Leilani Neumann, 41, is on trial for second-degree reckless homicide in her daughter Madeline's death March 23, 2008, at the family's rural Weston
home.
Former friend Althea Wormgoor told a Marathon County jury that Neumann didn't believe in doctors or medicine.
"Basically, you pray and do nothing but pray," she said.
Wormgoor, who has four children, testified her family moved from California to Wisconsin in January 2008 to start a second coffee business with the Neumanns and participate in their weekly Bible studies.
But Wormgoor said by March 10, 2008, she and her husband realized they disagreed with the Neumanns about the business and faith healing.
The Wormgoors did not believe sin caused sickness. They also thought the Neumanns focused a lot on demons. Once, when one of their sons got sick, Leilani Neumann thought his vomiting was to rid his body of demons.
Wormgoor said she and her family went to the Neumanns' home the day Madeline died. Leilani Neumann had urged them to come, saying Madeline was on the floor, not talking, eating or drinking, she said.
The family went reluctantly, refusing to believe the girl was as sick as claimed, Wormgoor said. Fallout over the business partnership had made them skeptical, she said.
Once at the home, they prayed with the Neumanns. Leilani Neumann raised her hands in the air, calling her daughter's illness a test of faith and a chance for God to show his power, Wormgoor said.
After about five minutes of prayer, Leilani Neumann indicated her daughter appeared better than the previous night, her breathing stronger, Wormgoor said.
Suddenly, Madeline's mouth "twitched," she said.
"To me, it looked like she was gasping for air," Wormgoor said. "It was a twitch that scared me. You are telling me she is getting better, but right then I am not seeing it. I panicked."
Wormgoor rushed to call 911, but her husband got to a phone first and made the call
The whole story is on http://www.religionnewsblog.com/23478/madeline-neumann-faith-healing-3
I am changing my avatar.
Former friend Althea Wormgoor told a Marathon County jury that Neumann didn't believe in doctors or medicine.
"Basically, you pray and do nothing but pray," she said.
Wormgoor, who has four children, testified her family moved from California to Wisconsin in January 2008 to start a second coffee business with the Neumanns and participate in their weekly Bible studies.
But Wormgoor said by March 10, 2008, she and her husband realized they disagreed with the Neumanns about the business and faith healing.
The Wormgoors did not believe sin caused sickness. They also thought the Neumanns focused a lot on demons. Once, when one of their sons got sick, Leilani Neumann thought his vomiting was to rid his body of demons.
Wormgoor said she and her family went to the Neumanns' home the day Madeline died. Leilani Neumann had urged them to come, saying Madeline was on the floor, not talking, eating or drinking, she said.
The family went reluctantly, refusing to believe the girl was as sick as claimed, Wormgoor said. Fallout over the business partnership had made them skeptical, she said.
Once at the home, they prayed with the Neumanns. Leilani Neumann raised her hands in the air, calling her daughter's illness a test of faith and a chance for God to show his power, Wormgoor said.
After about five minutes of prayer, Leilani Neumann indicated her daughter appeared better than the previous night, her breathing stronger, Wormgoor said.
Suddenly, Madeline's mouth "twitched," she said.
"To me, it looked like she was gasping for air," Wormgoor said. "It was a twitch that scared me. You are telling me she is getting better, but right then I am not seeing it. I panicked."
Wormgoor rushed to call 911, but her husband got to a phone first and made the call
The whole story is on http://www.religionnewsblog.com/23478/madeline-neumann-faith-healing-3
I am changing my avatar.
Henny
