Randy,
Where are Cris and Norma?
nestor and toni kuilan are writing a book of their memoirs surrounding their experience with the 1980 apostasy hunts.. .
read a little bit about it here:.
http://freeminds2.org/meet-nestor-and-toni-kuilan/.
Randy,
Where are Cris and Norma?
i'm 30 years old, and i was raised in the organization, my parents and grandparents are witnesses.. i grew up in a small town, and due to boredom or adhd or rebellion, i never took 2 minutes to look into the religion.. i always went to meetings and field service.
my parents were regular, but never "super-witnesses" so it was always the thing we did (meetings and service) not much more and nothing less.. the congregation, that i grew up in was for the most part friendly and enjoyable.. small towns, are very unique and they cannot be compared to larger city congregations.. i honk that they are a living and breathing organism, depending on the coordinators personality, so goes the personality of the congregation.
thi king back, most of the people in the town that i grew up were good people, just simple hard working & honest people... i really long for the innocence, of the time when this was the truth, and there were no worries.. driving to the conventions at 3 am with my dad and another brother, them slicing meat, me sneaking around the halls of the college, getting into all kinds of things.. conventions were a really special time for me... when i was young me and my friends would run around, messing around, pulling pranks on people, getting into forbidden areas.. running in the hall ways.
thanks for sharing and thank you snare for your comment:
The JW LIFE is a life NOBODY HAS or CAN EVER live up to. That is why they all pretend to! Just nobody admits that they are all pretending. It is such a farce!
a few years ago avatar was 'demonized' by the wt.
in reality their argument had an extreme ignorance of hinduism and a poor knowledge of modern langauge (avatar means something else nowadays.... ).
but anyway when i was growing up my parents recorded the 4 supermen movies on to video tape as they were played on tv.
Some JW's were ranting about Avatar in my area, and then I find out our CO gave a talk about how nice the blue colors looked
talking with a long time elder last night, was very revealing.
he has been a jw for over 60 years, a man that was incarcerated in cuba in his early 20s and faced great loss and suffering over his beliefs and for being born in a communist country.
this brave man is now brittle and low-spirited.. while nightfalls on his life, he is made aware the end is near.
Cold steel said:
And until they humble themselves, they remain in the company of a host of other spirits who roam the earth in confusion and depression.
Since when is saying 'I don't know there is a God', 'I don't see evidence for a God' be a sign of haughtiness? and what proof do you have that spirits roam the earth in confusion and depression?
i guess jehovah's angels got distracted.
.
.
I guess Jehovah's Angels got distracted YIKES!!!
this is a song by lauren hill she had family ties to the jw cult, so it is very touching and moving, she even gets choked up in the middle of the song.
i like to share this song with new ones or old ones and those who have heard it before every now and again, it so refreshing and hopefull!
enjoy it!!!.
.
forget jesus, the stars died so you could be born.. lawrence m. krauss, a universe from nothing: why there is something rather than nothing.
we can get a god from nothing and have no idea how this entity came into existence, but it is impossible for the believer to accept a universe from nothing.. .
“Forget Jesus, the stars died so you could be born.”
Lawrence M. Krauss, A Universe from Nothing: Why There Is Something Rather Than Nothing
We can get a God from nothing and have no idea how this entity came into existence, but it is impossible for the believer to accept a Universe from Nothing.
Why can’t that something from nothing, be us?
enjoy.
.
http://www.2shared.com/document/g0jglvky/km_e-us_e_201407.html.
childhood sexual abuse still haunts adult survivormay 21, 2014 the class naming convention is clientorwebsite-adposition .
by abigail van buren.
share on facebook share on twitter <i class="fa fa-envelope"></i>email article contact dear abby print article dear abbythese are partial articles split into small sections.dear abby: after years of carrying this guilt, i want to tell my story.
This is so sad to read...
enjoy.
.
http://www.2shared.com/document/g0jglvky/km_e-us_e_201407.html.
OUR KINGDOM
MINISTRY
J U L Y 2 0 1 4
For United States of America km14 07-E Us Vol. 57, No. 7
Why Important: When sharing in the
house-to-house ministry, we often find that
many people are not at home. However, we
may come in contact with them when using
public transportation, when waiting in a doctor’s
office, when taking a break at work or at
school, and so forth. It is Jehovah’s will that
everyone has an opportunity to hear the Kingdom
message. (1 Tim. 2:3, 4) Often, in order
to give a witness, we must take the initiative to
start a conversation.
Howto Do It:
˙ Be selective. Does the person seem friendly
and willing to talk? Do the circumstances
allow for relaxed conversation?
Some publishers first make eye contact
with the person and then smile. If the person
smiles back, they try to start a conversation.
˙ Say a brief, silent prayer if you lack the
courage to speak.—Neh. 2:4; Acts 4:29.
˙ Start with a simple comment, perhaps a
greeting. Jesus did not begin his conversation
with the Samaritanwoman by talking
about the Kingdom. (John 4:7) Sometimes
a conversation can be initiated by
giving commendation: “Your children are
sowell-behaved!” Asking a question is another
possible conversation starter: “Did
you see that news report last night?”
˙ Once the conversation has started, look
for an opportunity to introduce the
good news, but do not be in a hurry. Allow
the conversation to develop naturally.
Perhaps you can make a statement
that arouses the person’s curiosity and
prompts an inquiry. For example, if the
conversation is about family matters, you
might say, “I found some reliable advice
on raising children.” If you are discussing
a news item, you could say, “I recently
enjoyed reading some good news for a
change.” Do not be discouraged if the
conversation ends before you can give a
witness.
˙ Carry tracts or other literature that you can
give to someone who shows interest.
Try This During theMonth:
˙ Each week try to start at least one conversation
with the goal of witnessing informally.
Improving Our Skills in the
Ministry—Initiating a Conversation
in Order to Witness Informally
WEEK STARTING JULY 14
Song 1 and Prayer
Q Congregation Bible Study:
cl chap. 10 _1-7 (30 min.)
Q Theocratic Ministry School:
Bible reading: Leviticus 21-24 (10 min.)
No. 1: Leviticus 23:1-14 (4 min. or less)
No. 2: Universal Salvation Is Not Scriptural—rs
p. 356 _3 (5 min.)
No. 3: Acceptable Time—Use Wisely the Opportune
Season for God’s Favor—it-1 pp. 37-38
(5 min.)
Q Service Meeting:
Song 45
10 min: Get Ready for the Special Campaign
in August. Distribute a copy of the new tract
Where Can We Find Answers to Life’s Big Questions?
to anyone who does not have a copy. Using
the sample presentation on page 4, have two
demonstrations. First show how the tract will be
offered to most householders. Then demonstrate
how it may be offered when the householder
shows interest or desires to talk. Encourage all to
have a full share in the campaign.
5 min: Benefit From Examining the Scriptures
Daily. Discussion. Invite the audience to comment
on when they consider the text each day
and how their use of Examining the Scriptures
Daily has benefited them.
15 min: “Improving Our Skills in the Ministry
—Initiating a Conversation in Order to Witness
Informally.” Discussion. Include a demonstration.
Song 107 and Prayer
_ 2014 Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Our Kingdom Ministry (ISSN 1067-7259) is published monthly by Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses;
C. I. Woody, President; W. H. Nonkes, Secretary-Treasurer; 2821 Route 22, Patterson, NY 12563-2237. Periodicals Postage Paid at Patterson, NY, and at additional mailing
offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Our Kingdom Ministry, 1000 Red Mills Road, Wallkill, NY 12589-3299. Printed in Canada.
2
WEEK STARTING JULY 21
Song 73 and Prayer
Q Congregation Bible Study:
cl chap. 10 _8-17 (30 min.)
Q Theocratic Ministry School:
Bible reading: Leviticus 25-27 (10 min.)
No. 1: Leviticus 26:1-17 (4 min. or less)
No. 2: Will All Humans Eventually Be
Saved?—rs p. 357 _1 (5 min.)
No. 3: Accident, Accidental—Ways in
Which the Scriptures Differentiate Between
Accidental and Intentional Occurrences
—it-1 p. 38 (5 min.)
Q Service Meeting:
Song 67
10 min: Respected for Our Good Conduct
and Christian Neutrality. Discussion based
on the 2014 Yearbook, pages 120 and 149.
Invite audience to comment on the lessons
learned.
10 min: Will You Auxiliary Pioneer in August?
Talk. Interview two or three publishers
who plan to auxiliary pioneer in August despite
being infirm or having a busy schedule.
What adjustments are they making in order
to auxiliary pioneer? Invite the service overseer
to reviewthe arrangements for the meetings
for field service during August.
10 min: “How Do I Appear to Jehovah?”
Questions and answers.
Song 65 and Prayer
1 How often do you look into a mirror?
Most of us do so daily because this helps us
see aspects of our physical appearance that
need attention. The Bible has been likened
to a mirror. Reading God’s Word enables us
to see our inner self, the person whom Jehovah
sees. (1 Sam. 16:7; Jas. 1:22-24) God’s
Word can “discern thoughts and intentions
of the heart.” (Heb. 4:12) How can reading
and meditating on the Bible every day help
1. How is the Bible like a mirror?
us to see areas that we should strengthen in
order to be more successful evangelizers?
—Ps. 1:1-3.
2 Use the Bible as a Mirror: Bible accounts
of faithful servants of Jehovah teach us what
qualities are beautiful to him. For example,
David demonstrated zeal for God’s name.
(1 Sam. 17:45, 46) Isaiah courageously volunteered
to preach in difficult territory. (Isa.
6:8, 9) Jesus’ deep love for his heavenly Father
caused him to view the ministry as a
source of refreshment and satisfaction rather
than an unpleasant burden. (John 4:34)
First-century Christians preached with zeal,
relied on Jehovah, and were determined not
to give up. (Acts 5:41, 42; 2 Cor. 4:1; 2 Tim.
4:17) Meditating on such examples helps us
to look at ourselves with the objective of improving
the quality of our sacred service.
3 Act to Correct Defects: Of course, it does
us no good to look in a mirror and then ignore
a defect. We can ask Jehovah to help
us see ourselves objectively and then to help
us make needed adjustments. (Ps. 139:23,
24; Luke 11:13) Because the time left is reduced
and lives are involved, we must not
procrastinate about making necessary changes.—
1 Cor. 7:29; 1 Tim. 4:16.
4 A person’s inner self—what Jehovah takes
note of—is far more important than his outward
appearance. (1 Pet. 3:3, 4) What happens
to the man who peers into God’s Word
and then acts on what he discovers? He “has
become, not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of
the work; and he will be happy in what he
does.” (Jas. 1:25) Yes, we will be happy and effective
ministers because we “reflect like mirrors
the glory of Jehovah.”—2 Cor. 3:18.
2. How can the Bible help us to make a selfexamination?
3. Why should we not procrastinate in making
needed adjustments?
4. What happens to the man who peers into God’s
Word and acts on what he discovers?
HowDo I Appear to Jehovah?
3
1 It was the mid-seventh century B.C.E., and
Baal worship was being openly practiced in Judah.
Bad King Amon had recently been murdered,
and now young King Josiah was reigning.
(2 Chron. 33:21–34:1) During that time,
Jehovah raised up Zephaniah to declare His
judgment message. Although Zephaniah may
have been a member of Judah’s royal house,
he did not water down Jehovah’s message of
1. In what setting did Zephaniah serve as a prophet,
and how is he a good example for us today?
condemnation to Judah’s leadership. (Zeph.
1:1; 3:1-4) Similarly, we strive to imitate Zephaniah’s
courage and avoid allowing family ties
to impact our worship of Jehovah in a negative
way. (Matt. 10:34-37) What message did
Zephaniah declare, and with what results?
2 Seek Jehovah: Only Jehovah can save individuals
in the day of his anger. Thus, Zephaniah
urged the people of Judah to seek Jehovah,
seek righteousness, and seek meekness
while time still remained. (Zeph. 2:2, 3) The
same is true in our day. Like Zephaniah, we
encourage others to seek Jehovah, but we too
must act, being determined never to “turn
away from following Jehovah.” (Zeph. 1:6)
Rather, we seek Jehovah by carefully studying
his Word and by praying for his guidance.We
seek righteousness by living a morally clean
life. We seek meekness by cultivating a submissive
attitude and by readily responding to
direction from Jehovah’s organization.
3 Positive Results: Zephaniah’s judgment
message struck a responsive chord with at
least some in Judah but likely most notably
with young Josiah, who started to search for
Jehovah while he was still a boy. Josiah later
carried out a vigorous campaign against idolatry
in the land. (2 Chron. 34:2-5) Today, although
some Kingdom seed falls alongside
the road, on rocky ground, or among the
thorns, some also falls on the fine soil and
yields fruit. (Matt. 13:18-23) We are confident
that Jehovah will continue to bless our efforts
as we stay busy spreading Kingdom seed.—Ps.
126:6.
4 Some in Judah felt that Jehovah would
never act. However, Jehovah assured all that
his great day was near. (Zeph. 1:12, 14) Salvation
would come only to those who took refuge
in him. (Zeph. 3:12, 17) As we ‘keep ourselves
in expectation of Jehovah,’ may we find
delight in serving unitedly with fellow worshippers
of our great God!—Zeph. 3:8, 9.
2. What action must we take to be concealed in the
day of Jehovah’s anger?
3. Why should we maintain a positive attitude in the
ministry?
4. Why should we ‘keep ourselves in expectation of
Jehovah’?
Take as a Pattern the Prophets
—Zephaniah
WEEK STARTING JULY 28
Song 58 and Prayer
Q Congregation Bible Study:
cl chap. 10 _18-21, box on p. 106 (30 min.)
Q Theocratic Ministry School:
Bible reading: Numbers 1-3 (10 min.)
No. 1: Numbers 3:21-38 (4 min. or less)
No. 2: “All Sorts of Men” Will Be Saved—rs
p. 357 _2 (5 min.)
No. 3: Accusation—How Were Accusations
Handled Under Hebrew and Roman Law?—it-1
p. 39 _4-8 (5 min.)
Q Service Meeting:
Song 89
10 min: Are You Prepared for the New School
Year? Discussion. Invite audience to outline
some of the challenges Christian youths face at
school. Explain how parents can use ourWeb site
and other theocratic tools to prepare their children.
(1 Pet. 3:15) Choose one or two common
challenges, and relate some of the helpful information
provided by the organization. Invite audience
to comment on how they were able to
give a witness while at school.
10 min: Interview the Secretary. What does
caring for your assignment involve? How can
group overseers and publishers help you to compile
a congregation service report that is accurate
and on time? How does an accurate report
help the elders, the circuit overseer, and
the branch office to provide needed encouragement?
10 min: “Take as a Pattern the Prophets
—Zephaniah.” Questions and answers.
Song 70 and Prayer
km14 07-E Us
140331
WEEK STARTING AUGUST 4
Song 51 and Prayer
Q Congregation Bible Study:
cl chap. 11 _1-8 (30 min.)
Q Theocratic Ministry School:
Bible reading: Numbers 4-6 (10 min.)
No. 1: Numbers 4:17-33 (4 min. or less)
No. 2: Does the Bible Say That Some Will Never
Be Saved?—rs p. 358 _1-3 (5 min.)
No. 3: Accusation—Jehovah Overrules Bad
Laws, and He Judges Those Who Make False Accusations—
it-1 p. 39 _9–p. 40 _1 (5 min.)
Q Service Meeting:
Song 85
10 min: Offer the Magazines During August.
Discussion. Using the sample presentations on
this page, demonstrate how the magazines may
be offered to someone when engaging in the
special campaign on the weekends. Then invite
comments from the audience on these questions:
Why should we offer the magazines on the
weekends in August when it is appropriate to do
so? What are some occasions when this would
be appropriate?
10 min: Local needs.
10 min: How Did We Do? Discussion. Invite
publishers to comment on howthey benefited by
applying points from the article “Improving Our
Skills in the Ministry—Initiating a Conversation in
Order to Witness Informally.” Ask the audience
to relate good experiences.
Song 75 and Prayer
˛ Literature offer for July: Feature one of the following
32-page brochures: Good News From God!, Listen to God,
or Listen to God and Live Forever. August: Special campaign
distribution of a new tract to advertise the jw.org
Web site. September and October: TheWatchtower and
Awake! magazines.
˛ Since August has five full weekends, it would be an excellent
month to auxiliary pioneer.
Announcements
Where CanWe Find Answers to Life’s
Big Questions?
Hand the tract to the householder so that
he can see the title and say: “Hello. We are
sharing in a worldwide campaign to distribute
this important message. This is your copy.”
If you are leaving the tract at not-at-homes,
place it out of sight and avoid folding it unnecessarily.
If the householder expresses interest or desires
to talk, you might ask his opinion on the
multiple-choice question on the front. Open
the tract, and show him what Psalm 119:144,
160 says. Explain that the tract contains information
about a Web site that can help him
find satisfying answers in the Bible. Perhaps
you can show him a sample by playing the
video Why Study the Bible? Before you leave,
point out the three questions on the back
page of the tract and ask which one concerns
him the most. Offer to return so that you can
show him how to find the Bible’s answer to
that question by using jw.org. When you return,
discuss the answer by looking under BIBLE
TEACHINGS ˛ BIBLE QUESTIONS ANSWERED.
If you are also distributing invitations to your
regional convention, hand the householder the
invitation at the same time you give him the
tract and add, “In addition, we have given
you an invitation to an upcoming free public
event.”
34567_ August 1
On weekends, when appropriate, say this to
feature The Watchtower: “We would also like
to offer you our current magazines. This issue
of The Watchtower answers the question,
Is God interested in you?”
!"#$August
On weekends, when appropriate, say this
to feature the Awake! magazine: “We would
also like to offer you our current
magazines. This issue of
Awake! answers the question,
How can people make peace?”
Sample Presentations
4
Field Service Highlights
Harbor witnessing is established in 38 major ports in the
United States. In January 2014, the harbor witnessing
groups in Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Seattle reported
that 98 brothers visited 274 cargo ships. They placed
1,349 books, 289 magazines, and 2,110 brochures. They
also conducted 75 Bible studies. Truly, merchants, shepherds,
and traders are part of the expansion of Jehovah’s
organization!—Isa. 60:6-9.