Several years ago, I knew a group of brothers who visited a
jail and started bible studies. The discussions, behind bars,
involved very deep scriptural subjects - far more so than
the door to door work - because the prisoners had so much time
to do nothing but study. Further, results really weren't much
different from the field ministry - some made progress, others
didn't - and local brothers could have as many bible studies
as they wanted.
Yet, few brothers volunteered - arms often had to be twisted
to get them to go. Most prefered the unproductive (or much less
productive) door to door work.
While all this foot dragging and resistance went on in local
congregations, the 'born-agains' made hay.
Groups of various gospel preachin' fundies would show up day
after day - with great enthusiasm and humor - in contrast to
the dour, forced effort put forth by a few brothers locally.
They didn't have to count hours AND THEY WERE FROM DIFFERENT
CHURCHES - yet got along well together.
It became very evident to me that Witness efforts were forced
but that the 'Jesus loves me' folks simply did it because they
ENJOYED IT! It made them happy! And their churches grew - while local
Witness congregations sputtered.
Imagine how this joyless effort plays at the doors!
If most Witness kids leave the 'truth', what kind of
impression will they transmit at the doors?
Sometimes the world is just, in its way.
The Society wants hours reported
and that - and often ONLY that
is what they're getting.
I think of those 'born agains' often - I get reminded of them
everytime I hear some vacuum skulled Witless praise the zeal
of the 'truth' over that of Christendom.
Apparently, results, proper motivation, and effectiveness
mean little to the Society - after all, these are the people
who invented the '15 minute publisher' to shore up the statistics
they find so precious.
metatron