I've got a bunch of those SL printouts, and I've got one pasted to a window in my work vehicle. Posted one at the supermarket by my house, but noticed the other day that it had been taken down. Gotta replace it.
Several weeks ago, a car load of 'hovahs pulled up next to me at a convenience store to get their lunch while out in service. I grabbed one of my SL posters and pasted it against the window so they could see it right in their face as they got out of their car. I saw some double takes, but nobody stared at it.
Suddenly I've realized that for years I've been informal witnessing without really thinking about it. Every time I do work at a church I tell the pastor a little about my experience as a 'hovah. Most of them know very little about 'hovahs. I'm going to send some SL posters and other info to the churches I've worked for, where they know me.
Most of my "worldly" friends know my story and how I feel about the WTS. No JW wannabee converts there!
I totally agree with you TR. I've been doing the same for years. Whenever someone asks about it I tell them openly about the entire thing (or as much as they want to know). They always think it's crazy.
I'm sure that I've personally stopped 5-10 people from ever becoming drones.
Slipnslidemaster:"In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice. But, in practice, there is." - Jan L.A. van de Snepscheut
After a lifetime of preaching the end of the world, I had not even come close to directing anyone toward JW's. Yet, in the last few years, I have had numerous opportunities to fill people in on the real "truth".
Although, I can't yet claim that I have cured anyone of the "truth", I have performed numerous vaccinations. (Of course, always making sure that they are blood free)
I'd say it's far far easier to prevent a JW convert than the create one. All the ingredients have to be perfect to create a new JW - especially a 'cold call' (i.e. door knocking) JW rather than the far more plentyful children/family/associates converts. Usually lonelyness or mental health problems can help create a JW
But the vast majority of people see right through the veil, and especially more so when you tell them a few things about your experiences. They all think it's pretty whacked.
Thankfully I was a very unproductive JW and converted nobody - big surprise there!
As far as I know, I never created any 'hovahs. I got a couple of "worldly" friends to come to the hall, but they never stuck around.
Just the other day, I ran into a "sister" at her place of work. I used to go to her house for book study over 10 years ago. She kind of looked at me sheepishly, apparently feeling guilt for not going to meetings lately. She mentioned that the cong is very cold toward her as they always has been. Her face brightened when I told her I hadn't been to meeting in 7 years! She told me that her son, just a little guy last time I saw him, is now in the U.S. Air Force, stationed in Japan. I gave her a "thumbs up" sign and she looked at me strangely, not expecting to get approval from me. I explained that there are things she doesn't know about the WTs that she really needs to know, and to give me a call.
She hasn't called yet, I suspect she is afraid to pursue this avenue at this point.
I hope to be doing a little of this on the wkd. Very sticky situation tho. I've been "marked". Last blow up was about a year ago. A polite family get-to-gether [my time to arrive was obviously set after others will have already left.] There will be lots of talk about the weather, pets, funny things kids do, etc. I've been trying to come up with maybe a couple of innocent questions or comments.
I think I'll ask the teenager about college plans - I know there are none. But I also think she'd love to get out of the house. My other neice is 17 & off to university and can't wait!
I just remembered my nephew. His dad is my older JW brother. When my oldest brother and I went to his graduation, we talked to him about his plans for the future. None of his plans mentioned anything remotely involving being a 'hovah. At his graduation party, there was one of those boards set up where well-wishers could write some gem of wisdom for the kid. My oldest brother and I wrote something to the effect of doing what you want, don't let others tell you what you have to do.
As soon as my nephew turned 18, he moved out of the house and out of state, working in Alaska. He recently came back to home(town in Montana) and got engaged to a "worldly" girl. My 'hovah brother and his wife seem to have accepted this situation.
Just recently, my oldest bro talked to my 'hovah bro('hovah bro won't talk to me) and 'hovah bro said his son quit going to meetings as soon as he moved out. So, looks like nephew is on the road to freedom!
