David Ayliffe

John Ayliffe

The late Bryce Courtenay said of David and John's book: "True insight into the psychology of a sect both from the inside and the out is very rare. This account by two brothers is illuminating, fascinating and intelligent." 

The true story of a dangerous religious cult. David was involved with the group from his late teenage years and didn't leave until his early 40's. Called Zion Full Salvation Ministry, it began as part of an Anglican Church in Sydney. Founded by a woman who claimed to have Christ's stigmata and then to be the embodiment of God on earth. When the woman died 16 years later, most of her followers had been stripped of finances, investments, and in many cases their self-esteem too. My Brother's Eyes is a troubling story but has a happy ending as it tells the story of the separation of the brothers, their families, and their eventual reunion. The title My Brother's Eyes refers to the eyes being a reflection of the person. A biblical reference claims the eyes are "the windows of the soul".. Yet the eyes change as life changes for us. In sadness and grief.. In joy.. In love. And more our eyes change when we choose a path that leads us away from those we love and changes yet again when we regain a path back.

The cover was designed by David's best friend in his last years of High School, John Byrne. John Byrne and David were also estranged for many of those as David calls them "strange years". David's family hate the image that John Byrne created in a painting entered for Sydney's famous Archibald Exhibition. Yet David sees truth in the eyes of the dark image.

David and his older brother John narrate My Brother's Eyes, which was first published in print form in November 2009 by John Garratt Publishing who have now returned all rights to the authors.

Thanks to Cath Connelly for her song Journey, and to Jordan Parry and Jack Ringland for audio editing, and special thanks to Dave Walker Productions.

- David & John.

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