Posts by Faithful Witness

43

Need advice: Witnessing to a JW at my door

by Faithful Witness in

i have been waiting for this moment, and it has finally come!

i was actually in the middle of typing in the other thread, about householders who caused you doubts, when a jw rang my doorbell.

my barking german shepherd didnt scare him away, but did knock all his books out of his hand and onto a wet porch, which i really felt bad about.

Faithful Witness

He told me that there are 8 million JW's worldwide. Is this number accurate today? I read somewhere that their numbers are dwindling.

I would start a new thread, but I am limited. any help is appreciated! Thanks.

16

i just found out that a co-worker of mine is a ex-jw....she's being pressured to go back to the khall...she says everytime she goes to visit her family, they're telling her how jehovah still loves her...blah blah blah...thankfully she has her own apartment!.

i do see how her upbringing in the cult has affected her...she's soft and overly kind, but she's a real sweetheart...the down side: people take advantage of her.. should i tell her that i too am a jw and understands what she's going through with her family or should i just tell her that "spirituality is a personal thing and don't feel guilted into doing something you don't want" ect....the thing is, she talks alot and if i tell her that i'm suppose to be a jw, then the entire workplace will know.... what should i do?

my only aim is to have her not feel guilted in going back...she said her family has been trying to get her back in, but she's resisting it...the other issue, her son stays with her jw sister (she didn't disclose why)...and my co-worker tells me that her son is becoming a "jw convert".. please i need some advice!.

Faithful Witness

I agree with Sammy too... It sounds like she needs someone to talk to. Being willing to listen to her concerns will help her make a good decision. Ask her a lot of questions and make her think.

16

I need some assistance!

by Kool Jo in

i just found out that a co-worker of mine is a ex-jw....she's being pressured to go back to the khall...she says everytime she goes to visit her family, they're telling her how jehovah still loves her...blah blah blah...thankfully she has her own apartment!.

i do see how her upbringing in the cult has affected her...she's soft and overly kind, but she's a real sweetheart...the down side: people take advantage of her.. should i tell her that i too am a jw and understands what she's going through with her family or should i just tell her that "spirituality is a personal thing and don't feel guilted into doing something you don't want" ect....the thing is, she talks alot and if i tell her that i'm suppose to be a jw, then the entire workplace will know.... what should i do?

my only aim is to have her not feel guilted in going back...she said her family has been trying to get her back in, but she's resisting it...the other issue, her son stays with her jw sister (she didn't disclose why)...and my co-worker tells me that her son is becoming a "jw convert".. please i need some advice!.

Faithful Witness

I would ascertain why she is an Ex-JW. I don't see any reason for you to disclose anything about yourself, if she is already confiding in you. No need to muck up the waters in your workplace, if you prefer to keep your JW identity private.

You could tell her you've done a little research about the JW's. Why did she leave? (This May give you a hint on what to say to dissuade her from going back).

I would present evidence against the religion and the society itself... But Where shall you start?

Pick one!

Ask her if she has heard about the recent changes in their prophecies and their beliefs about the dates 1914 or 1918 or whatever it is. They are changing their definition of the truth, moving their headquarters out of brooklyn and into a remote rural location. They are warning their followers, that they will soon be issued "instructions that may not make sense from a human standpoint."

Tell her you recently read some news articles about their child sexual abuse cases, and how they were under scrutiny from the government for their efforts in protecting pedophiles. especially since she has a child, I would ask her if she is aware of these current events. Boys can be victims also. The Watchtower Society lost a big court case, which she can see online under the name Candace Conti.

You could look up and print out some info that you think she would relate to... maybe just a short (half-page, easy read on break) article, and give her a link to a website that actively investigates the WTBTS. "I thought you might find this interesting. I would do some real homework, before you agree to return to this organization. I know you have a son, and want to do what is best for him."

43

Need advice: Witnessing to a JW at my door

by Faithful Witness in

i have been waiting for this moment, and it has finally come!

i was actually in the middle of typing in the other thread, about householders who caused you doubts, when a jw rang my doorbell.

my barking german shepherd didnt scare him away, but did knock all his books out of his hand and onto a wet porch, which i really felt bad about.

Faithful Witness

Adam, Thank you! I will study your article. It is very interesting, and I had never been taught that perspective on Noah, and how God had already decided.

I know, I jumped all over the place when I was talking to him. I got a little excited at the timing of his visit, and felt like I needed to keep throwing out more questions, in hopes something would ring a bell inside his head, or make him think about it later. I may have overwhelmed him with too many topics. He told me to write down questions. I was tempted to ask him for a pen. Haha. I have plenty, so I really need to choose carefully, so as not to scare him away too quickly.

43

Need advice: Witnessing to a JW at my door

by Faithful Witness in

i have been waiting for this moment, and it has finally come!

i was actually in the middle of typing in the other thread, about householders who caused you doubts, when a jw rang my doorbell.

my barking german shepherd didnt scare him away, but did knock all his books out of his hand and onto a wet porch, which i really felt bad about.

Faithful Witness

Thanks, Robert.

I have not read any of those books or sites yet. I've just begun on this mission, and had my sights set higher, on rescuing my family from the tower.

This stranger will be good practice for that ultimate goal... Which I am already working on, in a quiet way, by leaking information to my parents. My sister who was shunning me, has also allowed me to ask her a few thought-provoking questions. I think she and my brother in law were willing to speak to me, because they learned we had gone to a meeting. I am anxious to ask her more questions about the new light, as depressing as it is, to see my intelligent sister respond like a drone. I think it is different to say those rehearsed answers to a "householder," or during your little skits, than to actually spit them out as your beliefs, when talking to your family who knows you better than that. I may be wrong, but I hope she thought about what she had said to me.

Thanks for the links and info. I will definitely check it out. This man has a gentle demeanor, and I think the fact that English is not his native language, gives him a slight disadvantage. Since he seemed so interested in coming back, I am willing to prepare myself with some questions for him. I am patient, and will be looking forward to seeing how he responds... Maybe his wife is American and is his ringer... I guess we will see.

I'm afraid of what he said when he got back to the car, and whether he will talk to Eric (the man who studied with us for over 2 years before giving up on us). I was honest with this new guy, and told him as much. If he does talk to Eric, he might get discouraged.

I would love to get to know him and his story. I think I could gain some valuable insight into how they sucked him in, and he is not intimidating like Eric. I won't be afraid to ask him questions and gently pump him for inside information. I do hope he will come back.

Our dog is friendly. She is loud, and she does her job (bark at strangers) extremely well. Haha.

43

Need advice: Witnessing to a JW at my door

by Faithful Witness in

i have been waiting for this moment, and it has finally come!

i was actually in the middle of typing in the other thread, about householders who caused you doubts, when a jw rang my doorbell.

my barking german shepherd didnt scare him away, but did knock all his books out of his hand and onto a wet porch, which i really felt bad about.

Faithful Witness

I have been waiting for this moment, and it has finally come! I was actually in the middle of typing in the other thread, about householders who caused you doubts, when a JW rang my doorbell. My barking German Shepherd didnt scare him away, but did knock all his books out of his hand and onto a wet porch, which I really felt bad about. He had all his pubs in such a nice folder, luckily with lots of page protectors, etc. Interestingly, he never opened his bible...

I'm going to relay what just happened, and see if anyone has pointers for me. I was never baptized, but we got to the last chapter of the Bible Teach book, before we had to end our bible study and stop going to meetings. After discovering things about the society, we could no longer lie to our friends and pretend we were going along with it. (In a nutshell). We live right on the border, as far as territories go... We chose the "wrong" Kingdom Hall when we moved here, and even though a few jokes were made about it, we kind of get double service. Our friends visit a lady across the street in the nursing home, and use that as an excause to call on us once or twice a year.

This visit came from the cong in Holt, Michigan, where we never attended a single meeting (but apparently that's where we were "supposed" to go).

I answered the door, and was greeted by a man with an Awake magazine about Halloween. Interesting! I accepted it, and let him say his little speech.

He asked me if we read the Bible. I do read the Bible every day!

As we talked a little bit, I was upfront with him. We are former bible students, and used to attend meetings. I named the man who was our main teacher (mistake perhaps, if he talks to him this week). He was anxious to book a return visit with his wife. I don't know if this was due to time constraints, or why... The people in the car kept looking over, like they wanted to go. The driver of the car turned around in the driveway while we were talking. Finally, his daughter (about 12) got out of the car and came up the walk. At that cue, he left right away...

I told him we have been actually very aware of the new teachings of the watchtower. I asked him if he'd ever thought about the difference between serving jehovah god and serving an organization. what do you think about the 1914 generation? I find it interesting that they are clinging to this date, even though it is clearly inaccurate.

How far would you go for the society? I hope you will discuss with your wife, what your limits would be? He talked about the times of Noah, and the 8 people who survived. I asked if this was a comparison to the 8 men who are the FDS. He denied that, explaining that it was the 8 million JW's worldwide, who have been given this clear warning. Again, I said, "How far would you go?"

I asked him a few questions about himself, after he told me he was from Cambodia.

He has been a JW since 1982. "Oh! So you have been through this kind of upheaval before... I think this is going to be a historic time in your religion's history."

He is an elder in his congregation. "Oh! So you have the secret book! You probably already know what the instructions are..." I had mentioned my concerns about the actions and premonitons being published by the society. Moving to the country, warning people to be ready to obey... "History has shown us this type of pattern before, from religious leaders who start to feel like they are being backed into a corner." He smiled and said something about having instructions, so he could help the members of the cong.

I told him how sincere and gentle he was. I encouraged him to do his research about the society. "oh, but you're not allowed to read anything that is not published and approved by the watchtower society, are you?" He said they did do research on their own... (???) "you know, we watch the news..." Not for long!

I think he realized he needed reinforcements, very soon after we started talking. Either that, or they were in a hurry to meet friends for lunch. He was a very nice man (aren't they always). I was kind and gentle toward him, and made sure I listened intently to his responses. For the first time, I actually felt like I could speak up, and had enough information to be helpful (dangerous) to him.

He seemed impressed that my dad is a JW. I told him we are concerned for all the JW people right now, and are carefully watching what the society is telling them to do and believe next.

Any thoughts, based on what I have just shared? I have been given a calling, to reach out to JW's, and I believe this is a critical time, in which we are being given a window to access them, along with a deadline, as the GB is adding more bricks to the wall, and slamming all the windows shut in 2014.

I need to be careful about wasting too much time on message boards. I am susceptible to that, and avoiding my real responsibilities at home. I had to close my Facebook account for this vet reason... (A little confession time from an Internet addict). I hope I can use my time online wisely, and get info that might actually help someone.

30

Did a householder at the door ever cause you doubts

by perfect1 in

recently on a saturday morning there was a knock on my door.

two ladies asked me if i was familiar with the jws.

i said: yes unfortunatley.

Faithful Witness

We interrupt this post, to answer the ringing doorbell! Unbelievably, a JW just came to my door... One I have never met before.

God, you are amazing! i am going to start a new thread, so I don't drag this one off topic... I need advice, as he is planning to come back with his wife. maybe they need my help.

30

Did a householder at the door ever cause you doubts

by perfect1 in

recently on a saturday morning there was a knock on my door.

two ladies asked me if i was familiar with the jws.

i said: yes unfortunatley.

Faithful Witness

I love this thread. I strive to be that householder. We are former bible students, who studied and attended meetings (on and off) from 2005-2010. Obviously, we were slow progressors, despite the threats and warnings that our elderly bible teacher started slinging at my husband. We were too academic and had too many questions. We never could accept certain teachings, and then we discovered undesirable stories and information about the society and its history. After that, we had to quit lying to our friends.

Now, 3 years later, I am ready to speak up. I've been politely holding my tongue, while the JW's have infiltrated parts of our family. My parents have jumped into the pool, along with my sister, her husband and now my niece and nephew are held captive in the tower. Alarm bells are ringing, as the society force feeds them new "food," and gets ready to instruct them to do things "that don't make sense from a human standpoint." Watching the WTS close down their big city offices and move to the country, all the while ramping up their demands for more and more sacrifice from the R&F, stresses the urgency of this situation.

I have no idea if I can help anyone or not, only God himself can stir someone to see TTATT.

When I learned of the new light being revealed this year, I texted my JW friend and asked her to bring me a copy of the study edition of the July 15, 2013 Watchtower. Her first response was to tell me to download it. I'd already done that, but explained how nice it was to have the magazine, and how I wanted to see her face again. She gladly brought the mag to my house, and asked me what was so interesting about this particular magazine. I said, "Well, I see they are changing things on you again, and I'm interested to see how my friends and family are going to react. (more quietly) I think you're being deceived..." Her response: "Isn't it exciting!?! I love it when new light is revealed!!!" (Huh?) She is born and raised JW, so I knew she'd have a good and swift reply. Wow... Anyway...

We visited for awhile, played with kittens and caught up on things regarding the kids. Her teenage daughter was with her, along with her elder husband, who was mostly quiet, except about small talk. I could see the 14 year old looking at me, every time I snuck in another gentle question about the changes, the redefinition of the FDS. My friend adamantly denied that the FDS was comprised of "8 men in New York." I asked her if she'd read the whole magazine Yet.

As she was leaving, after about a half hour of small talk and a few questions I snuck into the conversation, I made possibly the critical error. I didn't want to cause any arguments or jeopardize my friendship with her. I had been hoping to open up an ongoing conversation, or possibly receive a return visit. I was never a publisher, so don't know all the procedures. I'm assuming she got points for placing a magazine and some credit on service time for her visit. My mistake: "Did You know that Jesus came here and claimed to be God?" (Blank stare) that comment was unplanned, and I had nothing to back it up, except "I AM the way, I AM the truth..."

Anyway, I have been hoping for a followup visit, but so far, nothing... We did visit 2 different Kingdom Halls to observe the new teachings being "discussed." It was enlightening, indeed! Strangely, we were unrecognized, as the people that we expected to see at the meeting, were absent due to health concerns (I assumed, since they said some were absent for that reason, and were instead listening in on the phone).

if I did not have young children, I would be more inclined to consider re-activating or contacting our JW friends with more "interest." The meeting was excruciating for me, and i promised my kids they would never have to go thru that again.

I always felt I was outgunned and ignorant, when it comes to "The Bible." I was not prepared to answer, when confronted with the statement, "it's good to hear you are still studying your bible. How does it feel to know your church is lying to you?"

###### WOW ###### a JW just came knocking! while I was typing this! ######

21

Anyone here ever attend the Assembly Hall in Holt Michigan?

by AK - Jeff in

.

i spent the better part of my witness career going there twice a year.

anyone familiar?

Faithful Witness

Just bumping this thread, as I am new to this board. A recent visit to our former congregation (2006-2008) in Honor, Michigan, revealed that they are having their circuit assembly this weekend. The hall is about 5 miles from my house. I would love to be able to use this opportunity to reverse witness, or reconnect...

we never were baptized, and dont have a long established history with the JW's, but have recently been alerted to the changes happening inside the tower. I'm curious to see how friends and family will react, and if anyone is questioning or considering leaving. We were studying and attending in Eaton Rapids from 2008-2010.

18

Are JW:s more sick than others

by Bugbear in

on request from friends thread i would like to tell you my story.

the subject from friends thread was simply : are jw,s more negative or more disordered than normal people?.

i was 10 15 years ago an elder.

Faithful Witness

My mother has developed a mysterious rash, that began on her face and now has been traveling to different parts of her body for a period of about 8 weeks. Doctors are baffled and have come up with a couple of theories. When I confronted her about her schedule, and cutting back on some of her commitments, she confided in me that she has been considering cutting her work hours, so she can be a pioneer. Sigh.

Her blood pressure is also high, but she was starting to develop this problem before her recent (3 years ago) conversion to JW.

My overweight sister continues to gain weight, to the point that her husband is complaining to us about it. (!!!!) "I don't know what to do with her... She keeps gaining weight, and it's getting to be embarrassing to be seen with her." Excuse me, but NO! You are not allowed to talk like that... This is your doing... Forcing her into this trap.

I haven't been keeping up with the teachings, since we changed our minds about joining, about 3 years ago. The new light and prophecy changes have activated my alarm system, and I'm leaking information to my indoctrinated family now. (Until they shun me).

I see plenty of articles about the things the org is expecting of members, but no emphasis on taking care of yourself. Such things as hobbies, vacations and exercise, would take away from the preaching work. With the desperately short amount of time we have left in this system, we need to put all of our efforts into serving the org.

Recent visits to Kingdom Halls, have also shown a few people have rapidly declined in their health, since we left a couple of years ago. One prominent man in a wheelchair, friends with new chronic diseases and unmanageable pain... All these ailments are surely being used to prop up their belief that this system is getting worse and must certainly be coming to an end.

No matter what the situation, the JW's can find a way to twist it into proof that they are the one true religion. Either they are blessed and growing, because of the fruits they bear, or satan and his system are torturing and persecuting them, as Jesus predicted. It doesn't seem to matter if you're winning or losing... It's all proof that the JW's are the only true christians.