Joe Campbell’s life, as recounted in his sermons, mirrors a dramatic narrative straight from the Old Testament. At 21, after surviving a severe car accident that left him with a broken neck, he made a bargain with God for a second chance, pledging to follow divine instructions. Post-recovery, Campbell claimed to have received the Holy Spirit’s gifts, including prophecy and faith healing. In 1988, he successfully defended his leadership position in the Assemblies of God.
Shortly after, he took in a troubled 14-year-old girl, Phaedra Creed, who faced instability due to her mother’s struggles with addiction. Campbell nurtured her faith, but their relationship deteriorated into abuse, which lasted months. After disclosures to authorities, Campbell was arrested but released on bond. Despite evidence, the charges were dropped when Creed’s mental health deteriorated, leading her mother to withdraw from the case.
Post-scandal, Campbell was expelled from the Assemblies of God but started his church and a camp, which grew significantly, with thousands attending.
Meanwhile, women who claimed Campbell had abused them began connecting decades later. Cheryl Almond, who had been silent since the 1970s, reached out to fellow survivors, including Jackson and Williams. They formed an alliance to confront their abuser, motivated by shared trauma. While their attempts to report Campbell were met with inadequate responses and bureaucratic hurdles, their solidarity provided strength.
Over the years, these women pushed for accountability, only to face a system that often overlooked their pain due to legal constraints. Their journey, marked by struggles and the desire for justice, continues to unfold as they grapple with the past while seeking healing.
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