Self Styled Prophet Pastor Treva Edwards Charged With Sex Trafficking After Telling Congregant Sleeping With Him Would Cure Mental Illness
A self styled New Jersey prophet, Pastor Treva Edwards, 61, and his wife Christine Edwards, 64, have been charged with sex trafficking, forced labor, and conspiracy after allegedly using their tiny "Jesus Is Lord by the Holy Ghost" church in Orange, New Jersey to abuse and exploit their...
New Jersey Pastor and Wife Christine Face 15 Years to Life After Allegedly Coercing Followers Into Forced Labor and Abortion at "Jesus Is Lord by the Holy Ghost" Church From 2010 to 2025
A self styled New Jersey prophet, Pastor Treva Edwards, 61, and his wife Christine Edwards, 64, have been charged with sex trafficking, forced labor, and conspiracy after allegedly using their tiny "Jesus Is Lord by the Holy Ghost" church in Orange, New Jersey to abuse and exploit their congregants from 2010 to 2025.
Edwards allegedly told one female congregant that sex with him "was God's will and would prevent" mental illness. He coerced another into getting an abortion after he impregnated her.
How Pastor Treva Edwards Allegedly Used Spiritual Authority to Traffic and Coerce
Edwards faces two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, three counts of forced labor, and conspiracy to commit forced labor. Christine Edwards is charged with conspiracy. If convicted, Treva faces a minimum of 15 years to life in prison, with additional sentences of up to 20 years or life for forced labor involving sexual abuse.
The indictment alleges Edwards manipulated congregants into believing he was a prophet communicating directly with God. He coerced victims into unpaid manual labor, controlled their basic needs through rules about eating and sleeping, and threatened them with "reputational harm, homelessness, hunger," and spiritual punishment. The assault of one victim allegedly occurred between 2012 and December 2019.
The Crusader's Opinion
"Self styled prophet" is a phrase every Christian should fear. The biblical office of prophet is reserved for those bearing the Word of God and is to be tested by Scripture. Edwards used the language of prophecy to enslave human beings. His alleged victims trusted him with their souls. He allegedly betrayed that trust with rape, forced labor, and abortion coercion. Pray for the victims. Pray for justice. Pray for every Christian who has ever been told that obedience to a "spiritual father" outweighs Scripture. It does not.
Take Action
- Donate: Anti trafficking ministries like A21
- Pray: For the alleged victims and their recovery
- Report: Suspected spiritual abuse to local police and to G.R.A.C.E.
- Read: 1 Peter 5 on shepherding the flock with humility and accountability
- Share: The Edwards case and warn fellow Christians about cult of personality pastors
