Christian Festival Founder Fears He Introduced Alleged Abuser to ‘Hundreds’ of Young Men
The founder of the U.S. arm of a Christian festival fears that he introduced “hundreds” of young men to a British spiritual leader accused of inappropriate behavior with his followers, including giving them oil massages on his bed and encouraging them to take part in long wrestling matches.
Earlier this month, alleged victims made detailed claims against charismatic evangelist Mike Pilavachi, saying he ran a “cult” through his youth festival, Soul Survivor. On Friday, Paul Martin, who founded Soul Survivor USA, spoke to Britain’s Telegraph newspaper about his part in spreading Pilavachi’s “‘ministry’ to countless people here in the U.S.”
In early April, it emerged that 65-year-old Pilavachi—who was previously awarded a prestigious MBE honor by Queen Elizabeth II for “services to young people”—was stepping back “from all ministry” after the allegations were first made public.