The Diary of an Armageddon Survivor

reneeisorym

The Diary of an Armageddon Survivor

The following is not fantasy, this is what we were taught to expect
when we were Jehovah's Witnesses.
By Michael Pendley

DAY 1
Well, the Big A is over and I survived. I made my way down to the
Kingdom Hall this morning. By the end of the day most of the
congregation had gathered at the Hall. Some brothers and sisters are
still missing, Ed Thorn, our presiding overseer, told us that those
who were missing should have spent more time in field service.
DAY 2
Brother Thorn called a special meeting this morning. He announced that
he and the other elders would now be assuming full authority over our
new community until contact was reestablished with headquarters. All
decisions regarding community regulations, living arrangements, work
assignments, and other matters would be at the sole discretion of the
elders.
Sam Greene objected to this dictatorial policy until Thorn pulled out
a letter from the Society dated several months ago which stated that,
after Armageddon, the local body of elders would be responsible for
all decisions until otherwise directed by the Society. Sam voiced no
further objections. The rest of us also accepted the new arrangement.
The first new rule was not long in coming - all brothers and sisters
were required to report to the Kingdom Hall at 8:00 every morning to
receive work assignments and other instructions.
DAY 3
Brother Thorn has assigned me lo the burial detail. It seems that most
of us single brothers have been assigned this unpleasant duty. The
dead bodies are already starting to get to me. It sickens me to watch
the birds and other animals scavenge the corpses. I actually saw a
raven pluck out an eyeball today. Disgusting! Rob Johnson got a
bulldozer running and has begun to dig a large common grave. My job is
to go around collecting bodies and load them into the back of a pickup
truck.
DAY 4
We had our first judicial hearing today. Larry and Sue Winters had
moved into the McRae mansion in what was once the exclusive Cypress
Oaks subdivision. The problem was that Sister Thorn had already had
her eye on the place and, as wife of the presiding overseer, she
figured that she should have first choice. Brother Thorn told Brother
and Sister Winter that they had no right to claim anything without
approval of the elders. They were ordered to get out of the house by
nightfall. The Winters were very disappointed but they agreed to move
out.
DAY 5
At the morning meeting, the Thorns announced that they would be moving
into the McRae place. The Winters were livid, but they didn't say
anything. It was also announced that the surrounding estate homes had
been assigned to the other elders. Position has privilege, even in the
New World.
Some of the brothers have started calling the area "Elder Hill". It
was also announced that anyone wanting to appropriate a home must
first file a request with the elders. I have decided to stay in my own
house. It doesn't seem right to move into someone else's home, even if
they were worldly. It makes me sad when I go into someone's house and
see the family pictures and personal belongings. Most of the others
don't feel this way, it doesn't bother them to loot the dead.
DAY 8
The elders announced a new meeting schedule at the morning meeting. On
Sunday, we will still have the public talk followed by a study of old
Watchtower articles until we get new magazines. On Tuesday night, we
will have a congregational book study. The Service Meeting has been
canceled (no need for it anymore) along with the Ministry School. They
have been replaced by an instructional session to be held on Friday
night. This new meeting will instruct us on how to conduct ourselves
in the New World Society. The best thing, of course is no more field
service!
DAY 10
This burial work is taking a heavy toll on me. I can't help but feel
saddened at the waste of so much human life. Why couldn't Jehovah have
found a way to save more people? The children are the worst, I can't
stand to see their little bodies anymore. I don't think I'll report
for work tomorrow.
DAY 11
I didn't go to work today. Ed Thorn came by later in the morning and
asked me why I wasn't at work. I told him I didn't feel well. He told
me to get to work, that everyone feels well all the time in the New
World. He also told me that depression and mental anxiety were things
of the past. Of course, he doesn't have to bury the bodies.
DAY 14
It's been two weeks now. I really miss things like electricity and
running water. I wonder if we'll ever get things working again. Rob
Johnson and I borrowed a generator from the Hall last night and hooked
it up to my television and VCR. We had a great time watching some
"Star Trek" videos and a tape of last year's Super bowl. I really miss
television.
DAY 15
At the morning meeting, Brother Thorn publicly reprimanded Rob and me
for watching television. The elders have decided that, henceforth,
watching videos is prohibited since we do not want our new paradise to
be contaminated by the old world. Thorn speculated that one day we
might have "theocratic television" from the Society. The Watchtower
Channel? Spare me.
DAY 20
Still no word from the Society. We have spoken to representatives from
surrounding congregations but the elders are not allowing anyone to
travel. Carol Woods wanted to visit her sister in the next county to
see if she made it through okay, but Brother Thorn told her to stay
put and be patient. After all, she would have plenty of time to see
her sister later. I thought that was a cruel thing to say.
DAY 30
We finally finished most other the burial work. I am so relieved. The
scavenger birds are still hanging around. I have grown to hate the
sight of the fat, disgusting creatures. One of the damn things
attacked me today. I think they have acquired a taste for human flesh.

DAY 45
Many other the brothers and sisters are getting sick of being bossed
around by the elders. They run things like an old South plantation, we
are the slaves and they are the overseers. I have been reassigned to
work on the communal farm. It is hard work but it is an improvement
over the burial detail. Sam Greene is organizing a committee to speak
to the elders about some of the complaints that we all have.
DAY 47
The elders found out about Sam Green's attempted "rebellion". At the
morning meeting, he was publicly reprimanded and told to pray for a
humble spirit. No one is to speak to him until he has shown proper
repentance. I can't believe that we are disfellowshipping people in
the New World
DAY 51
Today a messenger finally arrived from the Society. Wade Peters, a
young Bethelite, arrived on horseback. He told us that the Society has
moved all headquarters staff to Patterson after the destruction of New
York City. We also received the first post-Armageddon Watchtower (now
issued quarterly).
Many of us had hoped that it would contain information allowing us
more personal freedom but we were disappointed to read that we were to
keep following the instructions of the local elders until further
notice. He also gave the elders a copy of a new procedure manual
(titled ORGANIZATION FOR THE NEW WORLD") but none of us were allowed
to see it.
DAY 69
My best friend got married today in a shotgun wedding! Rob and Sally
Kennedy were discovered together while engaged in a heavy kissing
session. Sally's blouse was unbuttoned and Rob had his hand on her
exposed breast. After a judicial meeting, Brother Thorn announced that
they were now married, without a ceremony or anything! Rob objected
strenuously, explaining that he and Sally had not had sex. Brother
Thorn, however, declared that the decision was in keeping with the new
elder procedure manual. Sally seems happy enough but Rob is in a state
of shock. I remember he once told me that he liked Sally's body, but
thought that she was as dumb as a box of rocks. Now he is married to
her forever. I'll have to remember to keep my hands in my pockets when
I date any sisters.
DAY 80
The newlyweds are not getting along. There has been a lot of gossip
about their horrible spats. Rob confided to me today that he went to
the elders in an attempt to get the marriage annulled. They told him
that according to the Society's new procedure manual no divorces or
annulments would be allowed for any reason. In addition, all marriages
now have to be approved by the local body of elders.
DAY 81
Sam Greene was reinstated today. He is still unhappy, but keeps his
thoughts to himself now.
DAY 89
We are all in a state of shock! Rob committed suicide today. I guess
the idea of spending eternity with Sally was not acceptable to him.
The elders refused to let us hold a funeral service. I volunteered to
bury my friend. Brother Thorn instructed me to bury him in the common
grave where we had put the worldly persons. No one came to the grave
side, not even his widow. I said a prayer for my friend. I will miss
Rob greatly.

DAY 100
Life is becoming miserable for many of us. The elders keep placing new
rules on us every day. We are told we must lead holy lives of service
and submission. No dissent or discussion is allowed. It seems like we
had more freedom before Armageddon. I never thought I would be
nostalgic about the old world
DAY 111
I can't take it here anymore. I am going to travel to my brother's
place, about a hundred miles from here. Traveling on foot I think I
can make it in about five days. I wish I could get gasoline for my
car. I'll have to sneak out since the elders still aren't giving
anyone permission to travel. I have stored some food and plan to leave
tonight after the curfew. I hope my brother is still alive, maybe he
will know if Mom and Dad are okay.
DAY 112
I made it out of town today. I wonder if they miss me yet? The
destruction in the countryside is incredible. How will we ever rebuild
everything? I've seen quite a few skeletons already. I guess there Is
still a lot of burial work to do before we build a paradise.
DAY 113
I ran into a group of brothers from Westview congregation. I was
detained at gunpoint! Brother Thorn had gotten word to them to be on
the outlook for me. I am furious. Why can't I visit my brother?
DAY 114
Ed Thorn and two ministerial servants arrived today to escort me back
"home". They were all carrying guns.
DAY 115
After my attempted escape and several other disciplinary problems
involving other brothers, the elders have now set up a gun-toting
police force. I was, of course, disfellowshipped at the morning
meeting. I have been assigned to latrine duty.
DAY 116
I was instructed to report to the Kingdom Hall after work for
"additional instruction." I saw Sam Greene and a couple of other
"troublemaker's" there. We were subjected to an hour of
"reindoctrination," mostly the usual crap about maintaining a
servant's spirit and not to think too much of ourselves. We were told
to come back next week for more of the same.
DAY 123
I blew up today at the reindoctrination meeting. I told Ed Thorn that
I was sick of him acting like a theocratic Hitler. I also told him
that I was leaving the community and that he better not try to stop
me. My mistake. Thorn called his police force in and had me arrested.
I am being detained under armed guard in a makeshift jail cell in the
Kingdom Hall basement.

DAY 124
My judicial hearing is scheduled for tomorrow. Sam Greene came by to
see me. When the guards were out of ear shot, he told me that his
efforts to contact the Society about the local elders had done no
good. He had been told by the Society to keep quiet and obey the
elders without question. Sam is very depressed about this and about my
situation.
DAY 125
My judicial hearing was held today. Ed Thorn acted as lead prosecutor.
I, of course had no defense counsel and could call no witnesses. After
the hearing which was held in secret, I was judged guilty of being an
unrepentant apostate. I was solemnly informed that according to the
Society's instructions (as contained in "ORGANIZATION FOR THE NEW
WORLD"), the punishment for apostasy is death by stoning. My execution
is scheduled for tomorrow.
DAY 126
Well, this is the end. Later today, I will be led out for my execution
by stoning. I would rather be shot in the back of the head, but the
Society obviously feels that stoning provides a better object lesson.
If I get a chance I will throw one of the rocks back at Ed Thorn. The
funny thing is that I don't really feel so bad about my impending
demise. This New World Society is not my idea of a paradise and I
don't want to live with these people for all eternity. From paradise
lost to paradise regained to paradise lost again.

EPILOGUE
Everyone turned out for my stoning, even the kids. Ed Thorn solemnly
pronounced my death sentence and then quoted scripture telling
everyone to "not to let their eye feel sorry." No one did. My only
regret is that they tied my hands behind my back so that I couldn't
return any of their rocks with interest. Not very sporting. The last
thing I saw before the lights went out was a sickening smirk on
Thorn's face. Then I woke up. In Heaven. And there was St. Peter.
"Welcome to Paradise, my child" he said as he gently took my hand.
Confused, I said "But I thought paradise was back on Earth with the
Witnesses." "No," explained St. Peter, "That was Hell."

fahrvegnugen

lol...luv the ending

James Free

I enjoyed reading that. I am so glad I will never face such a life. I knew one Witness who felt she could never live in paradise with the others in her congregation - all the gossip and politics and judgmental attitudes. She also couldn't turn her back on the JW's because of all the feelings of guilt that gave her. Then she had a brainwave - she decided she couldn't stand the thought of living with that lot because she was of the 144000! That was Ok up to a point, but the congregation never accepted that she was 'really' one of the 144000 and the elders even came to talk to her before each memorial to suggest she reconsider. Arrogant lot. Finally she left the Org. Your story above reminded me of the reasons she couldn't stand the idea of living forever with them!

erandir

Now that is better than a M. Night Shamylan (sp) movie! Loved it!

Justahuman24

LOVED reading this post! Very funny and interesting.

Send it to the WTS or to the congregation(s). I'm sure they'd love it. haha

Justahuman - but super nonetheless

usedtogo

Hello

You have next years number one box office hit.

I always wonder what it would be like after armageddon, i would like to show my family this but they might stone me and not the good kind of stoning.

Thanks for sharing it.

Open Mind

The Diary of an Armageddon Survivor

reneeisorym

fahrvegnugen

James Free

erandir

Justahuman24

usedtogo

reneeisorym

poppers

5go

Open mind

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