‘This feels like a cult’: Friend of former follower shares experience at church at center of multi-state FBI raid
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HOUSTON – Two pastors were arrested on federal charges for allegedly running a $50 million labor trafficking and money laundering operation tied to their church network.
David Taylor and Michelle Brannon were taken into custody as part of an FBI investigation targeting The Joshua Media Ministries International Global “Campus for Harvest” in Houston, affiliated with the Kingdom of God Global Church.
A Houston woman, speaking anonymously, shared with KPRC 2 Reporter Corley Peel the disturbing experience of her friend who suffered abuse at one of the churches in another state.
“From the beginning, it was great, exciting as they usually are,” the woman said. “But I kept warning her that something sounded like a cult.”
Her friend eventually cut off communication but returned about a year later, revealing the mental and psychological abuse she endured.
“She said they starved her, mentally and psychologically abused her, and used scripture and hell to condemn her,” the woman said. “It was almost like a loyalty program. They had to defend the top person and their ministry.”
The FBI indictment alleges Taylor and Brannon recruited followers to work as phone solicitors in call centers across Michigan, Florida, Texas, and Missouri.
These followers were forced to work long hours for little or no pay and pressured to meet steep donation quotas. Those who failed faced humiliation, food restrictions, and sleep deprivation.
Text messages included in the indictment show Taylor threatening followers: “You’re not going to bed tonight until you raise this $33K. Let’s go!!” and “If you don’t work, you can’t eat.”
The woman said her friend was groomed as a “bride,” a top-tier member expected to serve Taylor.
Prosecutors claim Taylor required some followers, called “armor bearers,” to serve him around the clock, including transporting women to him. Some women were reportedly told to take emergency contraceptives.
The indictment also accuses Taylor and Brannon of using millions in donations to fund a lavish lifestyle, buying luxury properties, cars, boats, jet skis, and more.
The woman said her friend is still recovering from extreme PTSD and low self-esteem caused by the abuse.
“She didn’t know what to believe, who to trust, what churches to trust,” the woman said. “I can’t stand anybody that would take advantage of people like that.”
Despite the trauma, her friend has restored her faith and hopes others can find healing as well.
The FBI says the investigation is ongoing and encourages more victims to come forward.
If you or someone you know has information related to this case, contact the FBI or local authorities.
Content retrieved from: https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/08/28/this-feels-like-a-cult-friend-of-former-follower-shares-experience-at-church-at-center-of-multi-state-fbi-raid/.
