think of myself as a victim was evil. You were not to express any hurt that was felt over someone else's behavior towards you or risk being reprimanded. To think that I was a victim of a cult or religiously abusive group was antithetical to everything that I had come to believe during my years at Trinity Foundation. Dr. Martin's words had a great impact on me and I began to see that the expression of anger was a part of my recovery-the process of taking back control of my life. It was a healthy expression of self-caring. Until I saw that I was in fact a victim, it was difficult to become a survivor.  
 
My husband, Doug, had the opportunity to meet Paul at the Denver ICSA conference in the summer of 2006. I was so envious when he told me, but I had the chance at the next ICSA conference and other conferences to get to 
know Paul. He was such a gentle, unassuming man with a wealth of knowledge. I was so impressed that he had spent most of his career researching cults and operating a residential treatment facility that touched so many lives. Even though he is no longer with us on this earth, I know that his legacy will continue to be instrumental in ex-cultists' healing.
 
Wendy J. Duncan
www.dallascult.com

I am so sorry, but am sure he is very happy where he is now. He has done some great work for those in need....my prayers are sent!
Take care and be safe

We were deeply saddened to learn of Dr. Paul Martin's passing. Chinese scholars send their condolences to the people of International Cultic Studies Association. Dr. Martin’s death is not only an imponderable loss to Wellspring Retreat and Resource Center, but also to Cultic Studies in the world. We will miss his extraordinary knowledge and sagacity, his compassionate support of former cult members, and his warm contributions to the spiritual retrieval of human beings. We will never forget the pleasant time we had with Dr. Martin during our visit to Wellspring in October of 2002 and his kindness and care. Please convey our sincere condolences to Dr. Martin’s family, we pray for him.

At the moment we are looking forward to deepening our mutual understanding and friendship which started from Mr. Rosedale, Dr. Singer, Dr. Martin and as well as Prof. Langone.

Sincerely yours,

Ms. Cheng Ningning, Mr. Ou Jiancheng, Dr. Wang Wenzhong, Dr. Wang Yusheng,

 

I want to convey the deep sadness I feel at the death of Dr Paul Martin.
His life and extraordinary work in helping people understand and heal from the effects of cult involvement is far reaching and will continue through the great legacy he has left, both in his writings and through Wellspring Retreat Centre.

I was privileged to have met Paul Martin in Australia in 1996. The purpose of his visit was to be an expert witness in a cult case.  However whilst here he willingly put aside a day to conduct a workshop for a small but very appreciative group of people who were desperate to gain knowledge and understanding on ways to help people heal from cult involvement.

This was 12 years ago when Cult information and Family Support Group [CIFS] had recently formed in Sydney Australia.  Paul's genuine desire to help, along with his expertise and professional input remains a source of help and inspiration along with the memories I have of a genuine caring and giving person.

To his wife Barb and family I send heartfelt condolences.

Kind Regards

Ros Hodgkins
President CIFS

Paul Martin was a kind, gentle man whose life reflected the best in all of us. Aside from his insights and untiring service to our community, I remember his easy going nature and dry humor. For example, he once openly wondered at an ICSA meeting whether California was still part of the United States, referring to our tendency to be different.

The loss of Paul is a major loss for us all, both professionally and personally. My heart goes out to his family and friends.

Doni Whitsett
 

I first met Paul in 1990 when I stayed at Wellspring after exiting C.U.T. I was the first Jewish client at Wellspring and Paul, Barbara and the entire staff went out of their way to accommodate me in every way. I know that I am so successful today and my recovery from my experience in the cult is largely because of Paul. When I devoted my professional career to educating people about the danger of destructive cults, I was fortunate to work with Paul. The world is a better place because of his contributions to helping former cult members recover from their traumas. He was a kind, devoted, caring, wise man, and I will always be grateful for his help during my time of need.

My prayers are with Barbara and his family at this difficult time. Paul will be missed but never forgotten.

Corey Slavin
Vice President of Fund Development
Los Angeles Jewish Home

For many years I knew Paul Martin as a friend and co-laborer in the area of assisting people affected by destructive cults. Several families I assisted were helped tremendously at Wellspring. Paul's contribution in this area is beyond measure. He raised the bar in professional counseling of individuals who were damaged psychologically and spiritually by these abusive groups. He will be missed, but the effect of his work will continue.

Mark Roggeman
Denver, Colorado


This is an especially sad time.  Paul was a man of fine intellect and gentle wisdom. As a Psychologist his fine professional skills were honed with compassion. He was a courageous man who created a team to guide individuals recovering from an adverse experience of living in a destructive cult.  In Albany, Ohio, he founded and developed the Wellspring Retreat and Resource Centre. Here he lead his professional team qualified to address these issues. He worked long and consistently over the years. He strongly believed that recovery, approach and methods should be based on Research. We can hold his memory by furthering this research in whatever ways are possible.

My sincere condolences to his family.

Daphne Vane

I am so sorry, but am sure he is very happy where he is now. He has done some great work for those in need....my prayers are sent!  Take care and be safe

Mark Dringman

I only had the honor or meeting Dr Paul Martin once. He was such an understanding and caring individual in his professional life. This news deeply saddens me, not only because of the early loss of such a great health care specialist but also because we had not yet had the opportunity to bring our daughter to his care. My family visited him last summer at Wellspring and our brief encounter meant so much to us.

The fact that Dr. Martin he was ill was unknown to me . They say that death can be the end to suffering. I just will never understand why such a wonderful healing man as Dr. Martin should have to be taken from us.

My deepest sympathy,
Barbara Friend

“We Must Be Doggone Crazy”: A to Tribute Paul Martin

Paul and I were contemporaries.  Having both graduated high school in 1964, we had a certain cultural bond.  Our identities were shaped within the same cultural milieu, that of the 1960s.

Our personal backgrounds, however, were very different.  I grew up in a working-class suburb of Boston, a place where the children of immigrants lived when they were “moving on up.”  Paul was the son of a pastor and grew up in Nebraska, a place where people say things like “dang” and “doggone.”  We used more “colorful” exclamations where I grew up.

Paul and I followed very different pathways out of the 1960s and ultimately into what one might loosely call “sanity” or “maturity.”  I say “loosely” because on more than one occasion, when we were discussing our cult work, Paul blurted out, “Michael, we must be doggone crazy!”  To which I usually replied something to the effect of, “Yeah, Paul, we’re "bleeping" nuts.”

In order to pay proper tribute to Paul, I think we must ask, “In what way was Paul doggone crazy?”

We must begin with a bit of philosophizing.

I’m fond of quoting an anecdote from the work of historian Will Durant because it captures so succinctly an attitude toward life that contributed, paradoxically, to the emotionalism of the 1960s.  This attitude was not dominant in the culture at large, but it was fairly common in the academy, where so many of us began to forge our identities.  Durant quoted the epitaph on the tombstone of an ancient Roman, probably a stoic.  The translation from Latin read: “I was not.  I was.  I am not. I care not.”  Such a meek acceptance of the Void!  Certainly not something that the happy children of World War II’s scarred veterans could embrace.  No, we of the 60s generation turned to the fashionable existentialists, who proclaimed with passion: “Man makes his own meaning!”  And so the 60s bloom began.  Every “bleeping” meaning imaginable came out of or had its roots in the 60s: Revolution! Turn on, Tune in, Drop out! He who dies with the most toys wins! Get It! And, of course, the cultic version of “Jesus saves!”

Paul went in the “Jesus saves” direction and wound up in a cult.  I think he realized that the existentialists didn’t really improve that much on the Roman stoic.  The former’s epitaph would have read:  “I was not.  I protested. I am not.  I care not.”  As a child of the 60s, Paul wanted that extra something that we 60s seekers thought was our birthright.  He eloquently called it “the buzz,” the “high” that so many of the Jesus cults delivered to those who wanted more emotion on their epitaphs than the stoics or existentialists could deliver.

Fortunately, Paul wasn’t in a group that pulled him completely out of the world.  He was able to continue his education well beyond his B.A.  Before he ultimately obtained his counseling doctorate, he got degrees in experimental psychology and humanities, with a bit of seminary training.  He even worked in psychopharmacology for a while. Huh?  We already begin to see the incipient craziness that would serve him so well in the cult field!  Paul was a scientist, and he was a humanitarian. He resisted the pigeon-holing specialization that makes adaptation to academia so much easier.  He was headed for a road less traveled.

During graduate school Paul read Robert J. Lifton’s, Thought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism.  For Paul, this was a turning point.  Lifton’s book launched him on the journey out of the cult.  I wasn’t there, but I’ll bet that at some point or other Paul said, “Dang, I’m in cult!”

Paul left the cult.  He gave up the “buzz.”  He could have become disillusioned with religion. But he didn’t. Instead, he went deeper into his Christian faith and established a more mature and humble relationship with God.

After the cult, Paul could have used his intellectual gifts to forge a career that would have brought him profit, prestige, comfort, and security.  Instead, he founded a residential rehabilitation center for ex-cultists in the boonies of Ohio.  Another sign of craziness!  Surely, as every “normal” person would agree, such an endeavor could never succeed.

But it did succeed.  It succeeded because of the skill and “crazy” dedication of Paul Martin.

God only knows, it was difficult—especially in the early years.  The easy part was setting up and implementing a unique treatment program that has been shown to be effective by a mountain of research data, which Paul was the first in this field to collect.

The hard part was raising the money.  It takes a lot of money to keep a residential facility going.

I’ve often likened fund-raising in this field to growing tomatoes in the desert—without a nearby river to feed irrigation canals.  Where do you get the water?  Wells.  So you dig and dig and dig.  And when the wells dry up, you dig again and again and again.

Paul did a LOT of digging—while he did everything else.  I think he got blisters on his soul.  Sometimes, as we shared “war stories,” he would realize for a moment how much this work took out of him.  That’s when he’d say, “Michael, we must be doggone crazy!”  But Paul never stopped.  And he never gave up.  There were too many hurting ex-cult members, to whom he ministered one after the other—more than 1,000 in total.

It was hard work.  It was frustrating work.  And it was painful work.  He didn’t do it because it was “fun,” or because the world applauded (on the contrary, he always had to worry about being sued by cults), or because it gave him a “buzz.”  He did it because he was there, and it was the right thing to do.

If Paul could respond to me now, he might pause, thrust his jaw forward, and drawl:  “You know, Michael, those guys – the stoics and existentialists – they are the ones who are doggone crazy!  They got my epitaph ALL WRONG!  Mine is the epitaph of all who try to do what is right: ‘I was not.  I was created.  With faith, hope, and charity, I did my duty.  I died.  I am.’”

I think you’re right, Paul.  But of one thing I am quite certain: you are remembered.

 Michael Langone

With major concern and sorrow I have heard about the passing of Dr. Paul Martin. I had a chance to get to know him during my internship at Wellspring Retreat and Resource center in Albany OH in 1999 and 2000.

I respect him as a person of integrity, who with much concern, kindness, and competence has served those who have been severely damaged by cults. I believe that his insight and input in the field of training others for so many years is something that deserves to be honored, respected, and valued in a special way. The atmosphere at Wellspring, as well as the contents taught, have influenced me in my own counseling work with spiritual abuse survivors in Germany and other nations in Europe.

Wholeheartedly, I'd like to honor him for his contribution to supporting cult survivors in so many ways and I join you in wishing his family my deepest condolences.

Sincerely,

Inge Tempelmann

I was devastated to learn that Dr. Paul Martin had lost his heroic battle. I had somehow thought he would pull through. I regard Paul (and his family) as my dear friends. I first saw him speak at the Chicago Conference in 1998 and was so drawn to him because he freely expressed his anger at the injustices and abuses that so many of us as ex-members have had to face. In 1999 I sent my dissertation to him which was entitled ‘What Does A Pastoral Counsellor Need To Know About Cults And Ex-Cult Members To Be An Effective Helper?’ and asked if I could be an Intern at Wellspring. He was responsive to me (as he was with so many of us) and I went for four weeks in the summer of 1999. I made a journal of my time there and learned so very much and base so much of the work I do now with XMs from that time shadowing Paul and Ron Burks. I had the honour of returning to Wellspring summer 2008 for a visit. I have sometimes called Paul for supervision and have had the benefit of his advice as I have worked to find ways to move my practice with XMs forward here in UK. He generously offered his advice and extensive wisdom and I am so very glad I had the opportunity to know him. He always said he would die with his boots on and he did. I wish to continue the work he started in any way I can from across the pond! I have set up a Charity called ‘EnCourage Survivors of Cults and Abuse’ to support ex-members in their recovery process and it is named EnCourage because of the encouragement Paul and Wellspring have given to me.

With great sadness,

Gillie Jenkinson

Hope Valley Counselling Limited, UK

Having just returned from vacation, I have heard the sad news of Paul's death.  I am so sorry that Paul has been taken from us.  What a tragedy it is for him, his family, Wellspring, ex-cult members and the cult specialist field, where his loss is so enormous. 

As a colleague in the field, I was able to witness the immeasurable benefits offered by Paul and his Wellspring staff to ex-cult members and their families.  I also had the privilege of meeting Paul on several occasions at conferences over the years.  Whatever struggles he might have faced, he seemed to continue to operate with great integrity, dignity and love.  Paul was a kind, gentle, thoughtful man and a great ambassador for the field of cult awareness.

Whilst I can receive comfort from knowing that Paul will no longer be suffering, I am still very upset that he has been torn from us at such a young age.  He will be greatly missed.  My heart goes out to his wife Barbara, his family and the staff at Wellspring.  I am so very sorry for your great loss that is our loss too.

Sincerely,

Ian Haworth

Cult Information Centre,
BCM CULTS,
London, U.K.

We are back to work from holiday.

We are very sad receiving the news of the death of Dr. Paul Martin.

Please accept our condolences and express our sympathy to his wife and family.

For the Pancypian Parents Union,
The President, the Board of Directors, the Secretariat, and Friends of the Union,
Sotia Pericleous
Cyprus
 

It was with great sadness I read your letter. The family of Dr. Paul Martin, yourself and all his collegues and friends have all my deep condolences.

Dr. Paul Martin was here in Sweden in 1995 for a lecture at the University of Stockholm, and I met him on one occasion for an interview. I published his talk in Dagens Nyheter, DN, the largest newspaper in Sweden. The article was very positively received and the reason why I got interested in the subject of "sects" or "cults."  Dr. Martin also confirmed that children in cults - my primary writing about sects - was a very unknown area at this time.

This is 14 years ago, but I am very grateful that he was the first person I talked to concerning children in cults, since very few professional people in Sweden - if any - had his knowledge!

Again, I send my condolences.

Sincerely,

Charlotte Essén

Two weeks ago, I was driving down the motorway feeling very down. It came to my mind that a great cloud of witnesses was cheering me on in this life. And then I thought of Paul, who, having left this earth and gone to a much better place, would be especially encouraging me to keep going. Knowing that Paul had such a passion for those who have been hurt by cults and knowing that he was and is cheering me on is especially meaningful. I am glad that, some years ago at Wellspring, Paul made the time to talk to me, bringing me peace at a time when I had been lacking it. Paul’s compassion and understanding of those wounded by unscrupulous spiritual leaders,  alongside his determination to make a difference, was and still is inspirational.

Anonymous

Dear Dr. Martin & Loved Ones,

Though I never met you. I have a great deal of respect for you. It is voices like yours that create new paths and open new doors for those who can't do it alone. God gave you life's most precious gift: love and compassion for others. Putting judgment aside; realizing we are all only human; teaching others to love and forgive themselves. You acted as a guardian angel in life, as I'm certain you are now on the other side. Your spirit and legacy lives on. Your bravery, passion, and insight will continue to inspire victims to share their stories for years to come. Thank you for dedicating so many years thinking about others and never giving up on your vision.

I want you to know that I am currently writing my first book, sharing my life story from a stressed childhood to occult and then falling prey to an abusive relationship. I'm showcasing the similarities between brainwashing in both domestic abuse and occults. I hope that telling my graphic, detailed story, it will be an eye opener for many others. It is a painful struggle - mentally, emotionally, and financially. After visiting your website and seeing the U-tube clips I was encouraged to continue jumping the many hurdles still in my way.

God Bless,
A. Maryjane
Survivor, Word of Faith N.C

 

Reflections from reFOCUS

Both in my personal life and for reFOCUS, how saddened I am by the loss of Dr. Paul Martin. On a personal level, I remember meeting Paul and his lovely wife, Barb, at the first CAN conference they attended. It wasn’t long after that he launched Wellspring Retreat and Resource Center and opened the doors to former members of cultic groups, most of whom at that time had been recently exit counseled. Many of my own clients attended there and it was so rewarding to be able to both refer clients and, a few times, go to the facility with them.

Paul's work with former members is immeasurable. He has touched many lives and truly made a difference in them. Paul’s work in the research field contributed much-needed data and information to the field. When he presented his model of the Overview of the Recovery Process at the early AFF (American Family Foundation, now named International Cultic Studies Association) recovery workshops, it was his work that I continue to present, with minor additions, at the current recovery workshops. Paul was relentless at giving, gentle and humble in spirit, sharp in mind, slow and careful in speech, and irreplaceable. He has touched my life, affected my work and I will sorely miss him. My heartfelt sympathies go out to his precious family.

Carol Giambalvo



Here are my thoughts about Paul. He stayed the course through tough times, he didn't pack-up and move on to other work. He respected the need to do research and worked with many people from all over the world to complete clinical studies. He earned the respect of the academic community but still focused on connecting with individual clients and getting them personal treatment. He didn't let his health concerns overwhelm him. He held strong beliefs but never pushed them on his clients.

He will be missed by the recovery community.

Let me take this opportunity to express my thanks for your tireless efforts on behalf of those who have been abused!

John



My name is Jenny Hunter. I am proud to have known Paul Martin. My life was saved by the work he began at Wellspring. I was in a cult for 12 years, the “International Churches of Christ."

I left in 2004 at the age of 33 with 2 young children. Within a year I ended up at Wellspring because although I had a job and a great support system, etc., I was falling apart inside.

Wellspring saved my life. I will never forget the workshop session Paul did one day for me and the two other ex members.

I was so inspired by what he did at Wellspring it inspired me to start a non profit of my own and I have mostly raised money that has helped people go to Wellspring.

When I found out about his death...I felt very sad and empty. Somehow it seemed lonely to think he was no longer on this earth with us.

What he has left, those he has helped directly and indirectly will honor his name for a very long time. I know his work will continue in the professionals he has inspired to continue caring for ex cult members and the ex members who work silently to help others.

Thank you Paul.



Once when I visited Wellspring, Paul took us on a tour of the facilities and showed us the doorknobs on the rooms. He said, “See, the locks are on the inside of the door, not the outside (e.g., residents could leave whenever they wanted. They were not held against their wills, as some had alleged). He also described the time at Wellspring as “burning both ends of the candle” in order to help residents find their own solution. Paul was compassionate, forward looking, and practical. He has been a role-model and inspiration to me.

Anonymous



I never met Dr. Martin, and never went to Wellspring, but I did speak with Dr. Ron Burke at Wellspring at the beginning of my journey out of the cult in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Both my conversation (at no charge to me) and the material on the Wellspring website were invaluable. Without them, I would still be stuck at the beginning of the road. I am deeply grateful to Dr. Martin and to Wellspring. My prayers are with his family and the staff of Wellspring. And blessings to you and the reFOCUS folks too - believe me, your work is extremely necessary in the world right now.

Best Regards, Sally



Dear Friends:

My tears and prayers are with you. Dr. Paul Martin ministered greatly to me. I am very thankful for the blessing of his life.

Love, Elizabeth



I knew Paul personally through his former group involvement. I had the privilege of being part of his recovery workshops for former cult members. His wisdom, experience, strength and hope, and dry sense of humor were inspiring.

He was an elder in the same group that Tammy and I were in. He helped me sort out of the loss and the grief I was suffering in the early years of my recovery.

I had the honor of being a member of a church who left its shepherding roots. In a private conversation with the pastor, it was revealed that Paul officiated their wedding. That a small world.

I know there are other forum members who were personally helped by Wellspring. Please remember the family and those in the cult recovery community who are saddened by his passing.

Ex-shep
http://www.christianrecovery.com
 

I never met Paul Martin but appreciated the Six Myths (They were GREAT!) and ordered something of his from Amazon.com. Best regards from Christine
 

Paul was kind, sensitive, tolerant, thoughtful, insightful, a good friend, fierce when he needed to be, and true to our cause. He did so much for so many. His contributions will not be forgotten and he will be sorely missed.

Janja Lalich, Ph.D.
Chico, California

 

Paul was one of the most gentle men I ever met. He cradled my soul until it could stand on it's own. I will miss you, Friend. Until we meet again-

JS. Texas.



Hi, all - such sad news. I very much enjoyed hearing from Paul during some of the Philly sessions. The work at Wellspring made such a difference to so many. It's unfortunate that people who do great work with such commitment face such obstacles in life. Thank you for letting us know what happened.

Patti



It was a privilege and an honor to have known and worked with Dr. Paul Martin. He was able to blend his own life experiences, his training, and his love for people to assist them through difficult times and bring them to a point where they were able to rediscover their uniqueness and value.

I had the opportunity to be there with Dr. Martin and his staff at the beginning of Wellspring. The Center filled a void for those who wanted to sort through their experiences and its impact on their lives while exploring their spirituality in a safe and loving environment if they chose.

Dr. Martin was respected for his academics, his research, and his support for those that were victims of totalitarian situations and groups. All those that knew him and had the pleasure to work with him will sorely miss him.

My condolences go out to his family and staff whom he leaves behind and I know that he will hear the words that he longed to hear: Well done you good and faithful servant.

Rand Burkey



I will leave that for those who knew him, but I DO want to express my sympathy to you...I know he was very special to you. I am so sorry for your loss. If you need anything, I am an e-mail away.

Though I did not know him, I feel very grateful for the impact he had in helping people find "themselves" after leaving cults. It sounds like he was a wonderful man. My husband and I took a drive to the Albany/Athens area last weekend and my heart was heavy, thinking about him and his family going through such a difficult time. I am sad that I did not get the chance to meet Paul, but I know I will "get to know him" through those he had relationships with and those he helped. I respect him for living his passion and for making such a positive difference.

Linda



My memory of Paul Martin was he was one of the first people I chatted with at my First national conference (CAN) many years ago. Since then we talked about many topics including tips on clients we both had. I had referred many clients to Wellspring over the years and always got positive feedback from them. Paul Martin will be sorely missed.

Hal Mansfield



I was shocked to hear of Paul's passing. That must have been sudden.

I knew Paul and several Wellspring staff members quite well.

I lost a friend to Great Commission in 1984. Paul helped me sort out my cult involvement and the loss of Chrissa.

In another small world connection, I was involved in a Great Commission church in Texas which went through so many reforms that they eventually ended leaving GC. When Paul was an elder in the then Blitz Movement, he presided over the wedding of who was later to be the senior pastor of Grace Community Church in Plano TX. I was a member at Grace 2005-2007.

My fondest memory was Paul speaking at the FOCUS pre-conference in Oklahoma City. His wit and wisdom was inspiring.

No doubt he will be missed. I did forward your announcement to the forum of  spiritual abuse.com. There are several forum members who knew Paul personally through Wellspring. Thank you for letting me know.

Mark



This is such a shock to me! I went to Wellspring as an inpatient for 2 weeks in 2001--they saved my life. I was hoping for an opportunity to speak to him again someday.

EL



I am so saddened to learn of Paul Martin's death. I know he had struggled with serious health issues for some time. We have lost a very important contributor to the entire field. Not only was he a former member himself, but went on to become a psychologist, did expert witness work, and of course opened and ran Wellspring, which I sent clients to for many, many years.

The last time I spoke at length with Paul was at the ICSA conference in Philadelphia in '08 when we renewed our connection of some 30 years. We spoke of our many decade parallel journey in the field of raising awareness about destructive mind control relationships and groups. We also discussed how tragic it is that there is so much unfortunate politics, cliques and undercutting of people in the underfunded cult awareness field who are just trying to help. He too wished we could put any of our petty differences aside and focus on the big picture- helping people who need help, and raising awareness, so that we can help alleviate human suffering and avert further tragedies.

I truly hope that Paul's contributions will be recognized and that more can be done to provide options for people who have been through a devastating mind control experience can have the option to go and heal. With the announced closing of Wellspring, that leaves only Bob and Judy Pardon's Meadowhaven, for now. It is so sad that with the cult problem being bigger than ever, there are fewer resources available.

No one lives forever, but Paul died way too young. He will be missed.

Steve Hassan


Dr. Martin made an immense and lasting contribution toward helping Christians who have suffered at the hands of cultic churches. His article “Dispelling the Myths” is the best resource for pastors and counselors on the issues involved. The film “Join Us”, which has just come out on DVD, will be of inestimable value. As Dr. Martin described many times, his own cult involvement took a huge toll on his health, and yet he spent himself unreservedly in the fight against cultism. We will benefit from his labors for years to come.

Margaret Irons, Editor http://geftakysassembly.com/

It’s so sad to hear that we have lost another icon in the cult recovery field. Paul Martin has left us but his work will live on. It will be up to us to carry on.

Paul had tremendous compassion for cult survivors. Being one himself made him acutely aware of the diverse needs of this population. So he became a psychologist and studied the field as a researcher, then listened to our suffering as a psychotherapist and eventually created Wellspring so we had a safe place to go to begin to heal. No one has covered the bases of education, support, therapy and residential treatment as completely as Paul. His gentleness, determination, wisdom and relentless persistence will be sorely missed.

On a more personal level I am so very grateful to Paul for studying Kashi Ranch, my former cult, and making statements to the press like: “Kashi has all of the makings of a quintessential cult” and “the members scored the highest Martin has ever seen on a psychological test designed to measure psychological abuse.” It takes courage and credibility to pull this off and Paul did it well.

I was lucky enough to meet Paul on a couple of occasions, one of them being at Wellspring. His organization saved my sanity and through Wellspring I healed my life. I will be eternally grateful for the help that I received thanks to his example. I met him recently at a cult education seminar and I wish now that I had told him what an amazing person he is and how grateful I am that he started Wellspring. Unfortunately I was far too shy and I think he probably wouldn't have accepted the compliment anyway as he was such a humble person.

I am just so sad that an angel such as Paul has been taken so unfairly, but confident that he is in a better place. I send all my love to the family and close friends and I am truly sorry for their loss.

Deepest sympathy

Katie

Dr. Paul Martin was so well-versed in cult manipulation and abuse that I was truly amazed.  When I arrived at Wellspring, I had no idea of what I had gone through and how it had affected my life.  I did not know what it meant to be brainwashed.  And when I left I felt relieved of not only revealing the "secrets" I had been keeping from the world for so long, but now I saw them in a new light, and I saw myself in a new way as well.  I was given permission to be upset with my abusers and feel angry.  I could now own my thoughts, feelings, and doubts.  He gave me a new beginning by teaching me about mind control and cultic relationships.  He listened with a kind heart and showed me how strong I had been in the face of opposition. 

Karen Young

Thank you for letting me know about Paul Martin's death. I was a client at Wellspring in 2004, and had received a letter from them a few months ago letting me know of his illness and that he was in treatment for it. But what a shock!! And what a sad loss.  I am so sorry to hear this. Wellspring was a really helpful place for me, and is for so many others.

I was recruited into a cult by both a psychology teacher and a school counselor at the time that I disclosed childhood sexual abuse for the first time. It was to say the least, a very vulnerable time for me and I was taken advantage of for sure!! Wellspring really helped in my recovery, as did the Cult Awareness Network conferences that I attended back in 1993 and 1994 where I had heard of Wellspring. I never thought I would use their services though because I thought cults were where people lived together and I did not live with the "counselors" who exploited me. I also never thought I would use their services because the abusers were still "in my head" keeping me from reaching out for any kind of help again.

I really hope the people involved with Wellspring will be able to keep it open and going. And the need still exists as is evidenced by the recent case of the missing girl who has now been found 18 years later!! And she was taken by a predator who had "weird" religious beliefs, has now two kids by him, one of which when she was 14, and this guy had been previously in prison for rape among other things. This girl (now woman), along with her family is going to need help, the kind of help that Wellspring provides, which can not only educate her on why she bonded with this creep, but how she can exit that thinking process and be able to move forward with her life.

Thank you for this opportunity to honor Dr. Paul Martin. I am so grateful that he founded a place like Wellspring that not only has helped me, but has helped so many other people.

Elizabeth Fleischer

It was my first CAN (the original Cult Awareness Network) conference. In my confused state of mind, I gravitated to the ex-member session presented by Dr. Paul Martin. Clearly, I remember that being the first time that anyone had spoken with any sense about what had happened to me during the previous 10 years. I sat in silence, shock and relief as I listened to Dr. Martin's explanations of cults, mind control, and recovery. His presentation that day impacted my life greatly. His presentations over the years have re-affirmed my understanding of my cult and deprogramming experiences. His work allowed me to make sense out of chaos, and to take steps forward into a freer life. I will miss him greatly.

Ginger Zyskowski

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