I second the comments of Leaving_quietly. I recognized the name Mark Lafdany as well; I have worked with him in the past, he is a company man thru and thru.
Tech49
JoinedPosts by Tech49
-
63
LDC Semininar
by Sour Grapes inldc semininar @ patterson nov 15-18, 2014 .
entire ldc dept included remote workers/design/legal/real estate/purchasing.
oversight.
-
-
-
18
What laws are on your side (in the U.S.) so you can leave quietly
by oppostate inin another topic "just quit quietly - the law is on your side" there was a lot of discussion about how to leave quietly without getting tagged publicly as "no longer a jw".
here are some legal cases that could be used to show support for leaving quietly.. you have to first send a letter saying you're leaving that specific congregation, and that you don't want them to keep records of you.. if the boe says anything against you here are some court cases that make precedent for bringing a suit against them:.
baugh v. thomas (1970).
-
-
Tech49
No better words than as already stated.
They have only as much power over you as you allow them to have. Take away their perceived power, and they are nothing but selfish, arrogant men that don't really have your best interests at heart.
Don't give them more than they deserve, and focus your efforts and attentions where it will be appreciated. Love your family, say something nice to a complete stranger, exchange a smile, thank a veteran or a police officer.
Empower those that deserve it, including yourself, and take back that same power from those that will lie to your face and stab you in the back.
Jack Harper, Tech49
-
5
The Christmas fence
by Tech49 inso i noticed something the other day on facebook.. a group of "sisters" in several neighboring congregations got their young daughters together for a "girls day", to spend some quality time together.
now this group, of whom i know many, is composed mainly of elders' and ministerial servants' wives.
the general theme, or focus of the "party" was to build gingerbread houses with the kids.. ok, no big deal right?
-
-
Tech49
So I noticed something the other day on Facebook.
A group of "sisters" in several neighboring congregations got their young daughters together for a "girls day", to spend some quality time together. Now this group, of whom I know many, is composed mainly of elders' and ministerial servants' wives. The general theme, or focus of the "party" was to build Gingerbread houses with the kids.
Ok, no big deal right? Anyone can go to the store to buy a Gingerbread House kit, and go at it. Again, no big deal, and each to his own. Dont get me wrong, if you want to celebrate Christmas, do the tree thing, you go for it.
Here's where things got a little interesting, at least from my perspective. They all posted pictures of their glorious party, with the caption of WINTER PARTY, including group photos of everyone holding their version of a gingerbread house, decorated with all the trimmings. They all stood around a grand kitchen table, topped with a shiny snowman, glittering garlands, homemade hanging snowflakes, and lights adorning the table.
I showed it to Victoria, just offhand, without any leading of the question....
"What does this look like to you?" She glanced over quickly, then back to her own Ipad "Somebody's Christmas party I guess.., why?"
I chuckled a little and said, "Look closer, CLOSER sweetheart, and tell me what you see."
She went in for a closer examination of the evidence at hand. "Wow, I see who it is now.... I coulda swore that was a Christmas party! What in the world are they thinking?...."
Yep, a whole room full of the finest in the circuit, the do-gooders and the uppidy ups, the richy's and the flagrant, the boisterous and the pompous, some regular pioneers, some wives of elders, some of ministerial servants.... having their own version of a Winter Holiday Party.
Here's the question, as I wonder out loud.... Why is it that so many of God's Holy People claim to distance themselves from the trappings of the world, from the SATANIC celebrations, from the EVILS of the HOLIDAYS but in reality..... they go out of their way to ride the line? The preverbial fence, legs hanging on both sides!!?? The mock Thanksgiving "family time", complete with Turkey dinners and all. Black Friday shopping frenzies, with carloads of JW's joining in like drunk sheep. Winter parties....it never ends. But all you Satanic heathens will soon be DEAD, crow food for sure.
Here, dear reader, is the answer, again as I wonder out loud, and the single descriptive word that came out of my beloved Vic's mouth, immediately after her comments above. A word that was uttered with a snarl of disgust, a word that so eloquently and consisely describes most JW's:
Hypocrites.
Yours Truly,
Jack Harper, Tech49
-
46
Illegal immigrants in the organization?
by silent ini had a thought today that might prove interesting.
i'm wondering if there are any illegal immigrants who are witnesses?
surely it would be a great position to be in as an illegal immigrant because you could play up your plight and prey on the sympathies of others within the congregation.
-
-
Tech49
The short answer to the original poster is this: yes, the brothers do not discriminate against illegal immigrants. This is evidenced by the enormous influx of illegals, especially Mexicans, into US congregations 8-10 years ago, during the economic boom. Our area, like many others, jumped at the opportunity to form extra congregations. Spanish speaking congregations were popping up, then splitting, almost monthly it seemed. Many attendees could barely speak English, and the majority were unquestionably in the USA illegally.
WT sent out a letter to the BOE around 2009 or 2010 (I am sure someone has it handy, and can post it or link it). The purpose of the letter was primarily to remind overzealous elder bodies that they could not appoint a man to a position in the congregation, as he was not "exemplary", because he was breaking Caesars laws.!!!!
This letter put many congregations in a pickle, because " legal" elders and servants were a difficult commodity to come by. Many turned a blind eye, and appointed anyway. I saw it firsthand. Many reports were fudged, just enough to sooth the pricking consciouses of the elders, so that they could claim ignorance if some "needed" appointments happened to slip by the great Holy Spirit.
Even more interesting was the fact that ZERO emphasis was put on the fact that these ones claiming to be Jehovahs people were blatantly breaking the law, usually in multiple degrees.
Why, you ask? Why not crack down on the lawbreaking congregants? Easy..they were making good money in the UP economy, and could donate TONS to "mother".
Its easy for WT to pick and choose what laws they care to follow, when its all about the money!
-
16
So if "parents are to blame for children leaving the truth", then STEP DOWN GB!
by stuckinarut2 inif to mo's comments in the talk re "parents are to blame for children not being in the truth etc", (and yes, as many have already very nicely pointed out that this must therefore imply that "jehovah is to blame for satan and the angels rebelling"), doesn't this mean then that members of the gb need to step down?.
haven't some of the gb got family that are not "in the truth"?.
hypocrites yet again!.
-
-
Tech49
Gustv, I would like to respectfully disagree. I heard the talk myself, and it was definitely implied that a younger man who is not a ministerial servant at 23 is a loser. The implication was that ANY brother not "serving" was not a "spiritual" man. And any woman foolish enough to marry such a low life is just as guilty of making poor life deciscions as this guy.
it was pretty clear, dont fool yourself. The guilt tripping was thick!
-
82
Do you remember the 15 minute break at the Sun. meeting?
by 3rdgen ina poster on another thread reminded me of when there was a 15 min.
break between the talk and the wt study on sundays.
the break was supposed to be to allow jw's time to drive their bible studys home from the talk.
-
-
Tech49
When I was growing up, we lived in an area of the Pacific Northwest where some in the congregation had to travel for several hours, with several modes of transportation to get to the KH. It was an effort and expense for many to get there, and thus, ALL the meetings were held on Sunday, with the exception of the individual book studies. So we would have Public Talk and WT study, then take a half hour lunch break, then do the School and Service Meeting. It was a very unique situation, and if any of you dear readers recognize this situation, you will know the area and location I refer to.
It was an all day affair, like a mini assembly every week. I grew up hating Sundays. Yogurt for lunch. Entire day was shot. Then, if things went really badly, out in FS for an hour or so.
-
27
What Was Your Opinion of Elder's Wives?
by minimus ini think that many of them were saints.
some were bitches and others seemed like they hated their status.
many wives were very good examples and were more "qualified" than their elder husbands.. .
-
-
Tech49
Let me throw out another perspective:
My wife (Vic) was officially an "elder's wife". Her and I both had been "mentored" by some very caring older ones thru the years, and we were all very well aware of the "nuances" of the "job". We learned alot, and look back with fondness at some of the memories those older ones gave us. It was a different time, and a different religion.
Vic was an excellent "elders wife", in my humble opinion. Yes, I was guilty of sharing many things with her that "technically" should not have been. But hey, she's my friend, I needed to talk about stuff, so I did not hold back. Some things she never knew, only because the knowing itself would have been a burden that she did not need to bear. I could barely choke down some of the sickening crap that I had to deal with and be aware of while serving.... I did not need her to be privvy to the disgusting junk that went down, not that she couldnt handle it better than most elders, but that she had better things to worry about.... like our young family!
Vic tried very hard to "tow the line" (correct use of the word just for you JGNAT). She worked very hard at being the vigilant "example" in all things, to temper her assertiveness, to be kind, to give to others, to break up the little cliques that popped up. In my eyes, she was the quintescential "elder's wife". She pioneered when she could, took any talk on the school, our kids were always dressed and groomed well, she mentored younger sisters, etc etc. The list goes on and on.
She was NOT, however, stupid.
......DO ....NOT.... cross this one! OMG. I have had the rare occasion to see her RIP another brother a new ass! She did not care who you were or what your title was! She was pretty good at "reminding" the brothers of their "responsibility", or lack of such, if such a reminder needed to be given, or if she saw injustice! Same with other "elders wives"! She could beat down the pompous bitches that strutted around like their shit didnt stink so fast your head would spin! WHOOOOSA !
Suffice it to say that this elder's wife made a quick name for herself as a straight shooter, and not one to be messed with. Within the last year or two, it has been her "reasonableness" and "ability to see bullsh*t" that has lead to her withdrawal from the congregation.
She was a fabulous elder's wife, and now she is "just" a fabulous wife!
I raise a glass of brew to you Vic !
Jack Harper, Tech49
-
13
Question for those attending mid week
by All for show indo you all know how many attend vs sundays?
talking to friends and family all find it so boring/difficult to sit through they say their meeting midweek attendance is about 50 percent less than sundays, with at least 15 percent of those leaving at the half.
we have had 3 local needs this year on staying the entire meeting, but people still leave, happily.
-
-
Tech49
I can give you a quick example from my congregation, which you will probably find is common:
Total publishers, hovers around 95.
Sunday Meeting attendance, around 75.
Midweek Meeting attendance, around 65.
Attendance during the Most Holy CO visit is usually about 125, then 2 days later on Tuesday night, it drops BELOW the average of 65. Congregation members are bored of it all. Elders are having hissy fits! Its rather comical.
I have had many conversations with different ones just lately, and there is a prevelant overall feel that the meetings have become so very BLAND, empty of anything of substance, and generally lacking in anything but fluff, rhetoric, repetition of the usual "do more, do more, pray more, pray more, give more, give more", and Governing Body worship. People are getting BORED, and TIRED. More and more seem to go for several weeks at a time without darkening the doors of the KH, more out of a desire to enjoy themselves than that of the "need" to be "fed spiritually". Public talks are 30 minutes of blah blah blah, good public speakers are almost unheard of anymore, and even Ministry School talks and demonstrations are so scripted that almost zero personal interpretation is allowed to be inserted. Again, BORING.
After the recent "super video" last week, I heard many comments along the lines of "why did we have that video?" "what was the point again?" and the best one was "why do we need to explain about 1914??""
A trend that will not soon be turned around, it would seem. Even the glitz and glamour of videos, TV shows with the GB as guest stars, HD internet feeds of Annual Meetings, shortening Assembly Weekends, thinning out magazines, shortened hour requirements for FS, etc, etc...... nothing seems to be able to truly energize the masses for more than a short period of time. Sure, you have the standard Kukoo born-n-bred JW's that never can seem to get enough, but soon enough they too will have a defining moment.
Like a crack addict.... more and more is required to get high.... and soon enough NOTHING gives the required thrill to maintain the feeling.
-
71
Watchtower encouraging members to go and preach in Israel
by wannaexit inan odd letter was read at last nights' meeting.
it was in regards to a special campaign for next year arranged by the governing body to go and preach in israel.
the call is going out to anybody that speaks hebrew and english.
-
-
Tech49
Oh, and another thing..... WHY?!! Why a great campaign in a middle eastern country, where the "Iron Bubble" protects the citizens from impending rockets from their neighbors.?
Why go to Israel to preach to the masses of "heathens".? For financial gain?, no. In order to gain "converts" ?, no not likely. The amount of Witnesses in Israel is pretty small right now, and I wouldnt expect the massive explosion of newbies to be falling over themselves to bow down to the GB.
Here's the reason, in my humble opionion: to garner sympathy. Much like the poor, gullible brothers in Soviet Georgia that are taking regular beatings and imprisonments, for preaching a banned religion, and distributing banned literature. Sooner or later, in Israel or a simliar middle eastern country, someone is going to be "martyred", tortured, captured, kidnapped, or executed.
And now a "Breaking News" story on JW Broadcasting will be born. Oh, the humanity, persecution is upon God's people! What a wonderful example to all you fat, materialistic slobs that have not submitted to GB instructions!
Self-made persecution. This is embarrassing.
Put yourself in harms way, and harm will run over you like a truck.
To any active JW's who may be reading this..... please use some common sense. Just because 7 dudes in a NY highrise say its safe, dont bet your life on it, dont bet your family's life on it. Dont put yourself in a situation that has a great potential to be hazardous to your health. If you want to preach in the desert, and not get shot at, go to Utah, or New Mexico, or Australia (well, you might still get shot at, but you get the point).
Jack Harper, Tech49
-
71
Watchtower encouraging members to go and preach in Israel
by wannaexit inan odd letter was read at last nights' meeting.
it was in regards to a special campaign for next year arranged by the governing body to go and preach in israel.
the call is going out to anybody that speaks hebrew and english.
-
-
Tech49
This letter was read I our KH tonite, in the Pacific Northwest USA. I am appalled at the level of crazy this entails. Now granted, I am sure there are some places and areas in Israel that are relatively safe. But why would you ever consider, given the upheaval happening daily in that region, ask people to travel there, to promote a religious campaign in an area where they are already looked at with high levels of suspicion, at best?
A quick web search will bring up tons of warning against travel to the area, except the Israeli travel site of course, duh... Does WT only read that site? What reasonable person would recommend that young pioneers, including women, be sent to an area already in political, cultural, and religious turmoil? Common sense is gone with these fools in NY!!!
Someone said to me, just today.... "well, they would never send us there if it wasnt safe, right???!!!!" OMG !!! Did you not just hear yourself?? How about using your own brains for a minute!!???
As another poster already said...it sure is easy to sacrifice someone elses life, from the comforts of your NY condo, , especially when you are getting a new penthouse suite built for you, overlooking the lake upstate.