Hey Jeff, tell us all about Amarillo. Inquiring (nosey) minds want to know.
In my three years there, I did see similar infighting and power issues - but I had at that point detached myself from any interest in being part of it - that is part of the power structure. I cannot recall a single moment while in Amarillo, that I was interested in 'reaching out', and so my perspective there was different than at home in Indiana.
I do recall two elders, father and son, the Armstrongs, who wanted to turn the congregation into their personal property. My wife went into business with a 'worldly' lady there for a short time, and they showed up on our porch to accost her regarding that. Another time they came to see if I would give them info on what another elder had said in my presence that could be used against him. Most of the other elders I recall were milquetoast and ready to be run over by these guys. I don't know how it all turned out - except I heard that Daddy Armstrong moved out of town a few years after we did. I imagine the son gained stature there.
The city in itself was not attractive to me at the time. We lived close to Amarillo Blvd, and the prostitutes on the weekend could be heard yelling and trying to attract johns all night long from many blocks away. They ran regular 'sting' operations to arrest the clients, and published the names in the paper every week. Still, I saw no shortage of willing parties on both sides. Once, after a meeting we all met at Shakey's Pizza on the BLVD. My wife rode there with another Jw family and I joined them a few minutes later. When I exited my car, a very attractive black prostitute from across the street yelled something to me. I just ignored her. I got inside and was waiting in line to order, and this lady of the night came in and stood right behind me. I actually did not notice that it was the same lady at first. After a few minutes in line, my wife came up to me and told me what she wanted me to order. The lady looked offended and stated in a huff 'Oh, so you are with her?' and marched off. If I had been alone, she likely would have followed me to my table. Now that would have been hard to explain to the elders there that night. LOL
There were a lot of good 'brothers' there [as everywhere]. The rank and file Witnesses were wonderful people and I still love them from afar.
I can't say I miss it really. But I loved the people that I knew for the most part.
Jeff