"To the writer of the article.
On 1st of May, 2001, my... [certain family member] Caroline Wise died 3.5 weeks after a Zion birth. Tomorrow (9th May) she will be buried. Can you please help with any information for my family and I to be able to understand this. We have so many questions.
I will sadly give you any details you request in order to prevent yet another death.
It is only as a result of my [family member's] death that we have been able to save the life of her 5th child. Her child (now 4 weeks old) is currently at Princess Margaret Hospital (Western Australia). He was admitted due to a great weight loss, with an infection and a stomach blockage (sorry it has a scientific name that I don't know at the moment).
I hope you can help."
[anonymous]
"Hi , my name is Anne and I am writing to you to tell you about another tragic story. A mother of Five is dead after she refused medical treatment. The 31 year old woman was following Born in Zion principles that destiny should be controlled by God alone when she refused help at the unassisted home birth of her fifth child five weeks ago. She died three weeks later. The baby was taken to hospital were it is being treated for a stomach disorder. Police and Family and Children's services are presantly investigating. It is understood that Caroline's body was disfigured as a result of medical complications. Caroline's mother said her daughter had appeared seriously ill immediately after the birth.Caroline had experienced difficulty in passing the plancenta and apparently lost a lot of blood. The woman's condition failed to improve and it was distressing that she had refused to see a doctor. She was asked what would happen if she died and she said it would be God's will. The woman and her husband were brought up in a Pentecostal church. The family left the church about five years ago when the woman and her husband became interested in the Born in Zion movement. Ms Balizet had made two trips to Perth and Caroline had met her on both occasions. Soon after learning about the Zion movement, Caroline refused to immunize her children and decided they should be taught at home. Her husband said he had been sceptical about Born in Zion at first but gradually came to appreciate his wifes point of view. He never thought she would encounter any problems during child birth. When she got sick he was sure she would be healed. Caroline's mother wrote this in the death notice, I think it is very well worded.
Precious child of mine,
Turn back the hands of time!
When you were so very ill
Would not see a doctor still.
Men prayed thru the night
With all their might.
But their prayers were in vain
Because you didn't come back to life again.
I'm so sorry you followed the
Zion birth track,
Because in the end, you didn't come back.
You stuck to your guns,
But now your five little ones,
Don't have your guiding hand
No-one wanted it this way
And I was told the next day.
You walked the walk - now the race is run.
Reunited with your Dad, safe now in the presence of God.
I will always love you.
Your heartbroken Mum.
This is all a very sad story, one that did not have to happen. We are in Perth Australia and I do hope many people hear and learn from this tragic story. Caroline has died there are five children to raise. Her husband has quit his job. What a mess, five children, I wonder what Zion have to say about that. With Gods help I am going to make sure this women Carol Balizet falls flat on her face before she destroys anymore lives. Thanks for taking the time to read this e-mail
Yours in Christ"
[anonymous]
"I knew this lady personally. You get the impression that you would have to be an idiot to get caught up in such teachings. Unfortunately a small amount of wrong teaching at the present may seem harmless but down the track lead to huge error."