Posts by Make Lemonade

18

2 J dubs at my door this morning .

by smiddy in

jw
friends

my wife and i are presently interstate house sitting for a freind , and this morning 2 jw`s called unexpectedly of course .

after their introducing themselves.

they offered the invitation to the memmorial which i rejected , then let him present his spiel , nothing has changed by the way .. i had them their for about an hour , i`m on holidays nothing better to do this morning except keep them away from other doors .and of course they were prepared to stay.

Make Lemonade

Smiddy: enjoyed your enthusiasm and wished I was there. You might enjoy going with me to the "stands" or "tables" that are easy to find in my area. I was inspired to ask two question of the witnesses as a matter of personal education.

1) Who are the two witnesses of Rev. 11:3?

2) Have you ever heard of the creative days being 7,000 years long?

So far 9 witnesses have no knowledge of who the two witnesses are and 8 never heard of the creative days being 7,000 years long.

One witness man in his 40s said: "some speculated that the creative days were 7,000 years long" So I asked him, who? He answered, "I do not know"

Mind you I gave him an hour to research my questions before I returned for his answer. This confirms what "some" were telling me about the current beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses. Things are changing as fast as the G.B. can pull it off.

9

A Time to Heal.....even when we caused the wound

by donny in

1991 was the last full year i was an active jw.

when i formally resigned in september 1992 my now ex-wife had already pretty much took all of the bound volumes and other society literature.. .

the only thing i was left with was a few copies of the nwt and the 1991 bound volumes the watchtower and awake!

Make Lemonade

I have heard rumors of disagreements between the service department and writting department regarding how child abuse matters should be handled. I believe I have experienced that disfunction. This very well could be a root cause of the failures of Jehovah's Witnesses regarding abuse victims. The article you quote is an example of "left hand not knowing what the right hand is doing". Or an egotistical competition to be the top dog between departments. Or both. The victims coming forward are enough evidance something is terribly wrong. It just screams: WAKE UP G.B. AND SOLVE THE INTERNAL PROBLEMS FOR THE VICTIMS AND FUTURE VICTIMS.

If the G.B. followed the advice in this article, in principle, what might we expect from them. I personally would like them to view every you tube video about abuse victims who are or were witnesses. Read every blog by victims of abuse. Then be given the task to heal their pains personally. Why not? Those families and victims are or were under their care at the time of their abuse. Would that not be an example of taking the leed?

I agree with your viewpoint about this article. The fact that this article was written in 1991 is very frustrating to me as well. Even the elders dissfellowshipping me agree that "horrible things have happened to you and your family". We are not victims of abuse, but victims of a dysfunctional organization covering up an image. What image? We are God's Channel of comunication. A test of loyalty to the followers, but a thought denied by leadership in court testimony.

You don't believe me? I challenge you to read court documents. The Candice Conti Court documents. Read the Compos Court documents. What happened in Australia. Britain. It is all over the world. Anything you can find. You will see the pattern for yourself. Do not be comfortable if you are an elder, or father, or mother, or young person in the organization at this time. Do not feel you can remain in the shadows forever. This will have to be settled for all Jehovah's Witnesses to have true peace. It is good to let your conscience be disturbed. Follow your hearts and investigate. Could save you, or someone you love, much pain in the future.

With concerned love

Make Lemonade

126

This is my first post

by Make Lemonade in

i wanted to express appreciation to the members of this forum.

there are resources here that are deep.

like we heard from the stage, "what is your depth and breadth of bible knowledge?

Make Lemonade

Even though the anouncement has not been made that I am dissfellowshipped, it has proved to be a real benefit for me and my family.

Some background will help you to appreciate the above statement. I stepped down as an elder in 2008. Between 2008 and 2010 I served as "an elder without the title". That designation was coined by two elders who never wanted me to step down in the first place. I rather liked the idea of doing things because I wanted to. So, after a period of my serving without the title, one elder said to me: "you never missed a beat in serving your brothers" . Of course I had the nasty elders working from the shadows with their hidden agenda. We have to leave that part for another time. Anyway, I put in pioneer hours without signing up. Spent much time visiting friends in the hospital. I Continued to act on behalf of patients representing their wishes about blood. Many of the friends including elders sought my advice. Gradually I came to realize that I needed to put distance between myself and the congregation. I let the elders know my reasons for not attending and without exception they all agreed with my reasons. My staying would cause divisions and nobody wanted that.

Even though I put some distance between myself and the congregation many friends have continued to ask for help and show concern. We were happy to be cordial and helpful when possible. Never did we become aggressive or make any overt actions. Basically responded to the events as they arose. Being subpoenaed by the New York Corporation of Jehovah's Witnesses was a big deal. We have wrapped that up by being notified that I will be D.F.d. Now to the point.

Two days ago we recieved a phone call at 10:30 p.m., from a disfellowshipped male witness. He wanted help from me. He asked if he could stay at my home for a few days. In the past we gave him and his wife support. Lent them money. Hired him when he was out of work. Things like that. What was different about this time was our knowledge of why he is D.F.d. His wife recently told me "things she did not tell the elders" about this individual. No way could I put my family in harm's way. My answer to him was: "I am D.F.d and it would be impossible for you to stay here". I gave him the phone # of the elders who are working with him. Also, told him to call me back if they would not do anything for you. After he hung up we looked up shelters and considered other secular assitance to help him.

We recieved no more calls from him and count it as a protection that we avoided a dangerous situation.

That is how to Make Lemonade

Peace to you all

126

This is my first post

by Make Lemonade in

i wanted to express appreciation to the members of this forum.

there are resources here that are deep.

like we heard from the stage, "what is your depth and breadth of bible knowledge?

Make Lemonade

Band on the run: Great to hear first hand history. I mentioned one elder who believed 1975 was the end. When 1975 came and went He was treated like a veteran who returned from a war and greeted as "a baby killer". In my opinion it was slow torture for him. I loved him as a person for all that he did for me. Those who denied the facts about 1975 absolutly hurt those who sincerely believed that 1975 was the end.

At a D.C. I heard a talk about what the society had said about 1975. It was brought out that the brothers found 8 comments regarding 1975. Four could be taken as pro 1975 being the end, and 4 that said 1975 should not counted on as the end. Also the speaker said something close to this: "It is unfortunate that many paid attention to the 4 comments favorable to 1975 being the end, and not to the 4 comments that are unfavorable to 1975 being the end" . I was an attendant who happened upon the speaker and took the opportunity to express how important I thought his talk was. He told me "it was the first time the society was apoligizing for what happened about 1975". I was relieved and excited that people like my friend would receive some relief.

That relief was quickly extinguished when I excitedly said to a witness at the same assembly: That talk was an apology for what the society said regarding 1975". The response: "Apology?, the society has nothing to apologies for". I was stunned since the speaker had just told me it was an apology. Looking back it all fits a pattern. That pattern can be summed up by a cliche, "That is the way the Watchtower dog hunts".

Gypsy Sam and John Mann: Nice to meet you. This site is better than the old Ham radio for connecting to the world

LisaRose: I have read your comments on other posts. I recognize words of wisdom born from expierance. Thanks for sharing.

I am sticking around home today and will return shortly with something to share.

58

What are you reading right now??

by DATA-DOG in

jw
friends

i am reading "stranger in a strange land" by robert a. heinlein.

i read it over 20 years ago.

now i am reading it from a completely different perspective.

Make Lemonade

Recently finished:

Armaggeddon Now!

The Premillenarian Response To Russia and Israel Since 1917

Dwight Wilson (1977)

Forward (1991 printing) "It only takes one false prophecy to make a false prophet"

Working on:

The Babylonian Theory Of The Planets

15

Need an ex-elder or someone who knows

by Roberta804 in

it has been a long time since i have been here, but i need you guys now.

my mother-in-law is on her death been; most likely will not make it though the night.

my husband and i have sat with her for the past two days, she is totally unconcious.

Make Lemonade

I was an elder for some time. One of the most recent memerial talks I gave was for an unbelieving husband. The wife was a struggling sister. Son had joined the marines corp one year before. He attended the memorial in his full dress marine uniform. The daughter wanted nothing to do with the Jehovah's witness religion. She attended with her boy friend. The audience was a mixture of witnesses and non witnesses. Even elders attended. The place was a funeral home. I gave the talk. The son spoke to the audience in his full dress marine uniform. The son spoke of his love for his father. He explained that he joined the marines because of his father. The last thing I did before the prayer was explain the deceased love of contry music. We then played the deceased's favorite country song.

After the ceremony the group stayed to talk to one another. No one said anything discouraging. To the contrary, all I heard was positive comments from witnesses and non witnesses. The son, daughter, and mom live with mutual respect for each others beliefs to this day. Much good came from that cooperation at the memorial.

All our circumstances are different. Not trying to make any rules here. Just sharing something that I was happy to be a part of as an elder in good standing.

44

Newcomers to TTATT: Beware of "New Study Mode"!

by Londo111 in

jw
friends

weve all heard it.

a person starts studying with jehovahs witnesses and love what they are learning so much that they cant stop talking about it.

bubbling with enthusiasm, they spill everything they are learning with their friends and family...or anybody who will listen.

Make Lemonade

You're right, Londo. "We all need support"

It makes me wish I would have joined earlier.

126

This is my first post

by Make Lemonade in

i wanted to express appreciation to the members of this forum.

there are resources here that are deep.

like we heard from the stage, "what is your depth and breadth of bible knowledge?

Make Lemonade

Thanks

Will check in later. Going to leave for work.

44

Newcomers to TTATT: Beware of "New Study Mode"!

by Londo111 in

jw
friends

weve all heard it.

a person starts studying with jehovahs witnesses and love what they are learning so much that they cant stop talking about it.

bubbling with enthusiasm, they spill everything they are learning with their friends and family...or anybody who will listen.

Make Lemonade

This is absolutely a subject that will be ongoing for us all. We are and have been discussing issues with elders, friends, and family. My wifes' mother decided to shun her months ago. One main reason was my wife saying she hoped Candice Conti wins her case because it will help other victims. Big mistake for keeping up a long term relationship with devote JWS.

Some succesful conversations are started with questions that we do not answer. Who are the two witnesses in Rev 11:3?. What did the Bible students believe about 1914? What does the Chryler emblem have in common with the "Finished Mystery" book? Have you ever considered what Jeremiah 52:28-30 says when learning how the 70 years were fullfilled ? Have you ever heard that each creative day was 7,000 years long?

We have great discussions when we do not force or preach.

Londo you have been a great help to me and my family. Thanks

126

This is my first post

by Make Lemonade in

i wanted to express appreciation to the members of this forum.

there are resources here that are deep.

like we heard from the stage, "what is your depth and breadth of bible knowledge?

Make Lemonade

Update:

We (family, friends, and victim) are talking about what can be done to help others. The balance is not to hurt the victim, but to help others avoid the emotional pain. Our discussions are about carefully considerating what will be best for all.

Your insights would be greatly appreciated and of value right now.

The father is now livid. Last night he told me the WT. lawyers are giving him an ultimatum. Sign an agreement not appeal or we will sue you for court cost (est. $25,000 to $30,000)

To the father this is salt in the wounds. At the end of his deposition the four WT. lawyers apologized for what had happened to his daughter. His view of this ultimatum is that it betrays a lack of sincerity about the apology given.

The expression that comes to mind is: "nothing personal just business"