Tommy’s voice:

In 1962, when I was 8 years old, I was kidnapped in Los Angeles, abandoned in Philadelphia, delivered to Father Divine, an African American preacher, and raised as his son at Woodmont, his 74 acre estate in Gladwyne, PA.   

I was held physically captive for more than 8 yrs, until I escaped, and then mentally and emotionally imprisoned for more than 40 years.

I was indoctrinated, told by Mother Divine, to behave “normal” in the outside world, to learn as much and meet as many people as possible.  I was to drop everything and assume my position at Woodmont, when I got “The Call.”   When I saw the film “Manchurian Candidate” in 2004, I eerily related.

And still, I believe in the goodness of humankind.  I choose kindness, compassion, love, understanding, forgiveness.  I treat everyone equally, and always with dignity and respect.

I am the voice for many that have none, including my sister, my mom, followers of Father Divine and their family members who have contacted me, looking for answers about their loved ones.