HINESVILLE, Ga. () — A former member of the House of Prayer Christian Bible Church (HOPCC) is raising his voice after alleging that his benefits were misappropriated, leaving him in financial hardship.
Gregory Ward was stationed at Fort Stewart as a member of the U.S. Army in 2008.
That year, he was approached by members of HOPCC while at his barracks.
Years later, what he earned had been stolen by the same church who approached him 17 years ago.
“They took all my benefits,” Ward shared. “I don’t have anything to show for my service and I’m actually facing challenges in securing employment and sustaining myself financially.”
According to Ward, he was compelled to attend the church’s institution, House of Prayer Bible Seminary, but claims that his credits are non-transferable to other educational institutions.
He added that stipends from his GI Bill were stolen from him.
Will Hubbard, vice president for veterans and military policy at Veterans Education Success, stated that their organization was initially approached by veterans in 2019 and has since been aiding them in seeking justice against HOPCC.
As previously reported, on Sept. 10, eight individuals, including “Rony Denis,” the church’s leader, faced indictment on several fraud-related charges, as per the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Hubbard is now focusing on efforts in Washington, aiming to utilize stories like Ward’s to advocate for the passage of a bill that will reinstate benefits taken from veterans.
Hubbard also warned that the “dismantling” of the U.S. Dept. of Education will weaken oversight on which institutions qualify for the GI Bills, which could increase opportunities for fraud.
