A friend told me that during the Watchtower study, the PO commented that, "at the district convention this year, the District Overseer said that
the reason they had the drama on Timothy, and the dangers of his going on to further his education, was that parents and children today have
the wrong views on full-time service and higher education. They think there is more advantage and benefit to getting a college degree than full-
time service, such as pioneering or Bethel service."
The paragraph discussed was in the Sep 15 WT, second study article...
Blondies write up http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/10/100911/1.ashx
18 When parents encourage their children to take up full-time service, they as
well as their offspring receive many blessings. A father of twin sons held
pioneer service before them as a goal from their early childhood. After
finishing their secular education, the twins did become pioneers. Reflecting on
the joys he has experienced as a result, this father writes: "Our boys have not
disappointed us. Gratefully we can say, 'Sons are an inheritance from Jehovah."'
(Psalm 127:3) And how do children benefit from pursuing full-time service? A
mother of five says: "Pioneering has helped all my children to develop a much
closer relationship with Jehovah, has improved their personal study habits, has
helped them learn how to manage their time wisely, and has helped them learn to
put spiritual things first in their lives. Although all of them had to make many
adjustments, none of them regret the path they have chosen to follow."
19 Youths, what are your plans for the future? Are you seeking to excel in some
professional field? Or are you working toward a career in the full-time service?
"Keep strict watch that how you walk is not as unwise but as wise persons,"
admonished Paul, "buying out the opportune time for yourselves, because the days
are wicked." He adds: "On this account cease becoming unreasonable, but go on
perceiving what the will of Jehovah is."-Ephesians 5:15-17.
For those of you who haven't read or don't know about the society's new stand on higher education,
check out the link for the Oct 1st WT, second study article...
http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/6/96767/1.ashx
I think it is disraceful that the Society is toying with young people's lives like this, flip-flopping on whether JW youth can attend university or not.
I believe a poster did comment here, that last year there were NO applicants to the British Bethel.
Also, a friend of mine said that "with all the hard talk about higher education we're hearing about, the end must be really near."
This is only going to get worse. I feel for all those JW youth who are attending, or planning to attend a university.