My brief encounter was positive. For a early 90ties special convention in Germany seven GB members visited. Jaracz and Henchel came to our hall unannounced. We had many visitors that day due to the convention ahead. I was there early to prepare the mics and literature. Henchel came in alone and early while the hall was still empty, he was tall and wore a hat. He went straight to the second row from the back and sat by the window. I thought he was a disfellowshipped person because of his shy behaviour. Not being sure I went over to say hello to him. Henchel stood up and shook by hand but shied away from a conversation. When the PO came he told me Henchel will be giving the talk and asked if he had arrived. I said I don’t know, don’t think so. Only briefly before the meeting started did we realise who the old man in the back of the hall was. Every one was exited and nervous, especially the elders. I thought, wow, MG is really humble.
Jaracz entrance was very different, he came not long before the meeting started and had a delegation following him. Every eye turned to see the GB member. The PO welcomed him and told TJ how privileged we feel about his visit. And that was very true! The PO told me that now Jaracz will deliver the talk and what song to be played. Then TJ spoke the opening prayer. I was disappointed by his talk, because I thought COs are good speakers, the DOs are even better, so the GBs should be the very best. His talk was ok but not what I expected it to be like. In his talk he said that he was Christian (don’t remember the domination) before he became jw and never read the bible then. Only through the society did he learn to find scriptures and understand and use them. Henchel gave the concluding prayer after the wt study.
Now they were both surrounded by all in attendance. I felt privileged to sake TJ’s hand, he gave a warm handshake and continued to the next person. It was impossible to converse, since everybody wanted to meet them. The GB members seemed friendly, I was more disturbed by the behaviour of the people around them. Jaracz seemed much more important then Henchel, I thought it was due to age. fts