This is a complex terrible situation and glib comments about politicians remaining overseas are cheap shots. There have been thousands of people rioting and looting at times which is still a tiny fraction of the 60 million people who live on these shores. Criminal gangs are making the most of the stretched resources of the MET (London police force). The media frenzy whilst attempting to get to the real stories and putting itself in dangerous positions does little to reduce any panic.
For those that are directly affected I hope they stay safe.
mmxiv
let me start with: i havent been to a meeting in almost 2 years, i am "inactive" and the only contact i have w the jw is the an open minded jw friend who i talk to....since i left, i have done what i want, travel, get my nose pierced again (had it pierced before i baptized but they gave me hell for it, even thought the bible doesnt say anything bad about nose piercings) and hang out w "wordly" friends who smoke, drink and swear.... i don't smoke but lately i have been giving this friend a ride and he is a-pack a day type of guy... he left his pack in my car yesterday..... so, i am working evenings this week on a special project, and this morning i decided to run some errands.
i was hungry so i stopped at macdonalds to grab some coffee... i placed my order thru the drive thru and pull over to the pay window, as i look for the money the drive-thru attendant says "wow, hello free!
", i look up and omfg one of the brothers from my congo... i acted like normal (sorry but i dont get nervous of agitated when i see a jw, i just dont give a dang) and smiled and made short conversation, while he is tellng me how much he misses seeing me at the hall, i see his eyes going between my piercing, my jet black goth hair and the pack of cigarettes on my passenger seat.... .
i'm sort of angry right now.. no, not angry..... i'm shaky.
at least, when i lift my cup of coffee to my lips, sitting here at starbucks, my hand is trembly.. i hate that!.
the power they have to still reach me on some hidden point that hides in the corners of my very being.... .
Terry,
If that was me in the back of the car - what you said would have made more impact on me than any doctrinal discussion or point scoring. Incredible story. And the fact you spoke like a victim gave it huge impact. The only down side is that because you spoke like a victim it brings back the feelings of a victim - something you don't see yourself as anymore. Don't say anything different next time.
mmxiv
found this article on a "gay like" man that was refused and it got me to wondering..i really didn't know the rules!.
http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/man-says-rejected-blood-bank-seeming-gay-151627659.html.
an indiana man says a blood donation center rejected him as a donor because he appears to be gay--even though he isn't.. .
hey - it's been a long time since being here...
I gave blood 2 days ago in the UK and there are lots of personal, health and lifestyle questions. I was not allowed to donate on two occasions in the past. Once due to having had a recent cold. The other time due to a travel destination they considered a potential maleria risk.
It's only since I gave blood and saw the lengths they went to to ensure the quality that I am now confident about receiving blood if necessary.
There should be restrictions if it reduces the risk of there being contaminated blood - no matter how unpolitically correct that is or who gets offended by it - the end justifies the means in this case.
mmxiv
so did anyone notice the statement on page 11, paragraph 11?
"if a brother has been baptized at least one year and to a reasonable degree meets the scriptural qualifications fo rministerial servants outlined at 1 timothy 3:8-13, he can be recommended for appointment.
" i thought paul specifically warned against appointing a "newly converted man"?
I was an MS a year after being dunked. I thought I was the youngest in the UK but a few years later I knew a 16 year old who became an MS. We were both totally worthy, of serious mind and excelled in our microphone duties. Bit embarrassing taking the BS on the revelation book though - like how was I qualified to talk deep prophecy with a group of old people when I was so young I'd never even kissed a girl?
mmxiv
simon.
as most people seem to have worked out the private discussion and support part of the forum is not private beyond requiring a username.. today nugget and cantleave are having printouts of their posts in this section being used in evidence at their jc.. http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/members/private/204436/1/nugget-and-cantleave-are-no-longer-jehovahs-witnesses.
my suggestion is, if its possible, to create an invite-only section of the board for truly private support.. .
It's a really good idea even if my humble post count will exclude me for a few years to come.
One question - we know the WTS has members who monitor here and maybe post as well. It may take them a while but some bethelite might eventually infiltrate over time. I wouldn't put personal information in a private area that one day could be compromised.
mmxiv
from memory once a month someone would read out the accounts report from the platform.
this usually said how much went in, how much went out and what the balance was.
details were given as to utility bills etc.. at circuit and district assemblies no details were given, apart from the fact that we were always in a deficit by the sunday lunchtime.. has anyone asked or can anyone ask to see the details?
Hi ThomasCovenant
That should last them about 20 years without any more contributions needing to be asked for.
Why keep saying ''we're short''?
They've got £0.7m in the bank, enough to keep everything running for four years without any more contributions. The remaining assets are the Hall itself. When they mention they are short they normally use phrases like "there is a deficit for this assembly so far of £xxx" and read it out on a Sunday lunchtime. They want each weekend to break even or make a little so they don't have to dip into their £0.7m bank balance!
I certainly wouldn't consider myself short of a penny if I had £0.7m in the bank
hope that helps
mmxiv
had a surprise visit from some jw relatives over xmas.
they had never visited before, had never been invited, were travelling out of their way and despite having planned to "stop by" gave no advanced warning such as a phone call even a few minutes ahead of time to see if it was convenient.
they stood at the door apologising for not phoning in advance but offered no reason other than that they'd decided not to call.. when invited in they had little to say (perhaps disappointed??).
meeting Junkie,
A good observation. I think they are in a conscious class but one of their own. They can laugh at the ludicrous teachings in the revelation book, the hypocracy of some of the backstabbing people in the congragation, never do more than they have to on FS and make lots of excuses for missing meetings. That's the good stuff.
Sadly they are transparently dishonest, selfish and very pious with it. They are in it to control others - I hope they never leave as they're such a bad advert for JW's that they'll put more people off joining if they stay in. Is that a truly bad thought?
I think of them every xmas when Mr Scrooge comes on TV because they'd probably steal gifts rather than bring any - no jesting
mmxiv