Raised in a cult from a young age, Serena Kelley was given in marriage by her own mother at just 3 years old. Now 42, she shares her harrowing experience that nearly destroyed her life. Discover the reality of communities like hers!
A True Ordeal for the Young Woman!
Imagine a wedding ceremony like any other, complete with guests and rings… except the bride is only 3 years old! This is what Serena experienced throughout her childhood in the apocalyptic sex cult Children of God. Led by the guru David Berg, this cult originally portrayed itself as a Christian group preaching peace and love.
Unfortunately, this leader became overly fanatical, proclaiming that the end of the world was imminent. He claimed that only his followers would be saved, leading to the establishment of a form of missionary prostitution within the cult. This is where things took a turn for young Serena Kelley.
Her parents lived in a private complex in Manila with the guru when she was born. From a young age, she was subjected to violent acts and sexual abuse by the guru himself. Other men living in the same residence also took advantage of her!
After 6 years of torment in that location, she was transferred to a commune in Brazil. However, her suffering was far from over. Every morning, a cult member would wake her up with a whistle. She was then required to perform military-style exercises.
A Horrific Story That Would Change Her Life!
As she grew up, the young woman managed to escape the cult. Yet, she faced numerous challenges stemming from her experiences. Indeed, the violence she endured left her with severe scars.
Barely an adult, she began living a life filled with partying, drugs, and debauchery due to her depression. Stricken with anxiety, she dropped out of school because she couldn’t keep up with her grades!
After finally managing to find work, the young woman hoped her nightmare was over. However, that was far from the case! She had to pay thousands of dollars in taxes as she had no knowledge of filing tax returns.
Furthermore, Serena Kelley had to conceal her true life from her friends and colleagues for fear of being judged. This became a heavy burden for this unfortunate victim. “But I was determined to leave my past behind. If anyone asked, I would lie and say I grew up abroad because my parents worked for an NGO,” she recounts.
A Decision That Would Change Her Destiny!
After losing her job in 2019, the young woman’s life took a drastic turn. With the help of her therapist, she found the courage to post on Instagram about her past, sharing the trauma she experienced.
In her post, she states: “It was from the moment I changed course and brought to light my deepest, darkest secret that things began to change.” Indeed, stronger and more whole, she is now a specialist helping others with their trauma relating to such atrocities.
