Pray Harder – Episode 1 – Noel's War

A story too big to ignore is drawing journalist Richard Baker back to his home town of Geelong.  The chosen people of a strict Pentecostal church claim to have seen miracles happen, and expect to be among the few saved when Armageddon comes. But for some, the Geelong Revival Centre has brought the opposite of salvation.  Ex-members are speaking out about the pain, control, and heartbreak they’ve endured under the rule of Pastor Noel Hollins, the leader of the church for the past 50 years. Richard meets some of these brave ex-members, many who are speaking out for the first time, as they share what it’s like to grow up in the GRC.  The interviews in this series were recorded during Pastor Noel Hollins leadership of the Geelong Revival Centre. During production, Pastor Noel died. The experiences and allegations raised do not relate to the current leadership of the GRC  Do you know more? Get in touch secretswekeep@sca.com.au  Lifeline 13 11 14 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Om Podcasten

Each season, Secrets We Keep investigates a different Australian secret.   Shame Lies & Family: A mystery photo of Amelia Oberhardt’s mum exposes the practice of shotgun marriages, forced adoption, and quiet abortions carried out in Australia until the 1980s   Nest of Traitors: Joey Watson is pulled into the world of espionage, attempting to track down an Australian spy who turned to work for the enemy during the Cold War  Baghdad Nights: Richard Baker takes you inside Australia's biggest corruption scandal, finding out how Australia funded a dictator in the lead up to the Iraq War.  Pray Harder: Investigative journalist Richard Baker uncovers the unbelievable and compelling true story of Australia’s oldest and most hard line Pentecostal Church, the Geelong Revival Centre.  Should I Spit: Claire Aired investigates the origin story of the worldwide multibillion dollar consumer DNA industry, from family history companies building massive databases, to police hoping to solve murders, to one of the wealthiest churches in the world, everyone seems to want a piece of what makes you, you.