I recently wrote an email to my pastor and let him know of my story and journey up until this point.
He thanked me for blessing him with my story and had stated that he was praying for me and my situation and my 3 children. He was very encouraging, positive, and loving.
After getting his quick response, I received another email from him stating that he had just received an email from another ex jw and how similar her story was to mine. He said that if I felt inclined that I could email her and tell her my story.
Regularly I would have jumped on it, but I didn't get right on it. I knew I would write, but I just didn't feel the need to DO it right away.
I had never talked to my pastor, Grant, in person and in his email to me he said that I should introduce myself to him as he likes to be able to associate the story's with the people. The church has over 3,000 people attending each weekend so it is easy to get away from getting to know people if that is your desire.
So, I went up to him after yesterday's service. I talked to a person whom I met for about 10 minutes which I RARELY do as I don't know that many people yet and those I do I rarely see. So that in itself was unusual. Then I was looking for Grant in the huge entry way and I located him. There were others around him and so I waited.
I was standing just 3 feet away from him as he was talking to a woman. I was just waiting for them to finish and then I HEARD HIM SAY MY NAME! He was telling this woman that he had sent her my email address and that my name was Ethan. I was in SHOCK!
You could say it was a coincidence. I see things as happening for a reason and moved by God. So I saw it as a GOD thing! I stepped up into their conversation, none of them knowing who I was, and said I am Ethan...
Grant, and the woman, and myself were all surprised at the coincidence and Grant said he just LOVES it when God does this!!! I said yeah, I know! I have had things like that happen 3 times since I have been there.
So, he introduced us, said that it was good to meet me, he said that he was praying for me and my girls, and stated that we should sit down and talk over coffee sometime soon! (I'm in the Seattle area, home of Starbucks. People just LOVE their coffee here!) I was very moved by the experience and viewed it as God's loving hand continuing to direct me to something and to be of help to others and to reassure me my path is correct to reaching Him.
So, this woman, I believe, was from Idaho. She was to apologize for something and refused and left the hall after 30 years. I look forward to hearing her story and getting to know her better.
She is the second ex jw at my church that I have met!!!! It is SO AWESOME not to be the ONLY one! I am making very good friends at church despite the length of time it has taken, less than a year. It really feels awesome!
I remember the hall saying yes they may be 'good people' but they DO NOT LOVE JEHOVAH. The people I am meeting are more religiously touched and have a REAL LOVE for others and God than ANY witness I ever met! I have been very impressed with those I meet at church. I look forward to being more like them and having them as my friends!
It sure beats having false 'friends' at the hall who abandon you when you need help the most after 30 years of close 'intimate' aquaintance! I find those at the hall as hypocritical and shallow and blind!
I just wanted to share my exerience with you all!! The ex jw at my church was very nice and has been 'born again' for 2 years now!!! She had her Bible with her and it was in a case. She was 'dressed up' a bit for church. She is doing much better now that she is out and finding God! I look forward to getting to know her and her story better in the future!
Hope you are all doing well!
Christian Love,
Ethan