Posts by Tech49

51

Former Longtime Elder - Reflections

by James Jackson in

jw
friends

the meetings are getting more boring to me.

some of the elders during their parts just talk and talk and talk about uninteresting things.

boring, boring.

Tech49

I have noticed this trend for quite some time now. The elders in the various congregations are growing older, and the brothers that should be following in their footsteps to replace them at some point..... just arent there. There are always a few MS in each congregation, but they seem to be young and not real bright. Many are there based on nepotism, or because they are congregation favorites, or recent return-ees from Bethel, or because the CO needs a few recommendations for this visit. Most of them can't teach and have no social skills. The older elders just don't seem to be interested in training them anymore. They are so bogged down with congregation problems and keeping the "rank-and-file" in line with ever-changing "light", they don't have time to raise up proper replacements.

The VERY few new elders I see appointed are pompous, haughty, egotistical jerks. They don't care about their fellow believers, they care about the new "position", their instant "promotion" to importance. One in particular that I can think of, just appointed "by holy spirit", his daddy is the COBE, his wife is an immature twit, flat out refuses to be on the Ministry School, and refuses to let her daughter be on it as well. Yep, prime elder material there. Very few of the new hire elders have families/wives that you would look at as "exemplary", or look to for sage advice. It's sickening. The respect and dignity for the responsibility entailed is just not there. Lots of Holy Spirit at work, for sure.

Like I said, I have seen this trend for a while now, and it is having a very negative effect on the congregations. I suspect that in about 10 years, 20 at most, there will be a HUGE problem, none of the good old "grandfatherly" types that have a real compassion and care for people. The congregations will be run by dictatorial asshats, with their own personal agendas being at the forefront of decisions made.

Wait............ maybe we are already there.......

Jack Harper, Tech49

22

The BRAIN is awakening! Don't ignore it!

by Tech49 in

something happened recently, and i thought i would share a few comments.

first, lets set the stage..... if anyone is familiar with current events in the pacific northwest, you may have heard of the death of a beautiful young lady, whitney heichel, a short while ago.

in short, whitney was a young sister that was kidnapped and killed by a "congregation" friend.

Tech49

That's my point exactly..... a manipulated exploitation of a very real event... There is no doubt in my mind that what she says is real and is coming from her heart. However, When a real situation like this is exploited by others, including an organization, to the point of becoming obvious, it arouses the pricking in many sleeping consciousnesses.

Side note: I know of another event that took place just recently, in the past few weeks, where a young man, a witness youth, took his own life. Tragic, horrible, and a terrible thing for his family to deal with now. You won't hear about it from the platform, or as an "experience", because the family was quiet, there was no press on it, no multi-level media coverage, small Memorial service at the local KH....... hence no PSA from the brothers, no CO's and DO's coming to the family's aid, no outpouring of support from the "worldwide" brotherhood.... because it wasnt sensational in any fashion. Just a teen, taking his own life, to escape, for whatever reason. Funny, how if it doesnt serve a "greater purpose", no one talks about it. Sad, really just sad.

22

The BRAIN is awakening! Don't ignore it!

by Tech49 in

something happened recently, and i thought i would share a few comments.

first, lets set the stage..... if anyone is familiar with current events in the pacific northwest, you may have heard of the death of a beautiful young lady, whitney heichel, a short while ago.

in short, whitney was a young sister that was kidnapped and killed by a "congregation" friend.

Tech49

The point of my post was NOT to focus on Whitney's mom. Her emotional distress is very evident, and justifiably so. I feel for her and her family. They are dealing with a horrible horrible thing. What she and they believe for a future is based on what they have been taught over many years.

The point of my post was to show that to someone, Vic, who does not know them personally, can hear her experience at the DC and sense a certain amount of "acting". Maybe she and I are both wrong. No doubt the mom had her words written out, so that she could even get them out! Very understandable, I think it safe to say that we all would, that in itself brings out a certain amount of "acting", or "reading".

In referencing my other topic about District Convention experiences being trumped up and over-dramatized for effect, I was pointing out that an un-knowing individual may see the same "effect" here as well. No doubt the brothers involved with the part wanted certain "points", and "effects" to be included. The words she spoke were probably not all her own (pure speculation on my part, of course.). Yes, its a gut-wrenching thing to listen to, for the obvious emotional reasons. The emotion was real, and I am sure that anyone listening would feel the same.

The continued point of my topic was this: sometimes there are obvious things that we see or hear that bring red flags up and flashy lights a-flashing! Often, we choose to ignore them. The older I get, the more I am learning to listen to my instincts, to listen to my "gut"...

In an attempt to help Vic to do the same, we see that the brain fights itself, and therein lies the challenge.

22

The BRAIN is awakening! Don't ignore it!

by Tech49 in

something happened recently, and i thought i would share a few comments.

first, lets set the stage..... if anyone is familiar with current events in the pacific northwest, you may have heard of the death of a beautiful young lady, whitney heichel, a short while ago.

in short, whitney was a young sister that was kidnapped and killed by a "congregation" friend.

Tech49

Something happened recently, and I thought I would share a few comments. First, lets set the stage....

If anyone is familiar with current events in the Pacific Northwest, you may have heard of the death of a beautiful young lady, Whitney Heichel, a short while ago. In short, Whitney was a young sister that was kidnapped and killed by a "congregation" friend. If you havent heard of it, a quick search of her name will bring you up to speed.

These events and the subsequent outpouring of love to her family from the entire world have been wonderful, and heart-wrenching. Our hearts go out to her and her family and her husband.

Just recently, her mom was interviewed briefly at the District Convention in Portland.

To emphasize, I am in no way belittling or finding fault with the family, or the mom, in any way whatsoever.

Listen to her comments, and then we can continue (copy/paste this link, maybe someone can make it live): www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vDVfgdn-CA

Again, I have the utmost sympathy and respect for the family and for the situation at hand, and don't mean to demean them in any way.

My wife, Victoria, heard this for the first time the other nite, and asked me to listen to it. I did, but kept my comments to myself, recognizing a chance to help her to reason on something (I want her to start thinking about the reality that she has ignored as long as I have). I asked her what she thought (this was in light of what we had discussed about other DC experience being over-dramatized or just plain made-up, see my other post).

Jack: so... what do you think?

Vic: um.......hmmm...

Jack: what do you mean by that?

Vic: I'm not sure............ hmmmmmm....

Now at this point, I could tell she didnt want to discuss it. Her mind was in a state of confusion. So I dropped it until later, as we were getting ready for bed, kids were out of the room...

Jack: so, what did you think of that interview?

Vic: something just wasn't right....

Jack: what do you mean?

Vic: it sounded......odd.....(her brain was fighting it)........like.........I am not sure.....

Jack: you mean....(let me help out, I will state the obvious)....... dramatized?

Vic: exactly! Like it was........

Jack: made up?

Vic: well, yes! Unrealistic. It just didnt feel right. Like it was scripted. But that can't be right, could it? Would they "make up", or dramatize that experience on purpose? To take advantage of people's emotions?

Jack: Well, I dont know the situation, but what does your gut tell you?

**** Here's where the conversation took a wild turn! Here is an example of Cognitive Dissonance in full effect!****

Vic: I know what I hear, I can tell it just isn't real! But the brothers would never do that would they? I just can't think that they would! That's not honest! I don't want to talk about it anymore, I don't want to think that way!

Jack: Dear Vic, learn to listen to what your brain and heart is telling you, don't ignore it.

....end of conversation...

Here's my point to this little exercise. Your brain is trained, your conscience is formed, and your heart is actively telling you what is right and what is true. You just choose to ignore it. Your mind is fighting to wake up. Listen to it.

Your comments are welcome, but please do not disparage this sister or her family in any way. She too is captive of a concept. It's not her fault. I ask only that you comment on the process involved.

Jack Harper, Tech49

36

At the DMV and what do I see?

by whathehadas in

the jw's are taking it a little too far.

people have to wait in line and be tortured by the sight of this.. .

Tech49

The July KM has an article that will be studied by the congregations the week of July 22, ...titled NEW INITIATIVES FOR PUBLIC WITNESSING.

Part of the article says.... " those involved in special metropolitan public witnessing usually wait for someone to come to the table or mobile display. When someone approaches, he is invited to take any literature that interests him. The pioneers (italics mine) gladly answer from the scriptures any questions he may have. If he takes literature, the pioneers do not mention the donation arrangement. But if he inquires about how our work is funded, they may explain that donations can be sent to the address listed in the literature." (italics mine)

Because we can't trust these lowly pioneers with our money, can't have them skimming for lunch...so send it direct via credit/debit card!

You will see more and more of these little "booths" set up. Each congregation has recieved a letter and instructions to start implementing this in EACH territory, whether it is city, rural, or little town out in the middle of nowhere.

Included in the letter are instructions on how to obtain downloadable items that can be used at the print shop to make bill-boards, table-backs, displays, etc. at your own expense of course.

Also are instructions on how to put together the rolly-carts and use them... Some of the big cities are already using them, but you will see more and more very soon. Again, EACH TERRITORY will have them in some fashion, so you will likely see many more of them in your travels.

While there are no specific instructions about WHO gets to man these booths and carts, I am sure that some will use them as an opportunity to show favoritism, allowing only the "finest" of brothers to man them. The article references "pioneers"....

30-hour pioneering and sitting in a booth! What more can you ask for!!???

Whoop woop !

19

Tech49 on DC: Experiences are not truthful

by Tech49 in

jw
friends

i was sent a link to a homemade video from our summer district convention, not the one i attended, but the next weekend.

it was a video of a local brother, relating his "experience" of "trusting in jehovah", and how he was blessed.. it was just about 1 short minute long.

ms harper showed it to me first, she wanted to get my comment on it before she said a word.. background: we both know this brother, he is about our age, so we know the "real" story.. anyways, his story goes like this: this experience goes back about 10 years (jeez, we must be really searching for the experiences now!).

Tech49

Mum, I don't think that is the case, unless there is a LACK of good experiences to go around, so maybe they are "shared". I know at our Convention, the experiences were different for that particular part that I mentioned at the outset. I guess the whole point is the same though..... there is little regard to the truthfullness and validity of the actual experience itself... if it "fits" the part, or can be twisted, manipulated, cut and pasted into the part, it doesn't matter if it is real or make-believe.

That's what I can't get behind, falsifying "experiences" to make a "point".

Reminds me of another time when I had a part on the Circuit Assembly, and we had to practice in front of the CO and the DO prior to the assembly. So we had to sit thru several parts, as others were practicing for them too. Even then, I remember noticing that they often asked the brothers doing the parts to "embellish" a little to make it more exciting. I remember sitting there, thinking... "how is that right?"..... But who are we to question the CO and the DO, along with the big whigs of the circuit?? Certainly not little ol' me..... I was just privileged to have a part, right?

Anyways, now I can't look the same at the "experiences" I hear......... what you hear is 90% made up.

Dishonesty is NOT the quality found in true Christians, I dont care where you are from.

13

COC Request

by Tech49 in

jw
friends

does anyone have crisis of conscience in a digital format, or pdf?

any other books that would be worth my time?

the one by steve h ?.

Tech49

Jgnat, Simon, My intent was NOT to create any issues here. I merely requested a copy of COC, if anyone had it handy in their digital library. I know there are copies around, I would be happy to pay for it, but I did not want an actual hard copy floating around the house at this point!

Thank you Comatose for providing an online link. Lets remember the reason we are all on this journey....

Jack Harper, Tech49

13

COC Request

by Tech49 in

jw
friends

does anyone have crisis of conscience in a digital format, or pdf?

any other books that would be worth my time?

the one by steve h ?.

Tech49

Well howdy doody then!

Thanks bunches!

13

COC Request

by Tech49 in

jw
friends

does anyone have crisis of conscience in a digital format, or pdf?

any other books that would be worth my time?

the one by steve h ?.

Tech49

Does anyone have Crisis of Conscience in a digital format, or PDF? Any other books that would be worth my time? The one by Steve H ?

I am at a point now where I would like to start reading it and/or them.

PM me.

Jack

19

Tech49 on DC: Experiences are not truthful

by Tech49 in

jw
friends

i was sent a link to a homemade video from our summer district convention, not the one i attended, but the next weekend.

it was a video of a local brother, relating his "experience" of "trusting in jehovah", and how he was blessed.. it was just about 1 short minute long.

ms harper showed it to me first, she wanted to get my comment on it before she said a word.. background: we both know this brother, he is about our age, so we know the "real" story.. anyways, his story goes like this: this experience goes back about 10 years (jeez, we must be really searching for the experiences now!).

Tech49

I was sent a link to a homemade video from our summer District Convention, not the one I attended, but the next weekend. It was a video of a local brother, relating his "experience" of "trusting in Jehovah", and how he was blessed.

It was just about 1 short minute long. Ms Harper showed it to me first, she wanted to get my comment on it before she said a word.

Background: We both know this brother, he is about our age, so we know the "real" story.

Anyways, his story goes like this: This experience goes back about 10 years (jeez, we must be really searching for the experiences now!). He was injured on a constrution jobsite, pretty severely, put him on permanent disability. Truth. Here is where his story went quickly awry, no doubt at the behest and prodding of the brother giving the talk, and the CO, in order to make it "fit" the part.

During his recovery period, he is asked how Jehovah blessed his efforts. Answer (in a sad, quiet voice, begetting a remourseful, sorrowful tone, sounded like he was going to start bawling..): "Even tho the injury I sustained was traumatic, and had a very negative effect on me spiritually, I continued to pray alot. The brothers in the congregation looked after me, and Jehovah continued to provide for me and my family. Now we are in a much better place, and are doing much better spiritually. We learned to trust in Jehovah with everything we had..he blessed our efforts and continues to do so to this day."

To the casual observer, and anyone not knowing any better, we can see a family that went thru real hardship, trusted in Jehovah, and made it thru the tough times, and were being blessed because of their faithfullness. You may even have shed a tear.

Now, here's the REAL backstory: This guy is lazy. He's a mooch, and sucks up freebies faster than a hoover on HI. Just my opinion of course, but one that is shared by alot of others. While injured and recovering (we will give him that, his injuries were indeed real and NOT something any of us would like to go thru), him and his wife lived with his mom and dad. Meanwhile, over the next few years, his injuries did not stop him from pumping her up enough to spit out more kids. He healed up, but 'couldnt find work'. She was perfectly capable of working, but chose not to (why would she want to?), despite the free day care at mom and dads. All the while, they were pretty much inactive, to the point of not being seen for months at a time. The congregation tired quickly of efforts to "care" for them, and let them do their own thing. It was obvious that they were milking the system, and taking advantage of their brothers.

Jehovah provided for them??? Ya, bunch of crap. Try wellfare, food stamps, and more state benefits. Us taxpayers provided for them. I can remember them boasting about the great healthcare they were receiving, and isnt it great that they are pregnant again!!! FREE HEALTHCARE FOR ALL! Then, oh, Jehovah blessed them with a new house!!!! Goverment subsidies all over!! Still, the puke had no job! Last I saw them, a few months ago, they were happy! Its a no wonder, with free healthcare and a free house.

Just made me sick to see that this is what we are subjected to: twisted, out of context, made-up experiences that are supposed to show how we need to rely on Jehovah and his organization, when the TRUTH is far from what we are actually hearing.

I KNOW FOR A FACT that this "experience" was stretched, painted over, manipulated, and "made to fit" this part on the DC. Truth, it was not.

I looked at Ms Harper, and gave her the WTF? look..... she just grinned and laughed. Gotta love her.

Jack Harper, Tech49