‘I Hurt People Who Trusted Me’: Christian Author Cliff Graham Gets Second Chance
Cliff Graham, author of the “Lion of War” series of books based on the wars of the Old Testament, is looking for redemption as he resumes publication of his series through a partnership with Kavod Family Ministries in North Carolina.
Graham, now 43, is the subject of criticism for the panoply of failed ventures he has engaged in.
The Assembly, in coordination with Smoky Mountain News, reported Graham’s failed ventures and disgruntled creditors, at least one of whom has an outstanding judgment against him. Some say they are seeking charges of fraud by local law enforcement and the FBI.
Graham admits he has made errors based in “foolishness and pride” but says none were born out of “villainy.”
“With all of that being said, there is no way around the truth that I was a fool and an idiot,” he wrote to The Assembly. “I hurt people who trusted me, I ignored wise counsel, I misled people constantly as to how things were going, and created one disaster after another in the pursuit of my calling and the management of my business.”
Originally, Graham began writing his book series while pursuing a master’s degree in religious studies. He initially self-published the first book, “Day of War,” in 2009. In 2011, the book was released commercially by Zondervan.
After the book caught on and received high reader ratings, Graham formed Five Stones Media LLC in 2012 with the intention of making the book into a film. According to The Assembly, the initial prospectus sought $3 million in investments, but that grew to $5 million in a later version. The minimum investment was $10,000.
By January 2018, Five Stone estimated it would turn a profit of $17 million, with a return of $25,000 on each $10,000 that was invested.
Three investors told The Assembly they had put at least $50,000 into Five Stones. Graham wouldn’t reveal how much he ultimately raised, but said he didn’t get $5 million.
Margo Milianta initially invested $130,000, according to a settlement agreement with Graham, which he defaulted on and now is subject to wage garnishment.
Around 2015 and 2016, Graham also got involved in a fundraising role among anti-human trafficking groups like Operation Underground Railroad, founded by Tim Ballard.
Graham was alleged to be pocketing some of the donations that were meant to go toward operations. Some donors confronted Graham in Costa Rica about the use of donated money.
“In regards to this work, there are mistakes I will admit, but there are also accusations which are false,” Graham told The Assembly. “Either the mists of time have caused a lack of clarity, or someone with malicious intent is distorting the record on this.” Graham added that he mismanaged the fundraising efforts for anti-human trafficking organizations, which was “far outside” his calling.
In 2017, Graham began a weekend training program in Texas for men to learn tactical operations, security and first aid. He later canceled classes without issuing refunds or sent refund checks that bounced.
Graham claims most of the participants were satisfied with the classes, but admits that he still owes some people refunds.
Because of the knowledge he had gained through research for his books, Graham offered all-inclusive guided tours of ancient battlefields in Israel.
“I viewed it as a marketing effort, as well as a good chance to do research for my creative projects,” Graham said in an email to The Assembly. “Like most things I touched, it was created out of good intentions, and I managed to utterly ruin it.”
Jonathan Herron, pastor of Life Church in Michigan, said his church paid for several spots on one of the Israel trips, but when the trip never happened, the church wasn’t reimbursed for the deposit.
Graham acknowledged he never repaid Herron. “It was during the overall mental, physical, and spiritual collapse I began to have, and I simply couldn’t communicate with everyone. I don’t dispute the details of what they are saying,” Graham told The Assembly.
Kavod has offered Graham a type of “lifeline.” The Christian ministry, focused on “strengthening families through biblical resources and Christian outlets,” will reissue Graham’s previous work and plan to publish two more books in the “Lion of War” series.
The ministry supports Graham moving forward toward redemption.
“There comes a point in a man’s failure — after the offense has taken place, after he acknowledges his failures, after apologies have been made, and after unhealthy habits have been addressed — he must be allowed to stand and live again,” Kavod said in an email to The Assembly. “We believe that time is now for Cliff.”
According to the Kavod board of directors, Graham is not an employee and will not receive any money from the sale of his books. Profits, perhaps minus royalties, will go to the ministry.
In an email last year, Graham said the royalties from the books will go to paying back his debts.
Kavod’s board confirmed to The Assembly that it has the option to designate royalties to Graham’s creditors.
This article has been republished with permission from Ministry Watch.
Kim Roberts is a freelance writer who holds a Juris Doctorate with honors from Baylor University and an undergraduate degree in government from Angelo State University. She has three young adult children who were home schooled and is happily married to her husband of 28 years.