I saw the coordinator heading for the stage and hit record on my ipad. I was shocked but here it is. Here's my typed transcript of the letter he read:
..."I find it necessary to inform you of some recent developments. Sadly, on Thursday of last week, Joy and I received a letter from the branch office which has determined that we should transfer to the regular pioneer activity. This will go into effect December 1, 2015, just a month away. I know that this comes as a surprise to you. We were surprised as well.
"We did not think it would have been best to announce this during our interview during our circuit assembly last weekend. It would have distracting to the program that followed our interview. Additionally the friends who attended the first assembly two weeks ago would not have heard about it accept by hearsay. Therefore we decided to have it announced by letter in this manner. I'm sure that you will have questions to ask regarding our transition. We are at a disadvantage as we honestly have few answers at this time. Almost all of the visits that have been scheduled will be covered by a substitute circuit overseer. I am arranging for and scheduling them now. The branch office will appoint another circuit overseer in due time and will inform you by letter. For those congregations we have visited, we thank you for your support during the week of activity and for your hospitality. For those congregations that we will not get to visit we are saddened that we will not have some time together. However please be assured of our love. We are confident that you will be cared for by Jehovah's organization. As for Joy and myself, we spent sometime with our respective families before we transitioned to another assignment in Jehovah's service.
"In this time of dramatic change, we all have to be flexible in our expectation. We have recently heard of special pioneers, temporary special pioneers, temporary bethelites and bethelites who have been reassigned to other forms of service. We are all confident of Jehovah's direction by way of the governing body and by way of the branch. What a rich life Jehovah has provided for us. We are assured nor he nor his organization will forget the labors we have performed for his name. May Jehovah continue to be with all of you. Your brother, William G. Redd