Another Cult Exposed

[Kosherboy]

Texas eyes another isolated rural cult
By Angela K. Brown
Associated Press
May 14, 2008
CLYDE, Texas "” Behind guarded, ornate gates at the end of a rural road, a self-proclaimed prophet warns his followers about a dangerous and unclean world outside their West Texas compound.

But this isn't the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints' ranch, raided last month in Eldorado.

The House of Yahweh is a sect that Texas has been investigating for years.

Authorities in February charged the group's 73-year-old leader with performing polygamous weddings and forcing about 40 children "” some as young as 11 "” to work jobs at his 44-acre compound.

"If a bunch of adults want to get together and follow some con man and throw their lives away, that's their right in this country," said Callahan County District Atty. Shane Deel. "But to me, when you do that to children ... that's where the biggest concern is."

If convicted on the most serious charges, Yisrayl Hawkins faces up to 20 years in prison.

Another sect leader, Yedidiyah Hawkins, goes to court this summer on charges of sexually abusing a teenager, bigamy and welfare fraud.

Questions have also been raised about at least two deaths within the sect.

Although members deny they practice polygamy, former members say Yisrayl Hawkins has at least two dozen wives, and state records show he fathered two babies last year with women age 19 and 22.

Yisrayl Hawkins, who has pleaded not guilty in his criminal case, said he and his church are misunderstood and persecuted for their beliefs.

"We have nothing to hide," said Hawkins, who wouldn't discuss specific allegations.

Yisrayl Hawkins was born Buffalo Bill Hawkins but legally changed his name. He founded the House of Yahweh in 1980, three years after the former Abilene police officer was fired for having beer in his patrol car.

Hawkins began preaching polygamy in the early 1990s, several former members said.

Public records show Yisrayl Hawkins owns at least $2.1 million in land, housing and mobile homes.

[Swift Arrow]

Yet another form of idolatry that chooses to mock God for its owndestructive purposes.

[The Rev]

What is spooky are the cults that are still in hiding. I'm sure there are more than we can imagine. What a shame!