Greetings, Folks. I, too, have discovered this blog while searching for more information on Xango and the 3StepPlan. Kudos to the site owner (John?) and thanks to Tommy and others who have clearly articulated Christian viewpoints. I have long held an avowed disdain for MLM and its general promise, whatever the product, for quick riches. And I despise all marketing that preys upon the hopes, dreams, desires, aspirations - and particularly - the misery of others. I became extremely irritated with the late night Real Estate Investment Gurus and took it upon myself to create Neodemesne. To my chagrin, we attracted a scam, excuse me, I still have to say ALLEGED scam until the trial is over, seeking to promote itself at our forum. The principals are sitting in jail awaiting justice, but we followed along for over two years as the drama played out and folks lost their homes in payment for their belief in this idiocy. I mention it in keeping with the scam theme of portions of this site and anyone wishing more info can attempt to wade through the convoluted story HERE Getting back on track, I became interested in Xango after hearing Andy's radio spots and finally checking into what it entailed. My first thought on the product was "too good to be true" and "preying on misery". BUT, because my beloved wife suffers on a daily basis I decided to join up and ordered a couple of cases of Xango. This all transpired within the past week or so and I have no results to post either way on the benefits or lack of same of Xango. I did note right off that the ingredients on the bottle list mangosteen juice first BUT list an additional 9 juices in the blend, with no indication of percentages leaving that possibility that there is as little as 10% mangosteen juice in a bottle. A little research has turned up competing products that are 80-100% mangosteen, which is more along the lines of what I had expected to receive (yet one more lesson on ASSumptions). So, at this stage I have a bunch of questions for my new xango/3step "family" and will be putting more than a few folks through some hoops. I'll try to keep y'all updated on the good, bad and ugly as I learn more. To my Brothers and Sisters in Christ who may encounter this post in their own quest for truth after hearing Andy's ads on Christian radio, I extend warm greetings, and exhort you (and myself!) to keep Christ's commission in the forefront of life's priorities. To any readers who have not yet received the saving Grace of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior, I invite and beseech you to take just a few brief moments to read this >> VERY IMPORTANT MESSAGE Blessings all around. In HIM, Bruce

The problem ins't the 3-step plan it is the product. This juice, if it is so good and does what the pundits say it does in support, why hasn't a large Rx drug or fruit juice company captured the product and mass merchandised it? From what I read the product doesn't have any background of proof to justify its usage.

To All, I have been scammed by three different MLMs: pre-paid legal; herbalife; xango (three step plan). I would not have known that at all if not for the investigation available on the 'net. Sure, I might have figured out the bogus set up of recruiting people instead of selling a valuable product. My 'wholesale' cost was $32 a bottle after shipping! You can buy it on E-bay for a lot less! It is FRUIT JUICE for crying out loud! I get as much health benefits from drinking other fruit juices. The research is not valid, there are no 'double blind' human studies. It is a useful salve for wounds and a possible aid to gastric problems. A good bottle of wine is just as healthy and I would rather have the wine! LOL I don't really need to restate anything else from my posts. I have clearly cited evidence of deception by both the marketer's and the obvious corruption in the DSA. None of the pro-MLM crowd want to deal with the evidence in the links, none want to deal with the blatant lies and deception by those who take advantage of others. They contiually cite incidental and unverifiable evidence then hedge their comments with speculation. Fact: 99.2% of those who invest in MLM bogus businesses LOSE money. Fact: The longer they stay in the more they lose. Fact: People are misled to the point of being indoctrinated to make someone else rich, running on a much worse treadmill than what we do working for legitimate corporations. Fact: MLM top dogs make money off of the events and the leads, perhaps more than from their downlines in many cases. Then they lie about that to their downlines! Fact: Politicians like Orrin Hatch and Dick DeVoss allow this to happen by exempting Scam Juice companies from FDA oversight. Fact: People who claim to be Christian have no qualms about fleecing people out of their money, dreams, church and even their families (don't associate with those losers who will drag you down. You can trust us!). Just join up with the MLM survivors and read the REAL testimonials about how the placebo effect fools people into accepting quack remedies. All of that and more are available in the links. Decide for yourself: let the buyer beware. If you are one of the people promoting this business and getting rich off of it ask yourself this: What would Jesus do? He threw the money changers (read: scammers) out of the temple. Rex

Well, I am glad I read all of this. But I have a question. I am a stay at home mom. I homeschool my three children. My husband is a school teacher for the Special School District. I currently run an inhome daycare. I make about $25,000 a year, but really work my tail off and most of the time I get walked all over by the parents that I "work" for. I would love to be able to pay for all the things my children do to build thier talent, yet not have to wipe poopy bottoms for the rest of my life. Prior to staying home with my kids I had a career in banking and made about $45,000 a year. I have talent and skills that could be used to earn a great living, but I need to work from home. The question is this: Are there really things that a stay at home mom can do, using her God given abilities, to help earn a little extra income, yet have the flexiblity to be home with her children...oh and not have to have a huge up front "investment" cost to get started? I believe I could be a much better wife and mother if I could explore such a possibilty. I don't want to get rich, just be able to help provide for my children.

Well - I have to confess I did not read every word, but I scanned the whole page. I sell Internet Advertising for the Better Business Bureau. I only say that here to say that I have some measure of understanding about business ethics. I got here because I saw a magazine ad that is the 3 step plan in a double page print ad. I just wondered what company Andy was representing, and started trying to find out, didn't take long to find these comments. great job! I actually was relieved to find out that Andy's company is XanGo. I'm not going to get into the dedate - but just wanted to express my thoughts. Yes, I am a XanGo rep - no I haven't made a bunch of money. Yes, my monthly order is paid for, and my daddy doesn't hurt so bad from his arthritis as he did when they took his Vioxx off the market. Same thing for my friends Nancy & Dee. Thanks for the opportunity to check it out, without having to fill in the form - just wouldn't have done it! Carrie Norton

Well, I've read all these posts both pro and con. I've tried to do so with an open mind. It makes me thankful for the First Amendment. So, here's my two cents. New products always have their critics who nay-say from the git-go, citing all kinds of previous bad experience and passed along, "inside" info. But new products are, also, usually are touted by folks who are reaching for the moon, claiming their prodcut will either cure every disease or solve every social or medical ill know to man. Many blindly believe those claims and jump in head over heals, committing funds, either saved (for something else) or borrowed (ouch!), on a "sure thing". As for me, when I hear the advertising for the product and company in question, my intitial response is, "What are you kidding me? These claims have been made before." But when I read the critics, it actually makes me want to try the stuff! It does not appear, from the comments made above, that any of them have tried it. At least that's how it sounds to me. I could be wrong. My thoughts, at present, are that the truth must lay, somewhere in the middle. It just might have some very helpful attributes, but probably wont cure terminal diseases. someone like me could make a lot of money selling it or may be not. MLM, like every other kind of business, brings rewards to those who work at it but constitutes faliure for many who attempt it. By the way, I really don't blame any body for making money by the toil of those who work for them. I had a carpentry business years ago. When I had someone working for me, they made me money (at least that's how it was supposed to work). That is how capitalism works, folks. Has any one taken note of how much the CEOs of General Motors, General Electric, Philadelphia Electric Company and other large companies make? All of those people are making millions (and I mean MILLIONS!) of dollars on the backs of those on the "line" whether they, personally, are at the office or in the board room or golfing, yachting, or napping at a resort on the French Riviera. And by the way, the huge failure rate of small businesses (usually hovers over 90% or so)) is not limited to MLM. On the other hand, there is no question that MLM, as well as other marketing formulas, have brought misfortune and misery to many who either committed funds they really didn't have to spare or didn't go in with open eyes to the possible ups and downs of the business world, regardless of the product or the company promoting it. Investing in anything can turn into a golden egg or bitter memory. MLM is, certainly, no exception to that reality. So, my plan is simply to try the stuff, with discretionary funds and an open mind (emphasis on discretionary funds). Who knows, it could help me or my family to feel better or maybe not. I'll let you know with a follow up post, and my contributions at that point will be first hand. Thanks for taking the time to read this.

I can't believe I read most of these posts. That is alot to read. It seems to me that most of what was said comes from people that have not done their homework. Pyramids are illegal. Xango would not be allow to do business for long if they were using a pyramid type MLM. Focus on Primerica. That is MLM. The Travelers Group is owned by Primerica. One other thing to ponder. The Food and Drug Administration is no friend of ours. They are there to protect the drug companies, kill their competition like mangosteen for example. This world is corrupt through and through. Just follow the money.

This comment below is worth my time in standing up to the MLM scammers.. >Just a note to thank you all for the comments. I was wondering myself what all this advertising for the 3 Step Plan was about and couldn't find any information anywhere else. Who doesn't want to make money. But, I didn't want to get into any MLM or pyramid deal. You saved me some a lot of time and trouble. Also Amen to Monergon. Posted by: D Morgan | July 20, 2006 09:59 AM Let me add to that a little for the sakes of the 'true believers'. First of all to the guy who is making residuals that pay for his Xango habit each month. You are not WORKING for anything. You are a parasite who is still making money off of the 99.5% who lose money trying to work the 'homebiz' game. Get a real job or run a real business and produce something. Look at the design of the MLM models, they are all inherently set up to keep people in competition with one another and saturation soon makes it a loss even for the ones who 'hang in there'. The info is on the links, you cannot refute it, you can only throw red herrings out to smell the place up.... For any of the rest, don't tell me you are a 'christian with ethics'. If you support MLM scams, (do you hear this Andy?) then you have no moral principles guiding you or you are completely naive. The 'homebiz' is completely dishonest and predatory. Health and wealth is a false gospel that is leading many in the Christian community into mind-numbing cultism. People who are promoting these 'business models' need a fresh dose of shame and guilt. Rex

To ths day I have no idea what PRODUCTS Andy and Crew sell. This is why I can't stand Amway and the lot... They are making money off memberships to sell more meberships. I love the lord. I'ld pass those Chic Tracts out day and night. But I am sick of this MLM studd and it's riding on the back of Christians. Phooey

Just a note to thank you all for the comments. I was wondering myself what all this advertising for the 3 Step Plan was about and couldn't find any information anywhere else. Who doesn't want to make money. But, I didn't want to get into any MLM or pyramid deal. You saved me some a lot of time and trouble. Also Amen to Monergon.

I have not read the "The Bible on Success" book touted on the the Three Step site (I also perused the book's actual site) but my fear is that it, like other Christian books about success, asserts that God wants His children to be financially successful and prosperous. No where in Scripture is that promise made to us. Frequently in OT times there seemed to be a correllation between physical and spiritual blessings but that was very much a picture of what we have in Christ. True success is living in light of my salvation in Christ. God may allow me to be rich one day but what I count on is knowing that He has said He will work all things for good my good, and that may not mean having a sizable bank acccount. That being said, there is nothing the matter with wealth or wishing to have a better life for yourself and your family. There are many routes one can take to make this happen. Here's a quote from the back of the book: "There is a repository of ancient wisdom which actually claims that it students always acquire the success they ultimately seek. What book could ever make such an allegation? Only one - the Bible." To sum up my grievance: Any book that makes the Bible out to be some recipe book for success in life inevitably obscures its primary message: Redemption through Christ.

to paraphrase the original post at the top: " Month 2: = 5 on team x 2 shares each = 10 shares. 10 shares x 2 new reps = 20 new reps. Month 3: = 25 (20+5) on team x 2 shares each = 50 shares. 50 shares x 2 new reps = 100 new reps. Month 4: = 125 (100+25) on team x 2 shares each = 250 shares. 250 shares x 2 new reps = 500 new reps. " Hopefully everyone can see where this is heading: in a few more months the number of "shares" and "new reps" EXCEEDS THE POPULATION OF THE PLANET! Meaning, such schemes are -inherently- bunk, except of course for the couple dozen or so people at the top, who began selling years ago.

Dear Mike S. It appears to me that the message that Rex wrote went right over your head. I would say if you could have an open mind and reread what Rex wrote you would see that you missed his whole point. I have found in life that if one has his mind made up or set it is almost impossible to hear or even understand what someone else is trying to tell you or to show you. I think you should dwell on and think about what Rex has said.

I have read some of Rex's comments about Xango and multi-level marketing. It's very late so I don't have time to read all of Rex's thoughts. I will say this, though. Rex, MLM can work if people work at it. I have been on a long hiatus from working my Xango business...over a year. However, I get a monthly residual check that covers the cost of my box of Xango each month...and I'm doing absolutely nothing. Yes, my check is based on purchases of distributors down below me, but if those distributors get busy promoting their businesses as I did with Andy Willoughby's 3-Step Plan Radio Coop Leads(advertising system), they can build a customer base and distributor base. Rex, you have a lot of opinions, some of which are stated very eloquently and thoroughly, but MLM can work for those who are diligent with it. Yes, I'll agree that Xango products are very expensive and I don't like that. However, many people are getting good health benefits from the products(it has helped me fight off colds and has reduced the severity of my Athlete's Foot. My mother cites its ability in helping her stamina and in improving a scalp condition). I don't agree with your assertion that only higher-ups in MLM make the money. People below can build a large CUSTOMER base of people who simply want to USE the products and NEVER DISTRIBUTE them. If you SELL a lot of the product, you will earn commissions. And, yes, that is possible for go-getters to do. Hard, yes, but possible. I think you need to lighten up a bit, Rex.

Rex, You can't sell $100's of millions of products if it is a scam. People would not order product month after month if it wasn't a good product. If you don't like MLM then don't do it - it is not for everyone! The sad truth is many people get caught up with the MLM part and forget about the real reason why Xango has had the success it has, the product. And ure you can go buy some "knock-off" mangosteen juice at Costco for $18 a bottle with the first ingredient being that of water. I don't know about you, but I can't afford to pay $18 for water. Brian

Brian, This is from Sloan-Kettering and guess what? My team extreme Xango marketing site edited out the negative stuff down at the end of this and then were arrogant enough to try to pass it off as an endorsement! CLINICAL SUMMARY Despite claims by several marketers, the efficacy and safety of mangosteen products for cancer treatment in humans have not been established. Mangosteen is a plant native to Southeast Asia. The fruits are used in traditional medicine to treat skin infections, wounds, and diarrhea. Recent studies have revealed that xanthones from the fruit hulls exhibit antibacterial (3), antifungal (4), and antiinflammatory (5) properties. Alpha-mangostin, a xanthone, inhibited growth of leukemia HL60 cells (1) (6), reduced the synthesis of prostaglandins (5), and prevented oxidative damage of LDL (7) in vitro. There is also preliminary evidence that alpha- and gamma-mangostins act as histamine and serotonin receptor blockers (8), and also inhibit HIV-1 protease (9). Garcinone E, another xanthone, exerts cytotoxic effects against hepatocellular carcinoma cells (10). Extract from the pericarp of mangosteen has antiproliferative, antioxidative, and apoptotic effects against breast cancer SKBR3 cells (11). >>>>However, there is no data from clinical trials to verify these effects in humans. http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/DSH/hm.html http://chetday.com/mangosteen.htm http://www.mlmwatch.org/ http://www.caic.org.au/zcommerc.htm http://www.mlm-thetruth.com/Utah_hotbed.htm http://www.mlm-thetruth.com/actions.htm http://www.mlm-thetruth.com/5RedFlags-summary.htm http://www.mlm-thetruth.com/mlm_research.htm Guess what else, Brian? I am onto the game you are playing with your typical MLM speel of ill-logic. The above are links of those sites that expose the MLM scams. The only people to make it in MLMs are the top rung, their cash flow is dependent on a never ending stream of people who lose money buying tools and leads, paying outrageous sums to support fat cats who characteize those who know the truth about pyramid scams as 'losers' and 'dreamsteelers'. Scammers are dependent on keeping people hooked into spending money that they don't have by saying "if you keep working at it you will be successful". That is pure hogwash and people need to wise up and take on a legitimate business instead of supporting weasels who cling like a parasite on those who are naive. MLM level payoff systems are designed to fail for those on the bottom working up. The saturation point happens very soon in each new scam. That's why you see the same scammers jumping from MLM to MLM every couple of years. The Mangosteen has been useful as a salve in treating wounds and burns. It has not been tested on real human beings, do you get that loud anc clear? Herbalife, Shaklee are the same way: they have unproven and possibly harmful products that will only sell with an MLM scheme in place. Have you ever wondered why you can buy something of equal benefit (or harm LOL) at the local drug store or food mart for a much lower price, Brian? I hope the web site owner won't let you use links to promote propaganda for scamgo and other MLM garbage. Rex

Rex, I did forget to mention that Pfizer hired one of the leading researchers on the mangosteen fruit in Southeast Asia so there must be something to it. Also, it is the fastest growing nutritional product worldwide. If it didn't work, people wouldn't continue consuming it. You sound like a MLM guy that didn't have success. You are a little off on the 99.8%, but you are correct that most don't make it in MLM - that's because they don't treat it like a real business!!! The people that treat it like a real business and decide to be successful can be successful! I hope you are not like most people who want to get rich overnight and have no challenges in life. This is a real business and it is hard work. The payoff is residual income! And MLM is definitely not a pyramid scheme. Watch this video: www.impact2health.com/mlmbrilliance.php Best Wishes - Brian

Thanks for the comment, Rex. It's good to get input from people who have looked into this. Soon I'm going to do a new post bringing the recent comments to the fore and I'll put this on the front page then.

I have a hard time believing you, Brian. First of all, the research done on this stuff is bogus and the Cancer Center at Sloan-Kettering has a warning posted about 'aggressive marketers of a health drink making wild claims' and they cite the LACK of research on REAL HUMAN BEINGS or on DOUBLE-BLIND testing. The xanthones in the Mangosteen have only been tested on cells and lab rats, that's it and there is no clinical evidence that the Mangosteen does anything other than being usefull as a salve on open wounds. The actual drink is no more healthy than drinking any store-bought fruit juice concentrate. As far as people making a success of MLM schemes you must be in the .02 percentile because that's all that ever make an honest living at this. That's right, 99.8 % lose money, whether it's Scamway (Quickstar as its called now), Market America, Meleleuca, whatever, they are all frauds and product based pyramids that have been well saturated in the market place. You can buy Xango for fire sale price on e-bay as the thousands who have been scammed try to recoup some of their losses. Perhaps you can post us your actual profit after paying for everything? Since those who are in MLMs up to their ears in debt are often liars, please do present some valid evidence that you are making a real PROFIT. BTW, I filed a claim against Xango at the Utah BBB and they reimbursed me for about 80% of my actual losses in order to settle the case. Rex

Hi - My name is Brian McCoy. I know Andy from being in Xango and have used the 3 step plan with great success! Andy is a great Christian man who I admire very much! He donates much of his wealth to Christian Missions. At age 26, I had never been successful in MLM before. The 3 step plan changed that for me. I do understand that while MLM is not for everybody, when a product is good, I don't care how it is marketed. The facts are the facts. Mangosteen has xanthones in it. Go to the National Public Library of Medicine at www.pubmed.com and search xanthones. You will see some amazing studies done by scientists from around the world. Xango is not a cure all that is for sure! But isn't it interesting that they can call a medicine a cure like chemotherapy for example, and does it work 100% of the time??? Absolutely not - sometimes less than 50% of the time. We just have the motto that if you can use a food instead of a drug, why wouldn't you! I thank Andy for the 3 step plan as after 6 months was able to quit my job and look forward to helping others do the same. Thank You Andy! Brian

Thanks to all who have left recent comments. As you can see if you read through the voluminous "Andy Willoughby" information here (click the "Andy Willoughby" link under "Categories" to the right), there are different ways of looking at the subject. I think Andy's Three Step Plan may work financially for some people, those who have the "gift of gab" and the persistence to sell constantly. Multi-level marketing is entirely legal, and some people make serious money at it. There is another side to MLM however, and some people have had bad experiences with it. I am glad this topic has evolved into a fairly well-rounded survey of available information on the 3-step plan (if you read everything here). From my personal communications with Andy I do not think he is a scoundrel. Besides, if a large number of people had been complaining about being ripped off of the several hundred dollar investment required to get into the 3-step plan, the FCC or attorneys general or someone official would have been all over his case- as far as I know he's not hiding anywhere. I do think there is a real danger the MLM concept could be applied in the religious population in a way that takes advantage of people's trust. But only the people who are actually involved in selling via the 3-step plan could tell you whether that is the case with Andy Willoughby. As to the benefits of mangosteen - I'm not even going to get into that (follow the links in some of these posts and you will learn a LOT about it). There is a lot of contradictory information out there. At the price it is sold, I tend to be a skeptic about it's relative value, though.

We have a big problem. How can the FCC or any state prosecutor’s office allow a business that clearly reeks of fraud and false advertising? Selling an Asian “juice” product of questionable quality and medical value coupled with an advertising scheme that supports and encourages a pyramid-marketing scheme is not only wrong but also criminal in its presentation. Poor families grasping for a way to increase their monthly income continue to fall for this rainmaker’s song. It is so sad the radio media doesn’t throw out this “three step” sting . . .but hey! And give up the free enterprise system? Barnum continues to prove his point.

Dear Tommy or who ever this web page it is , I am so very proud of you. I just wish that God had given me the talent as He has given you. You see I would not at this time at 55 years of age be so worried about my life, with nothing to show for the many hard years of work and now at this time I have No Home, no job and no income and I feel a great sense of loss and hopelessness. I have heard this Andy guy for a long time and yes I do agree that it makes me cringe each time I hear him, each time I hear him say his opening line the thought that he is saying, "How in the hell are you anyway" just drives me nuts! I too am a Christian and it bugs me to hear that in my head when he is making that ridicules announcement. I was finally thinking that I need to do something that can help me make money so that I can build up a good retirement in a short number of years because it pains me so very much to think that I will never be able to retire and that I will be working for the rest of my life until I am on my death bed. It is so very upsetting to me to even think of this because of the circumstances I have been ushered into. I am so very proud of you I was just finally going to look at this "Three Step Plan" and give it all I had so that I will not feel so inadequate for the rest of my life. If anyone has felt as inadequate all their life as I have because I just was not given the talents that many people are born with, then and only then would someone be able to know just how I feel. I was then able to see your page below Andy's and I just thank the Lord for you being there. I would also like to let you know just how deceptive that Ad really is and I am sure you would have noticed it but you would be still typing your newsletter if you had put everything that you would think about Andy and his ad. He gives a very strong impression if not a direct quote, that two percent of all high wage earners in America have gotten that way by using this "Three Step Plan" I know what his way out of that would be he would say, That all home based businesses use that same formula by using a three step plan to be successful. It is so very deceiving!!!! He is implying on the radio that all those people are from this organization. He knows! I would like to add to your comment that you are still trying. I think you are wonderful and what a gift and a talent and even though you say that you get angry or kind of lose your temper at drivers or whatever. I really think you say that all tongue in cheek because I believe with all my heart for someone to respond to some of these e-mails that you get. You do it with such great poise and thoughtfulness, I just can't get that you are a hot head from reading your responses just the opposite. Just calm and collected! When I read your responses, I just get a smile on my face and am so very proud of you for your such talents. Getting back to about you are trying, the Bible says, "it is not of works". I know you know that but it just made me think that you kind of meant when you said you were trying that you meant you were working at it. God said, it is a free gift and all we have to do is reach out our hands and accept that free Gift "Gods only Son Our Lord Jesus" Thank You for who you are and please do not ever give up on getting the truth out there because some poor sucker like me that is really hurting and am looking for some kind of direction in my life, would have easily been one that had fallen prey for this type of advertisement, so now I am back to where I begin. Wondering what am I going to do? Where is my life going to go from here? May God Bless You and He will because I am sure you have caused many to turn away from Andy’s scheme and that money that they saved by not buying into this plan, they are then able to give that money for The Lords Work" which will reap a far better yield because it is for eternity, it is laying up treasures in heaven. Robert

I'm posting here, not because (as one of the many great lines Bob Dylan said, "Only a fool in this room would think he has anything to prove") but because I believe everything happens for a reason. And the REASON for my post here was hearing the, " How ya doin' anyway " phrase from Andy Willoughby on a station called the Patriot. Two things happened when I started hearing this on a daily basis. One was, something in my spirit just smelled of a scam, and the second was I remember this name Andy Willoughby from many years ago on some Christian radio station and my guess was that he had a regular program at that time, but it was so many years ago, I couldn't tell you what or where it was, all I knew was I recognized the name and the voice..and the voice was telling me something was up with the surapy come on tag line. So I started doing my google searches that lead me to this site, and then felt moved to make a post. I also want to say at the outset that I am a Christian Zionist. What does that mean? Well, as simply as I can put it if that's possible, is that I believe as the bible says that the Lord will return to rule and reign from Zion..That the world will be judged. The living and the dead by the one who was raised from the dead. Jesus Christ. I believe in the direct apostolic succession of the apostles and the prophets, Major and Minor. I believe that there is only ONE body of Christ, that it is a living organism, a direct linage from the one true church, without exclusivity in any institution be it Roman Catholic, or in any of the baskin robbins 101 flavors of off shoots of the faith. In the beginning was the WORD and the WORD was with G-d. In Sola Scriptura. The early Church was simply called "The Way” and they hid in caves, were persecuted and martyred and died for the preaching of the Gospel. I said all of that to say this, that I want to open my remarks first foremost to the Christians who have posted up in here, and then to anyone else who happens to stumble across this website who are non believers that have posted and then post my closing remarks about scams in general. Special props to "Buddy" well said, and a precious brother in the Lord. I believe, now more than ever we live in what has become nothing more than a "Sunday Culture” Want to know why the world does NOT take us seriously? And rightly so. Is because we look, act and talk just like them. There is no real difference in the world and us Christians right now for the most part. Christian Paganism has crept into the church now with alarming similarity all over the world. This "Sunday Culture" is so subtle, so mind numbing that most of us simply are not aware of its spiritual cancer. How many churches can you name now, that really preach Christ crucified and call for a turning away of their sins. NOT MANY. Why? Because most preachers and priests today have a far more important economic agenda. We wouldn't want to upset the people; the TRUE Gospel is too harsh a message. Too dogmatic. No, far better to use the Gospel and sugar coat it with a positive " feel good " message. G-d is all-inclusive; he doesn't JUDGE a person, that’s just too harsh for today's multi-cultural mindset. What major city today in the U.S. doesn’t have its Gay parade with the mayor and city council sanctioning it? Governments and Christian institutions on all levels assisting not only Gay marriage, but now adopting children also. And yet even the TRUE body of Christ sits idly by and act as though, we of all people don't believe G-d will return to judge this world. He EXPECTS this from the non-believers and the pagans, but NOT from the people who are called by his name. And we think G-d is not grieved by this? No, we have a mentality now from the pulpit that says, let's just get them through this on Sunday, get them out the door to their football game or their tee times on the Golf course, and our "Sunday Culture" will remain in tact, because after all, they have sacrificed their two hours to serve you G-d, and what more can we expect. Be honest. Most of us really do NOT want G-d to be fully involved in our lives, in fact we are insulted if he actually steps in and changes OUR plans. Aren’t' we? We just got that new promotion, and I'm making more money than I ever have before, and don't come back now Lord, I mean the economy is good... I'm exaggerating here, but you get my point. We want G-d on our terms, we want him in our lives when it is convenient for us, even to be our errand boy, and think we can manipulate an all sovereign G-d to do our bidding. We are for G-d's good pleasure and to serve HIM, not the other way around. Yes most importantly he wants fellowship with us, but not to the exclusion that we only let him in our lives during times of crisis, and hardships. Or to help us with something that would achieve our own agenda. Have we forgotten that the judgment of G-d starts with the house of G-d first? Persecution? Oh, ya, so you happened to say something to the guys at work the other day that you were a believer, and they all just laughed at you and walked away, now when you show up at the water cooler, they just shun you. Boy you learned your lesson didn't you. It's ok to be a Christian, but NOT ONE OF THOSE type Christians. Wow, you are right up there ready for the next chapter of the Foxe's book of Martyrs. Wow! I have a question for you? Would you give up your house in the burbs, your two cars, cushy job and everything you have, living in a Sunday Culture where the worst you have ever been persecuted is being shunned from your fellow workers and having to put up with the daily persecution of the liberal press and Hollywood, to go back and experience the GLORY that the early church experienced? Knowing you would be put to death for sharing the Gospel? Would you? And yet, another day and time like that day is fast approaching. The Lord said very clearly, that if you deny me before men, I will deny you before the father. We are the light of the world; we are the salt of the earth. Paul made it very clear that if this Gospel is not true, we above all men are to be pitied. Yet we KNOW that it is not only TRUE but is the ONLY hope for us and the sin of mankind. What about Islam? Are you prepared? Do you fully understand they look at the Jews and us Gentile Christians the same? We are their number one enemy and they are coming to kill the Jew first on Saturday and then we Christians on Sunday to try and overstate my point. They believe in a Theocratic government and they will kill you to prove it. There are only two kinds of land and governments now in this world for them. Those that are already under Islamic law, and those that will be in the future. For the last two years I have really been doing my homework on Islam, have you? Be prepared my brothers in the Lord, all I can say is be prepared. I can't possibly go into everything thing here, but let me just say that the key to understanding Islam, is not reading the Koran, but understanding the life of Mohammad and what the five key deceptions or lies that Islam is based on. 1. That Islam is a religion of Love 2. That it is a religion of peace 3. That Allah is G-d 4. That their Jesus who they believe was just another prophet is the same as ours in the bible 5. That the Koran is a Holy Book I could write volumes on each one of these 5 subjects, but you need to do the homework also for yourself, that you may give account in that day, what is the true hope of your calling. Islamic ideology in this world is divided into two camps: The Islamic “Dar e-Salaam” or House of Islam or House of Submission and Peace. Opposing this “Dar e-Salaam” is the “Dar e-Harb” or House of War into which all infidels fall. There can be no peace for Islam until the entire “Dar e-Harb” falls to the “Dar e-Salaam”. So this is a fight to the finish. Islam must be victorious or be vanquished. Islam’s victory calls for the inevitable destruction of all infidels. In one sense, there is no difference between Islam, Nazism and Communism as exclusive world domination systems. Why bring this up to my Christian brothers and sisters here? Because it's already at a neighborhood near you, and Islam is out to deal with you, are you prepared to deal with them? There are only two kinds of Muslims right now, the revolutionary and the evolutionary. The first are the ones we call terrorists, but the second and make no mistake, are complaisant of the other. Do you hear condemnations from the so-called good and peaceful Muslims about the bombings?? NO, because they both agree on one fact, that the world is to be under Muslim law. The second group just believes in a slower and some would say an economic way of approach instead of the violent, but make no mistake they both believe in the same end. Have you witnessed to a Muslim lately? Probably most of you have not, but if you do, strap on your seatbelts, cause your in for a very shaky ride spiritually. I have, and in every case, not only did I not to my knowledge covert anyone, but just stirred up the hornet’s nests of demonic spirits.. To the secular people reading my post here, I want to be very brief in my comments towards you. G-d's word is very clear that the deeper things of G-d cannot be discerned by the natural man. Only when you have given your life fully and totally to him, is when the Holy Spirit will come upon you. Then and only then will you be able to fully understand what G-d's word is saying to you. If you have even the slightest inclination that G-d is speaking to your heart, I would suggest that the book of Psalm’s and Proverbs is a great place to start. I have little to say to the un-repentant or secular humanists here, as I'm sure you are well aware of the Gospel and its message by now. Everyday that G-d gives you grace for one more day on this earth, only confirms his longsuffering and his grace towards you. Think if you can the last Christian who ever shared the Gospel with you, for all you know it may be your last. And finally to the main subject of what this thread is all about, the Willoughby Multi-Marketing plan. I read your post Andy, and I have no right to condemn you, or judge your heart.only G-d knows your heart and if this is all right before him. I'm sure legally you have crossed all your t's and dotted all your I's. You have everything covered or so you think. One of my favorite sayings is this, " The cleanliness of theory is no match for the messiness of reality " And so it goes that everything you present in your ads may be technically clean, it can be without a hitch legally. That you come through on everything you propose to say you do in your advertisements and pitches, and yet, I have to tell you, that in every multi-marketing plan I have every encountered in my life they ALL share one undeniable fact. If you are at the top of the pyramid, which you are, it certainly is good for Andy and the people who fall just below you. But my problem is for the very person responding to your ads that sincerely NEED the money the MOST are the ones who will never get it. WHY? Because, with the limited resources they have, you know all their initial investment will ever do, is put a little more money in the pockets of your up lines and yourself, but all they get in the end is broken dreams. Yet I know you can respond and say that it is possible for a stay at home mom to make a fortune. Yes, it is possible and there are always exceptions, but to the many..It aint' ever going to happen. I'm sure you tout your success, but what about the letters from the many disillusioned. The fact that your name rings a bell from the past, and that I think you had a Christian radio show in the past gives me pause also. What happened to that? Make no mistake there are many today who almost believe it is their calling to "fleece the flock". We only have to turn on any Christian TV station to hear the countless reverend IKE's who are telling us that G-d wants desperately to make our dreams come true if only we will send that seed offering of $25 or whatever crock he is touting. Point is, the spiritual principals just like gravity are TRUE and biblical, but what are the motives behind it? I say for the most part, not good. And finally, I spent 10 years living in Las Vegas, and now currently live in San Jose Costa Rica, and during my time in Vegas..I felt like I got my PHD in CON, coming in contact with all kinds of various touts and hustlers..So I want to make my final comments about CON. I've come to the conclusion that there are THREE basic elements in order for you to be conned. 1. You have to be controllable. Type B personalities are the easiest to control, yet Type A's who always feel they have to be in control, can easily be controlled if they are given even the slightest hint that someday they will be in control or the boss. They will fall in line with that pitch. 2. You have to be gullible. You must have a need to believe that this scam or whatever it is that you are entering into is going to take you to the promise land. Fact is, the gullible rarely do their homework, and are easily persuaded to do or sell just about anything if they think it will meet their needs for something greater..Or "their dream" Why? Cause there is conn in people who are gullible too. They always think they are smarter than everyone else, but they always end up at the end of the day with the reality they are not. Yet they keep doing the same things, with they idea they will end up with a different result. That is the very definition of insanity. And "the dream" pitch is always the strongest. Do this or sell that, and you will be able to have your dream(s) come true!! Question? Is it YOUR dream or is this part of G-d's plan for your life. ONLY his plan can ever give you true fulfillment and contentment. I didn't say you can't have joy and experience highs from reaching YOUR dream(s), but you will never come to know true peace and contentment being out of G-d's plan for your life. There is a huge difference. 3. You have to have GREED! There it is. Plain and simple. You can't possibly conn someone that doesn't have greed. I can't remember the last time I took this much time to make a post, but obviously there is allot built up in me right now on a lot of different levels and subjects, but primarily to the body of Christ. I hope for some of you who are already in the Lord it will encourage you to realize just how valuable and precious you are to the Lord, and to start using the many gifts that G-d has given you. In His Service, Tommy

Andy Willoughbys comment was refreshing. It was totally void of judgement on anyone. He just commented on things that he knows about from his own first hand experience. I detect no envy or cyicism in his comment. Step 3 of the 3 step plan is to do your own research. There are lot of great opinions in this forum but not much research to back them up.

Hi, how in the world are you anyway? Just checked in and see I have some new fans. I appreciate Paul J. pointing out that even though I do not mention that I am a Christian on my ads, I do clearly promote Christian Ideals. I hope that I will spend the rest of my life promoting those Ideals. There are not many that do that in the media today. I guess I am a maverick. We will also continue to help moms stay at home. My children had a stay-at-home mom and now my grandchildren have stay-at-home moms. I want Paul J. to know that I will keep working to help more moms’ to be in a position to stay at home. It is just one of the ways I like to spend my time. By the way, today not all of our advertising money is spent on Christian radio. We are growing and looking for more avenues to reach people who share our values and would like to work from home. But I hope we will always advertise on Christian radio. It is a great service and I cannot foresee a time when we would not want to support it with our advertising dollar. Besides it is a great advertising source. If you have a business Paul J. I would recommend you consider advertising on Christian Radio. It is a very good value. The listeners are the best people in the world to do business with. As a whole the people who own and operate Christian radio stations are very sincere about what they do. So, Paul J. if you have a business, take a chance, I think you will be pleasantly surprised in the good investment you will make. Sincerely Andy Willoughby

Robert and Paul, thank you for the comments and I apologize for the lateness in replying. I've added a new post dated April 4, 2006 with my responses.

The Andy Willoughby Three Step Plan This is one of the most annoying and insidious radio ads around. Like another Alpaca poster, I turn the dial when the ad comes on. This ad is specifically designed to attract a target market of at home moms who would like to make money while taking care of their children. The not so subtle references to Christian ideals are explicitly intended to "legitimize" the program. Otherwise, why mention it??? This should be a tip off that Willoughby seeks to deceive others. If in fact Mr. Willoughby were truly a Christian he would never use his faith to promote his business dealings! And what is The Three Step Plan anyway? It's about selling $37 a bottle mango juice touted as a cure-all for cancer, high blood pressure, weight loss, migraines … fill in the blank of whatever ails you …. The plan works when you buy the juice from Andy (you send Andy your money) -- then you try and sell the brew to others -- and of course you can earn commissions from other people you lure into the program from their juice purchases (they send their money to Andy too). The ONLY PERSON IN THE WORLD GUARANTEED TO MAKE MONEY ON THIS DEAL IS -- you guessed it –- Andy Willoughby!

John, I'm just like you. I have a low tolerance for scams and people who take advantage of good people. That is why I did a little research on Mr. Andy Willoughby and found this site. So thank you for your insight. Christians are people just like you. I praise God for Christians like Buddy who feel your pain and take the time to share with you instead of casting stones. I'm a Christian too and I've learned to look at people the same way God does, as a father who loves his children no matter what. So God bless you my brother and continue to enlighten people on scams.

Thanks for giving me a full hearing before casting judgment, Mick; I don't know that I would have been as charitable if it was me looking for information and running across a post of such interminable length. And thank you so much for taking the time to write!

At first blush I admit I was a little ticked at the anti-christian sentiment... then I decided to standby a favorite old saying someone much wiser than I came up with; "never argue with an idiot, people passing by cannot tell who is who." NONE OF THAT WOULD BE FAIR, in looking at the full context of your post you are seeking and sharing (though angrily at times) truth both intellectualy and spiritually which will benefit anyone reading it (especially potential victims of this scam). Keep seeking a new perspective and the truth, you will find it. Yes I am a Christian, and I quit my job commuting into DC becuase of anger related stomach problems and a penchant for road rage. To sum it up I learned a very valuable lesson over the years that followed me quiting my job and am back working in DC again. Learn how to find true forgiveness for yourself (everyone's path to salvation is different) and you will find it much easier to forgive/toerate/undestand those around you. Good luck and thank you for the information you provide. -Mick BTW I found this all through morbid curiousity regarding a potential scam.

Buddy, thanks - this is good information and food for thought. Eventually I may turn this thread into a separate post when I feel qualified to do so. I will check out that book!

Climacus, Thank you for the reply! I'm a fellow struggler with anger, too... and depression. Based on your description of your struggle, though, I wouldn't claim to truly understand how difficult it is for you. There is good news and bad news. The bad news is that we are all drowning in the current - morally - and there is no low hanging branch in reach. The goed news is that Someone stronger than us - who is not drowning - will reach in and pull us out if we just ask Him. As for anger, please forgive my presumption that you would like to be freed from whatever the source of it is. I sure do! Something I've been learning is that underneath anger is pain, fear or frustration. I think if you study what it is that sets you off, and then ask yourself, "Why does that bother me so much? What happened to me that impacted me so much that I am still sensitive to this action that triggers me?" That should lead you to a wound that needs healing... for whatever was lost at that time to be grieved. None of us escape wounds of varying severity as we walk through this life. Some grew up in environments with family or friends that helped them process their hurts in a healthy and effective way. I didn't. I learned to turn inside myself and keep the hurts inside, or run to adventure movies and games to try and anesthetize myself. But the relief is only temporary and leaves me right back where I was before, but with many hours wasted. A book I've been reading lately is helping. It's called, "Healing is a Choice" by Steve Arterburn. The principles in it have been helping me to heal, and I'm finding myself less prone to anger and depression than I was before. (Healing is also a process, not an event.) One of the keys is having some people that really love you and are wiling to let you feel what you need to feel without trying to "make you feel better", but just walk through the grieving process with you, let you know they care, and mostly listen empathically. (These kind of people can be hard to find!) I have an invitation for you: Next time you find yourself in Barnes and Noble, grab a cup of coffee, find the Arterburn book, and read a little. See if any of it helps. Let me know how it goes. --Buddy

Buddy, Thank you. This hits pretty close to home. My biggest struggle is with anger; it is like a wild animal that overwhelms me. Intellectually, I recognize what is happening, but it's still like I get jumped over and over again....and then feel terrible about it afterwards, of course.

I hesitate to use His name in reference to anything involving my personal life because, frankly, I'm neither a preacher nor a good example.

I think even if you are the guy who's practically drowning in the current, and you are pointing out the overhanging branch for everyone else to save themselves, you might still have something valid to say although you yourself do not yet have hold of the branch.

BUT -- I'm not saying I'm even THAT guy yet, though, but it is what I aspire to be. Appreciate you taking the time to write.

Climacus, I find your candor to be very refreshing! It's sad that many Christians I know and grew up with take themselves and others so seriously that the reality of grace gets lost. I've noticed this in myself more poignently the last couple weeks. When my wife confronts me with some offence I often get defensive. If I really believed and experienced the love, forgiveness and acceptance of God, I ought to be able to stand securely in that grace and freely admit the error. My problem is that the fear of rejection and inadequacy is strong and I have learned to let it rule in my heart, rather than stop, recognize that God so passionately yearns for my company that He easily forgives me and accepts me. He can do that because His Son Jesus paid the penalty for all my sin on the cross (and yours 8^) ). Therefore, I should be set free from my fear of rejection over my inadequacy and self-centeredness. To live as though I can somehow make myself "good" enough to be acceptable to God, is to in essence say that I don't really need Jesus or what He did for me on the cross. In truth, I am only now learning to live - from the heart - what it means to experience God's grace. Perhaps this is your struggle as well. We already have blown it morally and can't take it back. But God is so lovestruck with us that He accepts us just the way we are. As we learn to internalize His love and acceptance, a revolution will begin to take place in our heart that should eventually transform our character - from the inside out. Thank you, again, for your transparent comments! --Buddy

Bryan, REALLY good comments and questions. Thanks. 1) If you read any measure of the other stuff posted here the past couple years - which, by the way, I do not encourage - you would see I am a very cranky individual, and my scorn is distributed across my fellow citizens without any regard for creed. 2) I am quite keen to find fault with those who are unfortunate enough to be in my path on any given day, but I am overly sensitive to the faults of the Christians. When I hear 'God bless you sister' from the woman holding up the supermarket line I cringe more than I would from the average idiot. 3) I hate the idea of giving Christianity a bad name. That's one part of it. 4) The other part is, I have a sense you can become too easily self-satisfied by identifying yourself as Christian (or, really, in any other locus of self-satisfaction). Christianity can have that aspect to it, you know: 'I'm forgiven' - therefore I am freed from the obligations of normal social courtesy. 5) Am I one? Nope. I am the worst of sinners: trying to follow, but forever falling short, but still trying. I have some issues that need to be gotten over, one of which is being so very quick to anger. Retail environments are frequently my downfall. 6) C.S. Lewis, somewhere, said that his key weakness was along the same lines, which keeps me thinking there is hope for me yet. But as it stands, I must admit, I have a long long way to go. 7) What keeps me going is I always think I'm about to turn the corner. When I do, I will try to post something uplifting to compensate for all this. Thanks for writing.

You said.... I hate it when I find myself on the highway behind someone with one of those fish symbols on the back of their vehicle going 52 mph in the far left-hand lane. Hey, just because you say you're a Christian doesn't mean you can get a free pass to tick off 30 other people. Or behind the happy 'Christian' in line at the supermarket who strikes up a long jovial conversation with the cashier at 6:00 pm on a Friday evening when there are 8 people in line waiting to get home to make dinner for their families. ...I say.. I find it amazing that just because a person displays an emblem denoting participation in the Christian faith on the back of a vehicle the instant perception is that Christians are supposed to be without fault. They, more than any other person, should know that driving the speed limit in the left lane is taboo. Hey, news flash, Christians occasionally go over the speed limit, don't wear their seat belts, change lanes without signalling, and even suffer road rage. Why? Maybe because we're first and foremost human and suffer the same trials as all the rest of humanity. The difference is we acknowledge we screw up and try to do better. I wish it was as easy as slapping a fish on my car to become instantly perfect and never offend another soul. I saw a bumper sticker once that said "Christians aren't perfect, just forgiven". I would agree with that. As for the "long jovial conversation". Is it just Christians who annoy you when this happens because "they should know better"? Does everyone else get a free pass since by default, being non-Christian, they don't know any better? Give me a break. You say you don't criticize Christianity, yet you single out Christians as the ones who cause you distress. How is this not criticizing? Nothing hypersensitive here, I'm just repeating and commenting on what you already stated. It is sad that what isn't understood is subject to criticism, but then it's always been that way and always will be. Lastly.... I'm curious You state you listen to a lot of Christian programming. Are you a Christian? Not someone who believes in God or who is "a good person", but a Christian. A true follower of Jesus Christ.

Yes, it is apparently the NEXT BIG THING, after Amway, Tea Tree oil, Vitamins etc. As you note, so many are getting into the business! Seems to have all the earmarks of a pyramid scheme...

I did a quick Google of "mangosteen" and saw a serious overload of Google paid for searches on the right side of the screen. Clearly everyone is set up with a home business to sell this stuff and they are in fiece competition with each other. The only winner is Google who is getting a premium bid-up price for a reasonably obscure word such as "mangosteen"!

Sorry the message seemed to criticize Christians...I think a more careful reading would make it clear the only one being 'maligned' here is the one who parades under the banner of 'Christianity' in order to sell stuff. I hear the ads all the time because I listen to Christian radio all the time, after all.

There is a tendency nowadays to hypersensitivity - which sometimes leads to discovering 'insults' where none are intended. We've never criticized Christianity on this Web site and never will, but we have a very keen interest in scam artists and this one really gets on our nerves.

Thanks for taking the time to write and for the critique: We are going to post an Andy Willoughby update soon and will try to make sure the message is clearer.

Interesting article. As one of the 'Christians' that you so malign in your text, I'm wondering why you are not as equally put out that someone is duping 'Christians' into falling for these scams as you are of accusing us of perpetuating these scams. One thing modern 'Christians' know for sure, and that you reaffirmed here - there will never be equity when it comes to describing, mentioning, reviewing or otherwise referring to people of faith. Sad.

I TOO CARRY THE DEMON OF FASCINATION WITH OUTRAGEOUS SCAMS. MY MOST IMPORTANT PUBLIC ICONS ARE TRUDEAU, BARRETT, WILLOUGHBY, et.al. HAVING SPENT NEAR THIRTY YEARS WITH A MAJOR WALL STREET FIRM HAS PROBABLY FUELED THIS DEMON. YOURS IS A NICELY WRITTEN EXPOSITION OF THIS DUDE. I SHALL FEEL BETTER WHILE SHAVING IN THE MORNING WHEN SOME BASTARD SAYS "HOW IN THE WORLD ARE Y'A DOIN' ANYWAY," AND I STUMBLE THROUGH THE STEAM TO CHANGE THE STATION. NOW I'LL KNOW OTHERS ARE DOING THE SAME.

Howdy -- I got here on this Google search: "talk radio" advertisers awful "three step plan". I listen to AM960 KSTP here in Phoenix (conservative) and every time that annoying "how in the world are ya?" comes on, I leap for the next station. Anything. I wonder how many listeners those Andy Willoughby ads drive away! Amen to that! I like 1400am in Detroit but I can't take anymore of his ads!

Out of morbid curiosity, I looked into this scam. Turns out you are selling Mangosteen juice called Xango...from the "treasured" mangosteen fruit of Asia! The cure-all that has been hidden for CENTURIES! Puh-lease...and for $36.00 for a 1.5liter bottle....it's expensive snake-oil!!