I recently came across The Equinox article entitled, ‘God the Mother’ Trafficking Scare. I was shocked and appalled to the see the core of my faith—the existence of God the Mother—associated with an act as horrific as human trafficking. As a member and missionary of the World Mission Society Church of God, I’d like to clarify the misinformation that was written in that article and, hopefully, reverse some of the potential damage the article may have caused.

Before I delve into the issue at hand, I’d like for you to understand the World Mission Society Church of God—or simply, the Church of God—and its beliefs. The Church of God is a Christian non-denominational church that believes in God the Father and God the Mother based on the teachings of the Bible. This fact alone sets the Church of God apart from all other existing Christian churches. So when I have an opportunity to speak to people about my faith and the Church of God, the topic of God the Mother is one of the first topics that come up. And I can say that it is the same for much of our congregation.

Because the Church of God teaches about the love of God the Mother, in addition to God the Father, the church has established more than 7,700 locations in more than 175 countries in less than 55 years. The Church of God has been reported to be the fastest growing church in the world. Members include people of all races, nationalities, and socioeconomic backgrounds, and, yes, all ages. As it turns out, the young adult members seem to have the most vibrant faith and are always excited to share the amazing truth about God the Mother with everyone, including other students on campus. Unfortunately, this expression of faith has recently been warped into a heinous and illegal criminal activity: human trafficking.

A malicious rumor started on social media saying the Church of God is a cult that engages in human trafficking. Numerous posts on Facebook and Twitter advised friends and followers to immediately report Church of God members to local authorities. There were instances where users even encouraged their audience to attack members with pepper spray, physically assault them, and even shoot them.

This rumor has spread like wildfire, with posts and tweets being liked, shared and retweeted over and over again. I support concerned citizens warning each other against harm and even potential harm, however, these posts and tweets were all false accusations that lacked merit, truth and evidence.

Of course, I realize the ones re-posting and re-tweeting the warnings of human trafficking think they are doing good. But because their information is false, they do not realize the consequences of their actions. Innocent members of the Church of God have already experienced harassing phone calls day and night, and some have even received death threats. In this letter, I ask that all readers do their due diligence before sharing information that others may take as fact—and even act on it.

Similar situations took place in Kentucky and Mississippi. Even though our members who attend these universities have established legitimate, university-approved Bible study clubs, local authorities were brought in to determine the veracity of the human trafficking allegations. Police investigators and news outlets confirmed there was no evidence of criminal activity; they thought it was unfortunate that an organization looking to expand its membership and conducting community outreach is being wrongfully accused of such a detestable and heinous crime.

As a result of these accusations, I’ve reached out to human trafficking experts and law enforcement agents to get their take on the situation. They expressed that these rumors actually hinder the cause, not help. While real human traffickers are using different techniques to get their victims, this rumor has created a false awareness that sends people in the wrong direction. It now links the religious beliefs of 2.7 million people to human trafficking. And the title of The Equinox article I referenced continues to do just that.

What’s more, it’s only until after people who meet our members see headlines, articles and posts about so-called human trafficking that they describe their experience as negative. Although most of the interactions with our members are pleasant, when people hear such horrible news and reflect back, they rethink their experience and consider it suspicious. The church has been around for nearly 55 years, operating in the same manner, yet this is the first time we’ve had issues or incidences of this nature.

Finally, I’d like to provide concrete evidence that the World Mission Society Church of God does not conduct human trafficking. In 2016, the Church of God received the highest award for volunteerism from Queen Elizabeth II—the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. The church had to go through a rigorous nomination and selection process to receive this prestigious award. For three years, members of a three-layered panel, including the Queen herself, evaluated the church and its activities. The church received the title of Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE), a title that cannot be grated to a criminal organization.

The Church of God has received awards and recognitions from numerous organizations and governments. In the United States, the Church of God has received the President’s Call to Service Award four times in the past decade, which include disaster relief efforts in the aftermath of hurricanes Sandy, Harvey, Irma, and Maria, which left cities, homes and families devastated. These positive contributions have led to a partnership with the United Nations to collaborate and spark global efforts of volunteerism and global sustainability among the youth.

I could not allow libel based on false social media rumors to overshadow the great work of the Church of God. So, [The Equinox], I appreciate you taking the time to hear our side of the story. I’ve even directly contacted Facebook and Twitter users about their posts, and a number of people have removed them from their timeline. It is my hope that people learn from this experience, stop taking social media as fact, and try to understand the serious consequences that sharing false information has on people’s lives. Now I ask the readers to please dispel this potentially harmful rumor. Put yourself in our shoes, if this were happening to you, what would you do?

Sincerely,

Victor Lozada

For more information on the World Mission Society Church of God please visit: www.wmscog.com 

Ingredients:

Photo by Alexandria Saurman / Managing Executive Editor

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 1/2 cups (9 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 quart size mason jar

Directions:

1. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt in small bowl. Put it in the mason jar
2. Use the back of a spoon to pack the flour mixture down around the outside of the jar.
3. Add the brown sugar and pack it down in the jar.
4. Add the granulated sugar
5. Finally, top with the chocolate chips.
6. Make a print-out to attach to each mason jar that says…
7. Preheat oven to 350 dergrees. Beat 3/4 cup of softened butter, one egg and 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl until blended. Add cookie mix and mix it well. Drop cookies onto a baking sheet. Bake for nine to 11 minutes or until golden brown.

Recipe from Melissa Riker, the happier homemaker

Emma Ayotte

Member of Dance team

Dance Team is entirely student run, and we’re the only competitive collegiate dance team in the nation without a coach. We meet four practices a week, on top of mandatory work outs.

To be on the team you tryout; tryouts are held in the spring and fall. We dance at soccer games and basketball games mainly, but also at school events like Hooties Knockout and Relay For Life!

Our competitions are in Orlando, at the ESPN World of Sports Complex. The team comes up to Keene a week prior, and we spend the week practicing three times a day and working out. Plus some team bonding. We fly down to Florida on a Wednesday, practice until Saturday when the competition begins. It’s teams from all over the country- from D3 to 1 schools. There’s hip hop and jazz… we only compete hip hop. The competition lasts a weekend and then we fly back Monday!

A Quick Bio

Photo contributed by Adam Frizzell

Lockmouth is a five piece band that formed in Manchester, NH, in January this year. They played a few shows in the Manchester and Derry, NH, areas over the summer. Since the end of the summer, they’ve been working on a three song release. Everything was recorded at home other than the drums, which were recorded at Chillhouse Studios in Cambridge, MA, with the drummer’s brother, Dan Seiders. In addition to recording the drums, Dan mixed each song for the EP. After the release, Lockmouth looks forward to playing as many shows as possible and writing new music!

Members:

• Alanah Tintle – Vocals
• Sam Tassey – Guitar
• Armando Martins – Guitar / Vocals
• Tyler Seiders – Drums
• Tyler Ryznal – Bass

Genre:

Indie Rock

Location:

Manchester, NH

Where to find us online:

• Bandcamp – www.lockmouth.bandcamp.com
• Facebook – www.facebook.com/lockmouthband/

Upcoming Events:

• 11/26 – Three song release, there will be 100 free downloads on Bandcamp, and the EP will be streaming on Apple Music and Spotify.
• 12/2 Breakfast Lunch & Dinner (Manchester, NH), Val Verde (Keene, NH), Lockmouth (Manchester, NH), Dona (Keene, NH) at 7 P.M. in Keene, NH. Message Lockmouth on Facebook for the address!

William (Will) Maxwell Boynton, age 22, passed on his own accord in the White Mountains of New Hampshire on October 14, 2017.
Born in Newburyport, in 1995, Will was beloved son to David Boynton and Catherine McKay, and loving brother to John Henry and Sophie Boynton.
Will was a Buddhist, a mad scientist, a musician, a gymnast, a loving son, a brother and a friend to so many. But what Will was most of all was love.
Will embodied kindness and compassion in all the ways he moved through the world. He was as brilliant as he was lighthearted. Silly and playful one moment, deeply philosophical and tender-hearted the next.

Will didn’t have much time for small talk. He was here on this earth to seek a deeper connection to the Source. He listened, really listened to what you had to say. It was a gift that had a profound affect on many.

In his life, Will traveled with dear friends to Europe and the Middle East, lived with the monks in California, stood with the Indians at the proposed pipeline at Standing Rock, jammed with friends in both Newburyport and at Keene State. His smile was infectious and he lit up a room with his quiet, yet sweetly powerful presence.
Will loved to be out in nature. He sat in meditation for hours and hours. He was gritty, he was soulful, he was kindness.
Will poured into his time here fully with love and compassion, leaving an indelible mark on all those he touched. He passed on consciously and with clear intention.
Will also leaves behind his loving Gram, Norma McKay, Grammie and Papa, Daniel and Janet Boynton. He was predeceased by Grampa, Robert McKay.
Will will be sorely missed, yet he is now free to soar with the eagles…
Calling hours will be held Friday, October 20 at Elliot, Woodworth, & Rogers Family Funeral Home, 35 Green St, Newburyport, 4 to 8 p.m.
A Celebration of Life will be held will be held Sunday, October 22 at the Unitarian Universalist, 30 Pleasant St, Newburyport, at 3 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to start a music scholarship in Will’s name. Donations may be made in C/O Institution for Savings, Newburyport.

Contributed photo / Katie McKay

Obituary originally published on The Daily News of Newburyport Obituaries. Published on The Equinox with permission from Katie McKay.

A Quick Bio

Photo contributed by Aubrey Paul Photography

Rubber is a funk/rock alternative fusion band formed in Keene. The trio focuses on original and live-improvisation music that offers a unique experience for every performance; striving for every show to be different from the last. We’ve played dozens of shows in living rooms and basements throughout Keene since our formation in August of last year and find it important to embrace the “Do It Yourself” (DIY) music culture that exists in our small city — we wish to continue the tradition of playing unique and independent music for our friends and fans as well as keep the music scene alive for future Keene State College student. Rubber is currently working on a single at Keene Record label, Moss Toss Recording as well as continuing to organizing future shows with both Keene and out-of-town touring bands.

Members:

Marc Apesos – Bass

Brendan Poor – Guitar / Vocals

Adam Bouchard – Drums

Genre:

Alternative/ Fusion

Location:

Keene, NH

Where to find us online:

Instagram – @rubberthebandnh

Facebook – www.facebook.com/pg/rubberthebandnh

Upcoming Events:

11/13 — Single Release

To Be Annouced (TBA) – EP Release Party

Greg J. Shawinsky

Fishing Club Vice President

Contributed Photo

I started the Fishing Club in 2015 and recruited about 30 members. The first year, we would have weekly meetings in the Putnam Science Center where we would talk about our individual fishing experiences and compare pictures of fish we had all caught. Whoever had caught the biggest fish that week would pick a prize like a lure or a Fishing Club shirt.

As a club, every two weeks we go on a fishing outing on a weekend. Normally groups of four to five people will come. Some spots that we frequent are Silver Lake in Harrisville, various parts of the Connecticut River, Franklin Pierce Lake and some other cool spots.

Currently, Austin Metcalfe is President, Joe Campbell is our Outing Coordinator, Fletcher Loomis is our Treasurer and I’m Vice President. We have a slightly smaller club this year, but we would like it better to have a handful of committed members, rather than a bunch of semi-interested students. However, everyone is welcome to join no matter how much or how little fishing experience.

Our next outing will involve us trail riding all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) into Pisgah State Park to get to some Bass fishing at the ponds deep into the forest.

By Caitlyn Doherty

A Keene State College public relations class, from Oct. 9-16, randomly surveyed 500 students and found out that 313 or 62.6 percent of survey respondents said they are expecting to party on Pumpkin Fest weekend.

While the focus of this survey was the Oct. 27 Pumpkin Fest from 1-7 p.m., survey respondents expressed anecdotally that because it was Halloween weekend, there was more of reason to go out, get dressed up and party with their friends. In fact, 425 or 85 percent of respondents said they will be in Keene for this weekend.

KSC senior and class participant, Gregory Hemmer said, “[KSC] Students want to party, not riot.”

The riots of Pumpkin Fest 2014 were not new to Keene, but more a crescendo to spiraling student behavior that started with the Boston Red Sox when they won a rematch of the 2003 American League Championship Series against the New York Yankees, according to Keene Police Captain and Head of Field Operations, Steven Stewart.

The class briefed city and college officials Monday, Oct. 23, about the survey’s result, reporting that 210 or 42 percent of respondents said they “don’t care” about a visible police presence. But from the anecdotal data the students said they heard from the respondents, was that they were going to party either way if there was a visible police presence or not.

In 2014, according to USA Today, there were “at least 14 arrests made early Sunday morning,” after the Pumpkin Fest. The Union Leader reported that Keene Fire Chief Mark Howard said at least 30 people were injured, while 20 people had to be sent to the hospital.

Eighty-five or 17 percent of respondents came to the conclusion that they would, “feel more safe.” But, at the same time, 148 or 29.6 percent said they are “nervous” by a visible police presence.

While 54 or 10.8 percent of respondents said a visible police presence would “make them angry” or “want to revolt.”

After the class presentation, Dean of Students Gail Zimmerman said, “It [Pumpkin Fest] became a destination event [during 2014]… It was fueled by external individuals descended on the city…external people ramping up and hyping up the party. How do students respond to that?”

KSC senior and class participant, Olivia Sloan, said that the way social media responded to the event seemed to spark more disruption. Now three years later, Sloan said, “The underclassmen [at KSC] don’t know what Pumpkin Fest is.”

Interim President Melinda Treadwell said she also reached out to other University System of New Hampshire (USNH) schools, like University of New Hampshire (UNH) and Plymouth State University (PSU) to say Pumpkin Fest is a small event this year. She also said if any USNH students get arrested while in Keene this weekend, they would get penalized at the school they attend.

Treadwell expressed how “deeply grateful” she was to the students having conducted this survey.

Mayor Kendall Lane expressed how important Keene State is to the city of Keene, but said, “It’s up to the students [of KSC] if it’s going to be a positive event or a negative one.”

College leaders who were also at the meeting included Provost William Seigh and Coordinator of Student and Community Relations Robin Picard.

“Students should still enjoy their weekend while they always would, but be safe and don’t push the boundaries,” Treadwell said. “Let’s have a really fun weekend.”

Caitlyn Doherty can be contacted at caitlynvdoherty@gmail.com.

Lea Nolette

Photos contributed by LEa Nolette

Scriptor Member

Scriptor is a relatively new organization to the Keene State College Campus, so any and all are invited to get involved.

Originally the product of the University of New Hampshire, Scriptor is an undergraduate fiction journal written and published by students. Keene State students have joined in this endeavor and will collaborate to produce the journal. They do various flash fiction contests throughout the year, as well as a printed version of the journal at the end of the semester.

Photos contributed by LEa Nolette

At the moment, we are attempting to get an editing team together, so the timing of meetings is still flexible. More than likely, we would meet in the Center for Writing once everything is set in stone. Scriptor does in fact have a Facebook page to follow: Scriptor at Keene State College.

If anyone is interested in joining the editing team or if you just want more information about getting your submissions printed, you should write out an e-mail to either Lea Nolette or Veronica Spadaro for further information.