Christ Family
Nomadic Christians who grew drugs and believed that their leader was the second coming of Jesus
1960s - 1985
In the 1960s, a man who called himself "Lightning Amen" traveled around the desert with a group of followers who believed he was Jesus. Although he gained a wide following, surprisingly little is written about this movement. His followers lived a nomadic and homeless lifestyle, sleeping in parks and sometimes eating out of dumpsters. However, they are probably most famous for their drug use, which has gotten them in trouble with the law on multiple occasions. While this group officially dissolved in 1985, it likely still exists in some form, although the members would be living a much more private lifestyle than in previous years.
Religion: Christianity
Denomination: Other
Founder: Charles Franklin Hughes ("Lightning Amen")
Founded: Early 1960s
Ended: 1985
Size: about 2,000 nationwide
Location: Around the United States, especially in California. Places included Sage, CA; Washington DC; Key West, FL; Blythe, CA; Yuma County, AZ
Lightning Amen, the leader, was believed to be the second coming of the messiah (source p. 164)
Alcohol was forbidden, but members used tobacco and marijuana were used since they are natural plants (source p. 164)
Lightning Amen was sentenced to five years in prison in 1987 for transportation and possession for sale of methamphetamines. He was also found with $30,000 and a gun (source)
In 1985, 10 members were sentenced to jail for growing $900,000 worth of marijuana (source)
Members were expected to sell all their possessions and give all money to the common fund when they joined (source)
Members tended to cut contact with friends and family outside the group (source p. 164)
Members were celibate (source p. 164)
Other info:
Aggressively preached, which often resulted in arguments that the police would have to interfere in (source)