Hello all and to I am sure, some of my sisters in Christ!
I was in Rebekah in 1975-76. While I am reading your posts, I am amazed at the negative things you have said regarding the Rebekah Home. I have to ask...what were you doing when your parents decided to put you there? Surely it had to have been better than whatever lifestyle you were living that caused your parents to put you there.
This past wee, October 27, 2007 I was in Corpus to attend a Continuing Education Conference. I am now a Licensed Professional Counselor and work with troubles teens. I decided to visit the Rebekah site after all these years. I took pictures and was given a tour of the dorm. What a trip down memory lane!
As I neared the home on "Old Brownsville Road," my eyes welled with tears as I remember what my life was life and how I ended up in Rebekah.
My roommates were Marilyn Shipey and Debbie Bowers from Florida. My name was Debbie Cotton at that time and I was from a small town names Hitchcock, Texas. This is about 45 minutes south of Houston.
As I drove down that road I hadn't been down in over 30 years, tears filled my eyes as I remember giving my life to the Lord and being baptized at he "Peoples Church, run by Pastor Roloff." I remember going on a choir tour with him and visiting numerous states, staying with loving church families and many other good memories.
Was it tough? Yes it was and I missed my family terribly, but I truly believe my parents did the best they knew how, which was placing me in Rebekah.
Never while I was there was he hailed as Lord or God ... he simply was the pastor of a large church and a very controversial girls home.
I can remember picketing at the courthouse when he was locked up for refusing to let the state in to regulate the home.
I endured NO abuse, but yes, very rigid rules and expectations. As I reflect now.. How were they supposed to control over 200 undisciplined and wild girls?
I thank the Lord for Rebekah, while it was very strict and had alot of rules, being placed there most likely saved my life. From my own negative choices at that time.
I would love to hear from others.
Is there anyone that was there in that time?
Debi Cotton King