Response to Criticism
In response to the Dallas Observer’s recent article misrepresenting our church community, we’ve created this page as a space for those who know Homestead Heritage firsthand to share their own experiences. Since the journalist neither spoke with current members nor accepted our open invitation to visit and see our life for herself, it seemed only fair to give voice to those who are actually living the daily reality of faith, family, and fellowship among us.
Antagonistic former members have sought out numerous platforms and media venues for their stories. This is a place for current members and friends to give their side. Please understand that we can’t accommodate anonymous posts here, due to trolls posing as members.
Homestead Heritage remains committed to Christian reconciliation and peace wherever possible. Please see our public letter to former members.
I am not a member of Homestead Heritage, but I have experienced nothing but love from the brothers and sisters here in the Community. Me and my husband moved to Waco from Las Cruces, New Mexico. We had to come to two of the conferences before moving here, and when we experienced a graduation here in the community is when we truly fell in love with homestead heritage. My husband and I both graduated from high school feeling like we had no future. I was homeschooled as well and the kids of Homestead Heritage have an amazing homeschool experience that I’m jealous of. They get to go to a graduation that they know they earned, and not only did they earn it but when they finish their capstone project, it’s obvious they have a passion and a direction for their life after school. I wish I could’ve had that direction in my life.
Like I mentioned earlier, My husband and I had only come to two conferences before deciding to move here. We were living in Las Cruces, New Mexico, both of us with no direction and no good job. I was working as a part-time barn, safety manager for a girls horse camp and my husband was working as a personal trainer. The first time we came was for a mini conference in October 2023, that is when we experienced a graduation as well. It was immediately apparent that this group of people love each other and their kids in a way that was different from anything else we had seen. My husband and I had just gotten engaged at the time and after the graduation knew that that was what we wanted for our kids. But we went back and continued to work towards getting married and starting a life together. When my parents Invited us to come to the Exodus conference in May the following year, we were so excited to go. We knew that Las Cruces was not the place we were meant to stay. When I experienced the teachings, the love, the support, and the truth, I knew that we needed to move to Waco. On our way back to Las Cruces I told my husband how I felt about it and found out he felt the same way, that he had been feeling this way before we even went to the conference. We never once felt like we were being forced or coerced into loving the community or wanting to be part of it. Just seeing the fruit of their lives and their love is what brought us here. Once we had moved we were immediately welcomed and even though we aren’t a part of the community, my husband was offered a job very quickly after we moved and was given an opportunity to do something that he had never done before. And I was also offered a job as a bookkeeper, which is something I had never done before, but I was given the trust and opportunity before the owner ever even knew me. Not only that but my parents had some friends who didn’t really know us that helped us find a house to live in, and the night we got here told us not to worry about unpacking that they would help us the next morning. Sure enough at 8 AM the next morning there were eight guys their ready to help. It was such a blessing after coming to this new place and surrounded by new people, we were still showed this kind of love.
I didn’t know any of the ex members who are spreading these lies about Homestead heritage, but I can’t imagine how the people who treated us, non-members, with nothing but love could have treated anyone as terribly as these ex members are saying. Every man, woman and child that we have met in this community so far have been the happiest, most joyful, loving, compassionate people we have met. I don’t know a single child that is not loved and cared for. I just hope and pray that you as the editor will read some of these responses and realize that the people of Homestead have a voice too, and that they deserve to be heard. Come and experience the love and the care before judging them as harshly as you are.
Also, as a side note, I did not personally know Brother Blair, but from everything I’ve heard he was a wonderful man and had nothing but love for those around him. We have not once felt like anyone in this community has worshiped him or treated him as more than just a man of God. My husband and I moved here to follow God and we have not seen anyone worshiping anyone other than our Almighty God. It is disgraceful to try to ruin the name of a man who has passed, and who spent his life loving others.
Sincerely, Nielle Estep
I was shocked and disturbed, as well as at times very amused, by the article that was written about Homestead Heritage. Thank you for taking the time to read and consider my experience of the homestead community.
When I look at my life and the abundant blessings I am surrounded with— three beautiful children, an amazing husband, friendships that span my entire life, and a beautiful home on 20 acres— I cannot attribute it to my own hard work or good luck. I know that the decision my parents made to raise my siblings and me in this robust church community is the reason my life is so abundant today.
My parents joined this church community eight years before I was born. My dad served as a minister for nearly twenty years. When I was eleven, he decided to leave our church. It was always made abundantly clear to me that I could choose whatever lifestyle I wished. As a teenager, I was free to date whomever I wished. I was free to do as I liked, but every weekend, I would beg my parents to let me make the two-hour trip from our home in Austin to the Homestead Café, where I had been asked to work and where I would spend the next 10 years working as a waitress. I was paid well for my service and purchased my first car with cash. The love and support I was surrounded with there was not anything I could find anywhere else. I was never schooled on how to appropriately answer our customers.
When I was 22, apart from any outside persuasion, I decided to become a member of this community. I will never be convinced that my life would have been better had I not made that choice. I have never once regretted that decision. I have three brothers that have chosen not to be a part of this community and we all celebrate holidays and birthdays together.
Ten years ago my dad rejoined this community. Two days before my dad lost his struggle with cancer Brother Blair, who was fighting his own battle with cancer, came to sit with my dad. He bent down and held my dad‘s hand in his own saying “Buddy we are in this together now aren’t we?”
I joined a group of young people that sang and visited with residents from different local nursing homes and there I got to know my husband. He was my best friend and I fell in love with him. We will celebrate nine wonderful years together this July!
We are jointly responsible for our household finances and we have chosen to give 10% of our income to our church, which I believe is a common practice in most churches. We have never once considered that the church community was responsible for dictating the wages we earn or the success or failure of our personal finances.
While I sympathize with those who (say they) have not enjoyed the positive experience with the Homestead community like I have, and I will admit that as in any church community, no one is perfect. I also feel that those of us who have built a life of service and love for one another, should be heard as well.
Sincerely, Anna Beckworth
Fast-forward I'm about 17 or 18 and COVID hits the US. I got very sick, my whole family was quarantined, and I was already struggling with depression and feeling worthless and other teenage stuff and trying to keep it all under wraps because I didn't want anyone to know that I was struggling with all this stuff. There are quite a few ladies in particular I can think of right now from Homestead who during this time in my life would pull me aside every time they saw me and just give me a hug or encourage me that God had good plans for my life and they were on my side and loved me and wanted to help me anyway they could, basically just trying to give me hope. One sweet lady had me for dinner one night at her house and her husband and me and her got to praying about a personal family situation that was really bothering me. I guess I finally reached out for help from them and they pointed me to God. I met Jesus that night and found peace and hope, and it has totally changed my life. That is why I decided I wanted to be baptized and live my life here with these people. Not because anyone told me too, but because I fell in love with Jesus and I wanted to be like the people who helped me find Him that I see here. I find so much meaning and purpose and worth in giving hope to other depressed teenagers the same way I found it. God is pretty awesome. It's like he's turned my biggest mistakes into something I can turn and tell someone else I know how you feel. I've been there and there's hope. That's pretty cool if you ask me. I never knew I could have friends like I have here at homestead, and I wish everyone could have that. Here I have people I can go celebrate with when life is great, or ask for help and get conflicts resolved whenever something goes wrong.
No judgment, I don't really know any of the people involved in the article, so I don't really know what to make of all those creepy stories. Would I still be here if that's what it was like to live here? Definitely not. So I thought I'd share a little bit of personal experience because it's so radically different than what I found in the paper. I actually love my life here, that's why I'm here. I have two legs, a car, a bank account, I could move on if I wanted to and be perfectly fine, but I want to be here. As far as my clothes go, I am aware that I don't look like your average American young lady these days, that's an intentional decision I made about my life and I would love to continue to be free to make. It's sort of funny to me that some people see me in a dress and assume I'm a poor oppressed woman. Folks, I seriously bought the dress because I thought it was cute, put it on this morning because it's an easy outfit and didn't need to be ironed and went to work. Are we really that different? I get funny questions from strangers about the way I dress sometimes, that seriously doesn't bother me, it's my life and my choice obviously. I'm not always the best fashion designer, so if I have a question about if what I'm wearing looks nice together or not I can always ask a couple of friends who I think generally look nice. I never knew that was a bad thing? As far as the part of the story about six guys calling some girls dad because her dress wasn't modest enough, I've never experienced anything like that. And I've been here for several years now and worn all types of things, trust me there! I also thought it was kind of absurd the story in the paper about how it's supposedly really looked down upon if you feel like pursuing higher education after high school, I have a little sister who's barely 18 and she works with me at the coffee shop at the same time as she studies medicine to be a nurse. I'm pretty sure everyone she's talked to about it at all here is rooting for her and super excited that it's what she wants to do with her life? Not sure what that was about… And the note about sports in the article struck me funny as well, my dad actually is pretty well known in the Waco area for running in triathlons and marathons and pacing or volunteering in all types of little races to do with Iron Man and Iron Kids and such. My little sisters and brothers go along all the time. They love it. It's not really my thing, but they have so many medals and they're really proud of what they do. As far as what I read in your article about women not really having a voice and being put down here, I have not found that to be the case. My dad always reminds me how being young and being a lady are two of the best things God gave me. My boss at work is always reminding the guys I work with to treat us girls respectfully and reminding us how much we're needed and appreciated in whatever we're doing. As a young lady I have had people try to take advantage of me or put me down, we live in a pretty crazy world these days. But I feel like at homestead I have so many allies. I seriously have someone to turn to around every corner who I trust and comes to my aid when something goes wrong. Please write back and correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems like there's this general idea surrounding this article that if somebody like me challenges something that say a parent/pastor/boss or somebody like that says then you're in big trouble. Well, if I don't agree with something, for instance my boss says, we both make time to go talk it out and get on the same page and see each other's point of view. That's what we're all about. I'm actually a lot happier than I was before I started living this way. It can be tough, but it's much easier to talk these things out than to let it bother you and get all bottled up on the inside. I've tried living both ways. Well, sorry that was so long, I really think you would like it if you got a chance to come out and spend some time with us. Feel free to ask me some questions if you'd like! I'd love to chat.
All the best, -Havah Van Ness
My name is Cassidy Wolf, and I’m from Chihuahua, Mexico. While I am not a member of the Homestead Heritage community, I feel compelled to share my personal experience in response to the recent article, which I found to be deeply offensive—even as someone outside the community.
In November of 2024, I made the decision to visit and stay with members of Homestead Heritage. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with genuine warmth and hospitality. I moved in with Seth and Catherine Dumont, who opened their home to me with open arms. During my stay, I attended church services and youth gatherings, participated in community activities, and truly immersed myself in the daily life of the people here.
There have been many evenings and late nights spent around the dinner table enjoying home-cooked meals, or in the living room cozied up with blankets, where I felt completely comfortable asking questions—lots of them. I asked about Homestead itself, why they choose to homeschool, why fellowship and volunteer work are so important to them, and many more things that naturally arose from curiosity. Every answer I received was honest, clear, and straightforward. Never once did I feel dismissed or misled.
Not once during my time here did I feel judged. No one ever imposed a dress code on me. At every turn, I was met with kindness, openness, and acceptance. The friendships I’ve built here are ones I know will last a lifetime. These people have shown me what real friendship looks like, what it means to live a life devoted to Christ, and how to bring value and meaning to the lives of others.
Although Homestead Heritage is very different from the life I know back home, my experience has been nothing but eye-opening, enriching, and overwhelmingly positive. I will carry what I’ve learned and the love I’ve felt here with me forever.
Sincerely,
Cassidy Wolf
Re: “They Who Have Been Exiled”
I gave my life to Jesus and joined the Heritage church family 30+ years ago and never once regretted it. As a missionary and minister of the gospel, your story grieved me. I grieve…
…for the collapse of Christian culture in America, to the point that Texas readers are expected to readily accept that confession, purity, total faith, avoiding drunkenness, conforming one’s personality to Christ’s, charismatic preaching, parental responsibility in education, tithing to your local church, traditional gender roles, women choosing to be homemakers, upholding modesty standards, encouraging prayer about marriage, and making Christmas about Jesus are all warning signs of a “sinister cult.”
…for the former members whose subjective opinions and unsubstantiated allegations comprise this story. I knew them all, I love who they’re meant to be, and I fear that healing for their cognitive dissonance will not be furthered by embellishing their personal drama in the media.
…for the young author, who was sold a bleeding-victim storyline but apparently never engaged her subject enough to realize she completely missed the other side of the story. I hope someday she’ll learn that hearsay and opinions—with no documentable evidence for defamatory claims like death threats, child abuse, and ego-maniacal exploitation—do not constitute responsible, ethical journalism.
…for the men, women, and children who were given no voice while the traditional faith culture they cherish is maligned by family members and former friends they still deeply love.
Lord Jesus, in times of betrayal and false report, give us courage to live up to the high standards of Your word.
“When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly. We have become the scum of the earth, the garbage of the world—right up to this moment.” 1 Cor. 4:12-13
“These men cannot prove the things they accuse me of doing. But I admit that I follow the Way, which they call a cult.” Acts 24:13
Dan Lancaster
As I grew older, I longed for a deeper relationship with God and His people. That first time we visited a Homestead community, I wrote a thank you note and said that I’d never seen people who truly esteemed others above themselves as I saw there.
We joined ourselves to this people - 37 years ago. Whenever I moved from one house to another, my home would be filled with fellow members, helping to pack and clean. When I was sick, and when I had extensive dental work, people volunteered to bring meals to us. There are literally hundreds of people here I could call if I needed any kind of help.
Sure, some people have left, as in any other church, but many more have stayed. As wonderful as I know this place is, I recall several times Brother Blair reminded us in meetings that this was not the only place in the world, that there are many wonderful Christians, but I am certainly glad it’s the place where we are.
I can truly say these last 37 years of my life with Homestead have been more fulfilling and has brought me a greater inner peace than the first 37 years.
I’m personally writing this as one “Who was Exiled.” This is my story.
In 2008 as a baptized member, I chose to leave the community at the age of 27. I was gone for seven years. I didn’t find myself left in the dark about the “outside world”, my parents did educate me on things like hangovers or anything I inquired of as a child or young adult.
I continued to have a relationship with my parents, extended family and other members of the community through out my years of being gone. I was even encouraged to attend other churches for moral support. My mother-in-law who is a member of the community, attended my daughter’s hospital birth.
I successfully got several jobs in the hospitality industry. The work skills that I acquired here in the community allowed me to have places of management and company leadership. I honestly didn’t find myself handicapped by my “sheltered” upbringing.
What brought me back?
In 2012 my father passed away from cancer. Before his passing, I spent time with him. I found myself surrounded by the loving relationships and friends that I walked away from. I began to feel a deep tugging and longing for what I left. By this time I was married and had a beautiful three-year-old son. Deep down I wanted my son to grow up the way I did. Sure, my up bringing wasn’t all peaches and cream. Were there mistakes made? Yes! No one is perfect. I too realized that I had made many mistakes and was nowhere near perfect. Yet, I wanted to have a second chance. So I chose forgiveness instead and hoped to find the same. The Homestead Heritage family, lovingly opened its’ arms, forgiving me for all of my mistakes and hurtful decisions and welcomed me home.
I’m the happiest I’ve ever been in my life. I would choose this life a 1000 times over. I do not feel like I’m a second generation “brainwashed”member. I have been on both sides of the track. I count it an honor to be raising my family with these wonderful people.
Sincerely,
Abbey Borman
I am writing to you regarding the “Those Who Have Been Exiled:” article by Emma Ruby. I have seen a steady stream of responses regarding this misleading article and I believe many of the points I would like to make have already been made.
The concern I would like to bring into focus is the portion of the title line referring to the “Religious Group Behind I-35’s Cheese Cave.” Since I know the Cheese Cave referred to does not belong to “I-35” as the title implies, and is a family-owned, private enterprise, what, may I ask, does a private, family-owned, artisan business have to do with a libelous article about a religious community? Take any family owned business name and plug it into this title; “Religious Group Behind Bill’s Discount Tire Service,” or “Religious Group Behind Garcia’s Taco Shop.” I believe many readers will at most, pass over this article as it does not really have anything to say of general interest but even the most limited reading will include the title. I know the family that owns the “Cheese Cave,” the cheese shop that ages its cheese in the cheese cave, the inn that serves guests next door and the breakfast joint adjacent to all three. These are privately owned businesses on privately owned land serving the general public daily with food, artisan crafts and lodging. These businesses employ people who are not members of the religious community you have maligned and they employee people are members of the community. They strive to provide unrivaled excellence and customer care. They spend thousands of dollars annually to market their products and services, they strive to earn the trust of their clientele, they thrive on word-of-mouth referrals and aim to be the best in their field. I do not know what the readership of the Dallas Observer is, (I only learned it existed because this article popped up in my Google feed), but anyone you have turned away or frightened from doing business with a cheese cave advertised on a billboard board standing along Interstate 35, is one less potentially pleased and potentially loyal customer that provides for the livelihood of a family courageous enough to go into business for themselves, doing what they love. I have been in partnership with my father in a family owned and run business for close to 40 years. I know how hard it can be to build a reputation over all those years, how hard it can be to understand your market and get the word out to people who will love the services you offer. I also know how difficult it can be to rebuild trust with loyal clients when that trust is broken by an uncaring employee or a flawed product or a mistake. Word-of-mouth is ultimately how we built our business and when that word-of-mouth reputation begins to be undeservedly undermined by a journalist whose closest encounter with said family owned business (or religious community for that matter,) is a billboard located 10 miles away, you have to wonder if journalism has truly died.
I challenge you, as I see many have done in their responses, to come visit, along with the hundreds’s of thousands of others who have visited before you. Come learn why this steady stream of friends and neighbors love the people they have met, the businesses they have patronized and the community they have experienced. Come interview the people who have freely chosen to live out their dream of community and friendship and who are happiest when others come to share and experience this life alongside them.
Chris Wieboldt
Local Small Business Owner/ Operator
I am very disturbed by the “story” that you posted for a handful of obvious disgruntled individuals. I hope you realize that each of these individuals that talk so horribly about homestead made personal freewill decisions to leave homestead and live the life they choose to live. No body held them here. They were free to choose what was best for them.
I have lived in this community my entire life, i am a current member, and could not ask for a more full and exciting life. I am running my own Fencing and Welding business and have worked with many individuals within the community and outside the community and have built many relationships. I have a wonderful family, a dear wife and four kiddos.
No body has ever held me here to be a member at homestead, I have stayed on my own free choice. Not sure where all the ugly things that are said come from. Why don’t you come check out the homestead community yourself and see if it as you describe in your article.
In response to the article about Homestead Heritage.
It was very disheartening to see such a cherished community misrepresented in this way!
My wife and I grew up Amish and lived with them for 28 years. We left the Amish and became part of Homestead Heritage 4 years ago.
I could identify with a lot that has been shared in this article because we were excommunicated and shunned by the Amish when we chose to leave. There were a lot of hard rules and demands growing up there but I don’t look back blaming and hating my parents or anyone in our former church! Even with the above facts we have learned to have a heart of love and respect for the Amish. I feel absolutely no bitterness towards them!
I hope someday they will be able to experience the love and peace we have experienced since coming into relationship with our Lord and this beautiful community!
I would not want to be anywhere else!
My first call to Homestead Heritage was with a brother that I dearly love and honor still four years later. For the first time, I felt like I could open my heart and trust these people!
For a long time I had been seeking God and asking Him to show us a people that had real love and peace with one another.
We have now been part of them for over four years and have experience nothing but incredible love, peace, and care for one another!
After being here for about 2 years I was able to restart my business doing antique clock and watch repair. With the support and help from the community the business has become 10 times what it had first been 11 years before.
I feel very fortunate and indebted to these people! Please come see for yourself.
Sincerely
Moses Mast
My name is Steve Hirschtritt.
I became a member of this Fellowship over 20 years ago after I retired when I was 57 years old and moved to Waco. Before I came to Texas, I was an Illinois licensed attorney and also worked as a trader on the Chicago Options Exchange. I had a story book life and I was living a dream. Financially, I could do anything I wanted to do. We traveled extensively and attended many sought after championship sporting events. I still loved my wife, who was my childhood sweetheart, and my three children loved and respected us both. One of my sons is a Harvard educated lawyer while his younger brother became a physician.
My wife became part of this community soon after she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1994. She saw how fragile life is and sought to find a relationship with the one God of the Torah. She discovered the truth that the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob was actually Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
We continued to live in the Chicago suburbs and my wife would occasionally visit the community. Back home, life was pretty much the same for me. We continued to vacation. I would occasional come to Waco for visits, meeting and becoming acquainted with many people in the community. I was never pressured to become part of their community.
I had seen a lot in my 57 years, having met and been acquainted with many successful people. I consider myself a good judge of character. What I found in Waco was a community of love and it’s that love that brought me here to become a part.
Soon after, we bought 20 acres on the Brazos River with a beautiful house and then moved to Waco. Because of my background, I had the opportunity to advise the Fellowship and its members on business related matters. I also own a farm/ranch where I have a large vegetable garden, many fruit trees, and have horses, cows and chickens. I love it all.
To criticize Blair Adams, his family or any of the ministers as harsh, angry people couldn’t be further from the truth. Blair Adams was a kind, caring man that I considered not only my minister but my friend as well.
My wife passed away 18 months ago of cancer. I couldn’t have been more supported and cared for by the ministers and people of the Fellowship during her illness and ultimate death. We were surrounded by love and care, for which I am forever grateful.
I could have lived anywhere in the world but I am so thankful for the life I have found in Texas at Homestead Heritage and the people I have come to love. It is an incredible life and I have never regretted my decision.
My husband and I became part of this wonderful intentional Christian community in Paramus, NJ 46 years ago. I always wanted to live a different life and coming to Homestead the Lord gave me the desire of my heart. It has been an incredible journey full of meaning and purpose. My life has been filled with love, peace and joy.
We have 5 daughters that were born and raised in the community. Four of my daughters are happily married to
men in this community, blessed with eleven grandchildren and now the fourth generation started in our family.
I was quite upset over the remarks about Bro Blair Adams. He was an example of a true Christian. Bro Blair not only ministered the Word of God, but lived it and encouraged us to do the same. He showed us who Jesus is by his self sacrificing love. Bro Blair was a man of devotion, integrity and character.
We have thousands of visitors that come to the Cafe and Craft Village during the year and some remark how they feel such peace and unity as they converse with our people in the community. Some say I see light shining from your faces.
How could you label us a cult without coming to our community to see for yourself if that is true. I encourage you to visit.
Sincerely,
Barbara Schacht
April 14, 2025
One thing that caught my attention in the article “Those Who Have Been Exiled” was when Morning said that she “knew that her name would be trashed” in the community. I have never heard anything spoken against her! I remember Morning as a very gifted young woman with a beautiful voice who had an active part in our music ministry. I was very sad when she and Micaiah chose to leave. Their choice to go elsewhere was and is their decision just as my husband’s and my decision and the decisions of all of our children to faithfully be part of this community are ours.
In this community, I have seen nothing but love. Love often demands that we work things out with our friends when there are differences - and there will be differences. Here, I’ve learned that the words in the Bible are more than just good ideas and stories. I’ve learned about real kindness, forgiveness, and love that doesn’t give up and how to actually live that way.
Besides all of the completely false information and slanted terminology, the parts of this article that disturb me the most are the intentionally slanderous comments against Blair Adams. For anyone who listened to the kindness in Brother Blair’s voice or saw the tender look in his eyes, the love that he deeply felt was obvious. From the pulpit, I heard him rejoice at the sight of an old friend who had chosen to leave and then returned. I heard him encourage individual young people. He taught us to love and love again, even when it’s hard. He taught us to forgive. And he often spoke of the privilege that he felt to be a part of such a group of people. I feel the same.
There is no other place I would rather live and see my grandchildren raised than among a people so committed to God and to one another!
Sincerely,
Renée Carlson
My name is Anita, and I’m 15 years old. I was born and raised at Homestead Heritage, and I have had a wonderful life here.
Earlier this year, my sisters and I learned to sing a Spanish song in three-part harmony with our cousins. About a month later, we had the opportunity to travel to Mexico and perform at a concert for hundreds of people. My 15 years of life have been filled with amazing and memorable experiences! I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else but in this rewarding and enjoyable environment at Homestead Heritage.
I have never seen or experienced anything like what the people in your article are upset about.
Please come visit us—I think you might change your mind! You would enjoy it, and I would love to talk to you.
Sincerely,
Anita Collins
Dan and Amanda are heroes to us. They lived and worked with us for months here and not once did we have any hard feelings in any way. It bothers me that Amanda would give her time helping others and then be attacked for it. However, that is a part of life. Hurtful yes, h
To mock their homeschooling is beyond me! I personally saw many of the materials and it was far above the schools here in Brazil. Homeschooling often reflects on the parents having necessary skillset and time. So, when we speak about homeschooling the question I ask is, do the parents have the teaching skills? I sat down and talked some of the ones that homeschool and realized they do have help in any field they may be lacking.
To speak about their "changing this or that" let me say I know hundreds of pastors that have changed views on many things including my bishop and my pastor! I personally have changed in many ways. That does not mean I have backslid. It means that we grow in faith and knowledge of God, our path becomes clearer and more illuminated.
I do not see HH as a cult but as a group of people that are examples of work and living and worshipping together. Not everyone fits in. that is ok.
If you left HH your world has not ended! Many have left just like many leave other churches. Continue on, serve the Lord but don’t try to kill the ones that brought you to Christ.
The Bible emphasizes the importance of forgiving others, even those who have hurt you deeply. Ephesians 4:32, instructs us to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving as God has forgiven us in Christ.
Most of us lash out when we are hurt that is our human nature. It took me a long time to understand the mercies of God.
I was in many church services at HH and Friday night meetings. Brother Blair was an awesome Bible teacher. Yes, Asi (since he is Brother Blair’s son gets blamed for any changes). However, he is not alone there are a group of elders that pray over every move and situation. We as church members are called to honor, love and respect the elders. (1 Thessalonians 5:12–13; 1 Timothy 5:1)
Our son took over our work in Brazil and he too changed some things. Every leader or groups of leaders are different. Paul and Peter were different but they worked together. The purpose was one.
The community will march on all over the world. We see prophecy of that being fulfilled right before our eyes.
I came to the community when I was 19, almost 40 years ago. I was raised in your typical middle-class family. At an early age I ended up on drugs. At 18, I went through detox and then came to God. I met the community a year later and saw that there was an alternative to the only life I had known. At 30, I married my husband, a man I went to high school with years before either of us came to the community, and we had four children.
Space will not permit me to address all the points in this article, but there’s a few I would like to at least give my experience on.
My oldest daughter left the community and moved to Chicago to pursue a career in the medical field. Was I sad? Absolutely. But I did not disown her or cut her off. I talk to her 2-3 times a week and still have a close relationship with her.
I also didn’t follow the narrative of serving families as a young woman, nor felt forced to marry and give my life to having babies. I worked in the restaurant business in my early 20’s, one on Congress Avenue in Austin, Texas. I really wanted to work in the publication’s ministry of our church, so they hired me when I was 24. Years later, when our four kids were entering their teenage years, I started my own business. Now that their grown, I also help run our homeschool bookstore.
On an end note, the most upsetting thing in the article to me was the ugly things they said about Blair Adams. I thought to myself, “Are we talking about the same man?”
Blair Adams was the most honest and humble man I ever met. He had the gift of seeing the best in everybody. He was not some allusive, charismatic figure demanding our allegiance as he sat behind the scenes! I’m just glad he’s not here to read the article himself!
I’ve been part of Homestead Heritage for over 48 years and as a single lady of 77 years, I live a happy, fulfilling, wonderful life. I’ve spent extended periods on mission work in South Africa, Israel, and India—helping start new communities and bringing encouragement and support to those in need.
I care for elderly people and terminally ill patients, helping them to be able to stay at home with their families. For years, I brought children to sing in nursing homes, sharing joy and the love of Jesus. Many of those children are now grown and still a part of my life—I’ve never felt alone here. Now their children are the ones accompanying me to bring lively joy to others.
Some who speak against us were once part of these efforts. Even at young ages, they learned the joy of blessing others—never imagining I'm sure that they would someday be slandering and smearing our name, telling lies that they know aren’t true. My heart aches for them. I still love them dearly.
It’s also very hard to believe that you would publish such a demeaning, one-sided article about a group of people you don’t even know—people who are trying to live a quiet and peaceful life—without checking to see if what you write as facts are actually true.
Sincerely,
Bonnie Brandenburg
My name is Gail Gardner and I am writing in response to the article “Those Who Have Been Exiled” that appeared in the Dallas Observer. I was saddened by this article in that it only presented one side and the reporter did not interview myself or any other member of the Homestead Heritage community.
I joined the Homestead community in New York City being 24, a single, fairly recent divorcee. I can honestly say that I was never coerced to seek marriage in these 50 years. I am still single and live an abundantly fulfilling life of meaning and purpose. I am deeply respected and my voice is heard respectfully. My opinion contributed to the decision to change computer software programs to fit our publishing needs.
What makes “being able to order a drink” and “knowing what a hangover is” a mark of freedom from a cult? My grandparents were alcoholics. My grandfather’s glazed-over eyes and blank stare made me wonder as a child if anybody was really in the shell of his person. My grandmother mysteriously “fell” out of a three story window landing on the cement sidewalk on her head. When my uncle died, empty beer cans were stacked two feet deep in his back yard. Another uncle, even though he went to AA for years, was an alcoholic when he died. I decided as a young teen not to follow the path that some of my family members had gone down. I have never been in a bar, don’t know how to order a drink and have never experienced a hangover.
I invite you to come see for yourself my freely chosen life, talk to me and hear about the incredible life I have lived these past 50 years.
My name is Caleb Scarbrough, and my family first came to Homestead Heritage when I was 7 years old.
I was friends with and grew up with several of those whose voice drove a large portion of Emma’s article this week. I personally was profoundly shocked at the level of disregard they now hold for the full life we lived together prior to their decision to choose a different path. The narrative portrayed in the article is as far from fact as you could possibly construe.
Anyone who takes the time to read the lengthy article may garner the impression of a well-vetted, factual exposure of something “sinister”. We who know the truth, however, are left with the realization that our side of the story was not included specifically because it would have been highly detrimental to the predetermined narrative of the story.
I find it interesting what Merriam Webster defines specifically as journalism:
: writing characterized by a direct presentation of facts or description of events without an attempt at interpretation
: writing designed to appeal to current popular taste or public interest
In your article, it seems you successfully accomplished the latter definition by completely eliminating the former. You presented as fact a smear of a people you have never even bothered to meet, consigning them away as a group of idiots who don’t know how to make conscious life decisions and are lead around like an isolated group of fools.
Now in my mid 30’s, I am a successful entrepreneur and have been a business owner for 18 years, implementing the craft I learned growing up in our community’s woodworking school. We serve other businesses and individuals, both locally and around the country, and are a leader in our trade. I have every reason to believe the education I received here- whether academic or vocational, not to mention the abundant character lessons I learned from my instructors along the way- set me up for success on every level. My late grandfather, a successful co-founder of a publicly traded company, generously offered to pay for my college education. By that age, I already had this burgeoning small business, so instead, I asked for a small loan for a down payment for a tool purchase. The year before he passed, he sat on our back porch and told me, “I think this is the best thing I have ever done with my money”.
I found the woman of my dreams here at Homestead, and had ample opportunity to get to know her long before the day I asked her to marry me. I was in no way coerced or pressured in this step (or in any other way)- EVER. In fact, I was freely provided every resource imaginable to help our marriage succeed. And it has!
Is anyone here at Homestead perfect, no. And none of us would claim such. Is it going to help mend our human blunders to publish articles that blare every unverified “fact” anyone wants to stack on the table?
I have had the opportunity to visit 5 other countries and over half of the USA, many in connection with our church outreach activities, and can attest- you are truly missing out if you have never experienced the life we as a Homestead community thrive on. Just come experience it for a day, a week, or even just a few hours. Come take a craft class. You will be relieved to find a people quite different than who you mistook in this article.
Sincerely,
Caleb Scarbrough
“Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
To the editor and those accusing me, I sincerely thank you!
Greetings, my name is Joseph Puttrich. I’m 31 years old, happily married to my best friend and the love of my life. We’re expecting our first child in just a couple of months, and, Lord willing, we’ll be welcoming our baby into the world from the comfort of our own home.
I’m thrilled to say that Amanda Lancaster is our midwife for this birth. All I can say is—she is one of the most honest, hardworking, courteous, kind, thoughtful, gentle, knowledgeable, and skilled professionals I’ve ever met. I’ve met tens of thousands of people in my life, and I can easily tell the fake from the genuine. Amanda is above and beyond. We love and appreciate everything you do, Amanda—thank you.
My hardworking Italian family has been a part of Homestead Heritage for the past 50 years. I absolutely love and cherish the community we’ve helped build together with our wonderful fellow members.
I own and operate a moderately successful plumbing and air-conditioning company serving the Central Texas community. We serve a few thousand customers each year, and I’m grateful to say we’ve earned a 4.9-star rating on Google. I’m proud of what we’ve built—and even prouder of the people I get to work alongside.
I’ve had the privilege of traveling to Mexico and Canada and visiting nearly every state in the U.S. I’ve worked on construction projects around the world—from the hills of New Zealand, to the cliffs and mountains of Idaho and Montana, deep into Mexico, and, of course, the heart of Texas.
I’ve built a life filled with friendship and purpose. I count about 400 dear friends—people I truly enjoy being around. At my warm, 2,800-square-foot home, we host dinners and gatherings two to three times a week. I share lunch with friends regularly and take two to three vacations a year.
My small homestead is thriving—with an orchard, a garden, and a greenhouse. My neighbors aren’t just people who live nearby—they’re some of my closest friends. I have peace in my home. I wake up each day deeply grateful for the life I’ve been given.
To my friends and family at Homestead Heritage, I’m sorry you’re being subjected to harassment and having your names smeared like this. Unfortunately, some people seem to thrive on tearing others down under the claim of “duty.” I love each and every one of y’all. We’ve been on this journey together for a long time, and nothing will stop us. Our future is ahead of us, and on we go.
Best regards,
Joseph Puttrich
In response to the Dallas Observer article about Homestead Heritage:
The disturbing falsehoods and accusations in your article recall the words of Carl Sagan, the renowned astrophysicist and science communicator, from his 1995 book The Demon-Haunted World:
“It is far better to withhold judgment until the evidence is in, than to rush to accuse based on incomplete or secondhand information. Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.”
My name is Hoshea Hersh, a third-generation member of Homestead Heritage. I am 21, single, and run my own carpentry business while serving as a volunteer firefighter in the Waco community, providing fire and medical support. I rarely share my views on controversial topics online, but the shocking and harmful lies in your article ignited a passion in me to speak the truth.
I was deeply hurt and unsettled that you, the editors, did not visit our thriving community to verify the claims for yourselves. As Sagan’s quote suggests, “extraordinary claims require extraordinary” firsthand evidence.
By my own free will, I chose to be baptized at 20 as a symbol of my commitment to live for God—a decision I consider the best of my life. The fulfillment I experience is something I wish everyone could know. I love my work in high-end carpentry and woodworking, serving clients across Texas. As a volunteer firefighter, I work alongside people from all walks of life, most of whom are not from Homestead Heritage. My decisions are entirely my own, though I value the guidance of those with more life experience.
My main point is this: as a member of Homestead Heritage, I find your article grossly inaccurate. The defamation and harm it causes to our community raise a critical question: why didn’t you seek the truth before publishing falsehoods and accusations that, like feathers scattered to the wind, are nearly impossible to retract?
Sincerely,
Hoshea Hersh
I was pretty amazed at the way in which our life was displayed. I came here at 22 as a very needy and selfish young person, searching for God and change. One of the leading ministers and his wife took me personally into their home and treated me just like one of their own children. I ate my meals with them, enjoyed family gatherings with them, and they never once charged me one penny for rent or food or anything. I have grown and moved on to my own home, but they still feel like family! They are one phone call away if I need them!
Shortly after living with them, I felt a desire to help a family with kids! I love little ones! There was a family with six little kids that needed this kind of help and so I began over the next 12 or so years helping this family in various ways. They too became like family! I held their seventh baby hours old and have since celebrated many holidays, birthdays, and even family vacations with them as well! I am 36 years old now and am known as an aunt to some of their children’s children.
There is a continuity in our life that is beautiful. Are we perfect people? No, But we have a whole lot of love and we are committed to change anything that we recognize needs to changed! We are committed to continue serving God the best way we know how, loving each other to the best of our ability, and opening our arms to all that would come and spend time with us and see that this is a truly beautiful life!
And one last thing, I can say that from 22 years old to now, I am not the same person as when I came and I can contribute that to the loving care and help of those in this church family.
I am Eliana Brim; a member of the Homestead Heritage community for four years.
Please consider this response to the article published in the Dallas Observer regarding our community.
When I was seven years old, I was so enamored by the piano, that my parents promptly found a teacher for me; an accomplished violinist, pianist and vocalist: a friend in our community by the name of Mrs. Morning Alexander. Every week for five years, my dear mother would drive me to her house for lessons and pay for my tutoring. I still have the notebooks her young son would artistically scribble in during our classes and all the cassettes she would record for my learning. If she would remember, I would always much rather “play by ear” than play by notes and written music, but she’d dutifully instruct me that “reading music is very important!” I never did appreciate that at the time, but now, 15 years later, I fully concur! I will admit, she was by far the strictest teacher I ever had at Homestead, and would certainly be quick to judge my level of practice when it wasn’t up to her standard (which I’m sure did me no harm since now at the age of 22, I enjoy the piano more than ever, I’ve continued my musical education, and have had the privilege of playing in many places around the world, even recently performing for the former lieutenant governor of Texas).
As referred to in the article (courtesy of Yeshiah Haugh) as simply a “female” and since I’m currently single (which was also defined as being supposedly a “second class citizen” within Homestead), may I assert that I am actually a vibrant, fiery woman with a heart, soul and a brain to think for myself and make educated choices about every part of my life. May I also note, that this sort of demeaning of women in particular, should be uncalled for, especially when such shameful lies are broadcasted to an uninformed audience about a group of people whose lives and words have striven for respect of our fellow man and love for all people with a clear understanding that these two are waining fast in our present world.
Let me describe the life of a labeled “second class” “female” within Homestead Heritage: I have traveled 43 states and have visited 17 countries in North America, Central America Europe and Asia. I’ve been blessed to experience and learn from many cultures as well as share the remarkable life I live with these same people. I am currently an owner of two thriving businesses, enjoy musical arts and have a passion for creating wheel-thrown pottery. I have taught many pottery classes to students within the community, locals from the area and tourists from around the globe.
Come meet my family and dear friends; sincere and honest people who would do anything and go anywhere to see you overcome and succeed.
During the gruesome 30 days while my grandfather lie in the hospital, suffering through multiple strokes, sicknesses and days when it seemed that the end was inevitable, people from the community surrounded us with AMAZING kindness; serving our family and hanging in there with us as we fought for his life. After my grandfather was sent home on hospice, our family took him into our own home to care for him over the next eight months. During that time many people came to sit with him and keep him company. Musicians came to sing for him and friends stopped by to pray for him. Our neighbors organized meals weekly to ease our load. In Sunday church, people asked about him and multiple times our whole congregation prayed for him! With so much support and encouragement an absolute miracle happened! Now, three years later, my grandfather is alive, active and very grateful! He drives himself out of town to conduct business, mows with his tractor and comes over to play dominoes with us.
Life is not without trials and failures, but I’m thankful to live with people who seek in all things to overcome, keep growing and working together for the sake of hope, love and a future worth living for. This is just a quick snapshot of the life I live and care for deeply!
Please come see for yourself!
I love meeting new people.
Our community is an open book and all questions are welcome.
God is good, life is good and we are real people just like you.
Sincerely,
~Eliana Brim
I am writing this in response to the article “They Who Have Been Exiled” that is full of fake news. I find it highly disturbing that someone would literally write an entire blog about my community, having no first-hand experience with anybody or anything here.
My name is Renee Wheeler and I was born and raised at Homestead. I have been privileged to call it my home for 18 wonderful years.
I will admit, my life has been a far fetch from “perfect”, but at the end of the day, we are humans too.
I know the 18th year for many people is generally filled with dates, drinking, college enrollment and the ever suffocating drive to be up-to-date with the latest trends.
However, the life I live is so fulfilling that none of those things even draw my attention. I would way rather be at a lively dinner with my loving family, playing with my two adorable nephews or caring for others alongside my friends.
As a young adult I am neither being forced to get married or baptized, and no one is holding me captive.
When you’re 18, you can make your own decisions, right?
Surprise, surprise! I CHOOSE to be in this place because it is where I feel abundantly loved, cared for and have the strongest bonds of true friendship. Any plans or dreams that I have ever had, my parents and friends have strived to help me achieve. There are four generations of my family in this church and I promise, you could never compare the love and life we share with anything. It truly is the best life, and I love it here with all my heart. If you offered me a fortune, I still wouldn’t leave.
I would hope you have the integrity to listen to those of who are still a part of Homestead. Because we are still members, does that mean we have no voice? That is certainly what the article and 4 or 5 bitter ex-members imply, but unfortunately, it is not the “leaders” who have silenced us. It is the media, you, and Emma Ruby.
My parents were part of this community when I was born. My father chose to leave the community when I was 9. So I actually lived with an ”ex-member” for nearly 9 years! 12 years later, my dad rejoined the community before he passed of cancer.
I happily chose to become a member when I was 20. 5 years later I fell in love with my now husband. Together we own multiple businesses and our own property. We have 2 beautiful children.
Our goal is to raise them with love and equip them to make educated, informed decisions as adults. We believe our parents gave us that opportunity, and we desire no less for our children.
Sincerely,
Catherine Dumont
In response to the recent Dallas Observer article “Those who have been Exiled…” I would like to offer a look at my side of the story. I came to Homestead with my family 3 years ago, I was 17. I was really asking myself some questions about life and knew there had to be more to it than the endless rat race of work, eat, sleep and repeat until you die. I was wanting a purpose, something bigger than myself! What I found here was hundreds of amazing people living exactly what I wanted and they were welcoming me with open arms! I never once was pressured into joining, but at 18 I knew these were the people I wanted to spend the rest of my life serving God with. I am 20 now and still not regretting my decision!
I work in the weaving shop (which is my passion) I dearly love the people I work with and the craft! I have learned from the best and now have the privilege to be teaching the kids in our community as well as numerous public classes. I love talking to the thousands of people who stroll through our shop, and I love putting a smile on their face as I share my story with them!
For the record no one is pressuring me about marriage, and no one ever threatened that I would be raped or murdered if I chose to leave, that is utterly preposterous, disgusting and shameful!
Love always prevails hate never wins and I hope these bitter, miserable individuals find hope and love again.
In conclusion I love my life, these people and you would too! Please come see us!
Sincerely,
Sally Tompkins
I have read the article that you wrote about our church community. I am in my mid-30’s and I've been a part of Homestead Heritage my whole life.
I personally know a few of the folks you interviewed. My heart is so sad for them. Especially because of the path of bitterness they have chosen. Even if things did "go wrong” for them ( I know for sure that some of their claims are completely false) choosing to be bitter is extremely hurtful for their own mental and physical health. To be honest with you, there are things I could be bitter towards some of them about. I guess they don't consider this when they are blasting us! But one thing is for sure, I will not go down that path! I love them, pray for them and hope that one day true respect and friendship can be gained between us.
There is so much I could say! I have a wonderful, full and very busy life, and I do not usually like to sit down and write. But what caused me to take the time to stop and write this was a statement in your article that says something to the effect that we do not worship God, but rather ourselves.
It shouldn't surprise me that people talk like this, because even Jesus Himself, when he walked this earth, did nothing but love, heal and forgive people, and they crucified Him. Truly, He is our example and that is what I have been taught here at Homestead. We seek to live not solely for ourselves, but rather because Jesus loved us so much, we seek to live our lives in love for those around us.
And how fulfilling a life it is! I thank God every day for allowing me a chance to have such a wonderful life! I faced a battle with cancer a few years ago, and I did not know how much time I would have on this earth. I was 31 years old, newly engaged and facing a terminal illness. Thankfully, today I am cancer free.My dear husband and I find ourselves being so thankful for how that experience shaped our perspective of life, realizing how short it is, and also recognizing what ultimately matters.
This is the life that I have freely chosen!
And I do not regret that decision!
We are real people trying to live at peace with our fellow man. An article like you have written has only one purpose, and that is to cause hurt.
I hope you will consider this. And I would love to talk with you if you are interested!
Sincerely,
Susanna Wheeler
My name is David Doan and I am sixty-four years old and came to the Homestead Heritage community as a single man in 2017. I am a former police officer/detective with over twenty-six years of law enforcement experience. During my law enforcement career I came face to face with the very real realities of the brokenness, grief and violence in this world that I felt helpless to affect in a meaningful, lasting way.
Since becoming a part of Homestead Heritage I have spent many hours around the dinner tables of other community members as they shared their lives and love with me. I have seen first hand how God has healed families, which is unlike anything I had seen or had to offer to the hurting and broken families I encountered in law enforcement.
This community does not have band-aide fixes, but offers love, compassion and support to help people truly heal and find a place and purpose for their life.
I have been healed of my own brokenness and have found a place to belong, friends, and was married in 2022 to a woman I meet in this community.
Based on all I saw in my former career, there is no better place to live and raise a family than Homestead Heritage.
David Doan
I had grown up very active in the Baptist faith surrounded by many immediate family members and other relatives in the Baptist ministry, my paternal grandfather preaching in what was known as the “Chitterlin’ Circuit” in the ‘40s and ‘50s so when I became a part of Homestead it was very concerning to my family especially because I was the only African American, At that time, but that concern became unfounded as they saw the changes in me and my children. Those changes that allowed me to care for my stepdad, mother and three siblings during their illness until their passings both spiritually and physically. Without the teachings of love and caring I would have never been able to be what I needed to be for my family. None of them became part of the community but my two remaining siblings and my son and his family would tell you they have dear friends here that they consider family and keep in touch with directly.
There were a lot of accusations in this articles that are disheartening especially since I have spent over half my life here and took care of and made meals for some of the moms after these accusers births. I watched them growing up singing in the children’s choirs with their angelic voices and beaming faces and it saddens me that those memories have been lost to them. Peeking into Yeushia’s bassinet just hour after he was born and as he stirred and held one skinny leg in the air I inquired in my baby talk voice “ you call those legs?” to which I hear an outburst of laughter from the bedroom where his mama, Dru, was resting.
There’s lots of things I could comment on but I just want to comment on one last thing and it’s about being frowned upon and called names for wearing red. In my 42 years I was never made aware of this so I guess I’ve breaking the “cardinal rule”(pun intended)! Also if you came to our Christmas Program that myth would be dispelled.
I’m not claiming that we’re a perfect people but I can say that we’ve been taught by Blair Adams that LOVE is the key!
If I could sum up my life since coming here it would be in the song “Love Lifted Me!”
I am writing in response to the so called article in The Dallas Observer. I have to say when I first started reading it I found it comical but by the end I was so angry I was shaking and in tears. To think that this article was written in such a way that it could destroy the lives, the livelihoods and the businesses of a thousand plus innocent peaceful people with apparent total disregard to these consequences is unbelievable even in todays low standards of so called journalism. I was born and raised in the Homestead Community and was a member until I was 27 years old. I left solely for personal reasons and not for anything wrong or hurtful on homesteads part. I have to say that I received an amazing well rounded education in every area including but not limited to history, religion, math, science, language, biblical Greek and Hebrew as well as gardening, animal husbandry, farming, woodworking, pottery and leatherwork. I was able to take woodturning classes from world renowned woodturners on more than one occasion. After leaving the homestead community I went on to attend college to study Kinesiology where due to my home education was equipped so well that I made straight A’s and was an honor roll student. I then wanted to invest in starting my own business so I went to barber school and now have my own barber business. I would never have been able to accomplish this if it weren’t for my upbringing in the homestead community. I find it infuriating that this journalist would publish such a biased deceptive piece without talking to the people in the community or the scores of former members that love and support the community but instead she talked to a handful of bitter ex members who were looking for a willing party to air their grievances. Lastly I want to address the defamation of character that was brought against my father who even after his passing his name and character are still being slandered this is low even for biased poor journalism. My father was probably the most humble, quiet behind the scenes type of person I know. I can’t think of another pastor of a church of this size that would want to be less noticed, less idolized than him. He was the kindest most modest person I know. He was always looking out for the needs of others even taking less for himself so that others could have more. He devoted the last 50 plus years of his life creating an environment where people could live full meaningful lives that they could than share with others. This movement now spreads across continents where people can experience wholeness and unity in a world of brokenness and division. Maybe think about writing an article that would contribute to bringing more wholeness more unity and peace instead of ones like this that bring hurt, pain and brokenness.
Sincerely,
Jeremy Adams
My name is Deanne Ballerino, and I am writing this in response to the recent article that falsely labels Homestead Heritage as a cult.
As one example, a quick Google search will show that one of the main indicators of a cult is “isolating members from their pre-existing social circles, including family, and friends, to exert greater control.” Apparently, the members of Homestead Heritage, myself included, never got that memo.
For well over 16 years I, along with the other members of my family (both inside and outside the community), cared for our aging parents who were not part of the Homestead community. I eventually moved into my parents home to be a full-time caregiver to my dad after the passing of my mom (who at the very end of her life, had an incredible encounter with Jesus and was baptized shortly before she passed away, but that’s a story for another time).
On Sundays, I didn’t sit through endless hysterical tirades about the immanent end of the world but received Biblical teaching through Brother Blair Adams’s ministry—teachings such as laying one’s life down for one’s friends, serving and loving others, caring for and honoring one’s parents. I credit the ministry of this church for equipping me to love and care for my parents at the time of their lives when they needed it most—something I never would’ve been able to do had I not been part of this church community.
Of course, none of this goes along with the narrative presented in the article in the Dallas Observer. The article states that relationships with family outside of our community is strained, especially family members who have left the community. I for one have several family members who are no longer part of Homestead. Our relationship is not at all strained. Rather, I love and care deeply for these family members, and I can say with confidence that they feel the same way about me.
As someone who has worked in our publications ministry for many years fact checking and documenting the sources we use in our published books, I know that the credibility of a publication stands or falls on the accuracy of what is presented. It is astounding to me that none of the outrageous claims put forth in the Dallas Observer were ever checked with us. So that completely discredits this publication as far as I can see
I feel this article, is not only a smear of Blair Adams or of Homestead Heritage but of my entire life and what I have freely given myself to. In this article a handful of embittered ex members portray our church as a “sinister cult.” In reality, our community offers the best life I could live. The opportunities to learn and excel I have found in this community are incredible.
I have played violin since I was around eight or nine and as of now I am even hand making my own from a few chunks of wood under the guidance of Mark Borman who runs our community’s woodworking business. I have been hired by different companies in our community including Cafe Homestead and they have always paid me well over minimum wage. I have sat through many classes on things like, science, math, history and English literature. I plan to graduate high school this year and I already feel very equipped for life.
These ex-members in this article act as though they want to rescue us from Homestead Heritage without providing an alternative way of life. They have not shown us how to have better families, better education, better churches, better businesses or anything else. They have only offered bitterness and hate. I have no desire to leave this church; even if there have been mistakes made along the way. Please let me enjoy this life in peace, and if you don’t believe me, come and see.
Sincerely,
Robert
My name is Malaya Shelton. I was not raised at Homestead Heritage. I am from California and moved with my family when I was 13 to join this community. The move has been the best decision my family has ever made, as it gave me the best life I could ever ask for. Although I grew up across the country and am new to this way of life, I have never once regretted leaving everything I’ve ever known to become a part of this community. This community has filled my life with purpose, an abundance of love, and truly a life worth living. I am now 18 and I consider this community my home.
The year we moved, I was in the middle of my freshman year in a public high school. I had been schooled in a public school since the beginning of my education. After moving to the community, my parents started homeschooling me. Since then, the countless hours, elective classes offered by the community, and an opportunity to learn life skills and trades have given me a well-rounded education. I have learned more in my last four years of school in this community than in nine years in a public school.
In your article, Morning Alexander claims “she was finally breaking a cycle of abuse that had plagued her throughout her life.” Unfortunately, Alexander made the decision to leave the community before I moved and have never met her. Although, since my time here, I have never been “abused” or forced to do anything. I am fully responsible for the choices I’ve made and have never once felt pressured by anyone in this community to do anything. In fact, every community member has bent over backwards for me with my best interest in mind. Their support and encouragement in every aspect of my life has been an abundance, and much more than I deserve and could ask for.
Despite the recent claims, I will stand firm that Homestead Heritage is my home and moving here has given me a life worth living. I hope that everyone has the opportunity to come experience the genuine hope, love, and care that I have found.
Sincerely,
Malaya Shelton
I’m a husband and father of four. I was raised and educated at Homestead Heritage and have run a successful internet-based business for over 13 years—constantly interacting with and serving people from all walks of life. I’m not cut off. I’m not unaware. I live and work in both worlds, and if even a fraction of what’s been alleged were true, I think I would’ve seen it by now.
What I’ve seen instead is a place of honesty, hard work, strong families, and lasting friendships. Sure, no community is perfect. But to base your entire article on a few bitter, one-sided accounts while ignoring hundreds of people who live here and know the truth firsthand—that’s not journalism. That’s a failure of integrity.
It takes a shocking amount of contempt and prejudice to twist our free, intentional choices to live differently into accusations of brainwashing and control. Just because we go against the current—just because we don’t fit your mold—doesn’t mean we’re being coerced. Maybe it’s hard to believe people could freely choose what you personally dislike. But that’s not oppression. That’s freedom.
Miss Ruby seems to imagine herself as some kind of hero—giving a voice to the oppressed. But the “sob stories” she platformed have already been published, repeated, and promoted in national media. These aren’t the voiceless. They’ve had more exposure in their personal complaints than most of us will ever get. Meanwhile, the people she targets—those who live quietly, raise families, start businesses, and just want to live their faith—we’re the ones with no voice. We don’t have the media, the schools, the universities, the influencers, or the public narrative on our side. Ruby has all that behind her. So who’s really the underdog here? Who’s David and who’s Goliath?
She’s not challenging power—she’s reinforcing it. She’s joined ranks with the loudest institutions in our culture to harass and slander ordinary people who don’t have the platform to fight back. She’s smearing decent, faceless people—our children, our wives, our neighbors—under the guise of justice, all while becoming the very thing she claims to stand against.
Is it brave to attack the small from a place of power? Is it journalism to repeat the accusations of the most amplified while ignoring the testimony of those you never even met?
Six months spent listening, believing, and polishing the narratives of a few who already align with the mainstream. Then less than a week and a single email sent to a group of people you’ve never spoken to—refusing to visit when invited. I’ve always heard prejudice was blind. I’ve just never seen it as clearly as I do now.
My name is Daniel Dickie. I am 10 years old and feel privileged to be Dr. Mark Dickie’s son. I have 6 siblings and we are one of the families who live on the Homestead farm. I am writing this because my life is very different from the bundle of lies that the ex-members write about in the article. I do not know about the things that some of the ex-members claim to not have gotten anything in return for, but I have worked with people here not for money but for the joy of working with the most wonderful people in the world. I would never trade this for the world. Truly, Daniel Dickie
Dear Editor,
I am a Family Practice physician and have been a member of the Homestead community for over 20 years. I am also Yeshiah Haugh’s brother-in-law with first-hand knowledge of his story, a very different one than he tells now.
I first came to the Homestead community in my mid-30s having never been married. I never did the dating scene or even pursued marriage. I made the decision in my teens to rely on God to show me if, when and whom I was to marry.
During those first years at Homestead, never was I treated as a “second-class citizen”, nor have I ever witnessed anyone being treated as such for any reason. Is my experience unusual because I am a man and a professional? Has the reality been hidden from my eyes for 20 years? I seriously doubt it. As a practicing physician, I was and am closely involved in the lives of the people here. We have many who are not married, yet who live happy, productive lives as deeply appreciated members, vital to our community’s life and vision.
After I had been here about 3 years, thoughts of marriage came once more to my heart. I began falling in love with the woman who would become my wife. I had known her through her work at the church office, where she was a loved and valued member of the staff. She told me the feelings were mutual on her part, and our love and respect for each other grew as we began spending more time together. Again, all of this happened without any suggestion, pressure, hints or other interference from anyone. We both knew, and still know, that it was God who put us together.
I understand not everyone believes in a personal God who is involved in our lives. But even those who do not will often admit to an unexplainable guiding hand or force, such as what many simply call “fate”. But unlike fate, God gives us the autonomy to make the decision whether or not we are going to follow that guiding hand. This, to me, makes Morning’s decision—to revoke her commitment to Micaiah on the grounds that it was God’s decision and not hers—discordant with the beliefs I personally knew her to hold when that commitment was originally made. If we follow that line of thinking, Moses should have gone back to Egypt because he never made the decision. It was God who had told him to leave.
I hope this letter at least raises the possibility of considering the stories of thousands who would tell of a very different experience of our community life than the crafted version handed to you by a few. If a picture is worth a thousand words, a personal experience should be worth many more, so I want to extend an invitation to you and your staff to come down (anonymously if desired), walk around, pull anyone aside and ask them if they feel valued and respected. You may be surprised that, behind the modest garb, there is a lot of spunk and individuality in our folks—women, men and children alike. You will find that people who choose a lifestyle like ours are not the be-quiet-and-do-as-you’re-told type. And it is highly likely you will find people who have never been primed on how to answer.
Respectfully, Mark Dickie, MD
Before joining, my background in education included roles as a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent of public schools, and vice president of Alpha Omega Publishing Company. Because of this experience, Homestead expressed a desire to hire me to help parents better meet the growing educational needs of their children. I accepted, and for over thirty years, I served as the educational director of Homestead.
I was also asked to serve as one of the ministers of Homestead and, later, as an elder. In reading the accusations published by the Observer, my wife and I were taken aback by the descriptions of Blair Adams as malevolent, demanding idolization, and vicious. Our long-standing relationship and personal experience found him to be one of the kindest and most gifted men we have ever known. There was never a time he ministered that he didn’t direct our hearts and minds toward God. What was published about him could not have been further from the truth.
Years before his death, he began speaking to all of us about the necessity of passing the baton to our younger ministers. We did just that, and in the nearly three years since his passing, the Church here at Homestead Heritage remains vibrant and growing.
My wife and I—along with our son, daughter-in-law, and their nine children—continue to thank God for all He has given and shown us through this ministry.
I always love a good story and your article was pretty entertaining—good job. I’m not impressed though by the nerve or hopefully just naivety on your part to portray Homestead Heritage in the light that you did. None of what you published was correct. Homestead is full of the most genuine and loving people I’ve ever known.
I was born and raised in Wisconsin. My life was great, I had many friends and family, and was told I was a talented girl and could achieve whatever I set my mind to. I began pursuing many of my goals, one of which was sports. But my life felt pointless, I was not happy. Nothing made me want to get up in the morning. I knew something was missing, and I began to search for what would fill that emptiness. When I was 15, I flew down to Texas to surprise one of my friends at Homestead Heritage and attend her baptism.
Here I found what I had been looking for. To put it simply, I found a whole group of people who had real relationships with God and a purpose to life far greater then anything I had ever aspired to. I hadn’t seen this anywhere else, even though I had gone to several different churches growing up. While I was in Texas, I attended a community youth group service where I experienced the presence of God for myself and decided I never wanted to try to live without it. For the first time in years, you couldn’t convince me to sleep in and miss out on living life! I helped my friend arrange bouquets of beautiful homegrown flowers that she would sell to local businesses in downtown Waco, and then we’d just spend time together and have fun!
When I got home, my parents saw I was a completely different girl, and wanted to know what had changed. I begged them to let me move to Texas, and even though I was pretty young to move across the country without my family, they told me they wanted what was best for me and they knew this was it.
I owe a lot to my parents for giving me that choice. I wouldn’t be who I am today, a successful and satisfied teenager, if they hadn’t made that decision. I also will never be able to repay the loving family here at Homestead that opened their home for me to stay, free of rent. Not only that, they helped me complete my education and get a high school diploma, which I had long given up hope to achieve. I can’t imagine my life without them and the rest of the dear friends I have in this community I now call home. They’ve become closer to me than family and I often wonder to myself: “How am I so lucky to be here?!”
I have traveled more than your average 19-year-old—been to many different places in the US and visited a handful of other foreign countries. I always look forward to the times I go to Wisconsin and visit my family, but nothing makes me happier than coming back home.
I’m single, and the only reason I’d get married is because I’m in love with the person, and I’m not one bit worried of anyone making me do otherwise either!
While I was still in high school, I worked odd jobs to make spending cash and was always paid well. I currently work 4 days a week, part time as a hostess at Cafe Homestead and part time as an accountant for our farm, Heritage Garden. Never once have I been under paid. On the other hand, when I was first hired to work for Heritage Garden, I was more of a liability than an asset to the company because of how inexperienced I was. I work alongside an experienced bookkeeper and have received thousands of dollars worth of education for free. I don’t know of many companies that would go the extra mile like that, especially without a catch to it.
I enjoy spending time with friends, working together as a youth group, playing sports, and just spending time at home with the three darling kids that are basically my little siblings. I know good and well that the life I’ve chosen is different in many ways, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. No matter what others might think, we’re certainly not a group of oppressed individuals! If it wasn’t for this amazing community and the people I love, Lord knows where I’d be.
You’re welcome to come for a visit anytime and see for yourself.
Sincerely,
Grace Cone
My name is Brandon Trevino, and I did not grow up at Homestead Heritage. That is important context, because you describe in your article that we are “deprived” of a life outside the community. But I know firsthand how different reality is from the picture you painted.
I moved to Homestead Heritage nearly 12 years ago, when I was 15. I had the option to stay in Iowa with my biological dad, but I chose to move to Waco, Texas with my mom and stepdad. That was my own decision, and I have never once regretted it.
After arriving, I dove into learning a trade—pottery, something I was drawn to not because of expectation, but because I genuinely loved the craft. (And for the record—despite what your article implied, I did pottery and I never did blacksmithing!). The choice to do pottery has taken me far. I’ve helped people from all over the world start their own pottery studios and small businesses. Now, together with my best friend, I co-own Heritage Pottery, a business started over 28 years ago.
My biological dad has visited many times. He was here just last summer when I married my wife, Lauren. I’ll never forget hearing him tell someone, “With my kids being here, I never have to worry about them.” That meant the world to me! He has spent time with our friends, enjoyed being part of our life here, and seen for himself the kind of community we are part of.
This is our home.
Lauren and I were married on August 21, 2024. Since then, we’ve traveled together across the U.S. and visited four different countries. Right now, we’re in Bernal, Querétaro, Mexico, attending a wedding and visiting our church community here.
And let me be absolutely clear: neither I, my wife, nor anyone I know here has ever been forced into marriage. Our relationship was built on friendship, mutual respect, and love—just like countless other couples in this community. The idea that marriages here are arranged or coerced simply doesn’t match reality.
When I look back at my life, especially in light of the claims made in the article, I can say this with confidence: I wouldn’t trade my experience here for anything. No, we’re not perfect. No one is. But we are real people. We each have our own story, and it’s worth hearing—from us.
Sincerely,
Brandon Trevino
My name is Jeannette Lancaster, and I was born and raised at Homestead Heritage.
I have recently read your article, and I would like to share my first reaction to it. I was very disturbed by these stories, for they do not line up with the community that I have known and experienced.
First, I would like to say that I am writing this completely of my own will. There is no one that has pressured me to do this.
As a teenager, I choose how I want to live. No one is forcing me to live here, but rather, I have chosen this way of life for myself.
I am not bothered by your reaction to the way we dress, worship, or simply live. But, I am disturbed by you accusing us of being a people who are forced to dress, worship, or live a specific way, and if we don’t, then we will be punished. I have a right to choose what I want, just like you do.
I thought it was quite interesting that you would accuse that us women here at Homestead are depressed, underprivileged, pressured, or miserable. The article also accused us (as a people) of not letting individuals pursue their passions. I can speak for myself: ever since I was 8 years old, I have wanted to play the violin.
You say that “Former members shared experiences of
being discouraged by church elders to pursue a passion—violin, for
example—at young ages; they were instead strongly encouraged to
follow the craft-learning model on which Homestead is built.”
I don’t know who these people are that you heard this from, but I know that for me and my siblings this is definitely not the case. Every last one of us plays at least one instrument; several play more than one. Most of us started playing piano between the ages of 4 and 6. This then led to learning other instruments, like the violin, cello, or guitar. I began taking violin lessons when I was 8 years old and have been playing ever since. Any lack of skill is not from others suppressing my passion, but rather, my lack of practice and perseverance.
I have always enjoyed crafts, and they are a big part of our lives. However, I have never been forced to pursue any craft. I have been sewing since I was 6, weaving since I was 8, basket making since I was 10, leather tooling since I was 16. Yes, you could twist this up and say that this was child labor, or that my parents brainwashed me. But, do you really think that a child who is ecstatic about the thought of creating something with their own hands, and is actually able to do so, is forced labor? I don’t think so! I have always loved crafts, and I still do!
I now work a job as a waitress, raise animals, and train dogs. While I enjoy all of this greatly, what I enjoy the most is when I get to make something with my hands. Whether this is a complicated basket or a simple dress, there is something so fulfilling in finishing a project that you have made.
While I have pursued many crafts over the years, I have never been forced to stop any of my other passions or dreams, and mind you, I’ve had some crazy ones, ones that have succeeded and some that failed.
I am troubled by your accusations, and I cannot keep quiet. We are a people who are longing to live our lives honestly and simply. I believe that this is the best way that I could live my life, and nothing you do will change this.
Sincerely,
-Jeannette Lancaster
When I came to Homestead Heritage, I knew how to order from a bar and have had my fair share of hangovers. I don’t miss that at all.
I won’t get into all the details of my past but a quick snapshot of my early and mid 20’s was partying, chasing money and Hollywood, and navigating broken relationships.
Despite however flashy my life might have looked like on the outside, I know the darkness and brokenness that was really there. I visited this community after hearing about it from a friend.
I experienced a powerful encounter with the presence of God and a deliverance from things I wasn’t ever able to shake on my own. I felt such safety to open my heart to the “big angry leaders” of this church. I shared things with them that I was too ashamed to tell anyone else before.
I was not met with judgements, a random moody outburst of anger, or any kind of abuse. EVER. I was ONLY met with truth and love.
I got close to a few different families while I was single. These families invited me to dinners, various activities, and even their family vacations! I was included and treated as a member of their families, not a second rate citizen.
I am now joyously married for a little over two years. No one was forcing me or my husband to marry each other. No leader influenced our decision. We both felt a deep love for each other and desired to marry!
In my past, I have dated many men and was even in a 6/7 year relationship. I know how nuts it is to hop from person to person, over and over again.
I am so thankful to Jesus to be living the life I am living now. And most importantly, a lifestyle that I FREELY chose.
If you want the truth, our craft village and church meetings are open to the public. You’re welcome to visit, meet us, and find out first hand that we don’t sit around worshipping the “leaders” and ‘drinking the koolaid.’
In response to the article on Homestead Heritage.
My name is William Fowler. My parents joined Homestead Heritage when I was 8 years old. In that context, they educated me, gave me love and an amazing childhood. Since I was young, I have had more friends than I could count, and opportunities to succeed in small entrepreneurial and musical ventures. I will never choose to believe that I could have had a better childhood somewhere else.
I’m now 18, and have come up to many forks in my road. For the last two years, as I moved into adulthood, I have had to weigh my options of continuing to live in the community I was raised in or go and pursue a different lifestyle. Last November, I decided to be baptized, becoming a member of Homestead Heritage. This was completely my own decision and desire.
I believe that the article written against my community was full of bitterness and lies. Even though Homestead “permits” young adults to pursue a career through college, former members say it is uncommon? I recently finished my third semester studying for tax accounting and bookkeeping at McLennan County College, the same college that Morning Alexander enrolled in after leaving Homestead. I personally have two close friends pursuing similar careers in college level courses.
I choose to stand with all my friends and family who have freely dedicated their lives to this community and say I would live this life a thousand times over. There is absolutely no coercion involved in becoming a member, or any other step in a young persons life. It grieves me to see people walk away bitter from such a beautiful context.
Sincerely,
William Fowler
I am Mark Sherman. Our family has been part of Homestead Heritage since 1989. We lived north of Dallas, where I worked as a manufacturing consultant, primarily for Fortune 500 companies. I worked all over the US, in four foreign countries, for over 150 different factories. From a financial viewpoint, life was great, but our hearts felt spiritually empty. We prayed to find a church where loving and honoring the Lord Jesus was the primary directive, and we have experienced that in abundant measure here at Homestead Heritage.
We moved to Brazos de Dios in 1991, where we have experienced immense joy. As with any human relationship, there have occasionally been misunderstandings and disappointments, but we have worked through these with mutual love and respect. When our family experienced heartaches and trials, the community was right by our side to help us through them. We have received the best love and care.
Contrary to the portrait painted of Blair Adams in the article, he was one of the most humble, loving and giving people I have ever known. He was well-loved because he loved so well. His message always pointed us to individual responsibility before Jesus, and I never experienced even an inkling that he expected or desired devotion to himself. The description of him in your article is grievously absurd.
Four of our children married in this community. Each of them was motivated to marry because they felt in their hearts that the love they felt for their future spouse was from God. There was no pressure or involvement from anyone to manipulate a match, as was implied in the article. Each of them are more in love with their spouses today than the love they felt abundantly at their marriage.
I give hay ride tours from time to time and enjoy meeting people from far and near. I encourage you to come and talk to us. I would love to meet you and answer any questions you may have.
Sincerely,
Mark Sherman
We met them in downtown Big Timber at our community's Big Timber Bakery where community members, guests and many regular locals come for a delicious breakfast or lunch, coffee and special times to visit.
We sat there that morning and had a really good visit with the Gluecks, catching up on family events....travels made, grandchildren born, our son's 10th wedding anniversary that day, and in the conversation, they lovingly spoke of recently stopping in to visit their daughters and grandchildren on their way back to Montana from attending a wedding in Idaho. They showed us pictures of their cute little chubby four-month old grandson and told us how happy they were to see their sweet six-year-old granddaughter, and together we spoke of our love for family and prayers for our kids.
Back in the car, maybe ten minutes after our visit, word of the Dallas Observer article came to my phone, and as I read the false, twisted accusations, some even shared by one of the Gluecks' daughters, my heart really hurt for them--the parents, the ones who had just reminisced to us so lovingly about spending time with their family.
Times away from home heighten my thankfulness for what we have within our community and the life that God has given me and my family as a part of the Homestead community for the past 27 years.
When we first heard of Homestead Heritage many years ago, it was back in the Waco/David Koresh era. We lived in Plano, Texas, had one child at the time and wanted to bring him up to live for God and provide him with the very best life we could.
We had been long-time friends of a couple who introduced us to the Homestead community in Waco, and my husband and I both determined, "We know these two friends very closely, and we know they would never be a part of something that is described as evil!" And thankfully the ridiculous attempts to compare the community with David Koresh did not turn us away from continuing to pursue a wholesome life for our son and our four other children to follow within the Homestead community.
The privileges that all of my children, and now grandchildren, have been provided in this community, the love and care our entire family has received is actually very overwhelming and undeserved on my part!
The response of my own parents (who lived in another state and were not part of our community) to false accusations in years past was: "This just convinces us even more what you have is from God. Jesus was accused and criticized, and He said His followers would be accused and criticized, too."
I will ask, if someone was so miserable growing up in the community, why would they spend more of their lives constantly thinking about it and continuing to live there in their minds, unless they know deep in their hearts there is something of great value there? Something wonderful to never forget and let go of.
I personally know of young people who were very close friends with Morning Alexander. They grew up together, sang together, wrote music together, were in music ministry together. Among I'm sure many other gifts, Morning is a very gifted musician and has an incredible singing voice, and she was encouraged and given opportunities in those giftings, and it was a blessing to all of us.
Are any parents perfect? Is any church perfect? Can aspects of relationships be imperfect and need work and forgiveness?
What are the children of our accusers going to be saying about them their parents years down the road? What kind of relationship are they going to have in their teen years and beyond? The time passes so quickly. Spend all of this time and energy filling their lives with a loving and wholesome environment such as you have so adamantly demanded from your own parents and the community of your upbringing.
And to you who wrote the article attempting to assist damage to such a wonderful community full of love and opportunities that most children never have access to, your misrepresentation of our community is absurd and a huge disappointment.
My name is Stephanie.
I’m writing regarding the “Exiled” article in the Dallas Observer concerning Homestead Heritage.
I am 14 years old and I absolutely love this community that I’ve lived in my whole life. I’m one of nine children and we have just returned from my oldest brother’s wedding in a different community. Being a part of the third generation is a huge privilege, and it gives me many exquisite examples to follow. I do not live a boring life at all!!!
Twice a week I walk to high school classes taught by some of the best people I know and attended by my best friends and neighbors. My favorite class being history; and no, I don’t only learn about persecution. I also do milk chores two times a week with my friends, early in the morning when the dew is still heavy and clouds are fringed in pink. I enjoy it abundantly!
As for the odd complaint about red and flowered dresses, I actually am currently wearing one and I have multiple I wear regularly. Some of the outlandish comments greatly confused me. I know Brother Blair never stood on the pulpit! That’s absurd!
Also, I’ve actually received priceless rewards from the small things I made for the fair. Just noticing someone bought my project delighted me! If you don’t believe what I’m saying, come to milk chores some early morning, ask me about my history, and I just might be wearing a red flowered dress!
I wouldn’t trade my life for anything!
Sincerely, Stephanie
This is in response to the the article in the Dallas Observer on the Homestead Heritage community.
My name is Lisa Bradford, and I have been a member of the Homestead Heritage community for over 40 years. During that time, I have seen many ups and downs in my life personally and in our church community. We have together experienced struggles and victories, gains and losses, pain and joy, failures/misunderstandings and forgiveness, much like any natural family does. And now, all these years later, those who have weathered all of that are welded together by such an incredible bond of love! I certainly never worshiped any leader, but I have learned how to worship Jesus with all my heart, mind, soul and strength. The caricature that these people paint of our community and those that gave everything they had to found and build it into what we experience today only reveals their lack of genuine love for the people that genuinely loved them.
The off-the-cuff reporting without doing the proper research for this article is astounding and so deeply hurtful to hundreds of people. I don't have the space to refute every falsehood and accusation that these people make because every line is filled with lies and misrepresentation. But there are a couple of things I would like to address: I came here as a young single mother, broken and very lost. I had finally found the love that I was searching for in all the wrong places. Indeed, I was delivered from a life of drugs and alcohol, immorality, suicidal tendencies and much more. I certainly never wanted my child to learn how to order at a bar or experience a hangover, let alone the many other things she would have experienced had I not found the refuge of this community of people. I'm sorry these people feel like that was something they were deprived of, instead of spared from.
Even though I'm a "second-class citizen" as a single woman, I could tell you of the thousands of dollars that were given to help support me and my daughter; the endless hours of counsel; the many hours of job training not just for me, but also for my daughter; the financial, emotional and practical support to help care for my dying father in another state as multiple friends traveled to encourage him (not a member) and my mother (who is also a 40+ year member), the countless gifts and unfailing love and support that have carried me in this community for all these years.
It has been an incredible journey of hope and love, and I have not regretted my decision to live this life, with these people, for one minute.
As a media outlet you wield a powerful tool swaying public opinion and risk spawning backlash toward people who live the life of their choice, enjoying their community and sharing it with thousands of people every year.
I submit a challenge for you to put away your broad brush, spend a moment and find out the intricate details people’s lives consist of, who they are, and what values they hold true.
Maybe you’ll find the dupe perhaps has been on you for believing and publishing years old accusations that have all been flushed out and proven inaccurate many times over leaving the accusers you have featured frantically looking for a new outlet to publish their story of hate and lies.
The real story here is a community that despite slander and misunderstanding continues to love and nurture those who otherwise would live a hopeless meaningless existence. I myself stand as proof. It’s been 20 years since I came here from out of drugs and destruction.
Now I’m successful, raising my family, and caring for others. Reach out to me directly. I’d be happy to tell you my story.
My name is Merab Taylor. I’m a single 26 year old woman, and I’ve been raised here at Homestead my whole life, and am not ashamed to call this place my home. I am a basket maker, and work in our basket shop 5 days out of the week, where I am privileged to serve my customers.
I also enjoy playing guitar, piano and breaking out in 3 part harmony with friends and family.
Never once have I felt forced to stay here, nor have I been told that God would kill me if I decided to leave. On the contrary, I hear over and over, “It’s totally up to you!”
Dispelling every lie that has been spoken in your article, I encourage you to come see for yourself first hand the community that God has blessed me with! It just keeps getting better!
Regarding the article on Homestead Heritage by the Dallas Observer.
My name is Timothy Borman.
I’m 21 and I am part of the Homestead Heritage community.
I was quite bothered by the outrageous claims that were put forth in this article.
It is astonishing to me how people can so forget the truth when they become bitter towards, and separate from, people they once loved.
I live on our community land and have lots of great friends. It is awesome to get to work together, play together, and learn together.
Some of my most cherished relationships are with the men that help lead our community. They are full of love patience and kindness.
They are always there to help when I need encouragement.
The descriptions of these men in the article is far from the truth. They do not hate or degrade anyone who chooses to leave. Everyone is encouraged to do whatever they feel is best.
These men carry the love of God first and foremost, and strive to live up to the standards of the Bible and help us to do the same.
I love every one of them.
Brother Blair was a loving, caring man, always looking out for everyone else. I can’t count how many times he said how much he loved and appreciated God’s people and how privileged he felt to be in a community where God’s love was so real.
It’s an incredible place to be and I wouldn’t trade it for anything!
My name is Shoshanah Jacobson. I am writing in response to the Dallas Observer article that was sent out on Wednesday. I was hurt and shaken by the image that was portrayed of the people who have poured their love into me selflessly, without expecting anything in return. I am 15 years old, the daughter of Sholom and Adi Jacobson. I was raised in the context of Homestead Heritage.
Brother Blair Adams was the finest example of love and care I have ever witnessed. No, he wasn’t perfect, but his care for each and every person he came into contact with spoke to each one of us, and I will never forget him. I have many memories as a young child, listening, deeply touched, as Brother Blair shared that he wished he could speak to us personally and tell us how much he loved us, but illness crippled him so that he could only attend half of the church meetings he wished to.
I was 11 when I decided to write a letter to Brother Blair. He took the time to read it, although he was struggling with cancer and doing his best to keep up with the steady stream of visitors and letters he received every day. A few days later, at one of the last church events he attended, he publicly thanked me. I also received a handwritten letter from his wife, Sister Regina, and him. They wrote that they were proud of the life I had chosen and that if I stayed on this path, I would be an example to others. Those words have helped keep me firm in my faith that there is no place on earth I would rather be than within the context of these people who truly know what love is.
I ask you who have spread these dishonest words to come out and see for yourselves the life that I live. Take a tour of the craft shops where I have been privileged to spend countless hours being taught by award-winning artisans. Attend our church gatherings and see that we don’t worship a leader, we worship God. Most important, I know that I belong to something eternal. I am living for something that will last, rather than the fleeting “pleasures” that you have portrayed in this article as something I am being deprived of. Come and witness my life firsthand and tell if there is any other place on earth where I can experience this kind of love that gives everything to see someone else’s dreams come true.
Sincerely,
Shoshanah Jacobson
After reading your article, I found myself asking: Which community are you talking about? Because the picture you painted bears no resemblance to the reality we live and witness daily.
As a mental health professional, I’m aware that perception can sometimes be shaped—if not distorted—by underlying psychological conditions. These distortions can mislead not only the person suffering from them, but also others who may be more impressionable or naive.
Hateful speech and slander often originate from deep-seated insecurity or personal pain. At times, they may be driven by unresolved guilt or jealousy. In more severe cases, certain personality disorders—such as Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) or Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)—can produce chronic interpersonal conflict, misperceptions, and a persistent pattern of blame-shifting and vilifying others, including family members.
Paranoid or delusional thinking may also be a factor. Disorders such as Paranoid Personality Disorder or psychotic spectrum conditions can result in elaborate accusations and slander rooted more in fear and inner turmoil than in fact.
If you are a young writer, you may not yet be acquainted with the complex dynamics of trauma, projection, and mental illness. I would urge you to continue researching these patterns to avoid falling into the trap of enabling misrepresentation and defamation.
Living in a community rooted in non-coercive, supportive relationships is not only a personal choice—it is a fundamental right. So I find myself asking: Why is this way of life being targeted? What is so threatening about people choosing a life of peace, stability, and voluntary accountability?
May your success be grounded in truth and merit—not built at the expense of others’ reputations or freedoms.
My name is Rebecca Borman.
I am 16 years old and have lived in this community my whole life with my grandparents and lots of family.
After reading the article you wrote on Homestead, I was very disturbed to hear that friends we knew feel so bitter toward us. I remember watching their darling children for gatherings, and it was very sad when they chose to leave. One thing I would like to say is NOBODY is forced to work without pay. There are many jobs around the community that I absolutely love helping with, like helping out at the weekly farmer’s market, cooking for events, babysitting and more. None of those do I get paid for, but if I didn’t want to do any of them, I could say no, and that would be just fine.
In school right now, a well educated man in the community is volunteering his time to teach us high schoolers science. We have been offered many crafts and school classes we can sign up for if we desire to. If we desire to learn something other than is offered in the list of classes, there’s always opportunity to ask. I very much enjoy living here on the farm, doing milk chores with my friends, and helping out with jobs around the community! I hope more people will come and live this exciting life with us!
Sincerely, Rebecca
I am 18 years old and have lived here my entire life. I have never felt pressured into making any decisions by leaders of this community, but I know that I am responsible for any decisions I make.
I begged my mom from the time I was very young to help my best friend on small projects to sell at our fair. I never wanted to be paid to do it, I did it for fun. I was proud to have my name on something for sale at our fair! I learned much history and science in my schooling, and finished high school with an awesome graduation! I hope you will have the courage to come visit our community and meet the people I am blessed to call my friends!
Sincerely, Emma Borman
But my journey here was anything but smooth. I started smoking pot at 15 and, by 25, had tried nearly every drug on the charts. As a former alcoholic, I can say with certainty—my life would have been far better had I never experienced a hangover. I chased happiness down many dead-end roads, until I found peace—real, lasting peace—here in this community.
I wasn’t pressured or persuaded to join. Quite the opposite. When I asked to become part of this church, because of the tangible love of God I felt (and still feel), I was encouraged by members to take my time and consider all options—to make sure it was truly what I wanted. But I knew—I knew—this was home. This was the answer I’d been searching for.
As a single woman, I am deeply respected and loved by many families in our church. I am treated like an aunt by many wonderful children and feel like I am apart of a big family!
I was trained, free of charge, by another member to become a full-charge bookkeeper. I worked 16 years as a supervisor in the reporting department at Brazos Higher Education. Today, I have a job I enjoy within the community doing research and referencing.
It’s hard for me to even read what’s been written. The lies are so bizarre, they’d be laughable—if they weren’t so hurtful. I don’t have time here to respond to every false statement, but if you want the truth, you’re welcome to come talk to me. I’ll gladly share my side of the story.
In response to the article in the Dallas Observer about Homestead Heritage
My family came to Homestead Heritage when I was 6 years old. After a very safe and happy childhood, I made my own free decision to join the community at age 19. I am now in my 30’s and would like to say I received a wonderful education from my parents. I now own my own candle making business in addition to being a pottery instructor. As pottery instructor and experience host, I have had the opportunity to meet many wonderful students from all over the states and around the world. I recently came back to the states after spending 2 1/2 months in Israel, teaching pottery lessons and volunteering at events hosted by our community to help those affected by the war. I find it quite insulting to hear the demeaning things said in this article about ladies in our community. This has not been my experience. I have been capable of making my own free decisions, traveling overseas multiple times, assisting in starting small businesses in other countries as well as running my own business and also, as a pottery teacher, have been capable of interfacing with 100’s of students from all walks of life.
I would also like to give a personal testimony of the love and care shown to my family by this community: In December of 2022, my father suddenly and unexpectedly passed away. In spite of it being the middle of the night only two days after Christmas, within moments of receiving our phone call, members of the community arrived to help and support us. The instantaneous emotional, physical and mental support from the community has unceasingly carried my family through the past two years since his death. When I realized my dad was gone, I had friends I could call at 4 am and they were there for me and continued to be there, night and day. In addition, they cleaned our house, made us food, brought groceries, and helped us in every way to navigate the trauma of sudden loss. While there have been mistakes made and lessons learned in the time I’ve been part of this community, in my experience, when you awake in the night to a life and death situation, there is nothing that compares to a whole community of friends who will literally do anything to help you through.
I have not been shut up in this community all my life, forced to work for little or no pay! I have traveled the world. I’ve been to The Netherlands, Germany, France, and Finland. I not only do crafts, my main passion is music. My parents buy me lessons from people within the community and from a professional outside of our community. I am learning to sing, play piano, cello, and guitar! I am not forced to work.
Some of my fondest memories are when my friends and I volunteer to help cook for an event. We talk, laugh, and have an absolute blast together.
How can they tell us how we live, when they don’t know us? They can’t!
So if you really want to know how things really are, you can come out and have a great day at Homestead Heritage; talk with us, see what a GREAT life we are privileged to enjoy! I would never want to be anywhere else. I am surrounded by people who love me, and I feel protected and cared for. When I see teenagers buried in their I-phones, I feel bad for them. I don’t envy them.
I hope that someday they’ll have the joy of playing in an orchestra with their friends, or watching a butterfly flit upon a flower that they grew themselves. It’s not a laborious life, it’s beautiful and fulfilling!
Sincerely,
Ruthie Anz
My name is Kash Nathan. I read with great interest your recent article about Homestead Heritage, and I would like to share my personal perspective as someone who has been deeply involved with this community for over a decade.
I was born into a Hindu family in Malaysia and have now lived in the United States for over 20 years. My journey of faith has taken me around the world. In my mid-twenties, while living in New Zealand, I converted to Christianity. Shortly afterward, I came to the U.S. as a missionary. It was here that I met my wife — a wonderful woman from Louisiana — in a charismatic church. Together, we embarked on a life of ministry, planting churches across 32 states, from Fairbanks, Alaska, to Key West, Florida.
In 2010, as a family with two daughters at the time, we first visited Homestead Heritage. We returned once or twice a year, each time engaging deeply with the community, asking questions about their doctrine, theology, lifestyle, and basic principles. From 2010 to 2015, we took time to carefully understand who they were. The answers we received were thoughtful, biblically grounded, and wholesome. Were there mistakes made? Naturally. Like any church and community, there were shortcomings in navigating relationships. But what truly impressed me was their openness to acknowledge those mistakes and make meaningful corrections. That humility and willingness to grow is what caught my attention the most.
Unlike many churches I’ve encountered, which claim exclusivity — “we are it, and there is no other way” — I never found that spirit at Homestead. Instead, I found a community that values growth, honesty, and change. This drew our family in. In 2015, we made the decision to join Homestead Heritage fully. I voluntarily resigned from my missionary work and freely handed over my ordination — no one from Homestead ever asked or pressured me to do so. It was my personal conviction and desire to embrace life within this community. We came with four children — two girls and two boys — and over the next ten years, we welcomed three more children into our family.
Even after stepping away from formal missionary work, the passion to reach people continued to burn in me. At Homestead, we began hosting home fellowships, reaching out beyond the community walls. I traveled to 26 countries, planting churches in Uganda, India, the Netherlands, Hungary, and Finland. Everywhere I went, as I shared about what I had experienced at Homestead, people were drawn in. Visitors came, attended seminars, and left refreshed — like they had discovered a spring of living water.
I have been to many churches across the world, but I have rarely seen the level of evangelism and multicultural embrace that I have witnessed at Homestead. We have families from the Philippines, India, Australia, and the Middle East. We’ve hosted conferences in Egypt and Turkey, reaching out to people of all backgrounds with love and grace, without judgment.
I understand that at first glance, it may be easy to misinterpret some of what you see — women dressed modestly, teenagers working part-time in craft shops and cafés. Yes, our handmade goods may be priced higher due to the labor and skill involved. But what often goes unseen is the heart behind it all: hundreds of thousands of dollars quietly poured into helping those in need. My own travels to foreign nations were fully funded by the community to support churches and orphanages. We’ve covered the airfare for hundreds of people to attend life-skill seminars at Homestead. Yet none of this is publicized or boasted about — this is simply the nature of this community. They would rather be misunderstood and even slandered than boast about their generosity.
I am not writing to you as a minister of Homestead Heritage, but simply as someone who has lived and worked among them for 10 years and witnessed these things firsthand.
I was not a bystander. I was deeply involved — confirmed as a minister within Homestead, leading one of its largest home fellowships of 240 people. If there were any "backstage secrets," I would have seen them. But I can say with confidence: what you see is what you get. Transparency is a hallmark of this community.
Later, I personally felt the need to take a sabbatical from ministry after many years of travel and service. Again, this was entirely my own decision. The leaders at Homestead did not ask or direct me to step back — it was something I insisted on for my own spiritual and family balance. And Homestead fully supported me in this decision — spiritually, emotionally, and even financially. Today, I continue to travel, ministering to churches across the country and sharing the life-giving principles I have learned here. My children attend a Baptist Christian academy outside the community, and I volunteer as a coach at their school. Not once has anyone at Homestead criticized our family for this decision. On the contrary, they have shown us love and unwavering support. We are not a homeschooling family, I travel weekly to minister in other churches, and Homestead continues to encourage our calling.
In many ways, we are no different from the church down the road — except that we live more closely as a community. We work together, share life, and help one another when there is a need. We take personal responsibility for our lives and genuinely care for each other.
I do not write this letter to deny or invalidate the personal experiences shared by former members. I respect their perspectives. However, I can only testify to what I have personally seen and known over the past decade — as a member, a minister, and now as someone on sabbatical. I have lived in multiple countries, and my early life in Malaysia taught me to be street-smart and discerning. I do not consider myself naïve or easily swayed.
From my experience, Homestead Heritage is a sincere community of people striving to live out biblical principles. They openly acknowledge that they are not the only way — I have heard this from leadership many times. In my travels to places like Turkey and Beirut, even while sharing meals with Hezbollah members and former jihadists, I’ve met people longing for the very kind of life that Homestead seeks to cultivate.
Of course, Homestead is not perfect — no church and community is. But I believe in the beauty of giving people the space and grace to grow. Allow change to take root and flourish. We are all on a journey of growth, learning, and redemption.
I welcome any questions you may have and would be more than happy to share further. I’ve had the privilege of being featured on Daystar Christian Network, as well as various radio interviews and podcasts, sharing my faith journey and experiences from around the world.
Thank you for the opportunity to share my perspective.
Warm regards,
Kash Nathan
Hi, my name is Alexis Hersh
I am here to tell you about how my life really is, and how much I enjoy it! After reading the Dallas observer article...I don’t appreciate how my church is being lied about and I’m very hurt to hear all the accusations towards us! I’m 16 years old and in 11th grade.
I was born and raised here. I go to high school classes, here two days a week, taught by volunteer teachers in our community and outside the community- where I learn math, science, history, and writing skills.
I have never been forced to do anything I do. I want to and do it because I enjoy the way of life I was born into and I want to spend the rest of my life here. I get to be with my friends all the time either doing school, playing violin in our youth orchestra, and much more!! I’ll be turning 18 next summer and graduating from high school. My dream is to pursue EMT school once I’m graduated. I hope to serve my community medically as well as the Waco area. I have never felt obliged or forced to do ANYTHING!!! I love and respect our pastors and feel the same from them towards me!
I hope those who have lied about this wonderful life we live will one day know how bad it feels and hurts if we did the same to them.
~Alexis Hersh
My name is Benjamin Hersh. I’m nineteen years old, and I call Homestead Heritage my home. My grandparents joined when my father was just four, in New York City, and my mother joined a few years later in New Jersey. I was born and raised here, and I’ve experienced our values, way of life, and community firsthand. I’ve made the personal and thoughtful decision to continue living here.
Contrary to some recent claims, my choice to stay is not rooted in fear of “fiery judgment” or coercion. Rather, it stems from a genuine appreciation for the peace, love, and support that characterize life within Homestead Heritage. I was especially surprised and hurt by Alexander’s claim in your article that members of our community are cut off from communication with friends and family outside of it. As someone with loved ones who have chosen different paths, I can say with certainty that this is not true and is offensive.
One of my siblings no longer lives within the community yet remains a central part of my life. We speak daily, share meals together often, and celebrate birthdays and holidays. In fact, our Christmas Family dinner wouldn’t be complete without my uncle, who left Homestead Heritage as a young adult, and whose family is part of a different congregation.
Homestead Heritage has nurtured my passions, especially in music, and I’ve always felt supported, never restricted, in pursuing what feels right for me.
All I ask is that you and your readers consider visiting our community firsthand. We’re happy to share with you what really defines Homestead Heritage. This is our home, and I am proud of it.
Sincerely,
Benjamin Hersh
I am upset and deeply hurt by the outrageous lies in your article about the community I call home.
I am a lifelong member of Homestead Heritage, in my mid 30s, married to the love of my life, a proud mother of six beautiful children and a business owner.
I grew up with all those mentioned in this article, living next-door to some of them for years. It saddens me greatly that they have decided to go down the road of hatred, slander, and bitterness.
Two of my brother in laws left the community years ago. We have a good relationship with them, we respect them and the life they have chosen and they feel the same toward us.
It is unjust that you as a journalist and reporter didn’t have adequate fairness and impartiality to interview some of the other folks who left the community and still have a good relationship with us and not just the handful of hostile ones who have made it their life‘s goal to destroy us and the life we have chosen.
I hope you have enough moral consciousness to reconsider what you wrote and hear another side to the “story”.
Sincerely,
Oriyah Owen
I won’t stay silent. I’m proud to stand up as a woman and speak the truth.
We’re a vibrant community of professionals from all kinds of backgrounds. My husband and I co-own two retail stores, manage a candle business, run Airbnbs, and regularly open our doors to guests from all over. But more than anything, as a woman in this community, I am respected, I am heard, I am free—and I am truly happy.
To me, the real success of this place is in its heart: a Christian community committed to love, family, and lasting relationships across generations. Choosing to live here has been the best decision of my life.
I’ve seen firsthand the beauty of this place—how they walked with my mother and sister through their battles with cancer, how they surrounded my husband and me with love as we began our life together, and how again and again, they’ve shown care, support, and friendship like nowhere else in the world.
Unfortunately for the Dallas Observer, the reporter failed to exercise even the bare minimum of due diligence—spending hours and months interviewing only one side, while refusing our invitation to hear our stories, learn about our current experiences, and meet face to face with the very people she so unfairly misrepresented.
Now, 21 years since my dad passed away, my four siblings and I are all happily married. (None of us were ever told who we should marry, that is the most ludicrous claim I’ve heard in quite some time).
On another note, I find it astonishing that anyone can believe we are so “brainwashed” or “uneducated” that we can’t even recognize we’re being controlled by some elite group of leaders. I challenge you, do the right thing and reconsider what you’ve written in this article. I don’t think this represents fair, unbiased journalism at all.
Thank you for your consideration,
Aaron Anz
First a quick bit of history on myself: I was born and raised as a third generation member of the community. I live about five minutes away from the church property with my parents on a little farm outside of West, Texas.
My mom gave me a wonderful education at home using well recognized courses. She’s an incredibly talented teacher and mom❤️. When I was in high school I attended countless diverse classes three days a week, plus studied five languages, all while taking multiple online classes as well. My passions are world travel, meeting new people, history and hanging out with friends and family. I’m incredibly excited and happy about my life and it really feels weird that just because we choose to live a little bit different than some people, we are being labeled a cult and lied about. That really hurts.
I am writing this comment not because anyone told me to, but because I was honestly upset by this last article. Please believe me when I say it doesn’t even represent 6% of the truth of what our community is like. It doesn’t feel good to listen to five people who obviously didn’t have a happy life try to make it sound like it’s all your church’s fault and speak for well over a thousand people like me who have a very different reality.
Doesn’t everyone know that no one is perfect? I’m sure there were issues but I am equally as sure that they have blown them way out of proportion and are choosing to focus on past grievances instead of creating a bright future for themselves. Just because a person chooses to live a different life than you please don’t judge them or start creating drama to make yourself into a victim. I am truly sorry for any wrong and pain they experienced. I want everyone to be as happy and fulfilled as I am.
For those dear folks who want to know what it’s really like, please come take a tour of our craft village. Come say hi at the cafe where I work making good money as a waitress. Come to our church services that are supposedly off limits. Everyone is welcome. The craft village is open rain or shine six days a week. We host 200,000 + tourists a year. Come talk to our fan base that eat and visit regularly and know us and come to church services and who aren’t members. They won’t be biased or brain washed. You don’t have to just take my word for it, come see for yourself if it worries you.
My name is Howard Wheeler. I am 22 years old, and I have the privilege of calling Homestead my home.
I have lived here my whole life. After reading your article, it hurt me to see how you smeared the people of this community—people I care for deeply. I have to say, I have never seen any of the things your article claims.
I received a wonderful education from my parents and this community, and I now work in the construction industry. I’ve traveled all over the U.S. supervising retail store remodels. Every construction skill I have, I learned from working with people in this community.
I have never been forced to do anything in my life. I have always known I could leave this community if I wanted to, but this is the only place where I have found true meaning. Everyone here has shown me an abundance of love. I’m living an amazing life, with the most wonderful family and friends I could ever ask for.
I do have a few family members who are not part of our community, but I spend almost every holiday with them, as well as many family dinners. Just because they aren’t part of our community doesn’t mean I don’t talk to them.
Please come visit our community and see for yourself that the claims made by these people are completely false.
Sincerely,
Howard Wheeler
I am a member of Homestead Heritage, where I’ve lived most of my life and I would like to debunk the outlandish claims and accusations that grossly misrepresent where I live, what I believe, and where I have freely chosen to raise my family. After reading the recent article, I would like to share an aspect of my story. My wife and I are both 3rd generation in our community and are raising our two children which would be 4th generation. I am a General Contractor serving Waco and the surrounding area and a real estate investor. I felt rather insulted after reading one of the claims that a bitter contributor mentioned, that learning trades is “brainwashing” and “child abuse” that Homestead relies on. I proudly choose to be a plumber, and have worked eight years to be eligible to take my State test this coming November for my Master plumbing license.
I am incredibly thankful to my Father who is apart of Homestead too, and who taught me how to work, to pay attention to detail and to communicate with customers. He has a lot of experience and has been in the moving profession for over 50 years serving the greater Waco area and all over the United States moving people from coast to coast and catering to very high end estates and reputable clientele.
I was homeschooled, and during my last years of high school, a friend in the community hired me and taught me how to lay tile, build shower pans and install tile backsplashes. It was a lot of fun and hard work too!
For me, I never felt a need to pursue college or trade school, but after having a tile business for several years, I started working for a plumbing company owned by a community member and became an apprentice. I got so much hands on learning experience, and worked in the residential, commercial and service fields along with bidding, scheduling and managing the crews.
I am super thankful for all my friends and family at Homestead who have taught me useful and meaning skills, how to communicate with customers, converse in business and make wise investments that my children, and their children can learn from and inherit generations from now.
I am very grateful to my parents who joined before I was even born, in 1992, that gave my siblings and I the opportunity to grow up in this wonderful community, where I’ve found dear friends, meaning and purpose, and most of all my Faith in Jesus. I am still learning, still growing and full of gratitude for the choices my parents and grandparents made decades ago to give me the choice to enjoy such a wonderful and rich life that I am now raising my family in.
-Levi Phillips
Homestead Heritage. Though I have never been pressured to stay in this community, I
choose to stay because I have never found any other place where people love and
sacrifice for each other more.
As a third-generation member, people might say I am “brainwashed” since I
grew up here, or that I was forced to write this. Does me living in this community make
me a less trusted source than someone who left the community many years ago? I
have plenty of access to other cultures and ways of life, and I have made many friends
outside the community, including people who used to be members. If I was so
sheltered and brainwashed then why was I allowed to read this article?
I will not try and argue every point in the article, but will instead share my
experiences of growing up in this community. For starters, I have enjoyed learning from
craft classes taught by master craftsman that our community freely offers. Sometimes
I’ve kept my finished products and other times they were sold at the Fair. I was never
forced to do this, I loved it, and was always proud when my little doll blanket or pottery
mug sold.
I am in twelfth grade and have experienced a very well-rounded education. This
year I am taking many classes including math, English literature, science, history,
theology, first aid, Spanish and many more. I am not sheltered from other viewpoints in
fact, our community regularly invites outside speakers, and we are encouraged to
develop critical thinking skills.
I own my own business, and in the past year I have also occasionally worked at
various businesses owned by people in the community when I am not to busy with
school which is my main priority. I have always been paid above minimum wage.
No, thankfully my parents and friends in the community have never taught me
what a hangover feels like or how to order from a bar. They have taught me that love is
built on small acts of service, how to build lasting relationships and how serving and caring for other people is more rewarding than only caring for yourself. And in
today’s world plagued by loneliness and confusion, I would rather have those life skills
than just knowing how to get over a hangover.
Modesty standards have never been imposed upon me, and I certainly don’t
have any “trauma” from the way I choose to dress. I am not watched like an animal
in a zoo, and I wear any color I want, including red.
This article tries to portray us as mindless, fearful people who “would violate any
moral code” just to follow our leaders. But I would never do that, and I don’t know any
of my friends who would.
I invite anyone who is curious about us to come and visit us and ask questions
before developing an opinion based on a few people’s story.
Sincerely,
Anne Tindell
But how can you deny the courtesy of allowing others to express their experiences?
This isn’t a matter of right versus wrong. A little open-mindedness, and a genuine apology, could go a long way...
Thank you for your comments. We agree that everyone has the right to share their experiences. That’s why we created this page—to give voice to those whose perspective was omitted in the DO article.
If you mean to imply that Heritage is censoring its members from sharing negative experiences on this platform, please know that the 4 posts our team has taken down so far were because they were posted anonymously. (We also removed one child’s contribution at the request of their parent.) Due to trolls posing as members, we can’t accommodate anonymous contributions here.
Open-mindedness, apology and forgiveness are core elements of our Christian faith, and are practiced regularly by our members (typically in a personal context, not on the worldwide web). Many of the stories posted here reflect that reality.
If you’re interested in the general position of our ministry towards our former members and the hurt they may have experienced, please see this public post on our Facebook page.
Best regards,
Heritage IT Team
This morning, as I read the article you recently published, I was deeply hurt that you would publish such unfounded and uninformed falsehoods about Homestead Heritage.
As a fifteen year old, third-generation youth, I am privileged to have grown up in such an amazing place. My whole life, I have been surrounded by a loving family, the best friends I could have asked for, and, most of all, an amazing group of Christians that have tried—though maybe not perfectly—to give us, their children and grandchildren, the best life possible.
When I finished the article, I couldn’t help but feel sad, not only because of the things you spoke against the place that is my home, but also for you—that you would be misled to believe the untruths of our haters! Come, see for yourself that we are just trying to live a life to honor our God! The opportunities to learn crafts, instruments, and to be a part of an over one-hundred-member youth choir, I would never have received anywhere else.
In addition to my regular homeschooling, I go to many different classes two times a week, where I learn math, science, history, theology, and English literature. I have received an amazing education that I am so grateful for.
I live at home with one brother and my parents. I have two brothers and one sister, all of whom are happily married. My oldest brother and sister both have beautiful children who are cherished by their parents, grandparents, great-grandparents and of course, their aunt!
I was astonished to read your recent article on Homestead Heritage. I am a husband, father, business owner and a member of the Homestead Heritage community.
My Jewish father came to faith in Jesus through Blair Adams’ ministry in NYC in the 1970s. His parents disowned him because of his faith, fearing he would become an unstable, “mind controlled” radical. Not only were my grandparents highly educated agnostic Jews, but these were the days of Jim Jones and other fundamentalist religious movements.
But, now, nearly 50 years later, my father’s decision is viewed very differently, not only by his family and lifelong friends in the community, but also by those who thought he was crazy 50 years ago. Seeing the fruit of his decisions play out over decades, my grandparents came to a place of tolerance, love and acceptance toward us, our lifestyle and our faith.
I chose to join the Homestead community myself as a young adult, and I’m now married with a family of my own. My wife and I, together with my parents, own a successful business that employs local professionals and serves the surrounding community.
I have a beautiful and intelligent wife that I respect. We married because we fell in love. Any other reason to marry is absurd. Together we have built a family and life we are proud of. We live on a ten-acre piece of property adjacent to my parents’ property, just up the road from Homestead Heritage. My parents are still part of this community, and my children are surrounded by generations of love and support.
This article paints the unique lifestyle we enjoy as a nightmare, and this portrayal not only misleads the public, but insults a minority faith-based group. It’s difficult not to feel bullied by these allegations.
Please consider interviewing some current members of the Homestead community and others in broader Waco community so you can offer a more balanced (and perhaps even tolerant and inclusive) perspective of who we are.
Thank you.
Josh Haldenstein
My name is Aviva Adams. I’m 16 years old, and my grandfather is Blair Adams—the man you smeared in your article. When I read it, I felt hurt and angry. If you really want to know who my granddad was, ask the people who actually knew him—those who sat under his preaching and heard him say, over and over, how honored he felt to be part of such a beautiful community. They’ll tell you about his humility, kindness, humor, and love.
Go read what was written after he died—the tons of letters people posted in his memory. You won’t find anything like the worship or weird claims repeated in this so-called article. What you will find are real stories of friendship, gratitude, love, and how he touched the lives of so many people.
You’ve never even met my granddad—or most of us in this community. You’ve only talked to a few people who used to be part of us but now seem full of hate. And based on their bitterness, you tried to paint a whole group of people with one ugly brush.
It honestly shocked me—how bitter someone can become, even after being loved. I’ve realized that when people throw away something good, they sometimes get angry at themselves. And instead of facing that honestly, they turn around and blame the very people who cared for them. They twist the story so that their pain becomes our fault.
In answer to the lie that we’re all uneducated or illiterate—I wish you could see my school workload. Just yesterday, I sat through a two-hour lecture taught by a Baylor professor in my high school class. I’m writing essays, getting professional culinary training, and helping run a business with my family. When I read your bizarre article, sitting in my lap at the same time was my 200+ page physics textbook. I wanted to cry—but I had to laugh. Actually, I didn’t have time for either. I had to read 20 pages of that textbook and submit two lab reports before my next science seminar.
So go ahead—tell my math instructor, my science teacher, or my English literature teacher that I’m not being educated. They’ll laugh as loud as everyone else should at your absurd claims. The truth is that homeschooling works—but it takes effort and willingness. Maybe the reason some people feel they weren’t educated here is because they were too rebellious to receive what was offered.
And what really insulted me was how you made us—especially the girls—sound like we’re brainwashed or just silent, slaves with no voice or identity. That couldn’t be further from the truth. As a young woman in this community, I’ve never felt disrespected or silenced. The only time I’ve felt invisible is in the way you wrote about us—like we don’t have our own voice. But we do. And you don’t get to rewrite our story for us.
It’s true—I’ve never been taught how to roll a joint or order at a bar. But that’s not the kind of life I’m dying to go live.
So let me make something clear: no matter how many lies you spread, no matter how hard you try to twist who we are or convince the world otherwise—truth always wins. “You can do nothing against the truth but only for the truth.” And even if it looks like you’re scoring points in the media right now, the truth has a way of rising in the end.
To anyone reading this who still cares about what’s true: come and see for yourself. Don’t settle for a one-sided press story. Come talk to us. Come experience the life we actually live. Don’t let the media think and decide for you.
I’m a 68-year-old single woman and have been part of Homestead Heritage for many years. Back in the late ’60s and ’70s, like so many others, I was a teenager searching—longing for love, meaning, and purpose. At 21, I turned to my Savior, Jesus Christ, with that deep longing, and it was here, in this church, that I found Him and all I had been seeking. More than four decades later, I still find that same fulfillment among the dearest of friends.
I live in a beautiful little home nestled in a wooded cove, surrounded by tall trees and green grass—a home built especially for me and a dear friend. Neighbors nearby lend us a hand whenever practical needs arise. Many of these kind helpers I’ve known since they were babies—I watched them grow into respectful children, survive the awkward teenage years, and blossom into joyful young couples raising families of their own. I often share meals with them, enjoy their laughter, and am honored to be known as “Aunt” to several of their children.
We have many joyful times together—whether it’s romping down to the river on ATV rides or enjoying treats, games, and fellowship at our weekly Farmers Market here at Homestead, where friends and families from the wider Waco area gather. My daily life is full and meaningful, rich with friendship and community. Some of these friends I’ve known for nearly 50 years.
I thank Jesus for the life He’s given me.
That’s why it’s deeply painful to read such false accusations aimed at a people and a place I love. Anyone who has walked this journey with us—who’s lived among these families and seen the fruit of their lives—would feel the sting of such misrepresentation. If they had the honesty and care to put themselves in our shoes, perhaps they would understand just how hurtful this kind of slander truly is.
I meant to keep this short, and I apologize for its length—but if you’re willing, come and see for yourself. You just might begin to understand why so many of us have chosen, time and again, to live this way—rich with meaning, joy and abundant life!
I want to respond to an article that unfairly portrays our community as something dark and abusive. These claims could not be further from the truth.
I am 18 years old and was born and raised in this community. There is nothing in the world I would trade it for.
I am the niece of JT, the “elected official” mentioned in the article. It truly breaks my heart to see him use my sister’s death to try and prove a point. She was never pressured by anyone in our community to get baptized or to leave. That choice was always hers, and hers alone.
Losing my sister was one of the most devastating things my family has ever faced. I remember at her funeral, my uncle used that moment to vent his personal grudge. From the podium, he claimed the only love my sister ever received was fake. His words only brought more pain to those of us already hurting.
It’s upsetting and incredibly disappointing that he chose to use such a personal family tragedy as ammunition for his argument. Families shouldn’t do that to each other.
As for me, I’m genuinely happy to be a part of this community. I have never felt pressured to do anything. From as early as I can remember, I knew that my decisions were mine to make.
Some of my friends and cousins have chosen different paths in life, and I respect that—it was their choice, and they were free to make it. I may not see them as often, but when I do, we talk, and I still love them deeply.
I’ve had so many wonderful experiences here and have been surrounded by love and support. I recently graduated high school with a beautiful ceremony, and I have a job I enjoy. I’ve received help and guidance in learning trades like leatherworking, restaurant service, and bookkeeping. I’ve also had many opportunities to travel, both within the country and internationally.
To sum it up: I love my life, I cherish my friendships, and I am proud of the community I come from. I always will be.
I am a current member of Homestead Heritage, and I want to respond to the recent article by Emma Ruby in the Dallas Observer. The article tells the stories of a few former members of Homestead Heritage and purports to show that the life we live here at Homestead is really nothing but a sham; that we are a sinister group that practices abuse. I also have a personal story to tell, and it offers another perspective.
Our family is from Montréal, Canada. That’s where I went to graduate school, earning my MA in philosophy of education from McGill University. My husband worked in social work and international business, before becoming the director of an inner-city mission operated by the Anglican Diocese of Montréal. We first became acquainted with this community 38 years ago, through a mutual friend. In 1995 we began visiting the community here in Texas, driving down every year from Montréal, over a period of five years. We were impressed by what we saw and felt here. The people were genuinely happy, and we could see the love and respect they had for each other. We liked the emphasis on crafts and music, and the way everyone worked together for common goals. These were things that we valued very much, and wanted for our own children.
We decided to move here, all the way from Canada, and
have now lived here for 25 years. We have never regretted our decision. Though we have all changed over the years, and none of us claims to be perfect, the life we have here is very rewarding and very genuine. Just because some people make their own decision to choose a different path for their lives does not mean that all the rest of us, who freely choose to be here, are just automatons, merely staging some kind of false performance.
I know Morning Alexander personally, as well as the others who are featured in your article. Of course I cannot speak for them, as to their own personal experiences, and I’m truly sorry for any hurt that they feel.
But I also have my own memories and my own lived experiences here, and they are not the same as theirs. I do know that some of the claims made in this article are very misleading. Morning leaves the impression that she was forced into a marriage with someone she barely knew. This is not true. Nor has she been cut off from her family. About a year and a half ago, she, her husband and their two children were all here at Homestead for a family birthday dinner; I was there also and have the photos. No one excluded her from coming,
nor was she forced to attend. Morning, Hope Glueck, and others mentioned in your article, have also joined us at weddings here, after they had already left the community.
It’s troubling to me that your article violates some important, commonly accepted standards of journalistic ethics, such as accuracy, objectivity and fairness. Not a single person here in our community was interviewed, although the reporter was invited to do so. It is difficult to avoid the conclusion that this was a deliberate omission, made because the reporter had already drawn her conclusions, and was unwilling to hear any facts that would have contradicted her storyline.
I'm writing to express my profound disappointment in the recent article about our community. The portrayal was woefully inaccurate and misleading, focusing solely on the grievances of a small handful of former members while ignoring the voices and experiences of thousands of others.
As a member of this community, I'm concerned about the lack of thorough investigation in your reporting. Your article relied on anecdotal evidence and unsubstantiated claims, perpetuating negative stereotypes and doing a disservice to those who are proud to call our community home.
As a woman born and raised in this community, I'm disappointed by the article's portrayal of women. The suggestion that we're oppressed and voiceless is a gross misrepresentation of my experiences. In reality, women in our community are empowered, respected, and have a strong voice.
I invite you to visit our community in person and see for yourself the vibrant culture, rich traditions, and warm hospitality that define us. By experiencing our community firsthand, I'm confident you'll gain a more nuanced understanding of who we are and what we value.
I hope you'll take this opportunity to discover the truth about our community, beyond the limited perspectives presented in your article.
Sincerely,
Mikki Seifu
In response to the recent article from Dallas Observer, I would like to share a little bit about my life and experiences, as a member of Homestead Heritage.
I am very happily married to Ephraim Glueck (Hope’s brother). We own and manage a bakery and pizza company, that were both originally launched by Ephraim’s parents and his siblings.
We are currently expecting our first baby, and are very excited about this new chapter of our life.
I grew up in the Homestead Heritage community and learned many life skills. There were lots of classes offered by adults in the community who volunteered their time to teach. Classes for crafts (all types), baking bread, making cheese, preserving food, farming and gardening and many music lessons. I tried a little bit of most everything and eventually discovered that I loved to sew clothes, play the piano and sing, and also love cooking and baking.
Ephraim and I fell in love while working at the bakery. Our engagement was certainly far from forced or arranged. Over the course of a year, while working together, we got to know each other’s personalities, interests, and goals, before I joyfully excepted his proposal.
Though not knowing his family very well, I knew that I would come to love them, and I have.
Over the past two years I have gotten to know his parents and sisters, and true to their German heritage, the Glueck family is blunt. 🙂
I agree with Hope that her parents are “true believers”. They are passionate about loving and serving God, and are not ashamed of it, which is something I love and respect about them and endeavor to be more like. They also love their kids (and grandkids) passionately, because they see them as precious gifts from God, given to them, and I know they did their very best to raise their kids. They would be the first to tell you, and have actually told Ephraim and I, that they didn’t do it perfectly, and they hope that we will go further and do it better than they did.
All four kids that they raised learned many life skills as well, and are all some of the best bakers and cooks that I know.
Just over our Christmas visit, one of Ephraim’s sisters, who is no longer a part of the community, taught me how to crochet, because it’s something she still loves to do.
Though there have been many personal and corporate mistakes and failures along the way in our journey as a church community, the goal has always been to love the Lord our God, with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and to love our neighbor as ourself. (Matthew 22:37)
I wouldn’t trade the life I have for anything, and am grateful to be a member of Homestead Heritage, where love and life thrive and there is a hope for the future.
Sincerely, Joanna
I read the article written about the Homestead Heritage community.
I am deeply saddened and hurt by the lies told in it.
I can say from firsthand experience that the members of Homestead Heritage would never shun or accuse anyone for leaving the group.
For many years, my family who had become a part in the early 2000s was not a part of Homestead for personal reasons however, we still had dear friends here and respected their beliefs.
In early 2015 when my twin sister suddenly passed from a severe case of the flu and compromised immune system. It was the members of Homestead heritage who rallied and gathered around me and my family to carry us through this exceedingly painful and devastating time.
I was only 14 at the time and as you might can imagine it was a complete shock and life shattering experience. At 14 I had just begun the tentative steps of imagining what my life could be, and my twin sister was the backbone and inspiration for my highest and happiest dreams.
But it was the dear and sensitive family here at home Homestead Heritage, who wrapped their arms around me. Most of them barely knew me, but they spent hours upon hours, day after day just being there for me at times I didn’t even know what to say, but they were just there.
Many times till the wee hours of the morning they gave of their time and love so I could pull through my loss and have hope for the future.
I am now a member of Homestead Heritage and would never trade my life for anything else! It is the best place I could ever imagine to live, and I will always uphold and stand for the wonderful family here at Homestead Heritage.
I read the article that was published in the Dallas Observer about our church community, Homestead Heritage, and I am startled at the absurdity of what was written as none of it matches the life that I have lived here for over 30 years.
I am deeply grieved that you would publish something that is aimed to destroy the reputation, lives and livelihoods of over 1000 people, and it is shameful to do this based on the twisted stories of few bitter souls who want to blame someone else for their personal problems. I have known as friends all of those that contributed to your article and have sat in the church services that they claim were harsh and their claims are simply untrue. I wish you had accepted the invitation to hear any of the hundreds of other voices that would have painted a very different picture than the screwed up absurdities that you portrayed.
I am proud to have grown up here and to be a member of Homestead Heritage. I am indignant that our personal businesses, community life and the wonderful people that I trust as lifelong friends are being smeared and maligned.
My parents first visited the Homesead Fair when I was 5. They saw harmony in relationships between parents and children that they longed for for their own family. The best thing that my parents ever could have done is to give us the chance to be a part of this unique island of love and care. We each have had ample opportunity to choose the life and lifestyle that we wanted to live and I’ve chosen to give my life to helping nurture this community of care where families and love can flourish for the generations to come.
As a teenager, I had the opportunity to try many different skills and find the unique talents buried in me that I may never have had the opportunity to explore in mainstream culture. Among other things, I found that I loved to sew. I have taught sewing classes to the public for nearly two decades and currently manage a business.
As a single woman in her mid 30s, I have never been pressured to be married. I feel demeaned and degraded as a woman reading what you wrote but I have never felt that way living in this community. Our traditional way of life may not be for everyone, but it has been a a wonderful, fulfilling life and I would not trade it for anything.
I hope there are still honest people in this world who can resonate with truth instead of swallowing the exaggeration, blatant lies, and slander.
I ask that you would please come visit us! You will find the story to be very different than you have chosen to believe and you may even find it to be a beacon of hope in a darkening world as I have.
Sincerely,
Krista Loree
During those years, multiple families, couples, and elderly members opened their homes to us, cooked meals for us, and gave us friendship and hope. Today, most of my siblings are thriving—we have strong marriages, families of our own, and meaningful work. Statistically, growing up in a fatherless home, we were far more likely to end up in prison. Instead, we’ve become responsible contributors to both the Church and to society. That didn’t happen by accident. It happened because the people of Homestead cared for us as real Christians should.
So when I see someone—clearly bitter—trying to smear an entire community with a single brushstroke, I can’t stay silent. It’s infuriating to watch thousands of good, faithful people slandered by those who twist their bitterness into a public spectacle. And it’s heartbreaking to see platforms used to amplify that hate.
This community didn’t fail me. It loved, served, and gave us a path to fruitfulness against all odds. And those trying to tear it down should take a long, honest look at what they're actually attacking.
From the beginning, I was raised in a loving, supportive environment where I was encouraged to develop my gifts and pursue a meaningful purpose. Now, at 43, I’m surrounded by deep, lifelong friendships that have brought love, joy, and stability into my life. I’m happily married with a thriving family, living alongside grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, and dear friends in a land-based setting that supports the flourishing of both family and community.
If I had to describe the heartbeat of our life here, it would be this: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” We’re not perfect, but that’s the principle we strive to live by—and the fruit of that pursuit has been beautiful.
That’s why it’s so painful to see our community slandered and labeled a “cult” by people I once knew and still care about. We all have the right to choose our own path—this is America. But simply because we’ve chosen a way of life outside the mainstream, does that give the media the right to misrepresent, stereotype, and smear us with a label as toxic and dismissive as “cult”?
Such accusations are believable only to those who don’t know us—those manipulated by fear and taught to distrust what they don’t understand. It’s shameful. May God help us teach our children a better way: one that isn’t bigoted, hateful, or unscrupulous toward cultures that look different, live differently, or love differently.
Ultimately, that’s the real reason this article was published—because, in the eyes of those judging us, our choice couldn’t possibly be about freedom (who would freely choose this?). Our deliberate, voluntary decision to live differently is dismissed as bondage simply because it doesn’t conform to the modern mold.
That’s not honest criticism—it’s cultural discrimination, plain and simple.
My Name is Dassi Hersh I am a single girl in my 20s born into the Homestead community, where I still happily live.
After reading the Dallas Observer article—supposedly about the place I call home and share with my best friends and family—I was not only baffled and amused, but completely distraught.
The utter hate exceeded my capacity to understand. These claims are things I have NEVER experienced, and I cannot comprehend what would motivate such defamation?
I have a sibling and other relatives who were part of the church community and have since chosen other churches and lifestyles. We celebrate most holidays and birthdays together, and they would tell you—we have an active healthy relationship… The claims made by Morning Alexander and others of being completely cut off are odd. If that happened, it was by their choice.
As a former waitress at the community’s top-rated café, I now work in hospitality—cleaning Airbnbs and homes for locals. I’ve built great friendships with many people in the Waco area, some of whom often join me at our church services and love it as much as I do!
So I ask: would you come see the community for yourself before you publicly harass me and my family and friends?
It makes sense to check something out before writing or sharing such extreme news. Come visit a church service, have a meal at the top-rated restaurant here on the farm, and check the area out that I call home.
Then, tell me how you feel about our life—after seeing it with your own eyes.
Best regards,
Dassi Hersh.
My name is Micah Phillips. I’m a 21-year-old single guy who has the privilege of calling Homestead Heritage my home.
First of all, this article paints a very unethical and biased view of the press, which unfortunately has become so prevalent in recent years. The gross and untrue blanket statements about our community are exactly that: gross and untrue!
I’m not here to argue with the few embittered members who freely chose to join our church and freely chose to leave at their own will. Rather, I want to briefly share my personal experience that simply does not align with the narrative being pushed in the article.
I think all of humanity understands on some level that this world is a broken place and therefore has looked for millennia to somehow heal or hide from the hurt and pain all humans face in life. I think it’s absurd to belittle and slander one community’s efforts to solve that problem. If we were all perfect, there would be no need for community. But thankfully, starting with my grandparents, then my parents, I have found myself in a context where life and love are the true storyline, and where relationships can be mended, strengthened, and can flourish into the future. I truly have the best family and friends anyone could possibly wish for.
As a proud entrepreneur and owner of several businesses, I find the allegations about our businesses, education, finances, and inability to make decisions for ourselves preposterous. I was blessed to receive a wholesome and comprehensive education thanks to my loving parents and the support group in our community, and I have my diploma proudly hung next to my other certificates of higher education. I’ve never had any decisions made for me or been told what to do. I’ve enjoyed traveling to nearly all of the 50 states for work/vacation and have also traveled overseas. Through our household moving company my dad started years ago, we have befriended and served the most affluent sect, particularly in Dallas, and also the larger community. I have been blessed with the resources and ability to care for and provide for a family if I chose to marry. The allegation that single people are somehow demeaned or pressured into “planned marriages” is completely and atrociously false.
In contrast to the prevalent notion of individualism and self-expression in today’s world, I believe an ethos of mutual and self-sacrificial love is the answer to the “human problem.” I know my friends and I can attest that our greatest and most fulfilling memories firstly always include each other and secondly include giving ourselves to a greater purpose than our little “self project.” I’m blessed to be a part of a vibrant and inspired youth group and we have the privilege to serve each other and many friends and other communities all over the world.
In conclusion, I hope the publisher retracts the categorically false article and that before anyone writes an article on us, they please retain some self-respect and dignity and at least come and visit us before starting a smear campaign on real people with real families just like yours. To everyone in the larger community, we will continue to be here, be your friends, and serve you through our hundreds of local businesses. We have a really great restaurant and craft shops that are open five days a week. Come see us anytime!
Sincerely,
Micah Phillips
I read the article you wrote on Homestead titled "They who have been exiled: The strict religious group behind I-35's Cheese Cave" and couldn't believe how misrepresented our community was. When Morning shared her story of being married and not dating her husband, previously, I couldn't help but think of all the other couples in our community that were married, without dating, that are celebrating 20 or more happily married years together. There are scores of them!
And Yeshiah said 'unmarried people were treated as "second-class citizens "throughout the community.' I am a single woman and my experience of being part of Homestead has been of love and care. (And next year I will be celebrating 50 years with them.) When we purchased the land, back in the 90s, where the Homestead Craft Village is, the elders, which included, Blair Adams, wanted the single sisters in the community to live on our land in order to have a safe place to live. And I lived there for over 25 years and felt so honored and blessed that they would care for us in that way. And that wasn't something that happened just once. Our God is a God of love and this community has been built on just this type of love. The scripture says "Taste and see that the Lord is good". So I would like to invite you to come out and see for yourself a different perspective of us than what's been shared with you. I would personally love to take you around the Craft Village and tell you more of my story and experience with Homestead. Heritage.
My name is Hannah Knoll.
I am 20 years old, and my family joined the community 14 years ago. Growing up in the suburbs of Austin, my siblings and I found ourselves very lonely. Only when our family joined Homestead Heritage did I have the chance to make true friends and find relationships that will last a lifetime. I have completely changed from the in-turned and shy person that I used to be, to someone full of joy and confidence, who loves my family, friends and life! I cannot thank my parents enough for giving my siblings and me the opportunity to live this incredible life!!
I received a wonderful education from my mom, with the addition of many history, geography, math, craft and countless other classes voluntarily taught by different people in the community. I absolutely loved my education and graduated at the age of 17. My experience with school impacted me so much that I continue to write as well as study history, even though I have finished my formal education.
I made my own choice at the age of 18 to join the community, and I cannot even begin to recount the fulfillment and happiness that I live in. I’ve had the opportunity to visit four of our small communities in the states and overseas, and this experience has impacted my life.
This is my third time to be here with our community in Israel for an extended stay. We have held small craft fairs in over 30 locations in Israel, trying to support and bring hope to the evacuees and those affected by the war. The people have been overjoyed by the fairs, and we have gained relationships with them that will last forever! Many dear people from the Texas community have voluntarily sent donations to support us in this mission.
I was deeply hurt and found it appalling to hear how some who have left our community would try to portray our lives. It is completely opposite of reality. I find it insulting that they would disgrace many of the brave and honorable people who started this community to create the wonderful life I enjoy. All of us here have made the voluntary choice to live our lives in this context, and we have the choice to go another direction if we choose. But I'll tell you why so many have stayed here in this community... we have all found the same thing, a life full of fulfillment, joy and purpose. We love it!
I am standing up for the truth because I have had a completely opposite experience than what was written in this article, and I value this life with everything in me. I know that the truth will stand in the end, and I am honored to be just one of those who will see that happen.
Sincerely, Hannah
I made the decision to join this community when I was a young adult. I had many other options and didn’t face any pressure to join (although I did face pressure not to). The pull of friendship and love is what made me want to stay.
I had many opportunities as a young person to learn new skills, be with friends and choose what I wanted to do with my life. No, I never stepped foot in a bar and learned how to order alcohol, (but does any parent let their child do that intentionally before they are old enough to make their own decisions?) I definitely had opportunity to try things, but decided for myself that I did not want to be a part of the disintegrating mainstream society that seems to turn to addictions and vices to fill some kind of void or to numb themselves from the pain and monotony of life. I don’t speak for everyone, but for myself.
I worked for 15 years, well into adulthood in our cafe in every position from dishwashing all the way to head chef. When I started out, it was just a fun weekend activity for me, as friends would also be working there. I volunteered my time as a young teenager, calling the manger week to week begging to come and just help because I enjoyed the camaraderie. When they hired me a few months later as a scheduled employee, I was paid well—far above minimum wage.
I met and got to know my husband working at this cafe. We spent much time together, here and multiple other places, cooking rehearsal dinners, and receptions for weddings in our community as well as catering many jobs to the larger public. We also spent much time interacting in the homes of family members and many friends. We were well acquainted with each other and each other‘s families before falling in love and marrying several years later.
We are now owners of a successful restaurant, thanks to the training and experience we got from years of working at the cafe.
Has my life always been perfect here? No. Everyone makes mistakes. It is a common purpose and love that holds the members of any community together long-term. It saddens me to see how such a wonderful thing and place can be so maligned without even getting the perspective of so many who have freely chosen this lifestyle.
I am now a mother and am teaching my own children at home. It is the most rewarding thing in the world to see your children learn new things from hobbling along when taking their first steps to reading their first word, picking up a violin for the first time and scratching out their first few notes. None of it is “perfect” —not my attempts or theirs—but it’s full of life, love and meaning, and my children are growing and changing rapidly, just as my husband and I are growing in our roles as parents. In the same way, all families, cultures and communities go through a growing process, and this is normal. All living things grow and change. To me the important question is, “What is this community rooted in and sustained by. And to me the answer is obvious: love, care, friendship and common purpose.
I ask that you come and talk with some of the many members of Homestead Heritage. Our voice and experience matters, too.
Sincerely, Rebekah Cunningham
I was born and raised at Homestead Heritage and have lived here for 23 years. I absolutely love my life here—and I was shocked and deeply hurt by the Dallas Observer’s misrepresentation of the community I have chosen to call home.
It’s heartbreaking to have family who once loved you now spewing such hate, lies, and hurt against the very thing that gives you purpose in life.
I have never felt coerced to live this life.
Instead, I’ve had endless opportunities to choose whatever life I wanted.
When I was young, my dad’s parents and brothers left the community, and it was always clear that I had the option to join them if I wanted to. We remained close, spending countless holidays, dinners, and everyday moments together. There was never any coercing pressure to stay here.
As a young teenager, I never imagined I’d stay.
I loved the life, the people, and the values, but I dreamed of pursuing other hobbies and a different path. I had made up my mind at a young age to leave when I was old enough—not because I was unhappy or mistreated, but simply because I had other dreams.
As I grew older, I saw just how much my parents and those in this community loved me, and I knew—without a shadow of a doubt—that I was living in the most incredible place on earth. I couldn’t give it up for the unknowns of what could be, especially after seeing the results of some who did.
At 17, I chose to stay because I found meaning, purpose, and something worth living for.
I’m now 23, married, and raising two beautiful baby girls—and I don’t regret my decision one bit! It was the best decision I have ever made.
The claim about forced, arranged marriages actually made me laugh a little, I must admit.
My marriage was most certainly not arranged, and I was never forced to marry my husband.
My aunt’s claim that she was forced into marriage with a man she didn’t know is simply not true.
When I was 9-10, Morning lived in our home. She was a fun-loving aunt who always made time to play with us. And during that time, she was absolutely in love with Micaiah. She would often come home after playing cards with his sisters, smile shyly, and excitedly say, “Guess whose team I was on?” We’d giggle and shout, “Micaiah’s!” Her joy was obvious. Two years later, she married him.
It’s deeply saddening to see her now deny the truth because her marriage is fragmenting, retelling her story through a lens of coercion and abuse—erasing the truth.
As for JT’s comment about his niece’s suicide—she was my cousin and my best friend. She did pass, as he said, but it was not for the reasons he claimed.
We were together constantly, and her sudden passing was absolutely devastating and shocking to all of us. It’s very sad to see someone exploit a heartbreaking tragedy like my cousin’s suicide to further a biased agenda and fuel hate against a community.
Everyone has always been given the freedom and choice to live whatever life they choose.
Two of my brothers chose a different lifestyle. We continue to love and support them and see them often.
We understand this life may not be for everyone, but the effort to destroy someone’s happiness by spreading hate is truly appalling.
I am proud and deeply grateful to call Homestead Heritage my home—and these people my family.
Please come and see for yourselves!
Maybe you’ll find it to be a lot different than they portray.
What ordinary pastor doesn’t have his own place to park and a convenient entrance to the church building? I don’t recall ever seeing a minister standing “on the pulpit” in any church….I know how to shop for clothes, and I have no desire for a hangover……
For what it’s worth, I have personally known most of those who are bringing accusations to you, and while I am disturbed by their conduct, I am not chasing them down nor trying to ruin their lives and careers, maybe you would consider publishing real truth at some point…?
In my own life and recent battle with cancer, my family and I were upheld by so many caring folks, both from inside our community and outside (from all over the U.S.), we received prepared meals, donations, anonymous monthly grocery deliveries for over a year, phone calls of support, prayers and love. (I seriously doubt the average church goer in Waco has received voluntary care and moral support like I experienced.) Thank you for considering and publishing my view
I was born and raised here and absolutely love my life. The member who claims to be an elected official, JT, is my uncle. The niece he spoke of was my sister who, unfortunately and very sadly, died as he said. But it was not for the reason he spoke of. It’s very sad to see my uncle exploit a tragedy like my sister’s suicide to further his bias and agenda. It only shows how little he cares for his family—those of us who carry this tragedy with us. He has chosen a different lifestyle that has nothing to do with me and my family—not because of us or anything we did. He, along with my grandpa and younger brother, packed up and moved back to England when I was only 10.
So, hearing all this blasphemy and evil spoken of this beloved community I have voluntarily chosen to be a part of is deeply saddening to me.
I was disappointed to see and hear the things that were being said about this group of wonderful, incredible people that I have chosen to live my life with. I work for a company that is owned and operated by members of Homestead Heritage — this has been an amazing place to work.
The automotive shop where I have not only chosen to make my livelihood but also found an incredible work environment where work is not everything—honesty, quality, and customer service come first. The mechanic shop is a transmission shop located in Bellmead, Texas, where I have worked for a few years and where I’ve learned the skill of an automotive technician.
I hope you can read this and see how these accusations and assumptions could be hurtful to my place of work and lifestyle.
So please, come out and see our unique way of living our lives, trying to answer the upward call of our Lord.
I moved to the community four years ago, at age nineteen, searching for a life of deeper meaning and purpose. I left my home in beautiful western Colorado to spend few months at Homestead Heritage—and I never left. I wasn’t brainwashed, guilt-tripped, or manipulated into staying here. I stayed because for the first time, I was genuinely happy. For several years, I worked at our community’s Gristmill and Teahouse, and Quilt Barn. Both businesses compensated me (above minimum wage) for my work and provided the best work environment and friends I had ever experienced.
I am now happily married and the proud mother of a beautiful 8-month-old baby boy. Marriage was never something I felt pressured into by leadership (or anyone). I got to know my husband organically, through countless opportunities to interact like working together to put on our annual craft fair, participating in choir, singing to the elderly in our community, and youth group activities. We freely chose to enter into a relationship of mutual love and respect. I am currently loving life as a stay at home mom, while teaching piano and sewing classes to children in the community. I also enjoy sewing items to sell at our cafe, and sewing wedding dresses for brides in our community.
What I found at Homestead was far from the dark, cultish, and oppressive life described by those like Alexander who left dissatisfied. I found a home. Our life might not be for everyone, but please don’t label people who you don’t know—or once knew and are now bitter towards—as a cult. We are real people, imperfect, but doing our best to live honest, peaceful, Christian lives.
You should come visit. Maybe, like me, you’ll find that you have more in common with the people at Homestead than you first thought.
Sincerely,
Aurora Lancaster
My experience in the Homestead community has been one full of love, acceptance, and care. And that wasn’t because life was easy! Growing up without a father, I was statistically (and literally) headed down a fragmented, dangerous path as a young, struggling teenager.
But I remember experiencing so much care, understanding, and compassion from members of this community. I had so much support and help through any struggle that I was going through. Never once did I feel demeaned, oppressed, or belittled as a young woman.
Instead, I was encouraged, uplifted, and loved completely with no reservations.
I wasn’t sheltered from the “big world” like the article suggests. I knew hardship early on, facing real-life struggles, and I wasn’t blind to the world’s realities.
(I didn’t know it was a church’s responsibility, to teach us about hangovers and how to order alcohol at bars though)
I am now happily married with four beautiful children. My marriage was not arranged in any shape or way, nobody ever came to me to tell me who I was supposed to marry or hint at it either.
I personally knew some of the individuals featured in this article and I can tell a very different story than what they have claimed!
I was there—I witnessed events like engagements and sat in the same meetings they claim were harsh and abusive—and I can say with absolute certainty that what’s being claimed in this article is untrue.
My life in this community has been nothing short of life changing, filled with love, compassion, and a transformation that has brought true healing.
This wonderful community matters deeply to me, and I could not stay quiet but I had to write something to protest this very false and misleading article.
And lastly, I wish that those who wrote this article would’ve come and seen for themselves how wonderful this place really is. Come talk to us, meet our children! I think you will see and hear a very different story.
I am 18 years old I am not married, nor am I baptized, and I am certainly not coerced into being a part of this community. My connection to this place is rooted in genuine love, care, hope, and friendship. Throughout my life here I have never felt hurt, abused, or unloved.
My life is rich and more fulfilling than words can express. I have the freedom to make my own choices, and while there have been times I have made decisions that didn’t lead where I expected, those experiences were my own to learn from.
I have yet to encounter anyone within this community who has genuinely experienced abuse. On the contrary, even during my darkest moments as a teenager, I was enveloped by unwavering love and support from those around me. The claims that my aunt Morning and others are making could not be more opposite from my own experience.
I emailed Emma Ruby, the journalist who wrote this article and did a letters to the editor yesterday, both of which haven’t been answered. I am not surprised that I was ignored as I am one of the friendly ex-members who grew up in the community and is now pursuing another life while still maintaining close relationships with my family which includes nieces and nephews and my grandfather, Joel Stein who co-wrote all the literature for the community with the founder, Blair Adams.
The Adamses and the Steins, my mother’s family have been close since the founding of the community in 1973. My younger sister married one of Blair Adams’s grandson this past Valentine’s Day. I can attest to the loving and involved family that the Adamses and the Steins are. I have babysat my now brother in law and his cousins and learned to sing from Dan and Amanda, formerly Adams starting when I was 5.
And unlike the 5 to 6 ex members claim, I received a fabulous home education with my mother’s incredible teaching methods graduating when I was 17. My Grandpa Joel would often ask what we were learning. He taught me in depth about the Industrial Revolution, Evolution and Creation, the history of Israel, and many more fascinating and thoughtful conversations as we walked along the church’s property.
I left home and the community at 20 years old due to issues with me not getting along with my family, a lot of stubbornness on my part plus hereditary anxiety and other issues. I have since gotten therapy and medication for that I believe I always needed.
Upon leaving the community and moving to New York City, I went on to study to get my associate degree at LaGuardia Community College. I got this degree in early childhood education joining the honors role in the third semester though I had shockingly never been in a classroom before. I struggled with math as I have dyscalculia but with the right tutoring and studying I passed college Algebra. I have since received my Bachelor of Arts in early childhood education and music from Brooklyn college.
I have been lucky to travel to many parts of the world especially Israel where I lived for a year in Netanya near Tel Aviv teaching English in underprovished schools and volunteering with orphans and on army bases. I recently went to South Africa last year with a Jewish learning group focusing on moving forward after October 7th. So I have had a good life and it has not been ruined by my upbringing at homestead heritage as these members claim their lives have in the guardian.
The posts and allegations made by the former members claiming they were illiterate are preposterous. I grew up with them, we were in the same choirs, got babysat at each other’s homes, craft classes and activities for the fair. I know there were issues in our lives and families but that is every family and every religious or not community. We didn’t grow up in a cult, Blair Adams was not to be feared, and just because we have all chosen a different path does not mean we were harmed or that homestead heritage was completely at fault in all the mistakes in our lives.
And I also know how these former members feel about me defending the community against the lies and this article which they have made clear. They have called me a nosy busybody, a sucker for abuse and vile. I personally find these allegations very offensive. They don’t scare me from speaking my truth.
And last note, I was a journalist fellow in college writing op-Ed’s about anti-semitism on campuses and wrote for Brooklyn College’s newspaper for a year. I have been published in reputable places that you can find by googling my name. And as a semi journalist and writer, I am shocked that my story has never been included in any of these articles but I can imagine why this is because it doesn’t fit the narrative of the others in said articles.
Wishing everyone peace, healing and answers to the questions and pain they may be experiencing. Thank you.
My kids were peers and friends of all the people in this article. My kids did not have perfect parents, and not all of them stayed in our community when they came of age. But all of them understand that our desire was to give them the best chance we could at becoming a part of something bigger than the sum of its parts. Something with a higher calling than just individual satisfaction and selfish ambition.
We believe we’ve heard the Voice of that higher calling, and we’re going to keep following it, so that if those who’ve left the path ever decide to come home, there will still be a home to come to.
I read the article published yesterday by the Dallas Observer regarding our church community at Homestead Heritage, and my feelings have vacillated between grief and indignation. When I read the article aloud to my children, their first reaction was laughter—at the absurdity of the claims. But by the end, there were tears over the deep disrespect shown to our community, and anxiety about what the future may now hold for over a thousand men, women, and children.
It is incomprehensible that such a defamatory piece could be published without a single interview from within our community—or from one of the many former members who would have offered a more balanced, human perspective. I know your reporters were invited to visit and speak with anyone here, freely. That invitation was not taken up. And now, real lives and livelihoods are at stake.
What has been done to the memory of Blair Adams is appalling. He was a father, a grandfather. His grandchildren gathered around him for story time, went fishing with him, and were kissed goodnight by him. How would your readers feel if someone treated the legacy of their grandfather this way?
I don’t know if I would have emotionally or physically survived the hardest years of raising my own special needs child without this community. These people have carried each other through illness, grief, hardship, and joy. They have carried me.
I am beyond indignant. I hope every person of conscience—especially every Christian—who reads that article feels the injustice. It is morally wrong to target minority communities with destructive labels. The impact of this kind of journalism affects real people—their well-being, their reputations, their security, their future. I plead with you: Look again. Hear our voices. Undo what has been done.
We have never hidden who we are. Our meetings are open to the public. We open our homes. We share meals. We train thousands in our crafts. We host Christians from many denominations. We have treated our neighbors with openness and sincerity—and we deserve the same. This was an insult—to truth, to integrity, and the relationships built with love for decades.
Sincerely,
Amanda Lancaster
First of all, nobody told me to write this letter or is writing it for me. I am exceedingly indignant that anyone thinks we are controlled and forced to do things. I am writing this letter of my own free will, and if you don’t believe me, you can come talk to me. I am deeply hurt that people would spread such absurd lies about people I love and respect. I am just one teenager out of the many kids who would like to write you, but I hope you will understand that I am proud of where I’m from. I couldn’t imagine any other place where I’d get such a great education, have so much fun, and be able to participate in so many different things. I wouldn’t trade being part of such a fine group of loving, caring people for anything.
I live on our farm with my parents, three siblings still at home, three dogs, twelve chickens, three geese and four sheep. Two days a week I go to high school classes. I learn Science, Math, History, Theology, and English Literature. This week we had the privilege of hearing a guest speaker from Baylor University teach a class on origins. The rest of my week, I do homework, crafts and writing classes, and have violin lessons. We have a large voluntary Youth Choir and Orchestra, and I play violin in the orchestra. I help my sister and two sister-in-laws with my nieces and nephews.
I’ve always been curious, looking for stories, and sometimes people told me maybe someday I’d be a journalist. I thought it would be a neat job, but after seeing the lies and destruction to innocent people, I know I’d never want to be one.
All of us kids feel very privileged to have unique opportunities. We can be anything we want, and we have a large group of people cheering us on. I’m grateful to be part of people who together create a dream life.
Sincerely,
Carri Beth
I am 12 years old, and I’m responding to the article published in the Dallas Observer. I was very sad to hear about what was published in your paper, and I would like to give my side of the story.
I was born in this community and have been privileged to work on our community’s farm one day a week. I have always loved animals and when the opportunity came for me to apprentice on the farm, I took it eagerly. Actually, I begged my parents lo let me volunteer for quite a while. When I am out in the fields, I get to plant potatoes in the rich brown soil, freshly plowed. Even though the work may be hard, I look down the straight rows of the field and am proud. I can say that I planted 2 or 3 of those rows, and when spring comes and the plants pop up, I am glad that I helped support our community efforts. On the farm, I learn how to farm with horses, plant the crops, and many more things. Every person I work with is very kind and gracious, and I learn a lot. I would not trade this environment for the world,and I hope you will change your mind about what you think our community is.
Yours sincerely,
Nicolas Lancaster
Age 12
My name is Christopher. I am 18 and I am autistic. I couldn’t talk until I was almost 8 when my parents taught me to do a lot of things an autistic child can’t function to do. I am very thankful that I am now able to communicate and relate to everyone, including our dear brothers and sisters and friends in this Homestead Heritage community that I was born and raised and growing up in.
I have enjoyed and still do enjoy going with my beloved elderly friend, Sister Bonnie, to sing and minister to old and weak people in assisted livings in and around Waco.
I can’t believe that the former members who were once brothers, sisters, and wonderful friends in the community would publish such a big, vehement accusation and dirty slandering against the community that I thoroughly enjoy and love so much.
Sincerely yours,
Christopher Lancaster
I am Joel Jacobson, a third-generation current member of the Homestead community. I’m 32 years old, happily married, and the father of five wonderful kids.
I want to paint a picture from my angle—as someone who grew up alongside and shared deep friendship with many of the people who spearheaded this article.
To give some context, our church started as a dream. A couple looked around at the hurt, despair, and meaningless lives our culture was producing and believed there had to be an alternative to the madness. So, as pioneers, they ventured out on a quest to build a culture aligned with Scripture. There was no 20-year financial model, pro forma, or pitch deck—it was just a man and a wife searching for wholeness in a fragmented world.
It began, like all good things, as a vision—in NYC. My grandpa Joel (after whom I’m named) was one of the first to find these “crazy visionaries” through a mutual friend, Barry. They were both deeply involved in democratic reform, even running with the likes of Bernie Sanders.
At the time, my grandpa’s life was in shambles. His marriage was broken, and he had just survived a suicide attempt. He walked into a small chapel and had a personal encounter with Jesus. (Let’s not forget—my grandpa is Jewish and had considered himself an atheist until that point.) He reconnected with his estranged wife, my grandma Jeanne, who was still living in a hippie commune in Phoenicia, NY, with my mom, who was six at the time. Together, they began the journey of relational healing.
As a radical and a revolutionary, my grandpa threw himself into this new Jesus mission with passion and purpose. That’s the real formation of this community: broken people, in broken relationships, who had a real encounter with the Lord that brought tangible change. No wonder they were radical. They were untrained, inexperienced, and didn’t have a model to copy—they just knew they had to tell the world about Jesus and what He had done for them.
Of course, this energy was contagious. The mission to build a community began. I don’t have the time here to tell the full story of how Homestead has evolved since then. But I’ll say this—it’s been a gory, real journey with plenty of mistakes and fumblings. And guess what? I know my grandpa well. He’s still alive. My grandma Jeanne is gone. My grandpa’s only son, Joseph, died in a framing accident at 15. But my grandpa is not cynical or bitter. He’s fulfilled, happy, and more in love with the Lord than ever. He’s my role model. I want to be just like him.
I’ve been given so much. I’m reaping from the toil and sacrifice of those who pioneered before me. And I ask—what else is worth living for? To get rich, collect old cars, get fat and cynical? These people had a purpose—to create a culture of hope, unity, and healing.
It’s not easy. People are people, and relationships are messy. But with God, all things are possible.
Because of my grandpa’s pioneering, my wife Kelsi—who grew up in Fredericksburg, TX, and had never heard of Homestead—was able to find something real. She was in a rough place after a bad breakup, with two small daughters, and came to one of Homestead’s annual fairs just looking for a peaceful weekend. She walked around the craft booths and hayrides and silently wept. She didn’t know why—only that she felt peace. It was visceral. She wasn’t judgmental, just curious. She came to a few services. Eventually, she had the same encounter with the Lord that my grandpa did decades before.
Fast forward—we fell in love. I could go into the nuts and bolts of it, but the short version is we got to know each other, and we knew we belonged together. Of course, I prayed about it—marriage is one of the most important decisions anyone can make—and I got counsel from trusted mentors and friends, including my grandpa. They were all supportive and helped me discern whether I had the maturity and responsibility to love and lead a ready-made family—Kelsi and her two girls.
I also want to say: I have an education that I’m proud of. I’m a self-made entrepreneur and run multiple businesses. I love my life. I love my community. And I’m committed to living as a pioneer—to sustain and grow a culture of wholeness and healing in a broken world.
This lifestyle isn’t mainstream or popular. But I’m raising my kids with the tools they need to thrive and succeed—whatever path they choose. This is a voluntary life I’ve chosen for myself and my family. And when my kids are of age, their life choices will be up to them.
It’s my hope—and my prayer—that they’ll want to follow in my footsteps, just as I’ve followed in the footsteps of my grandpa.
I am not only a long-time member of the Homestead Heritage community, but also a wife, mother and business owner. While I was raised in Homestead Heritage, I left the community as a young adult to pursue a more mainstream lifestyle, but returned a few years later and chose to become a member.
I fell in love, married and I’m raising my children in this community. I’m proud of the life and family we have built here. My husband and I have owned a local service company for nearly 14 years, employing a team of technicians and other professionals, most of whom are not members of Homestead Heritage.
Because we wanted to provide them a rigorous, yet inspiring education, we have chosen to homeschool our children. In addition to core subjects such as language arts, mathematics, science and social studies, our children also study electives such as Latin and other foreign languages, music, business, art, crafts and more. Our high school students have traveled abroad and had opportunities to engage with people from a variety of different cultures.
I encourage you to come and visit our unique and diverse community. I’d love to meet you and answer any questions you may have about my life in the Homestead Heritage community. Thank you,
Amy Haldenstein