Posts by ezekiel3

6

NEW BLOOD CARDS?

by whyme in

jw
friends

-it's been awhile o.k .

so at 17 i made the quick decison to just stop carrying around my blood card.

i don't think i realized it then but i think that was when i decided to just free myself from the society.

ezekiel3

See this post under "Blood" for more details.

http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/16/82625/1.ashx

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Jehovahs protection during disasters - need WT article

by Bonnie_Clyde in

after reading the posts about the witnesses who attended the kingdom hall on the east side of the island in sri lanka and were not affected by the tsunami, and the story about the two brothers who were in service up in the mountains instead of sunbathing and they were spared, made me think of a couple of articles i read in the wt several years ago.

one was about a tornado in elkhart, indiana.

it may have been the palm sunday tornado of 1964. the witnesses who attended the meeting were safe, but some who did not attend were killed.

ezekiel3

From Draw Close to Jehovah:

*** cl chap. 7 pp. 72-74 Protective Power?"God Is for Us a Refuge" ***
What Divine Protection Does Not Mean
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The promise of divine protection does not mean that Jehovah is obligated to work miracles in our behalf. No, our God does not guarantee us a problem-free life in this old system. Many faithful servants of Jehovah face severe adversities, including poverty, war, sickness, and death. Jesus plainly told his disciples that as individuals they might be put to death because of their faith. That is why Jesus stressed the need for endurance to the end. (Matthew 24:9, 13) If Jehovah were to use his power to effect miraculous deliverance in all cases, there might be a basis for Satan to taunt Jehovah and to call into question the genuineness of our devotion to our God.?Job 1:9, 10.
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Even in Bible times, Jehovah did not use his protective power to shield each of his servants from untimely death. For example, the apostle James was executed by Herod in about 44 C.E.; yet, shortly afterward, Peter was delivered "out of Herod?s hand." (Acts 12:1-11) And John, the brother of James, outlived both Peter and James. Clearly, we cannot expect our God to protect all his servants in identical ways. Besides, "time and unforeseen occurrence" befall us all. (Ecclesiastes 9:11) How, then, does Jehovah protect us today?
Jehovah
Provides Physical Protection
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Consider, first, the matter of physical protection. As Jehovah?s worshipers, we can expect such protection as a group. Otherwise, we would be easy prey for Satan. Think about this: Satan, "the ruler of this world," would like nothing more than to eliminate true worship. (John 12:31; Revelation 12:17) Some of the most powerful governments on earth have banned our preaching work and have tried to wipe us out completely. Yet, Jehovah?s people have remained firm and have continued to preach without letup! Why have mighty nations been unable to put a stop to the activity of this relatively small and seemingly defenseless group of Christians? Because Jehovah has shielded us with his powerful wings!?Psalm 17:7, 8.
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What about physical protection during the coming "great tribulation"? We need not fear the execution of God?s judgments. After all, "Jehovah knows how to deliver people of godly devotion out of trial, but to reserve unrighteous people for the day of judgment to be cut off." (Revelation 7:14; 2 Peter 2:9) In the meantime, we can always be certain of two things. First, Jehovah will never allow his loyal servants to be effaced from the earth. Second, he will reward integrity keepers with everlasting life in his righteous new world?if necessary, by means of a resurrection. For those who die, there is no safer place to be than in God?s memory.?John 5:28, 29.
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Even now, Jehovah safeguards us through his living "word," which has the motivating power to heal hearts and reform lives. (Hebrews 4:12) By applying its principles, we can in some respects be protected from physical harm. "I, Jehovah, am . . . teaching you to benefit yourself," says Isaiah 48:17. Without question, living in harmony with God?s Word can improve our health and extend our life. For example, because we apply the Bible?s counsel to abstain from fornication and to cleanse ourselves of defilement, we avoid the unclean practices and hurtful habits that wreak havoc in the lives of many ungodly ones. (Acts 15:29; 2 Corinthians 7:1) How thankful we are for the protection of God?s Word!

No guarantees. But that doesn't stop the rumors. Most JWs will say that if Jehovah "needs you" for the outworking of his purpose you would be saved.

56

How does the society explain 5 more partakers at the Memorial?

by lv4fer in

jw
friends

i think it's kind of funny.

how do they explain more people this year than lasts?

i thought the number was suppose to get lower as they died off?

ezekiel3

What a conundrum.

I remember 2004 Memorial "pre-season" was a heavy dose of instruction about who are really anointed, partaking, essentially "DON'T PARTAKE, YOU ARE MESSING UP OUR NUMBERS."

The memorial talk was 30 minutes of "DON'T PARTAKE" (I am not joking, but interesting because there are no "anointed" in our congregation.)

And the numbers go up. At least the WTS isn't bluffing the numbers here, although it is obvious even to WTS headquarters the partaker count is bogus.

Look for a strong article in the WT on partaking leading up to the 2005 Memorial.

14

Details on "Advance Health Care Directive"

by ezekiel3 in

the ?blood card?

and dpa have been combined into one document that folds into a business card size.

(unfolded it measures 6.75 x 8.5 inches / 17 x 21.5 cm.

ezekiel3

The letter also included a modification to the written outline for the talk in the service meeting. It said that those who thought their wishes regarding medical treatment were not represented by either of the three options (a) - (c) in sections 3 and 4, would have other options available in a document to be added to the DPA/blood card.

Thank you for adding this, I failed to mention it myself. This was also mentioned during our meeting.

Your take on the "generals" is interesting. It does seem that the issue of the AHCD has been clumsy at least.

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WTS Cashes In On Tsunami

by ezekiel3 in

in an informal announcement at service meetings this week (corroborated by the question box in the january 2005 our kingdom ministry, pg 7) jws interested in contributing to the asian tsunami disaster should contribute directly to the "worldwide work" (the general fund).. the entire article referenced above: .

what is the best way to make contributions for the benefit of needy brothers in other lands?.

at times, we hear about brothers in another land who have come into material need because of persecution, disaster, or other difficult circumstances.

ezekiel3

I think i just get fed up of the Hypocrisy of someone going to Meetings,probably answering up,doing Talks etc,etc and then rushing here to slag off the very Org he is claiming (to his Religious Peers anyway)to be part of.It probably pisses me off because i would hate it if my Parents (devout Jw,s but very good,genuine People )were duped by People such as Ezekiel.

Before I roll up my sleeves on this matter, I want the issue of this thread to stay on topic, and encourage everyone to contribute to a reputable charity for the myriads of victims affected by the tsnami.

Now to Knat. Before you pick a fight with me in the third person on my own thread, step back and consider that we share this site as recovering JWs. Just because I am cloaked as an active JW doesn't mean I not in the same boat with you. I made the difficult choice to stay active to maintain my family and friends - who would otherwise be torn away from me in typical cult fashion. And I respect everyone here who have made an even more difficult choice: to leave their JW life entirely.

Instead I have made use of my status to inform exJWs of the rediculous policies that continue to oppress and misinform JWs "in the bubble." Yes Knat, that includes your parents. But remember this well. I'm not the one duping them, the WTS is. The fact that you contribute to this discussion shows you to have little or no respect for JWs. So let's play nice and try to respect each other's positions. I'll assume you were raised JW as I was. So we understand that about each other.

Within 3 months the Awake! will have a full spread on the tsunami disaster for immediate distribution and the GB will be laughing all the way to the bank. But what will they have really done to help? Proclaim that Jesus could calm the sea and to trust in God's kingdom coming soon, very soon? Let's focus on the real hypocrisy here, shall we?

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Details on "Advance Health Care Directive"

by ezekiel3 in

the ?blood card?

and dpa have been combined into one document that folds into a business card size.

(unfolded it measures 6.75 x 8.5 inches / 17 x 21.5 cm.

ezekiel3

The ?Blood Card? and DPA have been combined into one document that folds into a business card size. (Unfolded it measures 6.75 x 8.5 inches / 17 x 21.5 cm.) This document is called the ?Advance Health Care Directive? (AHCD). It still features the iconic NO BLOOD with the red circle/bar around a blood dispenser. It is designed to be carried on your person, although copies should be made for various persons, including your ?health-care agent? (the person you authorize to make medical decisions for you if you are incapacitated), your doctor, and the congregation secretary (not required, but recommended).

One of the reasons for the AHCD is that it has been recognized that not all (most?) JWs have not been completing the DPA document, and instead relying on the classic blood card. By combining the two, the WTS can provide complete legal protection for refusal of blood.

Each state of the USA will have its own custom tailored AHCD to conform to state laws.

Another feature of the AHCD is the multiple choice options based on the recent understanding of blood ?parts.? The following is quoted from the AHCD (the bold is part of the original text):

2. I am one of Jehovah?s Witnesses, and I direct that NO TRANSFUSIONS of whole blood, red cells, white cells, platelets, or plasma be given me under any circumstances, even if health-care providers believe that such are necessary to preserve my life. I refuse to predonate and store my blood for later infusion.
3. Regarding minor fractions of blood: [Initial those that apply] a) ____ I REFUSE ALL (b) ____I REFUSE ALL EXCEPT:_____ (c) I may be willing to accept some minor blood fractions, but the details will have to be discussed with me if I am conscious or with my health-care agent in case of my incapacity.
4. Regarding medical procedures involving the use of my own blood, except diagnostic procedures, such as blood samples for testing: [initial those that apply] a) ____ I REFUSE ALL (b) ____ I REFUSE ALL EXCEPT:_____ (c) I may be willing to accept certain medical procedures involving my blood, but the details will have to be discussed with me if I am conscious or with my health-care agent in case of my incapacity.

A ?Health-Care Agent,? and ?Alternate Health-Care Agent? and two witnesses (in the legal sense, that is) are required to sign as well as the cardholder. It was stated that the health-care agent is not liable legally or for costs arising from the situation.

The AHCD is valid indefinitely, although any changes to the document require new signatures. The old ?Identity Card? used by un-baptized minors is still to be used. Non-JWs may copy the document for themselves but are not to use the official AHCD.

JWs are currently instructed not to complete, or even fold the AHCD (this is because you need to copy the card, and Big Brother is afraid of creases). The book study overseers will have further instructions at a later time. No doubt, this provision will also ensure compliance. Until this happens JWs are encouraged to research recent Watchtower and Awake! articles dealing with blood so as to complete the AHCD with a Bible-trained conscience.

IMO most JWs will sign off ?I REFUSE ALL.? This thinking was re-enforced by a very strong talk immediately after the introduction of the AHCD entitled ?The Role of Your Conscience.? During this talk the classic double-edge reasoning was given, essentially: JWs live by principles, but if anyone else is offended, we live by their principles. The WTS is clearly speaking out of both sides of its mouth when it comes to blood and conscience.

Reference for review: Watchtower 6/15/00, 10/15/00; Awake! 1/8/00, 10/22/91.

46

WTS Cashes In On Tsunami

by ezekiel3 in

in an informal announcement at service meetings this week (corroborated by the question box in the january 2005 our kingdom ministry, pg 7) jws interested in contributing to the asian tsunami disaster should contribute directly to the "worldwide work" (the general fund).. the entire article referenced above: .

what is the best way to make contributions for the benefit of needy brothers in other lands?.

at times, we hear about brothers in another land who have come into material need because of persecution, disaster, or other difficult circumstances.

ezekiel3

Flea,

Ezekiel,if your that upset by the announcement at the hall,just give to the Red Cross and stop going to Meetings.

Actually the WTS does not upset me at all. It's the mind-numb R&F that going to stuff the cash boxes that do. Two striking points should leap out to any objective observer:

1) The entire premise is flawed: "What is the best way to make contributions for the benefit of needy brothers in other lands?" What about non-JWs?? Are JWs that religio-centric that they only care for their own? I think not. But the article does not address that at all.

2) Why not set up a special fund? We are talking about a 100,000 immediately dead, and more to die of disease; this already marked as the greatest natural disaster in our memory. WTs has arranged this with many special projects before. My hall had four separate contribution boxes at the same time for a while!

I cannot believe that the WTS stuffed this piece in the KM because of the tsunami. The timing is impossible. But to capitalize on the tsumani is crass and tackless.

There is no accountability for the cash when contributed to the "world-wide work." The faithful JW will reason that they are trusting in Jehovah to distribute the money as He sees fit. The WTS is happy to let them think just that.

46

WTS Cashes In On Tsunami

by ezekiel3 in

in an informal announcement at service meetings this week (corroborated by the question box in the january 2005 our kingdom ministry, pg 7) jws interested in contributing to the asian tsunami disaster should contribute directly to the "worldwide work" (the general fund).. the entire article referenced above: .

what is the best way to make contributions for the benefit of needy brothers in other lands?.

at times, we hear about brothers in another land who have come into material need because of persecution, disaster, or other difficult circumstances.

ezekiel3

In an informal announcement at Service Meetings this week (corroborated by the Question Box in the January 2005 Our Kingdom Ministry, pg 7) JWs interested in contributing to the Asian tsunami disaster should contribute directly to the "Worldwide Work" (the general fund).

The entire article referenced above:

What is the best way to make contributions for the benefit of needy brothers in other lands?
At times, we hear about brothers in another land who have come into material need because of persecution, disaster, or other difficult circumstances. Some brothers have been moved to send funds directly to the branch offices in such lands, requesting that the money be used to help a certian individual, a particular congregation, or a designated building project. -2 Cor. 8:1-4.
While such loving concern for fellow believers is commendable, often there are needs that are more urgent than those the contributor has in mind. In some cases, the designated need has been already cared for. Of course, we can be confident that when contributions are sent to the local branch office for the worldwide work, the Kingdom Hall Fund, or disaster relief, those donated funds will be used as directed by the contributor.
The brothers in all the branches have been throughly trained to respond quickly to unanticipated needs. In all cases, the branch keeps the Governing Body informed regarding the matter. If additional assistance is needed, the Governing Body may invite nearby branches to help or funds may be sent directly from headquarters. -2 Cor. 8:14,15.
Therefore, all contributions intended for the worldwide work, building projects in other lands, or disaster relief should be sent to the branch office in the land in which you live, either through the congregation or directly. In this way, "the faithful and discreet slave," through the organizational arrangements set in place by the Governing Body, cares for the needs of the worldwide brotherhood in an orderly manner. -Matt. 24:45-47; 1 Cor. 14:33,40.

I sense the WTS is about to profit handily from this horrible tragedy.

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