Editing House of Prayer Christian Church

{{Short description|Religious organization based in Hinesville, Georgia}}

{{Use American English|date=July 2024}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2024}}

{{Not to be confused with|House of Prayer (denomination)}}{{Infobox Christian denomination|name=House of Prayer Christian Church|orientation=[[Pentecostal]]|leader=Rony Denis|headquarters=[[Hinesville, Georgia]]|founder=Rony Denis|founded_date=2002|founded_place=[[Baton Rouge, Louisiana]]|separated_from=[[New Testament Christian Churches of America]]|congregations=12 (in 2022)|other_names=A Place of Prayer<br />Place of Help Prayer House<br />Place of Help Prayer Force}}

The '''House of Prayer Christian Church''' is a [[religious organization]] based in [[Hinesville, Georgia]]. The organization, described by one of its members as a [[Pentecostal church]], was established by Rony Denis in 2004 in [[Baton Rouge, Louisiana]]. By 2022, the organization was operating 12 local churches, including its [[mother church]] in Hinesville, and multiple seminaries in several states.

Starting around the 2010s, multiple former members have accused the church of being a [[cult]] and have alleged a series of [[wrongdoing]]s against the organization and its leaders. These allegations have included [[verbal abuse]], [[Manipulation (psychology)|manipulation]], [[fraud]], and [[forgery]], among others. In 2020, a veterans' [[advocacy group]] submitted a letter to the [[United States Department of Veterans Affairs]] requesting that the department investigate the church for potential abuses regarding the [[G.I. Bill]] programs, accusing the church of defrauding veterans out of their educational benefits by offering courses without granting certificates of completion, among other charges. In one example, the advocacy group noted that one student had been enrolled in a House of Prayer's educational program for 12 years, completely draining his educational benefits without receiving a degree or certificate from the program.

In June 2022, the [[Federal Bureau of Investigation]] raided several church locations, and by November 2022, multiple states had barred House of Prayer educational programs from receiving G.I. Bill funding. In January 2023, the [[United States Department of Justice]] (DOJ) [[Filing (law)|filed]] papers with the [[United States District Court for the Southern District of Georgia]] seeking the forfeiture of roughly $150,000 in funds owned by the church and accusing the organization of engaging in a "[[criminal scheme]]" to "defraud the United States of money" and "its military veterans of monetary educational benefits".<ref name=":21" /> The filing alleged that over 500 veterans were involved in the scheme, which involved roughly $22 million in government funds. In April 2024, the DOJ accused the church and several leaders of [[stonewalling]] their investigation efforts.

== History ==

=== Establishment ===
The House of Prayer Christian Church (HOPCC) was established in 2004 by Rony Denis,<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Winkie |first=Davis |date=June 29, 2022 |title=Nationwide FBI raids target alleged 'cult' near five Army posts |url=https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2022/06/29/nationwide-fbi-raids-target-alleged-cult-near-five-army-posts/ |access-date=July 2, 2024 |website=[[Army Times]] |publisher=[[Sightline Media Group]]}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Koch |first=Alexandra |date=June 28, 2022 |others=Contributions by Latrice Williams |title='We were all obedient': Former members talk about life in House of Prayer Christian Church |url=https://www.augustachronicle.com/story/news/2022/06/28/house-of-prayer-hinesville-ga-reach-extends-coast-coast/7749987001/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240620171323/https://eu.augustachronicle.com/story/news/2022/06/28/house-of-prayer-hinesville-ga-reach-extends-coast-coast/7749987001/ |archive-date=June 20, 2024 |access-date=July 2, 2024 |website=[[The Augusta Chronicle]] |publisher=[[Gannett]]}}</ref> whose work in [[Christian ministry]] may date to at least 1989.{{refn|group=note|A 2017 article in the ''[[Coastal Courier]]'', a local newspaper based in [[Hinesville, Georgia]], cites a former member of the House of Prayer Christian Church as having been a member of that church and "its affiliates" starting in 1989, but offers no more clarity regarding what is meant by this phrasing.<ref name=":13">{{Cite web |last=Leon |first=Patty |date=July 5, 2017 |title=Member says My church is not a cult |url=https://coastalcourier.com/news/local-news/member-says-my-church-is-not-a-cult/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929195410/https://coastalcourier.com/news/local-news/member-says-my-church-is-not-a-cult/ |archive-date=September 29, 2022 |access-date=July 3, 2024 |website=[[Coastal Courier]]}}</ref>}} Denis had previously served as a [[Minister (Christianity)|minister]] at another Christian church,<ref name=":0" /> the [[New Testament Christian Churches of America,<ref name=":18">{{Cite web |date=January 3, 2023 |orig-date=May 20, 2017 |title=Former members allege church is a cult |url=https://coastalcourier.com/news/local-news/former-members-allege-church-is-a-cult/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226205205/https://coastalcourier.com/news/local-news/former-members-allege-church-is-a-cult/ |archive-date=February 26, 2024 |access-date=July 2, 2024 |website=[[Coastal Courier]]}}</ref> which had church locations nationwide, including in [[Hinesville, Georgia]], and [[Graham, Washington]].<ref name=":18" /> In 2003, Denis convinced 15 other ministers from New Testament to leave that church and join him in a new organization, which was officially established the following year.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name=":22">{{Cite web |last=Koch |first=Alexandra |date=January 10, 2023 |title=DOJ: House of Prayer Christian Church swindled $22+ million in VA benefits |url=https://www.augustachronicle.com/story/news/crime/2023/01/10/doj-church-committed-22-million-fraud-scheme-targeting-military/69794832007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112190504/https://eu.augustachronicle.com/story/news/crime/2023/01/10/doj-church-committed-22-million-fraud-scheme-targeting-military/69794832007/ |archive-date=January 12, 2023 |access-date=July 2, 2024 |website=[[The Augusta Chronicle]] |publisher=[[Gannett]]}}</ref> Denis founded the organization in [[Baton Rouge, Louisiana]],<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |last=Norton |first=F. T. |date=June 30, 2022 |title=What to know about the House of Prayer Church raided by the FBI in Fayetteville |url=https://www.fayobserver.com/story/news/crime/2022/06/30/fayetteville-house-prayer-church-raided-fbi-things-know-military/7771025001/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230608084753/https://www.fayobserver.com/story/news/crime/2022/06/30/fayetteville-house-prayer-church-raided-fbi-things-know-military/7771025001/ |archive-date=June 8, 2023 |access-date=July 2, 2024 |website=[[The Fayetteville Observer]] |publisher=[[Gannett]]}}</ref> but soon relocated HOPCC's headquarters to Hinesville,<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":22" />{{refn|group=note|Concerning the location of the organization's principal church and headquarters, multiple sources state that the building is located in the 2500 [[City block|block]] of Airport Road in Hinesville.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Cawthon |first=Graham |date=June 23, 2022 |title=FBI raids Liberty County church. Agents seen outside Hinesville facility |url=https://www.wjcl.com/article/house-of-prayer-church-hinesville-fbi-raid/40391598 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705084427/https://www.wjcl.com/article/house-of-prayer-church-hinesville-fbi-raid/40391598 |archive-date=July 5, 2022 |access-date=July 2, 2024 |website=[[WJCL (TV)|WJCL]]}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last1=Merrigan |first1=JoAnn |last2=Jones |first2=Dajhea |last3=Levine |first3=Lewis |date=June 25, 2022 |orig-date=June 23, 2022 |title=FBI raids 2 Georgia churches, including Hinesville House of Prayer |url=https://www.wsav.com/crime-safety/fbi-raids-liberty-county-church/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107110722/https://www.wsav.com/crime-safety/fbi-raids-liberty-county-church/ |archive-date=November 7, 2023 |access-date=July 2, 2024 |website=[[WSAV-TV]]}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Koch |first=Alexandra |date=June 28, 2022 |orig-date=June 23, 2022 |others=Contributions by Abe Kenmore |title=FBI raids Georgia churches near military bases; sources say church was targeting soldiers |url=https://www.augustachronicle.com/story/news/2022/06/23/augusta-savannah-ga-fbi-raids-affiliated-house-prayer-churches/7713361001/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004095330/https://www.augustachronicle.com/story/news/2022/06/23/augusta-savannah-ga-fbi-raids-affiliated-house-prayer-churches/7713361001/ |archive-date=October 4, 2023 |access-date=July 2, 2024 |website=[[The Augusta Chronicle]] |publisher=[[Gannett]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Sarduy |first1=Armond |last2=Levine |first2=Lewis |date=June 23, 2022 |title=FBI raids House of Prayer Church in Hinesville, officials confirm |url=https://fox28savannah.com/news/local/fbi-raids-house-of-prayer-church-in-hinesville-officials-confirm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240703165403/https://fox28savannah.com/news/local/fbi-raids-house-of-prayer-church-in-hinesville-officials-confirm |archive-date=July 3, 2024 |access-date=July 3, 2024 |website=[[WTGS]]}}</ref><ref name=":11" /><ref name=":12" /> However, at least one source states that the building is located in nearby [[Walthourville, Georgia]],<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Merrigan |first=JoAnn |date=June 30, 2022 |orig-date=June 29, 2022 |title=Former member of affiliated church calls House of Prayer a cult after FBI raid |url=https://www.wsav.com/news/local-news/former-member-of-affiliated-church-calls-liberty-county-church-a-cult-after-fbi-raid/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011092251/https://www.wsav.com/news/local-news/former-member-of-affiliated-church-calls-liberty-county-church-a-cult-after-fbi-raid/ |archive-date=October 11, 2023 |access-date=July 2, 2024 |website=[[WSAV-TV]]}}</ref> while another states that the building is "just outside of Hinesville city limits".<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last=Boland |first=Hayley |date=June 29, 2022 |title=FBI investigating other churches after Hinesville raid |url=https://www.wtoc.com/2022/06/29/fbi-investigating-other-churches-after-hinesville-raid/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220814133740/https://www.wtoc.com/2022/06/29/fbi-investigating-other-churches-after-hinesville-raid/ |archive-date=August 14, 2022 |access-date=July 2, 2024 |website=[[WTOC-TV]]}}</ref> According to several sources, the organization uses a Hinesville [[post office box]] number for the headquarters' [[mailing address]],<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":7" /><ref name=":11" /><ref name=":9" /> and its location anywhere in [[Liberty County, Georgia|Liberty County]] would place the headquarters within the [[Hinesville metropolitan area]].}} where he had previously ministered with New Testament.<ref name=":18" /> According to reporting from the ''[[Savannah Morning News]]'', HOPCC registered with the [[Georgia Secretary of State]] on May 18, 2004,<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |last=Luciani |first=Kim |date=June 28, 2022 |orig-date=June 24, 2022 |title=House of Prayer churches near military bases in Georgia raided by FBI. Here's what we know |url=https://www.savannahnow.com/story/news/state/2022/06/24/house-of-prayer-assembly-church-cult-ga-tx-fbi-raids/7721146001/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816190038/https://www.savannahnow.com/story/news/state/2022/06/24/house-of-prayer-assembly-church-cult-ga-tx-fbi-raids/7721146001/ |archive-date=August 16, 2022 |access-date=July 2, 2024 |website=[[Savannah Morning News]] |publisher=[[Gannett]]}}</ref> and is officially owned by a "foreign [[nonprofit group]]" known as House of Prayer Christian Churches of America, Inc.,<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Hauptman |first=Max |date=June 27, 2022 |title=The FBI raided a church described as a 'cult' that targets US service members |url=https://taskandpurpose.com/news/fbi-raids-house-of-prayer-church-targeting-us-troops/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930122619/https://taskandpurpose.com/news/fbi-raids-house-of-prayer-church-targeting-us-troops/ |archive-date=September 30, 2023 |access-date=July 2, 2024 |website=[[Task & Purpose]]}}</ref><ref name=":11">{{Cite web |last=Koch |first=Alexandra |date=June 28, 2022 |orig-date=June 23, 2022 |others=Contributions by Abe Kenmore |title=FBI raids Georgia churches near military bases, sources say church was targeting soldiers |url=https://www.savannahnow.com/story/news/2022/06/23/fbi-raids-house-prayer-churches-hinesville-augusta-savannah-ga/7718662001/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115034017/https://www.savannahnow.com/story/news/2022/06/23/fbi-raids-house-prayer-churches-hinesville-augusta-savannah-ga/7718662001/ |archive-date=January 15, 2024 |access-date=July 2, 2024 |website=[[Savannah Morning News]] |publisher=[[Gannett]]}}</ref> which is a [[501(c)(3) organization]].<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Leonard |first=Collin |date=June 24, 2022 |title=Why were these churches raided by the FBI? |url=https://www.deseret.com/faith/2022/6/24/23181747/why-were-these-churches-raided-by-the-fbi-former-members-say-cult/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211190821/https://www.deseret.com/faith/2022/6/24/23181747/why-were-these-churches-raided-by-the-fbi-former-members-say-cult |archive-date=December 11, 2023 |access-date=July 2, 2024 |website=[[Deseret News]] |publisher=[[Deseret News Publishing Company]]}}</ref> Following HOPCC's establishment, several people who had been congregants of Denis's at New Testament followed him to his new organization.<ref name=":18" /> Regarding the theology of the HOPCC, in 2017 a member named Cesar Vargas stated that the church was [[Pentecostal]], further saying, "We are what the [[Assemblies of God]], [[Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee)|Church of God]] and [[Methodists]] were 100 years ago".<ref name=":13" />

By 2022, HOPCC operated 12 [[Church (congregation)|local churches]] across the country, as well as several [[seminaries]].{{refn|group=note|Sources vary on the exact number of seminaries that the organization was running in 2022, with an article in the ''[[Deseret News]]'' claiming five and an article in ''[[The Fayetteville Observer]]'' saying six.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":10" /> A 2022 article in ''[[The News Tribune]]'' lists seminaries operated by the organization in five different locations: [[Augusta, Georgia]]; [[Hinesville, Georgia]]; [[Fayetteville, North Carolina]]; [[Killeen, Texas]]; and [[Tacoma, Washington]].<ref name=":8" /> An article in ''[[The Augusta Chronicle]]'' lists these locations in addition to a seminary in [[San Diego]].<ref name=":0" />}} Of these churches, 11 were located near [[List of American military installations|American military installations]],<ref name="Blair">{{Cite web |last=Blair |first=Leonardo |date=July 22, 2022 |title=House of Prayer schools allegedly bilked over $7 million from veterans for Bible study classes |url=https://www.christianpost.com/news/house-of-prayer-schools-allegedly-bilked-over-7-million-dollars-from-veterans.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230923074855/https://www.christianpost.com/news/house-of-prayer-schools-allegedly-bilked-over-7-million-dollars-from-veterans.html |archive-date=September 23, 2023 |access-date=July 3, 2024 |website=[[The Christian Post]]}}</ref><ref name=":10" /><ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Jared |date=June 30, 2022 |title=FBI enters Tacoma church amid raids at other campuses. Ex-members say 'cult' targets soldiers |url=https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/article262857583.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220726014429/https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/article262857583.html |archive-date=July 26, 2022 |access-date=July 2, 2024 |website=[[The News Tribune]] |publisher=[[McClatchy]]}}</ref> including one in [[Killeen, Texas]], located {{Convert|4|mi|km}} from [[Fort Hood]], one in [[Tacoma, Washington]], near [[Joint Base Lewis–McChord]],<ref name=":0" /> and another in the [[Augusta metropolitan area]] near [[Fort Gordon]].<ref name=":12" /> The organization's principal church and headquarters in Hinesville was located less than {{Convert|8|mi|km|abbr=on}} from [[Fort Stewart]] in [[Liberty County, Georgia|Liberty County]].<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":12" /> On average, the typical membership at each of these churches was between 50 and 100 people, but the attendance would often double during sermons held by Denis, who several former members of the organization have described as a [[charismatic]] [[preacher]].<ref name=":0" /> As of 2022, Denis reportedly lived in [[Augusta, Georgia|Augusta]],<ref name=":17" /><ref name=":19" /> owned three [[mansions]], including one in [[Florida]] and two in Georgia, and at least two [[Rolls-Royce Motor Cars|Rolls-Royce]] vehicles.<ref name=":20" />

=== Accusations of wrongdoing by former members ===
Since at least the 2010s, several former members of the church have criticized the organization for alleged [[wrongdoing]]s, with some calling House of Prayer a [[cult]].{{refn|group=note|Multiple sources have reported on former members referring to House of Prayer Christian Church as a "cult".<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":7" /><ref name=":8" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mather |first=Nikolai |date=July 13, 2022 |title='Most of us could get duped': Georgia experts on cultic abuse and the road to recovery |url=https://www.savannahnow.com/story/news/state/2022/07/13/house-of-prayer-raid-georgia-experts-discuss-behaviors-cult-behavior/7772247001/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240702194448/https://www.savannahnow.com/story/news/state/2022/07/13/house-of-prayer-raid-georgia-experts-discuss-behaviors-cult-behavior/7772247001/ |archive-date=July 2, 2024 |access-date=July 2, 2024 |website=[[Savannah Morning News]] |publisher=[[Gannett]]}}</ref><ref name=":17">{{Cite web |last1=Levine |first1=Lewis |last2=Leon |first2=Patty |date=June 26, 2022 |orig-date=June 23, 2022 |title=Federal agencies charge into House of Prayer |url=https://coastalcourier.com/news/federal-agencies-charge-house-prayer/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630071208/https://coastalcourier.com/news/federal-agencies-charge-house-prayer/ |archive-date=June 30, 2022 |access-date=July 3, 2024 |website=[[Coastal Courier]]}}</ref><ref name=":21">{{Cite web |last=Leon |first=Patty |date=June 29, 2022 |title=Patty Leon: It was happening right here, in our own backyard |url=https://coastalcourier.com/opinion/patty-leon-it-was-happening-right-here-our-own-backyard/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221128085418/https://coastalcourier.com/opinion/patty-leon-it-was-happening-right-here-our-own-backyard/ |archive-date=November 28, 2022 |access-date=July 3, 2024 |website=[[Coastal Courier]]}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{Cite web |last=Leon |first=Patty |date=November 2, 2022 |title=Patty Leon: An update on House of Prayer |url=https://coastalcourier.com/opinion/patty-leon-update-house-prayer/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128192054/https://coastalcourier.com/opinion/patty-leon-update-house-prayer/ |archive-date=November 28, 2023 |access-date=July 3, 2024 |website=[[Coastal Courier]]}}</ref>}} According to reporting from the Hinesville-based ''[[Coastal Courier]]'' newspaper, several former members have alleged that [[child abuse]] has occurred within the organization,<ref name=":19">{{Cite web |last1=Leon |first1=Patty |last2=Levine |first2=Lewis |date=June 29, 2022 |orig-date=June 25, 2022 |title=VIDEO: FBI investigating House of Prayer Christian Church |url=https://coastalcourier.com/news/video-fbi-investigating-house-prayer-christian-church/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230924203912/https://coastalcourier.com/news/video-fbi-investigating-house-prayer-christian-church/ |archive-date=September 24, 2023 |access-date=July 3, 2024 |website=[[Coastal Courier]]}}</ref> and some former members have accused Denis of committing [[fraud]] and manipulating church members.<ref name=":13" /> According to the ''Courier'', one former member who had followed Denis from New Testament to House of Prayer have claimed that he became "money hungry" at the new church.<ref name=":18" /> Former members have also alleged that Denis referred to himself as a [[deity]] and barred the church members' access to the [[Internet]] and certain electronic devices, such as [[cell phones]].<ref name=":18" /><ref name=":16">{{Cite web |last=Leon |first=Patty |date=June 28, 2017 |title=Tempers flare during, after meeting |url=https://coastalcourier.com/news/local-news/tempers-flare-during-after-meeting/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623212802/https://coastalcourier.com/news/local-news/tempers-flare-during-after-meeting/ |archive-date=June 23, 2021 |access-date=July 3, 2024 |website=[[Coastal Courier]]}}</ref> Additionally, according to some former members, Denis had control over who the church members' [[Dating|date]] and [[marry]] and claimed to have the ability to perform [[divorces]], which one former member said he did to her marriage after she refused to give [[testimony]].<ref name=":18" /> According to Arlen Bradeen, a former member and pastor with House of Prayer, Denis had initially agreed to allow local churches a large degree of autonomy, but employed a [[conference call]] system to directly communicate and preach to all churches, saying, "Someone could be preaching or singing a song and when the [[Polycom]] rang, you heard it through the [[Public address system|PA system]], and everybody had to sit and listen to Denis".<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":22" />

==== Allegations of targeting military personnel ====
Several former members have stated that the church often focused their recruitment efforts on members of the [[United States Armed Forces]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":4" /> One soldier stationed at Fort Stewart told ''[[The Augusta Chronicle]]'' that there had been a meeting at one of the barracks where soldiers were told that a nearby church was targeting military members,<ref name=":0" /> while a representative from Fort Gordon told the ''Chronicle'' in 2022 that they were aware that the organization was targeting military members on the base.<ref name=":1" /> The ''Chronicle'' also stated that there were allegations that some church members had snuck into the [[barracks]] at Fort Hood and threatened soldiers.<ref name=":1" /> In 2020, one former member stated that they had been recruited to the church at the welcome barracks of Fort Stewart by an [[E-5 (rank)|E-5 rank]] [[sergeant]] of the [[United States Army]].<ref name=":7" /> Former members describe the church's program of proselytizing to military members as "soul-winning".<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />

According to a 2022 article from the ''Chronicle'', military members were targeted primarily because of their steady income, propensity for obeying orders, and their geographic isolation from friends and family members while stationed at military bases, with one former church member who was active in the [[National Guard (United States)|National Guard]] saying it was "almost like a [[Predation|predator/prey]] type scenario".<ref name=":0" /> That same former member said that church leaders requested information on the members income and demanded a 10 percent [[tithe]], stating that withholding that amount would be "stealing from [[God in Christianity|God]]".<ref name=":0" /> Military members were also required to sign over their reenlistment bonuses to the church, with one member stating that she also signed over her $400,000 military [[life insurance]] plan to the church, allowing them to receive the money in the event of her death.<ref name=":0" />

==== Accusations of real estate wrongdoings ====
In a 2017 article in the ''Courier'', reporter Patty Leon wrote that multiple former members have accused Denis of "real estate fraud and forgery" dating back to around 2004 or 2005.<ref name=":15">{{Cite web |last=Leon |first=Patty |date=July 16, 2017 |orig-date=July 15, 2017 |title=Real estate fraud allegations leveled at church leaders |url=https://coastalcourier.com/news/local-news/real-estate-fraud-allegations-leveled-at-church-leaders/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929211812/https://coastalcourier.com/news/local-news/real-estate-fraud-allegations-leveled-at-church-leaders/ |archive-date=September 29, 2022 |access-date=July 3, 2024 |website=[[Coastal Courier]]}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> According to Ray Yorke, a former pastor at House of Prayer, Denis would often convince church members to buy houses and then turn over the properties to a [[property management]] company run by the church via a [[power of attorney]].<ref name=":15" /> Former members stated that the homes were often used to generate income for the church through [[refinancing]] and that sometimes the properties were allowed to go into [[foreclosure]], damaging the [[credit]] of the property owner.<ref name=":15" /> A former member of the church called the system a "real estate money factory" and stated that Denis had plans to create a rental agency, a [[construction company]], and a [[mortgage]] department.<ref name=":15" /> A 2022 article in ''[[The Christian Post]]'' stated that the church's real estate dealings were "worth millions".<ref name="Blair" /> According to Yorke, the church's affiliated property management company, called People Helping People, is blacklisted by Fort Lewis and is on the "off limits list" at several other military bases, including Fort Stewart.<ref name=":15" /><ref name=":19" />

=== 2017 Hinesville protests and town hall meeting ===
Between May 19 and 21, 2017,<ref name=":14">{{Cite web |last=Leon |first=Patty |date=June 14, 2017 |title=Church draws focus of activist |url=https://coastalcourier.com/news/local-news/church-draws-focus-of-activist/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929202524/https://coastalcourier.com/news/local-news/church-draws-focus-of-activist/ |archive-date=September 29, 2022 |access-date=July 3, 2024 |website=[[Coastal Courier]]}}</ref> a group of about 20 or 30 former members of the church held a protest outside of the Hinesville location where they alleged that the organization was actually a [[cult]] that had engaged in wrongdoing, accusing House of Prayer of manipulating its members and [[abuse]].<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name=":13" /> According to a 2017 article in the ''Courier'', the protests were probably planned to coincide with a nationwide gathering of church members from the other branches.<ref name=":18" /> During the protests, one former member said with a megaphone that Denis is a "[[false prophet]]".<ref name=":18" />

A month later, on June 21, a [[town hall meeting]] in Hinesville was organized by a local activist for former church members to discuss the church.<ref name=":16" /> During the meeting, current church members confronted the former members and interrupted speeches, with the ''Courier'' reporting that the confrontations "nearly led to fistfights".<ref name=":16" /> Former members stated that the current members carried cell phones and had earpieces, leading them to believe that they were receiving instructions from church officials.<ref name=":16" /> During the meeting, Yorke accused Denis of being a fraud and accused the church of harassing former members.<ref name=":16" /> Leon of the ''Courier'' also reported that one former member stated during the meeting that Denis, during a church testimonial, had said that he had "lust after young kids".<ref name=":16" /> In her article covering the meeting, Leon noted that in 2016, the Hinesville Police Department had cooperated with the Department of Family and Children Services in investigating a child molestation allegation at a house owned by the church and allegedly occupied by Denis, his wife, and a daughter.<ref name=":16" /> Leon stated that no charges appeared to have been filed concerning the investigation.<ref name=":16" /> Following the meeting, a scuffle involving some shoving between former and current members occurred in a nearby parking lot, but did not escalate further.<ref name=":16" />

Around the time of the protests and town hall meeting, the church began to use several different names to refer to itself, including "A Place of Prayer",<ref name=":15" /> "Place of Help Prayer House",<ref name=":13" /> and "Place of Help Prayer Force".<ref name=":16" /> Concerning the name changes, the activist who organized the town hall meeting said, "It looks like they are trying to hide by changing the name of all their churches".<ref name=":15" />

=== 2020 Veterans Education Success letter ===
In August 2020, Veterans Education Success (VES), an [[advocacy group]] for [[veterans]],<ref name=":5" /><ref name="Blair" /> submitted a letter to the [[United States Department of Veterans Affairs]] and the Georgia Veterans Service requesting that the government organizations investigate potential abuses by the church regarding [[G.I. Bill]] programs.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":10" /><ref name=":11" /><ref name=":19" /> Per the claims made in the letter, which VES submitted after interviewing 14 former and one current church member,<ref name=":5" /> House of Prayer had engaged in fraud against current and former military members by misleading members who had enrolled in educational classes through the church.<ref name=":7" /> VES alleged that veterans were charged higher rates for tuition than non-veterans and were misled by church officials regarding their education benefits.<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":8" /> According to the letter, House of Prayer would keep veterans enrolled in educational programs that had constantly-changing rules for graduation until they had exhausted their military education benefits without receiving any form of certificate or degree.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":7" /> According to the advocacy group, no veteran that had enrolled in the church's education program had ever received a completion letter or certificate.<ref name=":6" /> In one case, a student had attended church classes for 12 years without graduation, completely draining their G.I. Bill education allowance in the process.<ref name=":5" /> Additionally, the church's seminaries accepted women, even though women were barred from becoming pastors in the church.<ref name=":5" />

VES also alleged that House of Prayer sought to take money from veterans through [[VA loan]]s and [[disability benefits]].<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":1" /> Per VES, military members in the church were requested to seek out disability assistance for nonexistent ailments.<ref name=":6" /> VES estimated that, in total, House of Prayer had received approximately $7 million in government funds through these programs,<ref name=":20" /> including $3.5 million received by the church's seminaries.<ref name=":0" /> VES alleged that in 2018 alone, House of Prayer had received roughly $700,000 in funds from the G.I. Bill program,<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":5" /> and in 2020, the church's seminary in Tacoma had received $150,000 in G.I. Bill funds.<ref name=":8" /> The group also alleged that much of the money received by the church went directly to Denis.<ref name=":6" /> In addition to the accusations of financial wrongdoing, the VES letter also charged that the church operated like a cult and would intimidate members who were seeking to leave the organization.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":4" />

=== 2022 FBI raids ===
On the morning of June 23, 2022,<ref name=":0" /> the [[Federal Bureau of Investigation]] (FBI) conducted raids on several House of Prayer facilities located near military bases,<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Boland |first=Hayley |date=June 24, 2022 |title=Former members of House of Prayer church say they haven't seen children in years |url=https://www.wtoc.com/2022/06/24/former-members-house-prayer-church-say-they-havent-seen-children-years/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625192230/https://www.wtoc.com/2022/06/24/former-members-house-prayer-church-say-they-havent-seen-children-years/ |archive-date=June 25, 2022 |access-date=July 2, 2024 |website=[[WTOC-TV]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Cawthon |first=Graham |date=June 23, 2022 |title=PHOTOS: FBI agents raid Hinesville church |url=https://www.wjcl.com/article/hinesville-church-raid-fbi/40392113 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204173419/https://www.wjcl.com/article/hinesville-church-raid-fbi/40392113 |archive-date=December 4, 2022 |access-date=July 2, 2024 |website=[[WJCL (TV)|WJCL]]}}</ref> including the churches located near Fort Bragg, Fort Gordon, Fort Hood, Fort Stewart, and Joint Base Lewis–McChord,<ref name=":6" /> and one in California.<ref name="Blair" /> At many of these locations, [[local law enforcement]], including [[police departments]] and [[sheriff]]'s offices, assisted the FBI.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":1" /> According to a spokesperson for the FBI, the bureau had conducted a "court authorized law enforcement activity", which most likely means that they had executed a [[search warrant]].<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":12" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> The FBI noted that no arrests were made, but gave no reason for the raids.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":3" /> Following the raid, a spokesperson for Fort Stewart said that the church might be added to a list of businesses that soldiers are notified to be wary of.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Boland |first=Hayley |date=June 24, 2022 |title=Report compiled by Veterans Education Success claims House of Prayer church committed fraud |url=https://www.wtoc.com/2022/06/24/report-compiled-by-veterans-education-success-claims-house-prayer-church-committed-fraud/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231210213006/https://www.wtoc.com/2022/06/24/report-compiled-by-veterans-education-success-claims-house-prayer-church-committed-fraud/ |archive-date=December 10, 2023 |access-date=July 2, 2024 |website=[[WTOC-TV]]}}</ref> In July 2022, William Hubbard, a vice president at VES, testified before the [[United States House Committee on Veterans' Affairs]] regarding the recent raids on House of Prayer and their alleged misconduct as evidence of more needed oversight of G.I. Bill programs.<ref name="Blair" /> That same month, the church's property in Hinesville was seized by the [[government of the United States]] after federal agents received warrants from the [[United States District Court for the Southern District of Georgia]].<ref name="Feds seek forfeiture">{{Cite web |date=January 19, 2023 |title=Feds seek forfeiture of House of Prayer assets |url=https://coastalcourier.com/news/feds-seek-forfeiture-house-prayer-assets/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603011022/https://coastalcourier.com/news/feds-seek-forfeiture-house-prayer-assets/ |archive-date=June 3, 2023 |access-date=July 3, 2024 |website=[[Coastal Courier]]}}</ref> By November 2022, regulatory agencies in several states, including Georgia, North Carolina, Texas,<ref name="Feds seek forfeiture" /> and Washington,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Jared |date=December 24, 2022 |title=Tacoma bible college linked to alleged 'cult' loses GI Bill approval after FBI raid |url=https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/article270387972.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225154609/https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/article270387972.html |archive-date=December 25, 2022 |access-date=July 3, 2024 |website=[[The News Tribune]] |publisher=[[McClatchy]]}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> had barred educational organizations associated with House of Prayer from receiving any funding from G.I. Bill programs.<ref name=":20" />

=== 2023–2024 actions by the Department of Justice ===
On January 6, 2023,<ref name=":23">{{Cite web |last=Koch |first=Alexandra |date=January 30, 2023 |title=Forfeiture documents name church leaders allegedly involved in $22 million VA fraud scheme |url=https://www.augustachronicle.com/story/news/crime/2023/01/30/church-leaders-house-of-prayer-christian-church-forfeiture-va-fraud-scheme-ga-veterans-military-news/69855083007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004095349/https://www.augustachronicle.com/story/news/crime/2023/01/30/church-leaders-house-of-prayer-christian-church-forfeiture-va-fraud-scheme-ga-veterans-military-news/69855083007/ |archive-date=October 4, 2023 |access-date=July 2, 2024 |website=[[The Augusta Chronicle]] |publisher=[[Gannett]]}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{Cite web |last=Riley |first=Rachael |date=February 2, 2023 |title=Church accused of preying on military members, including in Fayetteville, has funds seized |url=https://www.fayobserver.com/story/news/military/2023/02/02/funds-seized-from-house-of-prayer-raided-by-fbi/69847273007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240703152929/https://www.fayobserver.com/story/news/military/2023/02/02/funds-seized-from-house-of-prayer-raided-by-fbi/69847273007/ |archive-date=July 3, 2024 |access-date=July 3, 2024 |website=[[The Fayetteville Observer]] |publisher=[[Gannett]]}}</ref> the [[United States Department of Justice]] (DOJ) submitted a court [[Filing (law)|filing]] with the Southern District of Georgia seeking the [[asset forfeiture]] of roughly $150,000 from six bank accounts at [[First Citizens Bank]] and South Georgia Bank that were associated with House of Prayer.<ref name=":23" /> In the filing, the DOJ accused House of Prayer of operating a "[[criminal scheme]]" to "defraud the United States of money" and "its military veterans of monetary educational benefits" through its subsidiary, House of Prayer Bible Seminaries (HOPBS).<ref name="Feds seek forfeiture" /> According to the filing, between January 2013 and February 2020, over 300 veterans were enrolled in educational programs hosted by the church.<ref name="Feds seek forfeiture" /> With these programs, House of Prayer falsified records, misled students, denied or delayed granting students documentation to show their progress and completion of courses, and changed students' courses and classes without their consent, in addition to other charges.<ref name="Feds seek forfeiture" /> According to the DOJ, "Had HOPBS related truthful and accurate information, ... HOPBS would not have been authorized to operate in the state of Georgia and, as a result, would not have been certified to receive [[Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008|Post-9/11 GI Bill]] program benefits and would not have received money from the VA".<ref name="Feds seek forfeiture" />

Specific charges alleged by the DOJ against House of Prayer included [[conspiracy]] to [[defraud]] the United States, [[embezzlement]] of public funds, [[money laundering]], [[Mail and wire fraud|wire fraud]], among other offenses.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Jared |date=January 10, 2023 |title=Seminary school with Tacoma site ripped off the VA for $7M, laundered funds, DOJ says |url=https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/article271001912.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110225904/https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/article271001912.html |archive-date=January 10, 2023 |access-date=July 3, 2024 |website=[[The News Tribune]] |publisher=[[McClatchy]]}}</ref><ref name=":24" /><ref name=":25">{{Cite web |last=Riley |first=Rachael |date=February 2, 2023 |title=Church accused of preying on military members has funds seized |url=https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2023/02/02/church-accused-of-preying-on-military-members-has-funds-seized/ |access-date=July 3, 2024 |website=[[Army Times]] |publisher=[[Sightline Media Group]]}}</ref> According to reporting from the ''Chronicle'', the department alleged that House of Prayer "used 20 financial institutions and 80 bank accounts" as part of the alleged money laundering scheme.<ref name=":22" /> In total, the department alleged that a total of 514 veterans were affected, with the VA paying a total of roughly $22 million to the church's education subsidiary between 2013 and 2022.<ref name=":22" /><ref name=":24" /> Denis and nine other church leaders were explicitly mentioned in the court filings,<ref name=":23" /> though at the time, no individual criminal charges had been filed.<ref name=":24" /><ref name=":25" />

In a filing on April 4, 2024, after House of Prayer failed to submit documents to the DOJ by a September 2023 deadline,<ref name=":26">{{Cite web |last=Boland |first=Hayley |date=April 19, 2024 |title=Hinesville church accused of defrauding veterans out of millions stalls federal investigation |url=https://www.wtoc.com/2024/04/19/hinesville-church-accused-defrauding-veterans-out-millions-stalls-federal-investigation/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430055230/https://www.wtoc.com/2024/04/19/hinesville-church-accused-defrauding-veterans-out-millions-stalls-federal-investigation/ |archive-date=April 30, 2024 |access-date=July 2, 2024 |website=[[WTOC-TV]]}}</ref> DOJ [[prosecutors]] accused the church of [[stonewalling]] their investigation by refusing to produce requested documentation.<ref name=":27">{{Cite web |last=Beynon |first=Steve |date=April 18, 2024 |title=House of Prayer, Accused of Bilking Veterans Out of Millions, Said to Be Stonewalling Investigation |url=https://www.military.com/daily-news/2024/04/18/prosecutors-allege-church-raided-fbi-and-accused-of-stealing-millions-vets-stalling-investigation.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240420223907/https://www.military.com/daily-news/2024/04/18/prosecutors-allege-church-raided-fbi-and-accused-of-stealing-millions-vets-stalling-investigation.html |archive-date=April 20, 2024 |access-date=July 2, 2024 |website=[[Military.com]] |publisher=[[Monster Worldwide]]}}</ref> In response, House of Prayer stated that they could withhold documents based on their rights enumerated in the [[Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution]], though federal prosecutors have dismissed this argument.<ref name=":27" /> The federal prosecutors' filing requests that the religious organization and three church leaders be held in [[contempt of court]] and fined until the requested documentation is produced.<ref name=":26" />

== Notes ==
{{reflist|group=note}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== Further reading ==
* {{Cite web |last=Boland |first=Hayley |date=January 11, 2023 |title=FBI raided Hinesville church over possible VA fraud, according to court documents |url=https://www.wtoc.com/2023/01/11/fbi-raided-hinesville-church-over-possible-va-fraud-according-court-documents/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928120003/https://www.wtoc.com/2023/01/11/fbi-raided-hinesville-church-over-possible-va-fraud-according-court-documents/ |archive-date=September 28, 2023 |access-date=July 2, 2024 |website=[[WTOC-TV]]}}

== External links ==
* {{Official website|1=https://vetsedsuccess.org/letter-to-va-and-georgia-saa-regarding-house-of-prayer-christian-church/?fbclid=IwAR0YnSwMbPNFZbjYTXLiAgzeby4HMdn3g3r8sNRtHwsk9xJOg_EJtJIgp1w|name=Veterans Education Success letter to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and the Georgia Department of Veterans Services regarding House of Prayer Christian Church}}

[https://coraweb.sos.la.gov/CommercialSearch/CommercialSearchDetails.aspx?CharterID=604664_432C324DC6 2002 House of Prayer Christian Churches of America Louisiana Business Filing ]

[[Category:2002 establishments in Louisiana]]
[[Category:Christian organizations established in 2002]]
[[Category:Christian new religious movements]]
[[Category:Federal Bureau of Investigation operations]]
[[Category:Hinesville, Georgia]]
[[Category:Pentecostal denominations in North America]]
[[Category:Religious organizations based in Georgia (U.S. state)]]
[[Category:Christian denominations founded in the United States]]