Church of Wells Causes Concerns; Fundraiser Held

WELLS — The people of Wells are coming together to help the parents of 26-year-old Catherine Grove. KETK reports Catherine is a member of the controversial Church of Wells and left her family in Arkansas to move to East Texas. It’s been two months since the Groves have seen their daughter, and they say the members of the church are making it impossible. The Groves and many people in the area believe the church is a cult.

It’s been tough for the Groves financially. They are living in an RV in Wells hoping they will find their daughter. East Texans tell KETK they’ll do anything they can to help the Groves continue their search. They had a hamburger fundraiser Saturday next to the Commercial Bank in Wells. “We are trying to raise money for them so that they can continue to travel back and forth to Fayetteville to look out for the rest of their family and expenses while they are trying to get their daughter back,” says Brenda Hubbard of Wells. Andy Grove, father of Catherine, says he never expected this much support. He adds, “We feel that with all the support we have and information that we have it’s just a matter of time and we are going to be able to meet with my daughter.”

Members say the church is made up of born-again believers and run by three elders who say their mission for themselves and the 57 members is to preach salvation. “The key to men being regenerated or being able to follow God again, is through the new birth,” said Elder Ryan Ringnald. The church is part of the You Must Be Born Again ministry. Members believe you are born sinful and in darkness, and you must be born again to truly follow Christ and be saved. “We believe man has to see their sin. That’s why we preach judgment,” said Ringnald. Incidentally, Ringnald’s parents have expressed concern with their son’s involvement in the church.

In June 2012, Cherokee County officials investigated the death of a three-day-old infant, whose parents, elders in The Church of Wells, allegedly chose to pray over the baby instead of seeking immediate medical attention. They did not contact law enforcement until 15 hours after the child’s death. That case remains under investigation.