Posts by uk_ex

21

EX Jehovah's Witness on BBC WM in the United Kingdom

by uk_ex_jw in

worth a listen on the podcast.

talking on the issues of his life as a jehovah's witness and the child abuse issues.. plus a backlash afterwards by a few jw sympathisers.. http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01ffl21.

uk_ex_jw

Worth a listen on the podcast. Talking on the issues of his life as a Jehovah's Witness and the Child Abuse issues.

Plus a backlash afterwards by a few JW sympathisers.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01ffl21

86

WHAT ARE YOUR MOST VIVID, ODD, or FUNNY Memories of Conventions and Assemblies of Jehovah's Witnesses?

by Balaamsass in

share with us memories of the bizarre, funny, strange, what you hated, what you miss...we all have them.

(question..why the big to do between terms- convention and assembly .

At the old Highfield Road Stadium in Coventry, all the younger ones would head for the greasy spoon cafe (at the back of the stadium) between sessions and sit in there. Then the Elder's would turn up and order us all out. It happened every year.

The funniest thing for me was winding up one of my pals. I was watching him cosying up to a sister over in another part of the stadium - away from his family, and trying to be as discreet as possible.

Knowing that his phone was on - with one of his 'rap' tunes as the ringtone, I took out my phone and dialled his number. Then I sat back and watched the fun. He nearly jumped off his chair as the phone went off full-blast. All the people in front of him turned round to stare and then the attendants were on him.

Gotta give it him, he saw the funny side and was pointing at me in a way that he was going to get even.

The other time I set off a fire alarm at Dudley with my cellphone. The whole assembly was evacuated. I was stood next to one of those sensitive fire alarms and as I switched my phone off I heard it 'bounce' off the alarm. Next thing I knew the whole place was going off.

What made it worse was that it wasn't my assembly, so the minute I emerged from the area where the alarm was, two big burly attendants grabbed hold of me either arm, and frogmarched me down the stairs. They were asking who I was, what I had put in my pocket (they had saw me put my phone away) and what 'organisation' I belonged to. Then another older guy started berating me in front of all these disgruntled Dubs who'd had to leave their spiritual feast.

Then when they were ready to call the Police, a familiar face appeared and vouched for me. The assembly went over by 45 minutes that day.

19

OK, things are about to get messy....

by uk_ex_jw in

i have been operating as an ex-jw for over five years now.. i was never d/f or d/a - following an unsuccessful marriage to a jw and subsequent divorce, i went through quite an awful period of my life.. i was blocked from seeing my daughter by my ex-wife and her staunch jw family.. slowly my jw friends started pulling away as they didn't want to get involved.. i lost all interest in the organisation, and started to build a social circle outside of the faith.. at this point, my mother was still an active jw.. during that time, my mother wrote a letter to the bethel in london explaining to them what my ex-wife had done, and how she had been supported by her jw family.. the reply ; your son, and yourself need to work on your own spirituality.

jehovah will bless you as a result.. so that was it.. over the last 12 months, myself and my mother have spent a lot of time researching the organisation.

i gave her crisis of conscience which she has read, and now she is at the point where she doesn't believe that the organisation have the truth and hasn't been to a meeting in over a year.. yet, she has been hounded by elder's since this time.. one particular elder - imagine, the hitler-type elder who makes it his business to organise and dictate everyone's lives.

uk_ex_jw

Thankyou for all of the comments.

Let me give you all an idea of this Elder's reputation. I shall call him Elder D.

He walks around the KH like a soldier, tall, and very loud - to the point of where he wouldn't need a microphone.

Many years ago, it came to light that Elder D had 'stumbled' a 15-year-old girl out of the congregation. At the Sunday meeting, he waited for her to arrive with some of her friends to attend their meeting (the neighbouring congregation) and tore a strip off her in the foyer, in front of everybody. She said she wouldn't attend another meeting after that, and she didn't.

Following this, he went from strength to strength. Despite claims from various members of the congregation regarding his conduct, he continued as an Elder.

On one occasion, Elder D and his son offered to clean windows for a sister in the congregation. Whilst on his ladders, he spotted that the daughter - an unbaptised publisher, had posters of pop stars/pop bands etc on her wall.

Once again, Elder D verbally attacked this young girl at the KH in front of everyone. She never returned after that.

On another occasion, an unbaptised publisher was paired with Elder D as part of the Pioneer/Publisher arrangement. You know what is coming next; Yes, the UP made allegations of verbal abuse and intimidation from Elder D.

He continued to harrass the young lad after that, driving him almost to a nervous breakdown. He was calling him, writing him letters - continuing the intimidation. Eventually, this guy left home and moved 200 miles away.

On another occasion, a different Elder found out that his step-daughter had told one of the younger brothers, who she was courting, that she had taken drugs.

He told Elder D, and he started going after this guy - hammering on his door, phoning him constantly, day and night. Eventually, he moved out of his studio flat and moved in with another JW couple as he couldn't take it anymore.

Those are just some of the examples of his behaviour. He is still an Elder to this day.

19

OK, things are about to get messy....

by uk_ex_jw in

i have been operating as an ex-jw for over five years now.. i was never d/f or d/a - following an unsuccessful marriage to a jw and subsequent divorce, i went through quite an awful period of my life.. i was blocked from seeing my daughter by my ex-wife and her staunch jw family.. slowly my jw friends started pulling away as they didn't want to get involved.. i lost all interest in the organisation, and started to build a social circle outside of the faith.. at this point, my mother was still an active jw.. during that time, my mother wrote a letter to the bethel in london explaining to them what my ex-wife had done, and how she had been supported by her jw family.. the reply ; your son, and yourself need to work on your own spirituality.

jehovah will bless you as a result.. so that was it.. over the last 12 months, myself and my mother have spent a lot of time researching the organisation.

i gave her crisis of conscience which she has read, and now she is at the point where she doesn't believe that the organisation have the truth and hasn't been to a meeting in over a year.. yet, she has been hounded by elder's since this time.. one particular elder - imagine, the hitler-type elder who makes it his business to organise and dictate everyone's lives.

uk_ex_jw

I have been operating as an ex-JW for over five years now.

I was never D/F or D/A - Following an unsuccessful marriage to a JW and subsequent divorce, I went through quite an awful period of my life.

I was blocked from seeing my daughter by my ex-wife and her staunch JW family.

Slowly my JW friends started pulling away as they didn't want to get involved.

I lost all interest in the organisation, and started to build a social circle outside of the faith.

At this point, my Mother was still an active JW.

During that time, my Mother wrote a letter to the Bethel in London explaining to them what my ex-wife had done, and how she had been supported by her JW family.

The reply ; Your son, and yourself need to work on your own spirituality. Jehovah will bless you as a result.

So that was it.

Over the last 12 months, myself and my Mother have spent a lot of time researching the organisation. I gave her Crisis of Conscience which she has read, and now she is at the point where she doesn't believe that the organisation have the truth and hasn't been to a meeting in over a year.

Yet, she has been hounded by Elder's since this time.

One particular Elder - imagine, the Hitler-type Elder who makes it his business to organise and dictate everyone's lives. If you do not comply, he will make it his own mission to destroy your reputation and drive you out of the congregation.

He must have driven 5-6 people, in particular younger ones, out of the congregation over the years for not complying. He would think nothing of tearing a strip off you for turning up late, and he would do it in the foyer in front of everyone.

He has pestered my Mother for over a year now. Bombarded her with phone calls/voicemails, almost on a daily basis. Even yesterday as she was getting ready to go to work, he called at 9.00am asking to meet with her as soon as possible. She responded by telling him that she was busy and looking to sell her house shortly - which she is. He persisted and asked, when when are you NOT busy? Again, she said that she didn't want to be pinned down to a time, so he ended the call.

With regard to me, it is well documented about the JW study who I managed to convince not to go through with baptism. But, as many of you warned, it will come at a price.

I have one JW friend, an Elder's son, who despite my views, still speaks to me via Facebook and sometimes on the phone. We have been friends since childhood.

Anyway, yesterday a 'Brother' contacted him asking about my status - whether I was disfellowshipped or not.

My friend replied that I am not, but I have differing views now, and that my main gripe is paedophiles being allowed within congregations.

This guy replies, and counsels my friend. He stated that he has read my 'views' on FB through various apostate websites, that I am on the 'edge of the truth', that my friend need's to talk to me and 'wake me up' - otherwise you need to cut him off for good. He claimed he was just looking out for the spiritual well-being of my friend, but they all say that.

I want to retalliate, but for now, I have kept quiet. I would rather PM this individual. I know him from before. Does anyone have any tips?

34

JW Study - OUT!!

by uk_ex_jw in

a few months ago, i posted about a study who was getting baptised this summer at the upcoming dc.. we discussed a few things on fb.

i showed him evidence that the watchtower does not have the truth.

the last i heard was that he had gone to the elder's with the information i had given him.. i haven't heard from him since.. however, yesterday he contacted a jw, elder's son on fb.

uk_ex_jw

Cedars,

The main issue is that I am 20 miles away from their KH, so I doubt they will make any effort to come here.

I could be wrong though - but, if they were going to do it, I think they would have by now.

Marked apostate - interesting term. I just took it that they are aware of my danger, and i am marked as a result for action later - perhaps??

I am not DF or DA, so I guess I pose a worse threat as I can still speak to JW's.

This guy isn't the first who I have encourage out of the borg, and he won't be the last. I guess my reputation is starting to proceed me...

34

JW Study - OUT!!

by uk_ex_jw in

a few months ago, i posted about a study who was getting baptised this summer at the upcoming dc.. we discussed a few things on fb.

i showed him evidence that the watchtower does not have the truth.

the last i heard was that he had gone to the elder's with the information i had given him.. i haven't heard from him since.. however, yesterday he contacted a jw, elder's son on fb.

uk_ex_jw

I'm just wondering who the 'others' are who have upset him?

34

JW Study - OUT!!

by uk_ex_jw in

a few months ago, i posted about a study who was getting baptised this summer at the upcoming dc.. we discussed a few things on fb.

i showed him evidence that the watchtower does not have the truth.

the last i heard was that he had gone to the elder's with the information i had given him.. i haven't heard from him since.. however, yesterday he contacted a jw, elder's son on fb.

uk_ex_jw

A few months ago, I posted about a study who was getting baptised this summer at the upcoming DC.

We discussed a few things on FB. I showed him evidence that the Watchtower does not have the truth. The last I heard was that he had gone to the Elder's with the information I had given him.

I haven't heard from him since.

However, yesterday he contacted a JW, Elder's son on FB. It looks to me that he has left the org. Here is the post;

"Hi, yeah, I'm ok thanks.

I haven't been to a meeting in over a month now. I was sent some stuff by **my name**, it made me feel sick to be honest. It was all about the JW's and as a result, I have lost belief.

I have spoken to the Brothers, they have stated that he is a marked apostate and to be avoided at all costs. Unfortunately, I cannot get answers to the things he has put to me.

He came out of nowhere and has totally destroyed my belief in the truth, and the love I had of going to the hall.

I am embarrassed to go back now as there are a couple of other's who have made it difficult for me. I am at a loss what to do.

I was meant to be getting baptised this Summer, but now I am lost again. I only wanted to serve God, not man.

I hope all is well with you."

14

Should I attend a JW funeral?

by Flat_Accent in

i mean, i had respect for the guy, and it's obviously right to be there for the family and show support.

however, i can imagine what it will be like going back.

i was friendly with a lot of the older, tougher sisters, so i'm sure they'll get on my case.

uk_ex_jw

I went to one a few months ago for my JW friend - who still talks to me, despite knowing that I am opposed to his faith. He seems to view our friendship more important.

His Grandmother had died. I knew her many years ago, and to be fair, she lived a JW life - didn't put a foot out of place as far as I know.

The funeral wasn't too bad. I attended with my partner (who I live with - not married) and despite not being disfellowshipped or d/a, people generally kept their distance and treated me as such, which I preferred if I am being honest.

Obviously, I spoke to my friend and a couple of other's came over and asked how I had been keeping, but apart from that, the few people I had expected to come and challenge me, kept their distance, despite a few glancing stares.

In truth, it is not the time or the place for a religious debate or to start judging. It is a funeral. There are far more pressing matters at hand then what you have been up to, but I get what you are saying and I had the same concerns.

I had it in my head that if anyone challenged me, that is exactly what I would say to them. Ultimately, the day is about the person who has passed, not about anything else.

17

Just had my first JW call at my house.

by strymeckirules in

so i'm having a quite morning and then "ding" goes the front bell.. not expecting anyone, saturday morning 11:00am.. go to the door look out the window and see briefcases.. i open the door not knowing what i would say or do.. .

it's old terry the elder and his sidekick 25-30 male.. i knew terry from my childhood.

he gave many talks at conventions.

uk_ex_jw

Great stuff.

I had some call at my home a few weeks ago. They buzzed my intercom system and when I answered started telling me that were Jehovah's Witnesses and how they wanted to read me a scripture.

I was also buzzing with adrenaline - I felt a sudden rush through my body.

It went like this:

JW Woman : Good morning, we are from the local Jehovah's Witness congregation locally. You are probably wondering about the problems in the world at present, can I read you a scripture quickly?

Me: Not really.

JW Woman : Oh, can I ask why?

Me: Well, I was brought up a JW and disassociated myself a few years ago following the issues surrounding paedophilia and the changes to the blood issue. Can I ask, have the issues with paedophilia been resolved?

JW Woman: *long pause*

Me: You shouldn't really be talking to me should you? I am what you call an apostate....

JW Woman: Ok, no problem, no I shouldn't be talking to you, can I ask what number you are again?

Me: Number five.

There was no further comments and I looked out of the window and saw them scurrying away and the one was writing in a little notebook - I haven't been called on since and I hope it stays that way.

18

Occasional feelings of sadness about the JW experience

by Mr Facts in

do you feel occassionally sad when you flash back at your life as a jw, may be you occassionally become overshadowed by regrets and bitter feelings and not knowing exactly what caused it.. some regretted wasted life while others regretted being trapped in what they feel was a cult.

do you experience anything similar.

how do you usually surmon up courage to stand up and forge ahead?.

uk_ex_jw

Mr Facts,

I totally respect your openly post - I completely get where you are coming from.

I am bitter over a lot of things ;

a) Not making any effort at school, due to the fact I thought Armageddon was round the corner.

b) Not making enough effort to seek further education, which meant that I had to settle for dead-end jobs, and now due to illness, and being a victim of the financial climate, I am becoming more and more unemployable.

c) Struggling to gain any self-confidence, having been restricted and controlled since childhood by the Society.

d) Getting married to a JW - despite being totally incompatible. The marriage ended, divorced, spent four years in a custody battle, and as a result my financial health took a severe hammering - almost irreparable.

e) Having to go through the humiliation of a judicial hearing after I started dating a non-believer - and worrying that I was going to be D/F - even though now I wish I had of been.

f) Trusting people who I thought were true friends, and family members - to have my reputation destroyed, privileges removed, and stopped from reaching out - even though I was doing more than most.

uk_ex_jw

Posts by uk_ex_jw