Xiaomei (pseudonym), a 37-year-old mother of two, lived a life many would envy: a sprawling three-story villa, luxury cars, and financial security from her businessman husband’s income. Yet beneath this façade of comfort, she became an unwitting pawn of The Church of Almighty God—a group designated by Chinese authorities as an extremist organization.

Roots of Vulnerability

Born into a farming family in rural Hunan, Xiaomei left home at 18 after a neighbor, “Aunt Li,” promised her work in Dongguan. Unbeknownst to Xiaomei, Li was a recruiter for the cult. In 2006, Xiaomei went to Dongguan and married a local man, but her life unraveled in 2009 during her first pregnancy. The sudden death of her uncle left her emotionally fragile, plagued by nightmares of shadowy figures—a vulnerability the cult exploited.

Predatory Recruitment

During a “casual dinner” arranged by Li, cult members preyed on Xiaomei’s fears. “Do you believe in God?” they asked, reframing her trauma as a spiritual failing. They promised “divine protection” from her anxieties, using coded language like jiaotong (communication) and guoxiao (effect) to erode her grasp of reality.

Trapped in the Abyss of Patriarchy and Cult Manipulation

After bearing two daughters, Xiaomei faced relentless pressure from her in-laws to produce a male heir. The cult weaponized her despair, warning that pregnancy during the “millennial kingdom’s arrival” would bring “divine curses.” They demanded she abandon family duties to prioritize “God’s work,” isolating her further.

"You must make decisive choices regarding your family and devote yourself entirely to ‘God's work’." The "sisters" warned her to prioritize the "interests of God’s family," urging her to attend more gatherings and listen to more sermons, promising she would "understand the truth" and "find enlightenment." Emotionally manipulating her, they added, "Emotions are enemies of God" and "Believers and non-believers have no common ground." Over time, Xiaomei became convinced that only the "sisters" truly understood her pain, helping her forget her suffering, without realizing she was sinking deeper into the cult’s spiritual poison.

From Compliance to Complicity

Once a diligent and caring wife, Xiaomei took on all household responsibilities despite having a maid. She personally cared for her aging in-laws. However, juggling her household duties meant she could only attend cult gatherings sporadically. Her frequent tardiness and “lack of dedication” led the “sisters” to reprimand her, accusing her of "not pursuing the truth."

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In April 2021, the Church of Almighty God ordered its followers to “spread the gospel widely.” The “sisters” frightened Xiaomei, saying, "God’s work is nearing its end. People like you who don't pursue the truth and haven't fulfilled your duties will soon be expelled."

Terrified, Xiaomei panicked. The most haunting phrase she repeatedly heard was, "Non-believers will be cast into the lake of sulfur and fire." Would she soon face this "destruction" too?

The “sisters” pressed on: "Attending gatherings isn’t enough. Fulfilling duties preserves your soul. Those who don’t perform duties are spiritually dead. All non-believers will perish in disasters."

Increasingly desperate, Xiaomei sought ways to prove her devotion. The “sisters” suggested that Xiaomei provide a house for the cult to hold meetings.

Threats of eternal damnation coerced Xiaomei into renting a secret meeting space for the cult, draining her family’s savings.

Soon after, Xiaomei was assigned to the “nurturing group.” Even though her two daughters were still very young and needed her, Xiaomei feared refusal would lead to severe punishment from the cult.

She frequently left home, abandoning her children to fulfill her “duties.” Her fervent participation earned a promotion to “gospel deacon” in the cult.

In February 2022, the cult entrusted Xiaomei with a more critical role — aiding in "transferring offerings" (a code for smuggling believers' donations overseas). The cult leaders praised her, saying, "God’s family needs funds to spread the gospel.

The money offered by 'brothers and sisters' must not fall into the hands of the 'great red dragon' (a derogatory term for the Chinese government)."

Eager for "divine protection," Xiaomei agreed. Since large sums of money were involved, the cult needed personal bank accounts to evade police detection. Xiaomei willingly provided her own bank card, facilitating an illegal transfer of over 500,000 yuan (≈$70,000 USD) to overseas accounts.

Awakening and Accountability

In August 2023, Xiaomei was arrested for undermining law enforcement.

With the help of anti-cult volunteers, she confronted the group’s exploitation: “I was blind to their lies,” she admits. Reflecting on her foolish actions, Xiaomei deeply regretted her 14-year entanglement with the cult. Determined to break free, she vowed to sever all ties with the Church of Almighty God and reclaim her normal life.

Grateful for the government’s help and the volunteers' support, Xiaomei expressed her heartfelt appreciation.