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I Was Recruited on Campus Into a Cult

In this episode, Sarah shares her harrowing journey from a newcomer seeking community to a survivor of a highly controlling campus ministry. Her story reveals how a desire for belonging can be exploited, and how spiritual authority can be twisted into a tool for manipulation and abuse.
Sarah recounts her experience with Chi Alpha at Murray State, a campus ministry led by Mark, who used fear and manipulation to enforce obedience. She describes how the group isolated members from family and friends, controlled major life decisions, and demanded unquestioning loyalty. The situation escalated when Sarah became pregnant from an assault; Mark accused her of having the devil, forced her to recant her story, and drove her to an out-of-state clinic for an abortion. Leaving the group was difficult, but excommunication ultimately gave her clarity to heal. Sarah now finds purpose in helping others, using her story to warn against high-control groups and encourage survivors to trust their instincts.
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Mark accused her of having the devil and told her to get rid of the baby.
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27:39
The initial sense of belonging made it hard to leave.
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37:07
He used my assault to shame and control me.
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51:46
He drove her six hours and watched the procedure.
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1:00:01
Mind control makes members believe their choices are their own.
1:17:16
1:17:16
Life improves and survivors deserve happiness.